Two disadvantaged districts in Uttar Pradesh, viz. Hardoi and Fatehpur were selected for the proposed project on the basis of low productivity of crops and animals, harsh weather conditions, extensive land degradation due to the improper management of natural resources, poor socio-economy and lack of rural institutions. In each district two clusters have been identified by a joint team of cooperating Institutions, development Departments and Non Government Organizations on the basis of secondary data, topographical sheets and need assessment surveys. The watersheds in clusters were identified and have been further delineated into micro-watersheds as the basic units of operation.

The Project objectives were formulated by the partners after identifying the existing gaps through several interaction meetings. Programmes and activities with time frame for each objective were chalked out, and the role and responsibilities of each partner was defined. The objectives of the project aim at site-specific identification and improvement in the performance of farming systems in the identified watershed through an optimum combination of technologies, judicious use of natural resources for ensuring sustainable production, strengthening of local Institutions and capacity building to run the programmes successfully and generate livelihood security options for the marginal farmers and landless labourers, with ample focus on women empowerment. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a sustainable working model that addresses the issue of rural livelihood security of the selected districts in a holistic manner. The cumulative budget of the Project spanning four years is Rs. 678.794 lakhs.

The outputs envisaged at the end of the Project implementation period (4 years) are an increase in the productivity of crops by at least 20%, a reduction in runoff and soil loss by at least 15%, an increase in ground water recharge by at least 10%, irrigation water saving by at least 20%, increase in milk production by 30%, increase in fruit trees and other permanent vegetation by 30%, increase in area under agro-forestry systems by at least 30%, increase in seed replacement rate from 10 to 40%, reduction in migration by atleast 10% and atleast 40% percent rise in income of the beneficiaries. These gains will enhance the overall environmental quality and maintain a sound ecological balance. The outcomes of the project would be gauged in terms of improved living standards of the farmers in the selected clusters and a shift in their attitude from exploitation of natural resources to conservation and management.