Watershed management: A key to sustainable soil and water conservation in Indian agriculture

Abstract

India, with over 145 million hectares of cultivable land affected by soil erosion, faces an urgent need for sustainable natural resource management. Watershed management has emerged as a key strategy to address the twin challenges of water scarcity and land degradation, particularly in rainfed and ecologically fragile regions. Emphasising the importance of decentralised water harvesting, ridge-to-valley treatment, and stakeholder-driven resource integration, the article highlights how watershed development enhances agricultural productivity, ensures water security, mitigates climate risks, and uplifts rural livelihoods. The article also outlines various
conservation measures such as agronomic, vegetative, engineering, and hill-slope specific tailored to local ecological conditions. By aligning traditional knowledge with scientific planning and community participation, watershed management offers a pathway toward resilient and sustainable Indian agriculture.