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
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
Initial Results
14
Case Study of Mr. Thoba Pawra
15
Sustainability Initiatives
14
6.1. Planning with Participation of Farmers
16
6.2. Community Empowerment
16
6.3 Tapering of Support to Participants
16
6.3. Sustainability Fund (Money Bank)
17
6.5. Establishment of Technology Transfer Centers
17
Conclusion
18
4.
5.
6.
7.
Exploring Livelihood Avenues in Distressed Vidarbha, India
Kakade B. K.1, Karmarkar P. P.1, Patil S. M.1, Kulkarni P. 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
1. 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
1
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 areabased programmes. Baseline study was conducted in three backward districts of 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.
2. 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, Panchayat Samiti, 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.
2
Villages Studied
Thirty nine villages from six clusters of three backward districts of Vidarbha, Maharashtra
were studied. (Table 1)
Table 1. Villages Studied
District
Block
Villages
Yeotmal
Ghatanji
Bellora
Choramba
Chorkhund
Kumbhari
Yevati
Gadchiroli
Ralegaon
Etapalli
Aapati
Aalandadi
Bhamb
Hedari
Dongargaon Itulanar
Pimpalkhuti Lanji
Raveri
Mamgera
Wathoda
Indaram
Abanplalli
Bamhane
Cherpalli
Chichgude
Endaram
Parasalgondi Katpele
Rekenar
Kolapalli
Modumtura
Pusukapalli
Chandrapur
Jivti
Pombhurna
Chikhali
Aashta
Devalguda Chek ballarpur
Loldoh
Chek khapari
Pataguda
Chekthanevasna
Pudhiyal
Dighori
mohda
Velwa
3. 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 comprises high
proportion (36 %) of the total population.
In Etapalli and Indaram clusters their
Fig.1. Social Composition
proportion is within 45 to 100%. Though
the other major group in the project area is OBCs comprising 30% of the population, they
3
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).
Fig.2 Income level
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.
Fig. 3 Occupation
3.1.3. Distressed Migration
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.
4
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 has been not reported. It is
observed in Gadchiroli that, although
income wise affluence level being low,
especially
in
Etapalli
cluster
in
Fig. 4 Distressed Migration
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.
5
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 case of paddy growing area 1264.64 Kg/ha average yield is obtained
which is less than the state and the national 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). (http://www.agricoop.nic.in/)
Table.5 Area under Crops
Kharif
Cotton
Jowar
Rice
Soybean
Tur
Moong
Urad
Total
Rabi
Wheat
Jowar
Linseed
Gram
Total
Total
acreage
Irrigated Non
irrigated
% of
Kharif
acreage
% of Total Average
acreage
Yield
(Kg/ha)
3661
839
2717
1643
823
1446
190
11319
652
0
22
301
9
0
0
3009
839
2695
1342
814
1446
190
27.9
6.39
20.71
12.52
6.27
11.02
1.45
24.65
5.65
18.29
11.06
5.54
9.74
1.28
605.224
448.94
1264.64
1188.07
500
80
1207
358
10
158
1733
1066
358
0
0
2408
141
0
10
158
10644
69.65
20.66
0.58
9.12
8.13
2.41
0.07
1.06
2158.78
407.55
770.64
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.
6
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)
Fig. 5 Livestock composition
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)
Fig. 6 % Livetsock Income
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
animals and absence of market linkages.
7
4. 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
Low
Agriculture
Yield
Low Livestock
Yield
Lack of Forest
Based
Enterprises
Weak Public
Organizations
and no
network of PIs
Absence of
PHT and
Market
linkages
Causes
Strategy Adopted
Inadequate use of FYM
Promotion of INM
Lack of assured irrigation
Unawareness about plant protection
measures
Lack of input supply such as improved
seed
Non-descript cattle population
Unawareness
about
livestock
management
Fodder unavailability
Water Resource Development
Promotion of IPM
Seed production at farmer’s field
Doorstep
service
of
cattle
development and management
Promotion of fodder cultivation
Unawareness about forest products
Introduction of tasar
sericulture and lac culture
Unawareness about management
Capacity building
institutions
Promotion
of
Technologies
Establishment of Forward Linkages
Post
Harvest
of
culture,
people’s
4.1. Farming Systems
The development of small and marginal farmers would be possible if focus is given on
integrated farming system instead of mono cropping year after year. The components
covered under farming system should be technically appropriate, institutionally feasible,
economically
viable,
environmentally
sound
8
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 development
of 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)
9
Table7. Inputs to Participants
Inputs to participants
Crop
Fertilizer
Kharif
Paddy
Urea DAP
Briquets,
10:26:26 and
Micronutrient
spray
Soya
bean
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Cotton
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Jowar
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Maize
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Rabbi
Gram
Pesticides
Management
practices
Endosulfan,
FYM,
Monocrotophos Urea briquette
utilization, Planting
distance, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
Endosulfan
FYM, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
Thiamethoxam, FYM application,
Acetamiprid,
Planting Distance,
Imidacloprid
Inter crop, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
FYM, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
FYM, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
Urea, DAP and
Micronutrient
Heliokill
(HaNPV),
FYM, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
Wheat
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Jowar
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Linseed
Urea, 10:26:26
and Micronutrient
Thiamethoxam, FYM, Interculture
Dithene-M-45 operations and
Irrigation
FYM, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
FYM, Interculture
operations and
Irrigation
10
Other
Bio-fertilizerNitrophos
Fermented Neem
extract
Biofertilizer Rhizobium
Fermented Neem
extract
Fermented Neem
extract, Pheromone
traps
Bio-fertilizerNitrophos
Fermented Neem
extract
Biofertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem
extract
Bio-fertilizerRhizobium
Fermented Neem
extract
Biofertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem
extract
Biofertilizer-Nitrophos
Fermented Neem
extract
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
Varieties
Season- Kharif
Season-Rabi
Shindewahi-2001, Sonam, PKVHMT,
Gram
Digvijay
Paddy
Sahyadri-2, Jaishreram, Indrayani
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.
Promotion of fuel wood plantation and fodder grasses on the borders of orchards for
improved availability and access to fuel wood and fodder, will lead to reduce the burden of
women in fetching these essential and routinely required resources.
4.1.3. Livestock Management
Livestock, in this predominantly tribal area is not an income generation activity. Cross bred
animals are not found in this area in significant number. Livestock and livelihoods are
intimately linked in our country. Among the livestock, cattle and buffaloes play a
11
significant role, because of their contribution to human nutrition, plant nutrition, and
energy. (Hegde, N.G) Unfortunately, a majority of cattle and buffaloes are low productive,
nondescript and are not supported with adequate feed resource and health cover to enhance
the milk yield.
In order to create awareness amongst the farmers in this area about livestock management,
approach of organizing trainings and exposure visits has been adopted. It has been thought
of improving the productivity of the base population through breeding them with
genetically superior animals. For actuation of this plan, Technology Transfer centers have
been established in these areas. For genetic improvement of the base cattle and buffalo
population in this area Artificial Insemination Services with the use of semen of exotic
cattle breeds, cross breeds and indigenous cattle buffalo bulls of superior genetic merits
have been provided at the doorsteps of the programme participants. Besides this,
management advisory services are also made available to them through these centers. Apart
from this, other supportive activities such as organization of veterinary health camps,
vaccinations, Estrus Synchronization, mineral mixture supply to animals, fodder seeds and
deworming drugs are also provided through these centers.
Shortage for fodder has been observed in surveyed villages. The situation has been
remedied by promoting use of improved fodder varieties. This has helped to overall
improvement of nutrition of the animals in the area resulting into improved health and
productivity of the animals in the area
In respect to small ruminants, there is vast scope for promoting goat rearing as an income
generating activity in this area. Trainings and demonstrations on vaccination, deworming
and feed management has been given to goat keepers for effective management of goats.
Also bucks of improved breed viz., Osmanabadi have been provided so as to improve the
breed and kidding rate in the goats and the growth rate of the kids born as well. In order to
continue the activity, a goat bank concept has been promoted in which a beneficiary after
producing new goat reared for 4 months and hand it over to the next new participant for
further rearing. In such way, new participants are getting involved in the process and the
activity will be continued in chain manner towards sustainability.
4.2. Water Resource Development
As nearly 60% of the surveyed families have reported the access for some kind of water
resources for land irrigation; however it is insufficient and not assured for taking up
12
irrigated crops. Water resource development intervention, primarily covers construction of
check dams, construction and/or repairs of wells. The water utilization measures include the
pumps, water lift arrangements–pipelines, micro-irrigation systems. ‘Watershed approach’
is adopted in implementation of all WRD activities. For achieving the better impact,
farmers in contiguous area are selected (for horticulture, agriculture) in the small
catchments. This has generated employment throughout the year.
4.3. Post Harvest Technology, Value Addition and Market Linkages
With respect to post harvest activities, farmers undertake drying and cleaning only. Value
addition activities are not available in the area also the network of peoples’ institutions
involved in economical activities such as procurement, processing and marketing of the
agriculture produce is awfully underdeveloped. In such case, better realization of price for
farm products through post harvest management, value addition and market linkages and
establishment of forward linkages are crucial issues to focus on. In this perception,
promotion of high yielding disease resistance linseed varieties, it’s processing and value
addition have been established as linseed value chain in the project area.
4.4. Forest Based Livelihoods
Besides Mahua and Tendu, there are many forest tree species like Palas, Khair, Arjun,
Acacia, Ber, etc. which are naturally available and can be used for lac and tasar culture if
they are managed well. Tasar sericulture and lac cultivation are good approaches to involve
marginal farmers and landless particularly women, as it is a good source of assured income
year around. However, it found important to standardize the technologies and initiate value
addition to silk reeling and value chain has been established. (Fig. 6)
Silk worm
rearing
Cocoon
harvesting
Cocoon
processing
Silk
Reeling
Marketing
Fig. 6 Value chain of Tasar
Culture
4.5. Support Service based Livelihood
Various technologies have been promoted and adopted in the project area and to continue
the same forever different support services have been developed. The practice of cattle
breed improvement is being done by efficient AI technician. Urea DAP briquette machines
have been installed in the community centers which will add support in paddy cultivation.
13
Shed net will act as an assured source for seedlings of vegetables, fodder and medicinal
plants.
Also it is planned to establish outlets of the goods required prior and after crop cultivation
such as fertilizer, pesticide shop, farm implements, seed shop, etc. which will not only
create support for the interventions but also will prove as a good livelihood activity.
5. Initial Results
After strategic promotion of technologies and interventions in the project area encouraging
results have been achieved in project area.

Increase in crop yield
Overall increase in crop productivity is 40 %
Table 10. Increase in Crop Yield
Crop
Cotton
Soybean
Paddy
Gram
Wheat

Baseline
Yield (Kg/ha)
Regular
Demo Plot
Plot
863
1188
1264
771
1189
1128
900
1409
596
1127
1493
1242
2220
901
1616
% Increase
Over Baseline
% Increase over
Regular Plot
73.05
4.54
75.63
16.87
35.91
32
38
57
51
43
Employment generation
Initially, agriculture-based employment in participating farming households was 92
days/annum which increased to 119 days/annum. Additional 29% employment
generation achieved through agriculture, value addition methods, water resource
development and allied activities. In Jivti cluster, Chandrapur District initially 67%
migration was reported, which after introduction of water resource development
intervention reduced to 10 % as they got assured income generation.

Forest Based Interventions
As on, 150 families are engaged with tasar culture with average yield of 4000 cocoons
per family. So far 11 lakh cocoons have been harvested which incurred Rs. 8.60 lakh.
Lac cultivation has been undertaken on 243 trees successfully.
14

Livestock Development
In Vidarbha 192 villages are covered under cattle development intervention. So far
2125 artificial inseminations have been carried out and total 345 calves are born
comprising 175 male and 170 female calves. In goat development programme
Osmanabadi breed has been introduced which showed good results with respect to
body weight and market price as compared to local goat breed.
Case Study of Mr. Thoba Pawra Village-Bhulane, Mandane Cluster
Tribal family belongs to Bhulane village of Mandane cluster, Dist. Nandurbar. Family has 9 members
and 7 acres of land.
Before intervention (Year 2007)
Name of crop
Area(acre)
Jowar
1
Mung
2
Production (Kg)
200
150
Income (Rs)
1000
1200
Udid
Cotton
1
1
100
200
800
3000
Rabbi Jowar
2
200
1600
Total
7
850
7600
Family members used to undertake wage labour and could earn up to Rs. 7000/- per annum. Total
annual income of the family was in the range of Rs. 15000 to Rs. 20000/Interventions received through project:
Project support extended for well deepening, Temporary Check Dam, improved agriculture practices
and orchard is of Rs. 8110 while his own contribution is Rs. 4510/- With hard work and sincere
following of improved practices, their income has enhanced to a great extent.
Result of Kharif 2010
Name of Crop
Cotton
Chilli
Maize
Guava
Total
Area(acre)
3
1
1
50 trees
Production (Kg)
2300
200
2000
550
Income (Rs)
118000/
7000/
18000/
5500/
148500/
The family is now residing on the farm. Thoba dada has
purchased oil engine for irrigation. He works as a
chairperson of Gram Vikas Samiti of Bhulane.
15
6. Sustainability Initiatives
Subsequent to all strategies and activities carried out, sustainable livelihood will be
generated in the area. Sustainability initiatives have been taken up in the project to ensure
post project persistence of the project activities.
Sustainability initiatives have been undertaken as follow
6.1.Planning with Participation of Farmers
The project has been implemented using a family and the area based intervention approach.
A basket of innovative interventions, with enriched resource base in the cluster, comprising
of new technologies have been explained to the farmers and individual family based
planning has been done in participatory manner. The farmers have selected suitable
interventions from these, and only willing farmers have been offered with interventions of
their choice. Thus, planning of every intervention has been done with the participation of
farmers. This will help to develop ownership of the participants over the project.
6.2.Community Empowerment
With the presence of strong People’s Institutions (PI) at the village level, it is easy to
communicate and transfer modern technologies for improving agricultural production and
profitability. Interactions of the members of these groups with various members of the
project consortium will help them to adopt new technologies and systems not only during
the project implementation but also beyond the project period. Thus, it is necessary to
empower them through exposure visits and trainings for backward linkage with the
products / participants processing and marketing.
Institution Building
It is planned to form a committee in which at the apex there will be BAIF-NAIP
management committee consisting of representatives of BAIF and NAIP cluster staff.
Followed by the apex body there will be cluster committees of all NAIP clusters and after
that primary groups established in every cluster.
6.3.Tapering of Support to Participants
Project support for inputs has been provided to participants to carry out the recommended
activities in their field for improving farm production. The support strategy has been
decided as, during the first year of project 75 % support has been given to farmers, onwards
50% and 25% for second and third years respectively and later they have to continue the
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activities on their own. This will lead to continuation of the improved practices and inputs
beyond project period.
6.4.Sustainability Fund (Money Bank)
Creation of sustainability fund is important for continued development even after exit of the
organization. The fund is being deposited on the bank account of cluster committee. This
fund will be used for sustaining and carry-over of project activities after completion of the
project fund. So far the total contribution at project level is Rs. 30,13,010/-.
6.5. Establishment of Technology Transfer Centers
Technology Transfer Centers have been established at cluster level through project support.
Eventually, these centers will be managed by cluster level committees. The programme
initiated will be managed in future through these centers. All project activities are now
linked to the center. Accordingly, capacity building of the members has been undertaken.
Community centers will serve three major objectives as demonstration of all relevant
activities, training center for farmers and extension centre to reach out more and more
farmers through effective extension programme. Technology Transfer Centre has been
divided into three functional areas as technology demonstrations, input services and value
addition. (Table 9)
Table 9. Activities under Technology Transfer Centers
Technology Demonstration
 Seed Production
 Seed Bank
 Organic Farming Demonstrations
 Forest Based Production (Tasar
and Lac culture)
 Livestock Development Centre
 Fodder Demonstrations
 Goat Bank
Input
Services
 Urea-DAP
Briquette
Unit
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Value Addition
 Linseed
Processing
Unit
Innovative
Intervention
 Network
of
Bodies
(Local
name for storage
ponds)
7. Conclusion
Baseline study and problem analysis revealed the need to work for development of
multiple options of livelihood as extreme reliance on agriculture has worsened the
situation in Vidarbha. Accordingly interventions covering agriculture, water resource
development, livestock development and forest based livelihood options are introduced.
Along with livelihood interventions at household level, few enterprises such as Urea-DAP
Briquetting machines, shed net, seed production have been also introduced to cater local
needs and sustain people’s institutions formed under the project.
Adoption of integrated approach for enhancement of livelihood resources has yielded very
good initial results. The extent of adoption of technologies and sustenance of people’s
institutions will eventually shape this approach as a model of sustainable livelihood for
distressed districts in Vidarbha.
Acknowledgement
This project is supported by National Agricultural Innovation Project of Indian Council of
Agriculture Research, New Delhi, India and the World Bank. The project is being
implemented in consortium mode. BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune is a lead
centre and consortium partner institutes are Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth,
Akola, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune,
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur and Dr. Hedgewar Sewa
Samiti, Nandurbar.
References
1. Behere, P.B., Behere, A.P. (2008) Farmers’ suicide in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra
state: A myth or reality?
2. Hegde, N.G., Promotion of Dairy Husbandry for Sustainable Livelihood: BAIF’S
Approach
3. NAIP SRLS-3 Baseline Survey Reporthttp://www.agricoop.nic.in/
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