6.3. Drought Prone Area Programme

This programme was initiated during the Fourth Five Year Plan with the objectives of providing employment to the people in drought-prone areas and creating productive assets.

The Drought Prone Area Programme was launched to address the economic challenges faced by regions that frequently experience drought. The key goals were to create job opportunities for the local populace and to develop resources that could improve the living standards in these areas.

Imagine a village that suffers greatly during dry seasons. This programme acts as a lifeline, providing jobs in activities like construction and irrigation, which not only give people work but also build structures that help the community thrive. It's like giving someone a fishing rod instead of just handing them fish; it empowers them to sustain themselves.

Initially, this programme laid emphasis on the construction of labour-intensive civil works. But later on, it emphasised on irrigation projects, land development programmes, afforestation, grassland development and the creation of basic rural infrastructure, such as electricity, roads, market, credit, and services.

The Drought Prone Area Programme evolved over time. Initially focused on labor-intensive projects to create jobs, it shifted its emphasis to more sustainable practices like irrigation, which ensure long-term agricultural productivity. This included improving infrastructure that supports economic activities, such as roads and markets, so that farmers could sell their products more effectively.

Think of it like a gardener who first digs a hole to plant seeds. At first, they may just focus on planting, but as they learn, they also put in a fence, build paths, and install a watering system. This allows their garden to not only survive but thrive in the long run.

The National Committee on Development of Backward Areas reviewed the performance of this programme. It has been observed that this programme is largely confined to the development of agriculture and allied sectors with major focus on restoration of ecological balance.

After analyzing how well the programme worked, it was found that its benefits primarily focused on agriculture and related sectors. A significant part of its strategy has been to restore ecological balance, which is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. This means not just boosting productivity, but also maintaining the health of the environment.

Picture a farmer trying to grow crops on depleted soil. Instead of just adding more fertilizers – which may give immediate results but ruin the soil in the long run – they start rotating crops and using organic methods to restore the nutrients in the soil. This holistic approach ensures they can farm successfully for years to come.

The other strategies of development of these areas include adoption of integrated watershed development approach at the micro-level. The restoration of ecological balance between water, soil, plants, and human and animal population should be a basic consideration in the strategy of development of drought-prone areas.

The programme incorporates integrated watershed development, which focuses on maintaining the balance of all natural resources in a defined area. A key aim is to ensure that the relationship between water, soil, and biodiversity is understood and supported. Working with the land’s natural processes helps to achieve sustainable development.

Think of a balanced diet for a healthy life. Just as we need various nutrients to remain healthy, ecosystems require a balance of water, plants, and animals to function well. If one element is missing or overused, it can lead to problems, much like how an imbalanced diet can lead to health issues.

The Planning Commission of India identified 67 districts (entire or partly) of the country prone to drought. The Irrigation Commission demarcated the drought-prone areas based on 30 per cent irrigated area.

To effectively target interventions, the Indian government identified specific districts at high risk for drought conditions. The criteria for identification were based on irrigation levels, which helped in understanding where support was most needed to combat drought impacts.

Imagine a school that wants to support students who struggle the most. By analyzing grades, attendance, and performance, they can pinpoint the students who need help the most and provide resources just where they are needed, thus maximizing their efforts.

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