The Drought Prone Areas Programme and Desert Development Programme were launched in the 1970s to address problems faced by drought-prone and desert areas in India. The programs aimed to minimize adverse effects of drought/harsh climates on crop/livestock production and improve socio-economic conditions. They covered 961 blocks across 16 states and 235 blocks in 7 states respectively. Both programs were funded 75% by central government and 25% by states and implemented through district rural development agencies. While the programs had strengths like area-focused needs and infrastructure growth, weaknesses included poor implementation and lack of collaboration. Ongoing threats were corruption and political interference.