Question

Which of the followings is a target group development programme?

• A. Command Area Development Programme
• B. Drought Prone Area Development Programme
• C. Desert Development Programme
• D. Small Farmers Development Agency

Hint:

To distinguish between the two types, ask "What is being targeted?" If the answer is a place (desert, drought-prone area), it's area-based. If the answer is a group of people (small farmers, tribal communities), it's target-group based.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Development programmes can be broadly categorized. Area-based programmes focus on developing a specific geographical region (e.g., a drought-prone area, a hill area). Target-group programmes focus on improving the conditions of a specific section of the population (e.g., small farmers, landless laborers).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's classify the given programmes:
1. Command Area Development Programme: Focuses on improving water management in the 'command area' of an irrigation project. This is an area-based programme.
2. Drought Prone Area Development Programme: Aims to mitigate the adverse effects of drought in identified arid and semi-arid regions. This is an area-based programme.
3. Desert Development Programme: Focuses on controlling desertification and developing the economy of desert regions. This is an area-based programme.
4. Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA): This was established specifically to identify and assist small and marginal farmers with credit, inputs, and other services. Its focus is on a particular group of people, not a geographical area, making it a target-group programme.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Small Farmers Development Agency is a target group development programme.