समेकित वाटरशेड प्रबन्धन कार्यक्रम

Importance of Watershed

The land resources of Karnataka especially its dry drought prone lands, which comprises more than XX % of the total arable area, have been poorly managed by the resource poor farmers of the state. Soil loss due to erosion coupled with reduced water resources has led to a situation of rapid soil fertility deterioration, declining/stagnating crop yields, depletion of underground water sources, deforestation, denudation, destruction of natural pasture and diminishing biomass production. Exploring the full potential of rain fed agriculture to meet the food , fodder and fuel requirement of the state population, is the only alternative, however, this will require investing in suitable soil and water conservation technologies, crop breeding targeted to rain fed environments, agricultural extension services, and access to markets, credit and input supplies in rain fed areas.