Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define watershed management and integrated resource management (IRM). Briefly explain the relationship between the two concepts: watershed management as a strategy for IRM. State the significance of managing land and water resources within a watershed context to ensure ...
In India, many small and marginal farmers face economic challenges due to various structural, financial & educational barriers. For instance, small land holdings, high input costs, market fluctuations, improper transportation and storage structures, extreme weather conditions, lack of governmentRead more
In India, many small and marginal farmers face economic challenges due to various structural, financial & educational barriers. For instance, small land holdings, high input costs, market fluctuations, improper transportation and storage structures, extreme weather conditions, lack of government support, subsidies and policies, labor shortages are the main causes leading to economic instability. In remote villages, farmers are still reliable on informal sources of finance from landlords and middlemen who in turn take huge amounts of interest which farmers fail to pay and get caught in a vicious cycle of debt and, ultimately, they are forced to handover their land holdings to the credit provider if not paid money on time. Now let us understand, through an example (flow chart 01).
As shown above for example, Farmer A is more economically, educationally and structurally weaker than Farmer B. To address these challenges, we can help farmers to get rid of these barriers by adopting several practical measures. They are:
- Better market availability: Improved infrastructure should be developed to reduce transportation and storage losses. Further checks should be made on fetching better market prices for the farmers so that they are not under loss.
- Availability of formal credit sources: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is the apex body for financing loans to farmers in India. There is a need to set up more RRB’s (Regional Rural Banks) for providing credit facilities to small and marginal farmers.
- Extension Services: Agricultural Extension workers should teach farmers about the new technologies, cultivation practices, pest & disease control, multiple cropping to enhance their profit.
- Adoption of Organic Farming: Organic produce fetches higher prices in the market due to consumer preferences. They taste better & are environmentally friendly too. Organic farming is not dependent on synthetic inputs. Instead, on-farm generated inputs are used, which in turn reduces input cost and ultimately, cost of cultivation. If a farmer gets certified as an organic producer, he can access the international market for export purposes that pay more for organic produce.
- Diversified Farming: Integrated Farming System(IFS) should be adopted by farmers. For example, incorporation of livestock with crops reduces the risk of crop failure during natural calamities or sudden crop loss.
- Resource availability: Inputs like seeds and fertilizers should be available at fair prices so that even small and marginal farmers can purchase them.
- Government subsidies and policies: Extension of subsidies from government can reduce the input and total cultivation costs. The government should provide schemes like KCC (Kisan Credit Card) and crop insurance for farmers to mitigate the loss during a disaster.
Model Answer Introduction Watershed management refers to the strategic management of land and water resources within a watershed to protect and enhance their quality and sustainability. Integrated resource management (IRM) takes a holistic approach by considering the interdependencies between variouRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Watershed management refers to the strategic management of land and water resources within a watershed to protect and enhance their quality and sustainability. Integrated resource management (IRM) takes a holistic approach by considering the interdependencies between various natural resources. Watershed management plays a crucial role in supporting integrated resource management by balancing and optimizing the use of land, water, and other resources in a coordinated way.
Role of Watershed Management in Integrated Resource Management:
Watershed management ensures that all resources within the watershed are used effectively. By understanding the interconnections between water, soil, vegetation, and wildlife, watershed management enables decisions that promote the sustainable use of resources.
Example: Integrated practices like water-efficient irrigation and crop diversification increase agricultural productivity and optimize water usage in areas with limited water resources.
Watershed management takes into account the entire ecosystem, recognizing that activities in one area of the watershed can affect other areas. This approach helps to balance the needs of different stakeholders, such as farmers, industries, and communities, while protecting the ecosystem.
Example: Riparian zone protection helps reduce soil erosion, stabilize riverbanks, and improve water quality, benefiting both natural ecosystems and human populations.
An essential aspect of watershed management is the involvement of all affected parties. By collaborating, stakeholders can jointly make decisions that benefit the entire watershed, ensuring that resource use is equitable and sustainable.
Example: Community-based programs like Arvary Pani Sansad in Rajasthan encourage local participation in water management, fostering better cooperation and resource sharing.
Watershed management identifies ecologically harmful activities and works to mitigate their impacts. This includes regulating agricultural practices that contribute to water pollution or soil degradation.
Example: The IWMP in India promotes soil conservation measures such as terracing and contour ploughing to prevent soil erosion, improving both land productivity and water quality.
Conclusion
Watershed management ensures the integrated management of natural resources by considering their interconnectedness. It promotes sustainability, balances competing needs, and helps achieve inclusive growth. Successful programs like the Neeru-Meeru initiative in Andhra Pradesh highlight the potential of watershed management to drive positive outcomes in resource conservation and rural development.
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