Which of the followings is a target group development programme?

The correct option is Small Farmers Development Agency.

To understand why this is the correct answer, we need to distinguish between two main types of development programmes implemented in planning: Area Development Programmes and Target Group Development Programmes.

1. Area Development Programmes:
These programmes focus on the development of specific geographical regions that face particular environmental, ecological, or infrastructural challenges. The benefits are directed towards the region as a whole. Examples from the options include:
• Command Area Development Programme: Focuses on agricultural development through the management of irrigation in specific canal command areas.
• Drought Prone Area Development Programme: Targets regions frequently affected by drought to restore ecological balance and conserve water resources.
• Desert Development Programme: Aims at controlling desertification and conserving soil and water in desert ecosystems.

2. Target Group Development Programmes:
These programmes are designed to benefit a specific segment or group of the population that is socio-economically disadvantaged, irrespective of the geographical region they live in. The target is the group of people, not the land.
• Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA): This agency was established specifically to assist small and marginal farmers by providing them with access to credit, modern agricultural inputs, and technology to improve their livelihoods. Because it targets a specific demographic group (small farmers) rather than a geographic area, it is classified as a target group development programme.