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The study titled "Impact Assessment of the Capacity Building of Agriculture-Based Livelihoods" focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a program designed to enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods in rural India. The program's primary aim was to provide continuous support and advanced agricultural techniques to farmers, ensuring improved productivity and increased income. One of the significant findings of the study is the shift in cropping patterns among the farmers. The introduction of multiple cropping has led to a substantial decrease in monoculture practices, with 63% of farmers now engaging in multiple cropping, compared to 40.2% before the program. This shift is driven by several factors, including improved agricultural practices, better crop prices, improved soil quality, increased demand for specific crops, and enhanced knowledge in crop selection. The study also highlights the role of advanced agricultural tools and technologies, such as polyhouses and power weeders, in increasing crop yields and reducing manual labor. The introduction of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology has notably improved paddy productivity, enabling farmers to diversify their crops and cultivate off-season vegetables like spinach and cauliflower. The program has significantly impacted farmers' incomes, which have risen by 54% from INR 115386 to INR 177857. This increase is attributed to higher crop yields, the cultivation of high-value exotic crops, off-season farming, and the adoption of advanced technologies. Diversification into livestock and poultry has provided additional income sources, while direct selling through Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) has ensured better market prices for the farmers. Moreover, the increased income has been utilized for various purposes, including health expenses, savings, education, and home refurbishment, indicating an overall improvement in the socioeconomic status of the farmers.
Keywords: Agriculture, Capacity Building, Livelihoods, Crop Yield, Socioeconomic Development.
