Desert development programme was started in 1977-78 with the objective of
i. Controlling desertification of the desert areas through integrating and dovetailing other related state/central programmes.
ii. To conserve, develop and harness land water and other resources including rainfall for restoration of ecological balance in the long run.
The DDP is now implemented on watershed basis like DPAP as per the new guidelines for watershed development. In sandy areas, area development is done by taking up a cluster of villages on an index catchment as the unit of planning. Sand dune stabalisation and shelter belt plantation are the key activities in sandy areas, apart from development of dairy, irrigation facilities, forestation and pastures.
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The Centre gives cent percent grant for this programme. The Northwestern region of India, Rajasthan and adjacent state are most benefitted from it.