Livelihood matrix and technological interventions for efficient farming systems in village clusters of Gondia district of Maharashtra

Abstract

Research and development initiatives under National Agriculture Innovation Project implemented in representative villages of Gondia district in Maharashtra are reported in this study. Details of 524 households pertaining to demographic characteristics, land use, means of livelihood etc. were collected through survey. Participatory methods were used for identifying potential technological interventions for bringing positive changes in agricultural productivity and sustainability. The study indicated that irrespective of the size of land holding, the tribal farmers derived less than 50% of their income from agriculture and depended on migration for earning wages or collection of non-timber forest produce. The consumption pattern revealed that almost 80% of the income was spent on meeting food requirement of family followed by expenses on clothes. The results showed considerable potential for enhancing their livelihood by introducing best management practices for the lone possible kharif paddy and augmenting the income with pisciculture which surpassed agriculture in terms of economic benefits. Eco-friendly technology like biogas was demonstrated to protect forest resources and reduce drudgery of cooking. The concept of social security fund was implemented in the tribal villages to meet expenses related to upkeep of machinery provided and also micro-credit requirements. The study area represents contiguous belt home to most of the tribal population living in central India and hence the findings provide an understanding of the reasons for backwardness of the large pocket and will help in formulating policies for sustainable development of the region.