Which of the following programmes is a government project specifically aimed at the development and management of rainfed watersheds in India?

Introduction / Context:
Watershed development is an important strategy for improving agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in rainfed regions. India has launched several schemes and projects focused on watershed management. This question tests your knowledge of which acronym stands for a national watershed development project among the given options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options include DRDO, CARE, AVARD, and NWDPRA.
• We are asked to select the project related specifically to watershed development in India.
• We assume familiarity with common acronyms used in rural development and government projects.

Concept / Approach:
NWDPRA stands for National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas. This programme focuses on conservation of soil and water, improvement of land productivity, and sustainable livelihood in rainfed agricultural regions. The other acronyms refer to different organisations or programmes not primarily focused on watershed development as described in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Expand each acronym in your mind or from your studies.Step 2: DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation, concerned with defence technology, not watershed development.Step 3: CARE is an international humanitarian organisation involved in relief and development, but not a specific Indian government watershed project.Step 4: AVARD stands for Association of Voluntary Agencies for Rural Development, which is a network of voluntary groups rather than a single government watershed project.Step 5: NWDPRA stands for National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas and matches exactly the description given in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rural development and agricultural policy materials from the Government of India list NWDPRA as the main watershed development programme for rainfed areas. Questions in competitive exams often use this acronym to test knowledge of watershed schemes, reinforcing that NWDPRA is the correct answer here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
DRDO: This is a defence research organisation and has no direct connection with watershed development projects for agriculture.

CARE: A non governmental international organisation engaged in humanitarian work; it is not the specific government watershed project listed in rural development programmes.

AVARD: This is an umbrella body for voluntary agencies involved in rural development, not a dedicated national watershed project.

Common Pitfalls:
Acronyms can be confusing because they look similar and are used across many sectors. Students sometimes guess based on familiarity with the acronym rather than its full form. To avoid mistakes, try to remember key words like watershed and rainfed in connection with NWDPRA, which stands for National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas.

Final Answer:
NWDPRA is the project aimed at watershed development in rainfed areas of India.