New Delhi: The ponds and wells dug under the rural job guarantee scheme have boosted farmers’ income by an average 15 per cent, a study has found.
The finding by the Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, appears to contradict charges that the scheme has lagged in asset creation and been largely a failure.
According to the survey, farmers reported an 11 per cent rise in rice and wheat production and 16 per cent for bajra, maize and pulses after ponds or wells were dug in their fields or in their neighbourhood under the scheme.
Oilseed yields rose by 25 per cent and vegetable output by 28 per cent. Overall, the survey found, farming households’ income rose by about 15 per cent because of the enhanced production.
Besides, households said the ponds and wells had made more water available for their livestock.
The sample survey spoke to households at 115 gram panchayats in 30 districts, including Birbhum in Bengal, in 21 states spread across various agro-climatic zones during 2015-16 and 2016-17.
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