Varanasi: Districts across the state received awards for providing benefits under Watershed Development Component-Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Varanasi received the second prize from Swatantra Dev, UP minister for water resources and flood control, during Watershed Festival organised in Lucknow. Land and water conservation work carried out in the district made a significant contribution, helping the district receive second prize at national level. According to officials, two beneficiaries of the scheme from the scheme who delivered excellent performance included Mamata from Arajiline block and progressive farmer Dhirendra Kumar from Rakhi village of Sevapuri block.While availing scheme benefits through the revolving fund and NRM work, Kumar established small enterprises to increase income and by constructing bunds related to water conservation, carried out integrated and organic farming using accumulated moisture, achieving significant increase in income. Mamata too presented a model of livelihood enhancement, helping the district receive the award.
