World Bank REWARD Program Implementation Review
The debriefing meeting of the World Bank's Implementation Support Mission for the Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) program was held on June 15, 2026, at Kartavya Bhavan, New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development.
During the meeting, the World Bank Mission presented a comprehensive overview of the progress achieved under the REWARD program, with specific focus on implementation in the states of Karnataka and Odisha. The Mission shared key observations and recommendations, highlighting various initiatives undertaken to strengthen scientific watershed planning, implementation, monitoring, and sustainable management of natural resources under the program.
The World Bank team discussed a proposed action plan for the next six months designed to ensure timely achievement of project objectives and effective dissemination of successful interventions. Additionally, the team outlined a roadmap for continued collaboration with the Department of Land Resources beyond the current REWARD program.
Secretary Bhooshan acknowledged the progress made under the REWARD program and emphasized the importance of accelerating program implementation. He specifically stressed that valuable learnings, innovations, and best practices emerging from the REWARD program should be integrated into the guidelines of Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) 3.0 to strengthen watershed development efforts across India.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both the Department of Land Resources and the World Bank to work collaboratively toward enhancing resilience through watershed development, improving natural resource management, and promoting sustainable agricultural development in India. Attendees included Shri Nitin Khade, Joint Secretary (Watershed Management), senior officials of the Department of Land Resources, and the World Bank delegation led by Ms. Nora Kaoues, Lead Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader for the REWARD Program, along with her team of experts.