Current World Environment

The study was taken in Srinivaspura taluk, Kolar district of Karnataka to analyse the economic benefits derived by watershed beneficiaries of Yeldur nala sub watershed project implemented under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana-Watershed Development (PMKSY-WD). Primary data of the research was gathered from randomly selected 60 farmers from the project area which includes 30 watershed beneficiaries and 30 non-beneficiaries. Data collected was analysed using Simpson’s index, Cost and Returns analysis and Garret’s ranking. Higher crop diversity was found among beneficiaries of watershed project with Simpson’s index value of 0.85 compared to non-watershed farmers(0.77). Production, productivity and net returns of the major crops were observed higher in watershed area than in Non- watershed area. Annual income per farm was also found higher inwatershed area with Rs. 2.84 lakh acre-1 than in Non- watershed area (Rs.1.70 lakh acre-1).Lack of awareness about benefits of watershed technology among the beneficiary farmers and poor participation by the farmers during training programmes conducted by the implementing agencies were the major constraints faced during the implementation of watershed projects. Results have sufficiently indicated that the watershed activities benefited farmers by enhancing their yield, net returns and overall income. Majority of sample farmers maintained farm pond when compared to trench cum bund as weed growth on these bunds was a major problem. It was also found that formation of watershed area farmers’ associations is necessary for the maintenance of soil and water conservation structures by watershed area development department.

[ HTML Full Text ]