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Recently, the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) organised a meeting to discuss the Draft National Technical Guidelines (NTG) for Improved Watershed Management under the REWARD Programme. The guidelines aim to promote scientific, climate-resilient, and sustainable watershed management across India.
About the REWARD Programme
The REWARD Programme (Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development) is a watershed development programme launched by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, to improve the management of rainfed areas through modern technology, scientific planning, and institutional capacity building.
The programme is currently being implemented in the states of Karnataka and Odisha as pilot states and serves as a model for improving watershed development practices across the country.
Duration
The programme is being implemented for the period 2021–2026.
Aim of the Programme
The primary aim of the REWARD Programme is to introduce modern and scientific watershed management practices within the Department of Land Resources and the participating states.
It seeks to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience of watershed development programmes while enhancing the livelihoods of farmers living in rainfed regions.
World Bank Assistance
The programme is being implemented with financial and technical assistance from the World Bank.
The World Bank supports the programme through an innovative financing mechanism known as Program for Results (PforR).
Program for Results (PforR) Financing
Unlike conventional project financing, the Program for Results (PforR) approach links financial assistance to the achievement of pre-defined development outcomes.
Under this model, the World Bank reimburses funds only after the Government achieves specific Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), thereby promoting greater accountability, transparency, and performance-based implementation.
Objectives of the REWARD Programme
The programme seeks to strengthen the capacities of national and state institutions to adopt improved watershed management practices.
It also aims to increase the climate resilience of farmers, improve water conservation, enhance soil health, and support the development of sustainable agricultural value chains in selected watershed areas.
By improving natural resource management, the programme contributes to higher agricultural productivity, better water security, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Major Focus Areas
1. Strengthening Institutions and Policy Framework
One of the major focus areas is to strengthen institutional capacity at the national and state levels by improving planning, governance, monitoring, and policy support for watershed development programmes.
The programme also promotes the adoption of modern technologies, digital monitoring systems, and evidence-based decision-making for better implementation.
2. Science-Based Watershed Development
The second major focus area is the adoption of science-based watershed management practices to improve climate resilience and enhance farmers' livelihoods.
This includes the use of remote sensing, GIS mapping, hydrological modelling, soil and water conservation measures, and climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure sustainable management of natural resources.
What is Watershed Management?
A watershed is a geographical area in which all rainfall and surface runoff drain into a common river, lake, or stream.
Watershed management refers to the integrated planning and management of land, water, vegetation, and other natural resources within a watershed to conserve soil, improve groundwater recharge, reduce erosion, and increase agricultural productivity.
It is particularly important in rainfed and drought-prone regions, where efficient management of water resources directly improves agricultural resilience and rural livelihoods.
Role of the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA)
The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) functions under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
It provides technical guidance, policy support, and strategic planning for the sustainable development of rainfed agriculture, natural resource management, and watershed development across India.
Significance of the REWARD Programme
The programme strengthens India's efforts towards climate-resilient agriculture by improving water availability, conserving natural resources, and increasing the resilience of farmers against climate change.
It promotes scientific watershed management, improves institutional capacity, encourages technology-driven governance, and supports sustainable agricultural growth in vulnerable rainfed regions.
The programme also contributes to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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