A watershed is defined as any spatial area from which rain or irrigation water is collected and drained through a common point. It is synonymous with a drainage basin or catchment area. Each watershed unit, however, is a well-defined topographically delineated area with a distinct boundary. These are simple serial steps but they have to be taken in a well-coordinated interdisciplinary manner by many departments. Non-governmental organizations also more successful in implementing watershed programmes.

In India, watershed development project is taken up under various programmes launched by the Government of India. The Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) and Desert Development Programme (DDP), adopted watershed approach in 1987. The Integrated Watershed Development Board, National Watershed Programme in Rainfed Areas (NWPRA) under Ministry of Agriculture and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme in 1996 under Ministry of Rural Development and Employment. At present, on-going 4 Central schemes IWDP,DPAP,DDP and NWDPRA have been merged into a new scheme called Bhoomi Vikas Yojana under a common guideline (Guideline for Watershed Development, 1995) which envisages bottom-up approach. The main aim is to manage the land and water resources for sustained production. The watershed Development Programmes like DDP, Drought-Prone-Area-Programme (DPAP) and Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) are implemented by the Zilla Panchayats through Watershed associations. A project Implementing Agency, which may be a Government Department or NGO.

Both the Centre and State Governments have been making continuous and constant efforts to improve the living standards of rainfed farmers through planned programmes. These programmes were implemented by both Government organisation (GOs) and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). The focus is on giving technical support in watershed projects, mapping of project areas design and implementation guidelines for Soil and Water conservation structure like bunding, check dams, gully plugs, desiltation of tanks etc. The detailed planning and design for all soil and water conservation measures plan would be to carry out with the consultation of each subject matter specialist such as engineer, forester, agronomist, social scientist, etc, in the watershed development team. The Government of India has fixed the cost of watershed development, which varies from Rs., 3,000 to 5,000/ha, depending on terrain and nature of problems.

Extension has a crucial role to play in identification and development of watershed technology for adoption by the farmers.

Consistent and effective policies are needed for the protection, conservation and maintenance of soil and water resources.

Creation of awareness on land degradation and of adoption technologies through mass media and extension teaching methods.

Considering the catchment area as the basic unit for planning programmes and management of resources.

Establishment of national and regional committees and also recognition and promotion of the roles and activities of NGOs, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and other organisations involved in IWDP.

Involvement of the local institutions/organisations and credit agencies in IWDP for effective planning and implementation.

Ag.
Technologies
(Agricultural
Engineering)