A couple of projects undertaken in Himachal Pradesh, with funds from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to transform the lives of the farmers and rural women have resulted in increase in farm yields and farmers’ incomes, restoration of degraded forests, and increase in forestry products.
Crop Diversification Project Increases Farm Yields and Income A study conducted on the impact assessment of the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project (HPCDP-JICA) has revealed that it has increased the crop yields and income of farmers by promoting crop diversification, and is transforming the farmers’ economy in the state. The impact assessment of the ` 321-crore project was conducted by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The study report was released in July 2019.
The project, funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and implemented by the HP Agriculture Development Society, was launched in 2011–12. The project aimed to develop the necessary infrastructure in the project area, with regard to irrigation facilities and farm access roads. It also imparted technical training to farmers on food grains and vegetables cultivation and use of post-harvest technology. The aim was to thus improve the socio-economic status of farmers.
Under Phase-I of the project, five districts were included, i.e., Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Una, and Kangra, and involved 436 sample respondents. It was initially started from 2011 till 2018; however, seeing the benefits of the project, it has been extended for a period of two years (till 2020).
The government of India has approved JICA Phase-II of around ` 1104 crore in principle, which will be for implementing the project in the remaining districts of the state. Phase-II has been sent to JICA for fund approval.
Study Result The impact assessment study indicates a shift in area from cereals to vegetables after provision of irrigation through this project. Almost all the crops have shown a positive growth. Their yield levels have shown an increase due to aspects like technical support, technology demonstration, and training imparted to the farmers. The crop diversification index has increased from 0.48 to 0.62. The study reveals that the average net farm income has increased from baseline ` 20,000 (2011) to ` 2,07,225 per household.