The NWP is a World Bank-assisted initiative that supports the watershed development component of India’s Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY).
Project Objectives
Strengthen Institutions – for better planning, implementation, and monitoring
Use Technology for Efficiency – using scientific tools like GIS, remote sensing etc
Improve Water & Soil Management
Support Rural Livelihoods
Positive Impact on Agricultural Production in Water-Stressed Areas
Improved Water Availability – Groundwater levels increased by 0.5-1.2 metres on average in treated watersheds (CWC evaluation).
Increase in Cropping Intensity
by 35-60% in many watershed districts (ICAR-NAAS study).
Higher Crop Yields – Yield increased by 25-40% in millets, 30-60% in pulses, 20-35% in oilseeds (NRSC 2021).
Diversification to High-Value Crops due to reliable water.
Reduced Soil Erosion by 40-60% – enhancing long-term soil productivity.
Growth in Livestock Productivity – Fodder production increased 3-5 times, boosting dairy income in dryland regions.
Improved Household Income by 27-45%, poverty reduced 12-20% in watershed villages. (World Bank)
Climate Resilience Strengthened – Enhanced capacity to withstand dry spells, delayed rainfall, and drought cycles.
Limitations
Uneven Implementation Across States
Delays in Planning & Fund Release
Weak Community Participation
Poor Post-Project Maintenance
Limited Integration With Micro-Irrigation
Fragmented Convergence With Schemes like MGNREGA, PMKSY
To scale its impact nationally, watershed programmes must be linked with micro-irrigation, FPOs, and market access.