The approach followed to minimise effect of drought during the 8th Five Year Plan were:

»	Larger thrust for watershed development under Drought Prone Area Programme.
»	Dry land farming and water resource development.
»	Instead of capital intensive engineering works for soil and moisture conservation, encourage simple and low cost structures which can be completed in a short time with the help of local skills.
»	Dovetail Crop production activities into the watershed project along with soil conservation activities.
»	Take up large scale dry land farming demonstrations.
»	Limited irrational and over exploitation of groundwater resources.
»	Undertake Research on the efficacy and economics of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.
»	Construction of suitable water harvesting structures for the purpose of conservation and optimal use of surface water and recharge of underground aquifers.
»	Renovation and restoration of old tanks/farm ponds in the villages.
»	Afforestation and Pasture Development.
»	Animal Husbandry and Fodder Development.
»	People's participation in drought proofing.