States » EastPosted at: Oct 11 2026 6:41PM


Watershed scheme benefits over 2.29 lakh farmers in six Bengal districts

Kolkata, Oct 11 (UNI) More than 2.29 lakh farmers have benefited from the implementation of the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) across six western red lateritic districts of West Bengal, with the programme focusing on water conservation, irrigation development, sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.
The scheme is being implemented through 27 watershed projects in Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram under the West Bengal State Watershed Development Agency, functioning under the state Agriculture Department.
The total approved project cost is Rs 350.60 crore, including Rs 210.36 crore as the Central share and Rs 140.24 crore as the state share.
The projects cover approximately 1.29 lakh hectares and are funded by the Centre and the state in a 60:40 ratio.
Of the sanctioned Central allocation, the state has received Rs 185.42 crore from the union government, the state government said.
The programme recorded 100 per cent utilisation of the Rs 73.70 crore released during the 2025-26 financial year.
In the current financial year, 2026-27, approximately Rs 45.56 crore has been received from the Centre and the state, of which around Rs 22 crore has already been spent.
The state has also proposed an additional Rs 24.94 crore to the Centre during the current financial year to meet the remaining project requirements.
The cumulative expenditure under the scheme has reached approximately Rs 268.86 crore, accounting for 77 per cent of the total project cost, the press note said.
Under the scheme's Entry-Level Activities, 510 works involving the excavation and re-excavation of farm ponds, groundwater recharge and renovation of water-harvesting structures have been completed to improve local water availability and irrigation potential.
The Natural Resource Management component has seen the completion of 5,491 works, including water-harvesting structures, check dams, irrigation channels and plantation and afforestation activities.
These interventions have contributed to the development of approximately 22,308 hectares of rainfed land, helping improve water availability and promote sustainable management of natural resources.
The programme has also sought to strengthen rural livelihoods through community participation and livelihood diversification.
Around 5,545 self-help groups have received support through micro-credit and livelihood activities.
The scheme, a Centrally Sponsored programme funded by the Department of Land Resources under the union Ministry of Rural Development, aims to improve the resilience of farming communities, particularly small and marginal farmers, in drought-prone and rain-dependent areas.
UNI SAG BM
Tags: #Watershed scheme benefits over 2.29 lakh farmers in six Bengal districts
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