Impact of Watershed Project on Farmers' Economy in Nagpur District

The present study attempts to examine the Impact of watershed project on farmers' economy in Nagpur district in Maharashtra state, India. Primary data for the study were collected through a sample of 90 farmers in the study area to year 2008-09. Data were collected by personal interview in a specially designed schedule. The findings of the study revealed that the total area of 421.14 hectares was benefited by different watershed management practices. The highest area (39.15 %) was benefited with Nala bunding, followed by 95.55 hectares (22.68 %) with Earthen ponds, 85.31 hectares (20.25 %) with Farm ponds and 75.5 hectares (17.92 %) with Nala training which gave a proper direction to the water stream flowing through the field, so as to check soil erosion. In the cropping pattern, the area of soybean, wheat, chickpea was increased by 52.57 per cent 49.29 per cent 85.93 per cent, respectively. There was an incremental change in production of pigeonpea (5.73 %) soybean (11.68 %) cotton (32.23 %) chickpea (33.23 %) and wheat (36.52 %) during post period. At overall level, per house hold total income of farmer was Rs. 121929.80. Income from agriculture contributes highest share of Rs. 108390.58 (88.89 %) to total income, contribution of livestock was 7399.88 (6.07 %) and income from other sources contributed Rs. 6138.94 (5.04 %) in total income.