Current Policy

The approach followed to minimise effect of drought during the 8th Five Year Plan were:

• Larger thrust for watershed development under Drought Prone Area Programme.
• Dry land farming and water resource development.
• Instead of capital intensive engineering works for soil and moisture conservation, encourage simple and
  
  low cost structures which can be completed in a short time with the help of local skills.
• Dovetail Crop production activities into the watershed project along with soil conservation activities.
• Take up large scale dry land farming demonstrations.
• Limited irrational and over exploitation of groundwater resources.
• Undertake Research on the efficacy and economics of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.
• Construction of suitable water harvesting structures for the purpose of conservation and optimal use of
  
  surface water and recharge of underground aquifers.
• Renovation and restoration of old tanks/farm ponds in the villages.
• Afforestation and Pasture Development.
• Animal Husbandry and Fodder Development.
• People's participation in drought proofing.