Question

What are the main aims of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)?

Answer 1

1. Resource Conservation & Regeneration: The method prevents soil erosion and traps rainwater locally to recharge depleted subsurface water tables. It directly restores degraded land by regenerating natural forests and native pastures, thereby balancing ecosystems.
2. Boosting Agricultural Productivity: By increasing water availability, the system promotes multi-cropping and crop diversification in rainfed areas. This maximises the farming potential of marginal wastelands, resulting in increased crop yields.
3. Sustainable Livelihoods & Revenue: It creates direct rural employment through watershed development and supports alternative income sources such as livestock farming and fishing. This reduces the community’s reliance on uncertain, rainfed agriculture alone.
4. Community Empowerment & Institutional Growth: The program creates and empowers grassroots local organisations like Watershed Committees and Self-Help Groups. This ensures that the rural community can manage and sustain its natural resources on a long-term basis.