Impact of Tejpura watershed project on socio-economic status of farmers

Abstract

The study was conducted during 2002 to 2004 to assess the impact of Tejpura watershed project, located in the village Tejpura-Ghurat in Bangra Block of Jhansi district of UP, India, on the socio-economic status of the farming community of this watershed area. Ninety six farmers households were randomly selected and interviewed using well structured schedule and focused PRA including transect walk. The data was compared with the sample survey of year 1991. There had been an increase in number of households, human population, overall literacy and working population. Area under kharif crops cultivation was increased at a higher rate than that of rabi crops. The average family size of the households sampled decreased by 16.67 percent. The literate family members increased by 13.82 per cent. The average annual total employment days of family members increased. Agricultural (farm) sector employment increased in cases of small and large farmers only. The non-farm income increased by 153 per cent, except among the marginal farmers. The regression coefficient showed positive impact on the level of employment. The average income per household increased by 47.64 per cent, increase was more in case of small, medium and large farm households compare to marginal. Coefficient of multiple determination (adjusted squared multiple R) was 0.98. These results indicated that raising the level of household income is dependent on increasing level of investment on agriculture activities and non-farm opportunities for the agricultural.