Shivraj reviews watershed scheme, calls for faster implementation to achieve drought-free India

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday emphasized faster implementation of watershed projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to help achieve the government’s goal of a drought-free India. Speaking at a review meeting in New Delhi, Chouhan called upon states to accelerate progress and ensure measurable outcomes on the ground.

During the review of the watershed development component under PMKSY 2.0, Chouhan underscored that watershed development is not just about building water structures—it is a strategic intervention to enhance farm productivity and bolster farmers’ livelihoods. He stressed that the ultimate aim is to transform agriculture through sustainable water management, which directly contributes to higher cropping intensity and improved rural incomes.

As of now, the Watershed Development Component-PMKSY 2.0 has sanctioned 1,220 projects spanning 52.93 lakh hectares, with a total outlay of ₹12,404 crore. The central government has released 85 percent of its share, amounting to ₹6,955.75 crore, as part of its ongoing commitment to rural water conservation and agricultural resilience. This funding is enabling the construction and restoration of critical water-harvesting structures across the country, including check dams, percolation tanks, farm ponds, and field bunds.

The ministry reported that these interventions have already led to significant improvements in cropping intensity, with nearly 1.40 lakh hectares now supporting two crops annually—previously limited to just one. In several areas, farmers are even cultivating three crops per year, supported by better water availability. The expansion of horticulture and high-value crops has further contributed to rising farm incomes and economic stability for rural households.

Additionally, the programme has provided protective irrigation to an additional 3.08 lakh hectares, helping farmers in rain-fed regions mitigate the impact of erratic rainfall and drought conditions. Over 28.50 lakh farmers have directly benefited from these efforts, while afforestation and plantation activities have been carried out across 1.45 lakh hectares. The initiative has also generated 2.85 crore person-days of employment, offering vital livelihood support in rural communities.

Chouhan urged state governments and implementing agencies to adopt transparent, technology-driven, and performance-based approaches. He emphasized that project success should be measured not just by financial expenditure, but by tangible improvements in land use, water availability, irrigation coverage, cropping intensity, and farmer incomes. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote watershed development as a nationwide movement through initiatives like the ‘Watershed Yatra’ and ‘Watershed Mahotsav.’

The minister called for transforming watershed development from a government scheme into a national campaign focused on water security, land conservation, agricultural growth, and rural prosperity. He reiterated that sustainable watershed development is key to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by ensuring food security and climate resilience.

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