The area under vegetables increased by 232% in rabi and 328% in kharif

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project (HPCDP) being funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has made a positive impact in increasing the yields of crops and income of the farmers, stated a study.

The study, conducted by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Union ministry of agriculture and farmers’ welfare, has revealed that farmers participating in the project have shifted from cereals to vegetable successfully.

The study assessed the increase in income of farmers, the extent of shift in crop area from traditional cereal-based cropping system to high value crops and other benefits after the implementation of the project. The study has 436 sample respondents from five districts that are participating in the project — Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, Kangra and Mandi involving. Before the implementation of project, area under cereal crops was predominant both in kharif and rabi season, whereas, after implementation of the project, area under vegetables increased significantly.

JICA is funding to the tune of Rs 321 crore for the project.

Almost all the crops have shown a positive growth and increase in yield levels due to the technical support, technology demonstration and training imparted in the project area. This finding is supported by crop diversification index, which increased to 0.62 from 0.48.

The study has further shown that the average net farm income has increased from baseline Rs 20,000 (2011) to Rs 2,07,225 per house-hold.

The area under vegetables increased by 232% in rabi and 328% in kharif, and the increase in yield of vegetables recorded 108% both in rabi and kharif seasons.

The area under cereals declined by 23% of paddy, 16% of wheat, 23% of maize and 76% of barley, which was replaced by vegetables.

Yield has increased up to 30% in wheat, 17% in paddy, 21.17% in maize, 64.75% in pulses, 108% in vegetables and 37% in fodder crops.

Nearly 70% of the respondents have attained self-sufficiency in food grains, milk and vegetables, while, 62.16% of the farmers are able to have marketable surplus in vegetables, 57.11% in milk and 45.87% farmers have surplus of food grains for marketing. Around 89.60% of the respondents received training on various aspects, 80.30% of the respondents received various inputs for crop demonstrations.

About 21% of the respondents have acquired assets on account of increase in farm income after implementation of the project and increased income was invested on children education and health.

It was further revealed that agricultural production, accessibility to the farm inputs, farm income and living standards have increased due to the intervention of the project.

The cost of cultivation has also reduced due to new technological interventions in paddy and wheat.

