Impact of Himachal Pradesh and Japan International Cooperation Agency Crop Diversification Promotion Project on farmers' income and food security-An appraisal

A Crop Diversification Promotion Project (CDP) was implemented in Himachal Pradesh (HP) with the collaboration of the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Official Development Assistance (JICA-ODA) in 2012. It lasted for 7 years with the objective to improve the socio-economic status of farm families. The operational area had 210 sub project sites spread over five districts viz., Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Una of the state. The project was implemented following a comprehensive package of multi-pronged strategy encompassing infrastructure development (such as irrigation, farm access roads, markets, etc.), inputs supply (seeds, fertilizers, farm machinery, etc.) supported by technical and capacity building programmes and strengthening of extension services and organized marketing. The impact study on socioeconomic status of farm families was carried out based upon the extensive review of information collected from the status reports and evaluation studies conducted by different agencies in the operational area. Study revealed that CDP project has been quite successful in improving the socio-economic status of farm families across project sites. There has been increase in the irrigated area and the area under vegetable crops. Cropping pattern changed resulting into 35-50 per cent of the farms being highly diversified with 50 per cent of the area under vegetable crops. In general, the extent of diversification was 9.69 per cent for vegetables crops in Mid and Low Hills under HPCDP-JICA project. Farm productivity and income increased by more than 3.5 times over the baseline income. In some cases increase in income was 5-6 times. The increase in income was attributed to several contributing factors and interventions carried out under HPCDP initiatives. Major contributors were found to be assured irrigation, capacity building programmes, introduction of improved varieties/ cultivation practices and proper/ balanced use of nutrients. Operational farm efficiency also registered improvement due to use of improved tools and machinery provided under the project. Overall, the project enhanced the cropping intensity, productivity, production and marketed surplus. Keeping in view, the impact on raising income and food security of farm families, it is advocated to expand the HPCDP domain to cover farm families in all districts of Himachal Pradesh.