ECONOMIC-IMPACT OF RURAL-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON SMALL FARMERS

Economic impact studies of three rural interventions (Farm clinic-FC, Dharmastala Rural Development Project-SKDRDP, and IRDP) and their comb inations were undertaken. Study revealed that the number of schemes wh ich failed to generate any income was maximum under IRDP. Though crop loans under FC did not seem to have any appreciable impact incomewise, results of minor irrigation projects were quite encouraging under all packages. The SKDRDP was observed to have comparatively 'the best' su stainable packages incomewise (combination of minor irrigation, land l evelling, plantation cultivation etc.,). However, schemes such as ''Da iry'' under IRDP and ''draft animals'' under F.C. were observed to be negative in their economics. Shift of beneficiaries from the lower inc ome groups to higher brackets was maximum under SKDRDP with least reve rsals. FC recorded minimum shifts with reversals, IRDP falling in betw een. SKDRDP's intervention had brought about maximum variation individ ually or in combination with regard to the ''sourcewise income variati on'', FC registering negative growth and IRDP falling in between. Depe ndence on agricultural wage was more under FC schemes and least under SKDRDP. As IRDP could not provide sufficient employment through its pa ckages, wage dependence was more. It was clear from the study that the approach of an NGO with regard to the identification of the problem, designing of sustainable packages and proper implementation, meticulou s follow-up etc. were responsible for the marked economic upliftment o f the small farmers.