EVALUATION OF WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN INDIA

A survey was conducted at 37 watershed locations under different agro-eco regions in India during 2001. Data were collected from primary stakeholders pertaining to physical (ground water, soil erosion, runoff reduction, etc.), biological (afforestation, cropping intensity, productivity levels of dryland crops) and socio-economic parameters (additional benefit-cost ratio, additional annuity value, etc. and additional employment and reduction in out-migration of labour, participation of farmers in watershed programmes) in watershed programme areas compared to non-watershed areas. The analysis indicated that there was an increase in all factors in watershed area villages compared to non-watershed area villages. However, there is no significant difference among the project implementing agencies viz., National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture), Ministry of Rural Development, with regard to reduction in soil erosion, etc. It is also recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations may be encouraged to take up watershed programme works on their own funds only. Government of India, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Non-Governmental Organizations have succeeded in achieving the results in watershed development programme. Logit regression equations were fitted to different factors in relation to additional income per hectare, but distance to market was found to be significant but other factors were not significant. Finally it is recommended that water harvesting structures may be constructed at suitable places and it is essential to establish vegetation for optimal success of the programme