MEV 014: Unit 17 – NRM Programmes and Schemes
UNIT 17: NRM PROGRAMMES AND SCHEMES
17.0 Introduction
Natural Resource Management (NRM)
involves managing land, water, soil, plants, and animals in a sustainable way.
In a country like India, where rural livelihoods depend largely on natural
resources, proper planning, conservation, and utilization of these resources
are vital for sustainable development. This unit discusses various government
schemes and programmes aimed at conserving resources and supporting
livelihoods.
17.1 Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be
able to:
- Understand the concept and
significance of NRM.
- Learn the connection between NRM
and livelihoods.
- Explore government schemes and
programmes related to NRM and sustainable development.
17.2 Natural
Resource Management (NRM)
NRM is the process of managing the use
and development of natural resources such as land, water, soil, forests, and
biodiversity. The goal is to meet current human needs while ensuring that the
resources remain available for future generations.
Key aspects of NRM include:
- Sustainable use of resources.
- Protection and conservation.
- Involvement of local communities.
- Use of scientific and traditional
knowledge.
17.3 NRM and
Livelihood
Natural resources are the main
source of income for many rural communities. Agriculture, fishing,
livestock, forestry, and gathering of forest products all depend on healthy
ecosystems.
How NRM supports livelihoods:
- Provides employment
through afforestation, farming, and eco-tourism.
- Ensures availability of water
and soil fertility for agriculture.
- Promotes community-based
development.
- Helps in reducing poverty
through resource-based income generation.
17.4 Natural
Resource Management in Sustainable Way
Sustainable NRM means:
- Using resources in a balanced
way.
- Avoiding practices that lead to depletion
or pollution.
- Promoting renewable resources
and conservation.
- Adapting to climate change
by using efficient technologies and community participation.
17.5 Scheme and
Programme for Natural Resource Conservation and Sustainable Livelihood
The Government of India has launched
several schemes to promote resource conservation and improve rural livelihoods.
17.5.1 National
Afforestation Programme (NAP)
- Implemented by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Aims at forest restoration
through people's participation.
- Focuses on degraded forest lands.
- Provides employment
through plantation and forest care activities.
17.5.2 Man and
Biosphere Programme (MAB)
- Launched by UNESCO;
implemented in India through the Ministry of Environment.
- Aims to conserve biodiversity,
promote research, and support sustainable use of resources
in biosphere reserves.
- Encourages local participation
in conservation activities.
17.5.3 Integrated
Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
- Now part of Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
- Focuses on conservation of
soil and water in hilly and drought-prone areas.
- Promotes livelihood generation,
water harvesting, afforestation, and sustainable farming.
17.5.4 National
Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
- One of the eight missions
under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.
- Aims to promote climate-resilient
agriculture.
- Supports soil health, water-use
efficiency, and agroforestry.
17.5.5 National
Bamboo Mission
- Promotes bamboo cultivation,
processing, and marketing.
- Supports livelihood
opportunities in rural areas.
- Helps in land restoration
and environmental improvement.
17.5.6
Horticulture and Agriculture Development
- Focuses on crop
diversification, fruit and vegetable farming, and organic farming.
- Enhances nutritional security
and income of farmers.
- Promotes efficient use of natural
resources.
17.5.7 National
Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB)
- Promotes cultivation and
sustainable use of medicinal plants.
- Helps in protecting rare
species and supporting tribal livelihoods.
- Encourages processing and
value addition.
17.5.8 Non-Timber
Forest Products (NTFPs)
- Includes items like honey, gum,
fruits, resins, and herbs.
- Major source of income for
forest dwellers and tribal people.
- Programs aim to support collection,
processing, and market access.
17.5.9 Rural
Livestock Development Programme
- Supports animal husbandry
and veterinary services.
- Provides training, mobile
clinics, and breed improvement.
- Enhances nutrition and income
security of rural families.
17.5.10 National
Biofuel Mission
- Encourages the use of renewable
fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.
- Promotes cultivation of biofuel
crops like jatropha and pongamia.
- Supports energy security
and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
17.6 Role of
Community in NRM Programmes
- Active participation of local
communities is essential for success.
- Self-help
groups,
panchayats, and forest user groups are involved in implementation.
- Community monitoring ensures transparency
and sustainability.
17.7 Role of
Technology in NRM
- Remote
Sensing and GIS
are used to identify degraded lands and monitor forests.
- Mobile apps
and portals
provide data to farmers and officials.
- Irrigation
and soil health technologies improve farming outcomes.
17.8 Let Us Sum
Up
- NRM ensures the sustainable
use of natural resources.
- It plays a vital role in supporting
rural livelihoods and environmental conservation.
- Government programmes like NAP,
IWMP, NMSA, and Biofuel Mission focus on both
conservation and income generation.
- Involving local people and using technology
improves the success of these schemes.
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