Assertion:  There is a need to create alternative employment opportunities in drought-prone areas.
Reasoning: The pressure of the growing population is forcing society to utilise marginal lands for agriculture, and, thereby causing ecological degradation.

Both Assertion (A) and reasoning (R) are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.

The National Committee on Development of Backward Areas reviewed the performance of this programme. It has been observed that this programme is largely confined to the development of agriculture and allied sectors with a major focus on the restoration of ecological balance. Since growing population pressure is forcing society to utilise the marginal lands for agriculture, and, thereby causing ecological degradation, there is a need to create alternative employment opportunities in drought-prone areas. The other strategies for the development of these areas include the adoption of an integrated watershed development approach at the micro-level. The restoration of ecological balance between water, soil, plants, and human and animal populations should be a basic consideration in the strategy of the development of drought-prone areas.