Next Generation Watershed Dev – Shift in Approach

• Emphasis on effective use of rain water - relying more on water productivity
• Transition from predominantly mechanical/engineering treatments towards more of biological measures
• Diligent planning for crop systems diversification for risk management; enhancing productivity and opting for crop alignment as a principle.
• Diversification of the watershed economy by adopting Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) with horticulture, afforestation, fisheries, animal husbandry, apiculture, sericulture etc.
• Adaptation and mitigation of adverse impacts of climate variability & change
• Economically vibrant institutions, like FPOs, to promote agri-business services and impart efficiency to transactions
• Ecology, Economy and Equity
• Focus on decentralization, flexibility, community empowerment in the planning process to accommodate local, social and traditional strengths
• Rejuvenation of springs by taking up comprehensive treatment of springsheds as an activity under watershed development projects
• Knowledge partnership with National level reputed institutions for capacity building and innovations.

Cost Norms

• The unit cost for watershed development projects under WDC-PMKSY2.0:
• Rs.22,000/ha for plain areas,
• Rs.28,000/ha for hilly & difficult areas (desert areas)
• upto Rs. 28,000/ha for LWE/IAP Districts
• Any cost over and above the cost norm to be borne by the State Governments and through convergence
• States/UTs may consider effective convergence with relevant central and State schemes to ensure comprehensive development
• Mapping of resources from other ongoing schemes, followed by approval of SLNA will form a way forward

End Results

• Planned works and activities successfully completed, and visible reduction in soil erosion, increase in ground water table, and enhanced green cover over both arable and non-arable lands surfaces in the project area.
• The Gram Panchayat has willingly taken over operation and maintenance responsibility of assets created and transferred to them.
• Community organizations namely, FPO, WDF, SHGs, User Groups etc. are operating well
• The FPO has large number of shareholding members and a healthy capital base; and has well managed Custom Hiring Centre (CHC), Input Sale Outlet, basic agri-logistic infrastructure and market facilitation for local agri-commodities.
• Increases in the productivity levels of various crops and livestock
• Alternate livelihood options for all members of project community – farmers, landless agricultural labours, livestock keepers, artisans etc.
• The project community finds value in sustaining the treated land areas under projects and is well capacitated to manage it as a collective group.
• Increase in cropping intensity, greater diversification of agricultural production system, and the total agricultural output rises substantively.
• Various regulatory norms for use of water (viz water budgeting) and access to usufructs rights over assets are in place, and are adhered to by the local communities.
• Increase in average income of the households in the project area.
• The project communities adopt watershed project to ensure economic growth and ecological rejuvenation of the landscape