CONTENT
S. N. / Particulars / Page No.Abstract / 1
1. / Introduction / 1
2. / Methodology / 2
3. / Major findings / 3
3.1. Socioeconomic profile / 3
3.2. Land and water use pattern / 5
3.3. Cropping Pattern of the Area / 5
3.4. Livestock / 7
4. / Proposed Livelihood Strategy / 8
4.1. Farming Systems / 9
4.2. Water Resource development / 13
4.3. Post Harvest, Value Addition and Market Linkages / 13
4.4. Forest based interventions / 13
4.5. Support Service Based Livelihood / 14
5. / Initial Results / 14
Case Study of Mr. Thoba Pawra / 15
6. / Sustainability Initiatives / 14
6.1. Planning with Participation of Farmers / 16
6.2.Community Empowerment / 16
6.3Tapering of Support to Participants / 16
6.3.Sustainability Fund (Money Bank) / 17
6.5.Establishment of Technology Transfer Centers / 17
7. / Conclusion / 18
Exploring Livelihood Avenues in Distressed Vidarbha, India
Kakade B. K.1, Karmarkar P. P.1, Patil S. M.1, KulkarniP. K.1,
Patil N. B.1, Hatolkar V. B.1
1 BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune (India), 411058
Abstract
National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) has been initiated for improvement of livelihood in 150 backward districts of country. BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune has been working as a Consortium Leader to implement the Sustainable Rural Livelihood Security Project (SRLS) in Maharashtra under NAIP Component 3. In this context a survey was conducted in 2008 in three backward districts Yeotmal, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli of Vidarbha to assess the socioeconomic status and current livelihood pattern. Findings of the survey reveal overall profile of the area and baseline situation in the operational area with respect to population and literacy status, social composition, economic status, occupation, migration status, cropping pattern and livestock position which is very alarming and crucial in planning project interventions.Based on problem analysis major interventions have been introduced to enhance the productivity of natural resources. This has yielded the encouraging results. Based on this experience, present paper explores the possible livelihood opportunities derived from problem analysis and strategies to be adopted aiming at revolutionary sustainable livelihood development in the distressed Vidarbha Region.
Keywords: Livelihood, Distress, Improved Agriculture, Livestock, Water resources
- Introduction
India consisting of 16 % of world’s population sustains only on 2.4% of land resource. Agriculture sector is the only livelihood to the two-third of its population which gives employment to the 57% of work force. (Behere, P.B., Behere, A.P., 2008). In Vidarbha, basically the major crops grown are Cotton, Soybean, Jowar and Pulses. People rely on rainfed farming since irrigated farming is insignificant and is seen only in very few pockets where major rivers provide water for the whole year. The farmers are facing the problem of low productivity of farm produce due to rising cost of cultivation, relative absence of irrigation facilities, repeated crop failures, fluctuations in market prices and dependence on rainfall for farming. Consequent to all factors, livelihood status is quite pitiable in Vidarbha.
In this context, the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) is a major initiative of Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi with the mission of establishing a system and action-based research consortium for improvement of livelihood in 150 backward districts of country of which 11 districts are in Maharashtra. Under NAIP Component III, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune has been working as a Consortium Leader to implement the Sustainable Rural Livelihood Security Project (SRLS) in five backward districts of Maharashtra viz., Yeotmal, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Ahmednagar and Nandurbar.
The overall objective of this project is to develop a replicable and holistic approach for promoting sustainable livelihood in tribal and remote regions of Maharashtra through integration and blend of tested technologies and strategies of household-focused and area-based programmes. Baseline study was conducted in three backward districtsof Vidarbha to assess the socioeconomic status and current livelihood pattern of the said region prior to design interventions based on location, available resources, skills and farmers’ priorities. The present paper focuses on three backward districts of Vidarbha viz.,Yeotmal, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.
- Methodology
The methodical perspective of the study requires thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis of socioeconomic status. Hence for the purpose of data collection; questionnaires for household survey and PRAs were used along with secondary sources of information such as Grampanchayat, PanchayatSamiti, Government departments as well as Government websites. 250 families per cluster of villages were selected for the survey. The sample was distributed in the villages (which ranged from 4 to 8 per cluster) of the cluster in proportion to the population of social categories in the villages. Stratified random sampling method was adopted to ensure representation of all the social groups and various economic categories of the population from the cluster.
Villages Studied
Thirty nine villages from six clusters of three backward districts of Vidarbha, Maharashtra were studied. (Table 1)
Table 1. Villages Studied
District / Yeotmal / Gadchiroli / ChandrapurBlock / Ghatanji / Ralegaon / Etapalli / Indaram / Jivti / Pombhurna
Villages / Bellora / Aapati / Aalandadi / Abanplalli / Chikhali / Aashta
Choramba / Bhamb / Hedari / Bamhane / Devalguda / Chek ballarpur
Chorkhund / Dongargaon / Itulanar / Cherpalli / Loldoh / Chek khapari
Kumbhari / Pimpalkhuti / Lanji / Chichgude / Pataguda / Chekthanevasna
Yevati / Raveri / Mamgera / Endaram / Pudhiyal mohda / Dighori
Wathoda / Parasalgondi / Katpele / Velwa
Rekenar / Kolapalli
Modumtura
Pusukapalli
- Major Findings
Important findings of situation analysis are given below.
3.1.Socioeconomic profile
Total population of surveyed villages was 8347. Male and female proportion in the population was 53 and 47 percent respectively with average family size 5.5.The overall literacy level was 55 and 45 percent respectively in case of males and females. However, the lowest literacy rate was reported from Etapalli with 40% for men and 23% for women and the highest was recorded in Ralegaon with 84% for men and 79% for women.
The major social groups in the area are Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Nomadic Tribe (NT), Other Backward Class (OBC) and General category. Scheduled Tribe compriseshigh proportion (36 %) of the total population. In Etapalli and Indaram clusters their proportion is within 45 to 100%. Though the other major group in the project area is OBCs comprising 30%of the population, they mostly exist in Ralegaon (65.59%), Pombhurna (64.66%) and Ghatanji (43.51%) clusters. Nomadic Tribes (NTs) have sizeable existence in Jivati cluster (51.49%). (Fig. 1)
3.1.1.Economic status
Nearly 53% of the families in the project area earn less than Rs. 20000/- per anum. The situation is specifically worse in Etapalli (96%) and Indaram (90%). Though we can see that overall 26 % families earn above 35000/- per annum its only Ralegaon with maximum (66%) APL families. (Fig.2).
3.1.2.Occupation
Agriculture is the major occupation of 98% of population and only 1% depends entirely on agriculture labour and remaining 1% reported non agriculture occupation. (Fig.3) Domestic work is perceived to be the primary responsibility of women who also contribute substantially on farms for livelihood activities. Men are official owners of the property.
3.1.3.DistressedMigration
The average proportion of families that migrated temporarily in search of work was approximately 15%. Total number of women who migrate was 15 and that of men was 225.
Situation is alarming in Jivti with 67%. In the remaining clusters it is moderate.Maximum families migrate for the period of one to three months. In Indaram cluster tendency of villagers to migrate hasbeennot reported. It is observed in Gadchiroli that, although income wise affluence level being low, especially in Etapalli cluster in Gadchiroli only 2% migration reported because Tendu leaves (Diospyros Melanoxylon) and Mahua (Madhuca indica) are the sources which fetch them some cash every year
3.2.Land and Water Use Pattern
Landholding pattern of the area shows that majority of the farmers are in the category of small and medium farmers. Average land holding of the farmer is about 5-6 acre. As per soil analysis the pH,Electrical Conductivity, organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potasium and micronutrient level is quite indicative. The organic carbon is low in all clusters. Jivati and Etapalli clusters tend towards salinity.
Water scarcity especially for animals and irrigation has been reported at almost all the locations. In all the villages, the ground water level had gone down rather in most of the locations; shortage of drinking water is also faced. Hand pumps and well are the only source of water for drinking and irrigation purpose. In most of the villages, sanitation is poor with open drainage lines
3.3.Cropping Pattern of the Area
Cropping pattern in surveyed locations is assorted. Paddy (Gadchiroli), cotton, Soybean and Pulses(Yeotmal and Chandrapur) in kharif season as well as wheat and gram in rabi season are the major crops. At Etapalli cluster in Gadchiroli, people go for only kharif crop. (Table 5)
Farmers cultivate cotton as a major kharif crop covering 3661 acre (28%) followed by Rice on 2771 acre (20%). Soybean is also one of the major kharif crops contributing farmers’ financial system. In case of rabi crops, wheat is cultivated over 1207 acre area.
Around 87% of the total cultivable area is cultivated during kharif while during rabi season approximately only 13% of the cultivable area is under crops due to lack of irrigation facilities.It has been observed that, farmers use maximum fertilizers and pesticides in Cotton and Soybean hence the cost of production is high and farmers get maximum returns from cotton (Net Rs.18917/ha.) and Soybean (Net Rs.15983/ha.) followed by Paddy, Gram, and Wheat. Average yield of cotton in surveyed area is 605.22 Kg/ha whereas state and national yield of cotton is 373 Kg/ha and 273 Kg/ha respectively. In caseof paddy growing area 1264.64 Kg/ha average yield is obtained which is less than the state and thenational yield (1897 Kg/ha and 2001 Kg/ha respectively). Average yield of soybean is 1188.07 Kg/ha which is less than state yield (1493Kg/ha). With regard to rabi crop yield, wheat achieves average production of 2158 Kg/ha which found more than the state and national yield (1893 Kg/ha and 2082 Kg/ha respectively).(
Table.5 Area under Crops
Total acreage / Irrigated / Non irrigated / % of Kharif acreage / % of Total acreage / Average Yield (Kg/ha)Kharif
Cotton / 3661 / 652 / 3009 / 27.9 / 24.65 / 605.224
Jowar / 839 / 0 / 839 / 6.39 / 5.65 / 448.94
Rice / 2717 / 22 / 2695 / 20.71 / 18.29 / 1264.64
Soybean / 1643 / 301 / 1342 / 12.52 / 11.06 / 1188.07
Tur / 823 / 9 / 814 / 6.27 / 5.54 / 500
Moong / 1446 / 0 / 1446 / 11.02 / 9.74 / 80
Urad / 190 / 0 / 190 / 1.45 / 1.28
Total / 11319
Rabi
Wheat / 1207 / 1066 / 141 / 69.65 / 8.13 / 2158.78
Jowar / 358 / 358 / 0 / 20.66 / 2.41
Linseed / 10 / 0 / 10 / 0.58 / 0.07 / 407.55
Gram / 158 / 0 / 158 / 9.12 / 1.06 / 770.64
Total / 1733 / 2408 / 10644
3.4.Livestock
It has been observed that, the herd composition is large in Etapalli with he-buffaloes and piggery, still livestock is not a major income generation activity and the PRAs also reveal that there is no practice of housing as well as milking the animals. As per findings, lowest figures for livestock population have been observed in Jivti cluster.
The total goat population in the area is around 2100. Out of this, 1300 are located in Etapalli and Indaram clusters. It is revealed that small ruminant holders are in large proportion only in Etapalli, Pombhurna and Indaram clusters. (Fig. 5)
Income generation from animal sale (55%) and milk production (40%) has been observed more profitable than other livestock income sources. Milk production gives more earning in Ralegaon. As reported earlier in Etapalli cluster income through milk production is very low (Average Rs 250./annum). Overall, contribution of poultry products to income is very negligible (1%). (Fig.6)
On the whole, 54% farmers use in-farm cattle feed for animals while 81% farmers use other than farm cattle feed such as cotton seed cakes, rice bran, homemade rachka, etc. Livestock development is not up to the mark due to shortage of fodder and water for animalsand absence of market linkages.
- Proposed Livelihood strategy
One of the important reasons for this study was to investigate the nature of current livelihoods and plan for different livelihood options based on that. It is very clear that, most people engage in agriculture labour but data also shows that agriculture couldn’t create work days for more than 92 days in a year which reveals the need for planning of diversified sources of income.Within the study problem analysis of surveyed locations have been carried out and based on that the strategies have been finalized.(Table 6)
Table 6. Problem Analysis
Problem / Causes / Strategy AdoptedLow Agriculture Yield / Inadequate use of FYM / Promotion of INM
Lack of assured irrigation / Water Resource Development
Unawareness about plant protection measures / Promotion of IPM
Lack of input supply such as improved seed / Seed production at farmer’s field
Low Livestock Yield / Non-descript cattle population / Doorstep service of cattle development and management
Unawareness about livestock management
Fodder unavailability / Promotion of fodder cultivation
Lack of Forest Based Enterprises / Unawareness about forest products / Introduction of tasar culture, sericulture and lac culture
Weak Public Organizations and no network of PIs / Unawareness about management / Capacity building of people’s institutions
Absence of PHT and Market linkages / Promotion of Post Harvest Technologies / Establishment of Forward Linkages
4.1.Farming Systems
The development of small and marginal farmers would be possible if focus is given on integrated farming system instead of monocropping year after year. The components covered under farming system should be technically appropriate, institutionally feasible, economically viable, environmentally sound agriculture, livestock and allied technologies. The impact of selected technologies will trigger horizontal adoption of technologies and generate employment in agriculture, livestock, tasar cultivation and allied sectors by generating opportunities through value addition and market linkages. Besides the direct impact it will have indirect impact on the socio-economic developmentof the rural poor.
4.1.1.Cropping Pattern
Increase in agricultural productivity is essential for livelihood security in rural areas. However, agricultural production is seriously constrained by lack of awareness about technologies, low inputs, unreliable weather, and the effects of deforestation on land productivity. Vidarbha is a home for approximately 3.4 million of cotton farmers and 95% are struggling for massive debt (Behere, P.B., Behere, A.P., 2008).The problems are more serious in such an interior and backward regions, where the farmers are deprived of the basic amenities and infrastructure for their livelihood. Also very few farmers are availed of soil testing. Hence, crop diversification through multiple and diversified crops varieties with reference to agro-climatic conditions are necessary to reduce risk of economic loss.
In most of the surveyed locations, the soils are clayey, deep and have good water holding capacity thereby ensuring the possibility of better crop growth and higher yields in paddy, soybean, cotton and wheat. Also rainfall is sufficient for seasonal crops in almost all the locations.Promotion of indigenous crops such as linseed cultivation also has been promoted for crop diversification. Introduction of improved, high yielding varieties along with promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) after proper soil testing analysis and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological pest control have been carried out. Hence, to improve crop yield season specific and crop specific inputs have been provided to participants.(Table 7)
Table7. Inputs to Participants
Inputs to participantsCrop / Fertilizer / Pesticides / Management practices / Other
Kharif
Paddy / Urea DAP Briquets, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient spray / Endosulfan, Monocrotophos / FYM,
Urea briquette utilization, Planting distance, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Bio-fertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem extract
Soya bean / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / Endosulfan / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Biofertilizer - Rhizobium
Fermented Neem extract
Cotton / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / Thiamethoxam, Acetamiprid, Imidacloprid / FYM application, Planting Distance, Inter crop, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Fermented Neem extract, Pheromone traps
Jowar / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Bio-fertilizer- Nitrophos
Fermented Neem extract
Maize / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Biofertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem extract
Rabbi
Gram / Urea, DAP and Micronutrient / Heliokill (HaNPV), / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Bio-fertilizer-Rhizobium
Fermented Neem extract
Wheat / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / Thiamethoxam,
Dithene-M-45 / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Biofertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem extract
Jowar / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Biofertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem extract
Linseed / Urea, 10:26:26 and Micronutrient / FYM, Interculture operations and Irrigation / Fermented Neem extract
Different region specific improved crop varieties with disease resistant characters have been introduced in the project area.(Table 8)
Table 8 Improved Crop Varieties Introduced in Project Area
Crop / Varieties / Crop / VarietiesSeason- Kharif / Season-Rabi
Paddy / Shindewahi-2001, Sonam, PKVHMT, Sahyadri-2, Jaishreram, Indrayani / Gram / Digvijay
Soybean / JS-335 / Wheat / HD- 2189, Trimbak
Cotton / Rasi-2, Mallika / Jowar / Maldandi
Jowar / 296-Mahindra / Linseed / NL- 97 and Padmini
Maize / 30V92, Payaonear
Pigeon Pea / BSMR-736, Phule Vipul
As farmers spend major amount on seed procurement every year, it proved worth to produce seed of improved varieties at their own farm to reduce cost of production and assured input supply at own for every cropping season. During kharif season seed production of Soybean (10 acre) and that of wheat (3 acre) and Gram (7 acre) in rabi season have been taken up and planned to follow the same activity on larger area in future.
4.1.2.Tree Based Farming
The existing soil and climatic conditions of surveyed locations are favorable for Mango cultivation. However, scientific promotion of these species and farmers’ keen interest will generate assured earnings throughout the lifetime. Also it will increase the productivity of degraded land by horticulture species plantation also increase productivity of soil by using INM practices based on soil analysis. It is a sustainable livelihood option which can prevent migration to a great extend. As on 1000 participants are covered under this intervention.