INTEGRATED WATERSHED SCHEME FAILS IN ARA

INTEGRATED WATERSHED SCHEME FAILS IN ARA

15-JULY-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------------The Integrated Watershed Management Programme, launched in the Ara district with the aim of improving farmers' economic conditions and boosting agricultural production, is proving to be a complete failure. Farmers are not receiving the scheme's benefits; consequently, barren land is not being utilized effectively, and the expected growth in the agricultural sector remains unseen.

The government implemented this scheme to develop rain-fed farming areas and regions affected by soil erosion. Its objectives include water conservation, soil conservation, and increased agricultural output; however, the situation on the ground is far from satisfactory.

Operated by the Ministry of Rural Development, this scheme has been in effect since the 2009-10 financial year. It incorporates the Drought Prone Area Development Programme and the Integrated Wasteland Development Programme. While the scheme aims to tackle the water crisis and boost farmers' income, in the district, it appears to exist only on paper.

In many locations, work never even began, while in others, it was left incomplete. This directly impacts farmers, who remain compelled to rely on rainfall for agriculture.

The scheme sets targets such as soil conservation, development of water sources, prevention of soil erosion, rainwater harvesting, improvement of groundwater levels, and increased agricultural production. Additionally, it aims to promote sustainable livelihood avenues to enhance farmers' income. Sandesh: 622.32 acres; Ara: 3433.16 acres; Charpokhari: 0; Garhani: 1655.10 acres; Piro: 0; Bihiya: 5279.50 acres; Koilwar: 380.95 acres; Udwantnagar: 1624.12 acres; Tarari: 0; Shahpur: 224.54 acres; Agiaon: 789.70 acres; Jagdishpur: 2007.77 acres; Sahar: 95.06 acres; Barhara: 1693.00 acres.

A total of 18,805.23 acres of land in the district lies barren. If the watershed scheme is implemented correctly, this land could be made fertile, leading to a significant increase in agricultural production.

Effective implementation of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme could bring about a major transformation in the lives of the district's farmers. However, current circumstances indicate that the scheme is not being implemented properly. There is a need for the administration to take concrete steps in this direction so that farmers can reap the actual benefits and agricultural development can be ensured.