REWARD Project, A World Bank Assisted Watershed Development Program

REWARD Project is a World Bank assisted Watershed development program which is being implemented from 2021 to 2026. Important details of REWARD Program are discussed below. REWARD Project Significance

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REWARD Project: “Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development” (REWARD) project is a World Bank supported program that aims to rejuvenate watersheds, foster agricultural resilience, and promote innovative development. “Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development” (REWARD) program is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Various Government Initiatives for development of different Sectors of Indian Economy including Agriculture sector of India).

REWARD Project in News

Shri Ajay Tirkey, the Secretary of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), under the Government of India (GoI), conducted a comprehensive review of the Implementation Support Mission for the REWARD program. The REWARD program is supported by the World Bank and aims to rejuvenate watersheds, foster agricultural resilience, and promote innovative development.

REWARD Program Details

REWARD is a World Bank assisted Watershed development program which is being implemented from 2021 to 2026.

Key Objectives: The Development Objectives of REWARD program is to “Strengthen capacities of National and State institutions to adopt improved watershed management for increasing farmers resilience and support value chains in selected watersheds of participating States”.
Implementation: The REWARD program is being implemented to introduce modern watershed practices in the Department of Land Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development and in the States of Karnataka and Odisha.
Funding: The total budget outlay of REWARD program is USD 167.71 million over a program period of 4.5 years. This includes-
- USD 115 million from World Bank [Karnataka (USD 60 million), Odisha (USD 49 million) and DoLR (USD 6 million)],
- USD 46.71 million from two participating States [Karnataka (USD 25.71) and Odisha (USD 21.0 million)] and
- USD 6 million from DoLR.
Funding Pattern: The funding pattern for REWARD Program is 70:30, between World Bank and States whereas it is 50:50 between World Bank and DoLR.

Scope of REWARD Program

The REWARD program encompasses various functions such as management, monitoring, communication, and knowledge sharing at the central level under the purview of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR).

At the state level, the REWARD program will align with the scope of the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
It will provide support for the implementation of science-based activities and demonstrations, with the ultimate goal of integrating the broader perspective of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 across other states in India.

Importance of REWARD Program

The Government of India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and doubling farmers’ income by 2023. An essential component of this commitment is the implementation of effective watershed management, which not only has the potential to improve livelihoods in rainfed areas but also contribute to the development of a more resilient food system.

Within this context, a new program has been introduced to support state governments in their efforts to revamp watershed planning and execution, emphasizing the adoption of science-based approaches that can be replicated nationwide.
Moreover, the program aims to assist both participating and other states in adopting innovative strategies for watershed development.
Although India already possesses a strong institutional framework for watershed development, the project emphasizes the adoption of science-based and data-driven approaches to create fresh avenues for farmers to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
- By prioritizing these strategies, the REWARD project aims to provide new opportunities for farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector amidst evolving climatic conditions.
India has one of the largest watershed management programs in the world. The REWARD programme further advances this progress by developing and applying comprehensive spatial data and technologies, decision support tools, and knowledge exchanges.

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FAQs

What is the REWARD program?

The REWARD program is an initiative aimed at advancing watershed management in India by utilizing comprehensive spatial data, technologies, decision support tools, and knowledge sharing.

What functions does the REWARD program cover at the central level?

At the central level, the REWARD program encompasses management, monitoring, communication, and knowledge sharing functions carried out by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR).

How does the REWARD program align with WDC-PMKSY 2.0 at the state level?

The REWARD program at the state level is designed to complement and align with the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0). It supports the implementation of science-based activities and demonstrations to synergize the broader perspective of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 in other states across India.

What is the objective of the REWARD program?

The objective of the REWARD program is to enhance watershed management in India by leveraging advanced technologies, spatial data, and knowledge sharing to foster sustainable and effective practices.

How does the REWARD program contribute to addressing climate change and uncertainties in agriculture?

By emphasizing science-based approaches and data-driven decision-making, the REWARD program aims to equip farmers with tools and strategies to tackle climate change and uncertainties in agriculture, ultimately strengthening their livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices.