<h4>Introduction to Watershed Development Component 2.0 of PMKSY</h4><p>The <strong>Watershed Development Component 2.0 (WDC 2.0)</strong> is a crucial sub-component of the <strong>Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)</strong>. It focuses on conserving vital water and soil resources across India.</p><p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development</strong> sanctioned <strong>56 new Watershed Development Projects</strong> under <strong>PMKSY-WDC 2.0</strong>. These projects are being implemented in <strong>10 best-performing states</strong>, covering a significant area of degraded land.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Recent Sanctions:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Number of Projects:</strong> 56 new projects</li><li><strong>Implementing Ministry:</strong> Ministry of Rural Development</li><li><strong>States Covered:</strong> Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim</li><li><strong>Area Covered:</strong> Approximately <strong>2.8 lakh hectares</strong> of degraded land</li></ul></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Note the implementing ministry (<strong>Rural Development</strong>) for WDC 2.0, as PMKSY itself involves multiple ministries. This distinction is crucial for Prelims.</p></div><h4>What is PMKSY-WDC 2.0?</h4><p><strong>PMKSY-WDC 2.0</strong> is an integral part of the broader <strong>PMKSY initiative</strong>, specifically designed for the conservation and management of water and soil resources. It aims to improve agricultural productivity in rainfed areas.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Background & Evolution:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>2009-10:</strong> Started as the <strong>Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)</strong>.</li><li><strong>2015-16:</strong> Merged into the <strong>Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (PMKSY-WDC)</strong>.</li><li><strong>2021-2026:</strong> <strong>PMKSY-WDC 2.0</strong> launched with enhanced targets and revised guidelines.</li></ol></div><h4>Objectives of PMKSY-WDC 2.0</h4><p>The component has clearly defined objectives aimed at holistic development and sustainable resource management.</p><ul><li><strong>Enhance Productivity:</strong> To boost the productivity of <strong>rainfed</strong> and <strong>degraded land</strong> through integrated watershed management practices.</li><li><strong>Strengthen Community Institutions:</strong> To empower local communities and their institutions for sustainable livelihoods and long-term watershed management.</li><li><strong>Boost Project Efficiency:</strong> To improve the effectiveness of watershed projects through cross-learning, sharing best practices, and providing incentives.</li></ul><h4>Targets and New Approach</h4><p><strong>PMKSY-WDC 2.0</strong> has ambitious targets and a forward-looking approach to address contemporary challenges.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Targets (2021-2026):</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Land Coverage:</strong> To cover <strong>49.50 lakh hectares</strong> of degraded land.</li><li><strong>New Activity:</strong> <strong>Rejuvenation of springsheds</strong> has been added as a significant new focus area.</li></ul></div><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>New-Generation Focus (Approach):</strong></p><ul><li>Shift emphasis from water quantity to <strong>water productivity</strong>.</li><li>Transition from purely <strong>mechanical treatments</strong> to a greater reliance on <strong>biological measures</strong> for soil and water conservation.</li><li>Promote <strong>crop diversification</strong> and <strong>integrated farming systems</strong>, including horticulture, fisheries, apiculture (beekeeping), and animal husbandry.</li></ul></div><h4>Understanding PMKSY (Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)</h4><p><strong>PMKSY</strong> is an overarching national mission launched to ensure assured irrigation for agricultural fields and improve water use efficiency.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>PMKSY Overview:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Launched:</strong> <strong>2015-16</strong></li><li><strong>Nodal Ministry:</strong> Primarily <strong>Ministry of Jal Shakti</strong> (for major components).</li><li><strong>Aim:</strong> Improve water access for farming, expand irrigated areas, enhance water use efficiency, and promote sustainable water conservation.</li><li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong> <strong>Centrally Sponsored Scheme</strong> with <strong>75:25 Centre-State share</strong> (general states) and <strong>90:10</strong> for North-Eastern and hilly states.</li></ul></div><h4>Components of PMKSY</h4><p>PMKSY is implemented through various components, each managed by different ministries to ensure a comprehensive approach.</p><ul><li><strong>Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP):</strong> Implemented by the <strong>Ministry of Jal Shakti</strong>. Aims to complete ongoing major and medium irrigation projects, including National Projects.</li><li><strong>Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP):</strong> Also implemented by the <strong>Ministry of Jal Shakti</strong>. This component has four sub-components focusing on providing water to every field.</li><li><strong>Per Drop More Crop (PDMC):</strong> Implemented by the <strong>Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare</strong>. Focuses on water use efficiency, particularly through micro-irrigation.</li><li><strong>Watershed Development Component (WDC):</strong> Implemented by the <strong>Ministry of Rural Development</strong>. This is the component under discussion, focusing on soil and water conservation in rainfed areas.</li></ul>