Livelihood Security of Resource Poor Farmers through Alkali Land Reclamation: An Impact Analysis

Abstract

The impact of land reclamation has been explored on productivity, income and food security in the salt affected regions of Uttar Pradesh. The study has revealed substantial farm-level benefits to the farmers due to sodic land reclamation. The cropping intensity has increased by 9.39 per cent during post- vis-àvis pre-reclamation period. The gross cultivated area increased by 13.65 per cent after land reclamation. Paddy and wheat yields have increased by 95 per cent and 194 per cent, respectively after reclamation. Better farm income has influenced household expenditure and standard of living which has ultimately enhanced food security of the resource-poor farmers. The majority of farmers opined that purchasing of foodgrains especially of rice and wheat, has declined and expenditure on fruits and vegetables has increased. There is a rise in the expenditure on house construction and children education after reclamation due to increase in farm income. The land reclamation programme has made a positive and significant contribution to livelihood security of small and marginal farmers. The study has concluded that household income and food security of resource-poor farmers in salt-affected areas can be improved through land reclamation programmes. The study has suggested that the large tracks of salt-affected lands that are lying barren in Uttar Pradesh and other states of the country should be treated for soil reclamation to improve the livelihood security of the resource-poor farmers and to strengthen food security of the country.