Impact of National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) in Maharashtra

National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) vas introduced during the Seventh Five Year Plan. The main objective of the programme was to stabilize the productivity in rainfed areas and to conserve as well as upgrade the land and water resources. The programme was reviewed during 1990 and fresh guidelines were issued focusing on holistic intergrated approach towards the watershed treatment components. The participation of the beneficiaries and project planning, were incorporated as the important components. It was felt necessary to review the impact of the NWDPRA on various aspects of the agricultural economy. The present study was undertaken to analyse the impact of NWDPRA on various aspects of the agricultural sector and to give a feedback for the effective implementation of the project.