Department of Agricultural Economics and Statistics, Shri Shivaji Agriculture College, Amravati (Maharashtra)
The impact of Upper Wardha Irrigation Project on income, expenditure and savings of beneficiary (60) and non-beneficiary (60) farmers has been studied for the year 2005–06, using appropriate statistical tools like averages, percentages and ratios, etc. The per hectare gross value of output for crops has been found more in beneficiary than non-beneficiary farmers. This has obviously been due to higher per hectare yield of crops on beneficiary farms. Higher productivity on beneficiary farms has been due to better availability of irrigation. The input-output ratios for different crops have been found higher in beneficiary than non-beneficiary farms. The simple tabular analysis has revealed the gross income from crops to be more on beneficiary than non-beneficiary farms. The net income has also been found more for beneficiary than non-beneficiary farmers. The study has concluded that the presence of Upper Wardha Irrigation Project has increased the availability of irrigation due to increase in the water table level. This has ultimately resulted in increase in production level, income level and gross cropped area, leading to a better standard of living of farmers in the area.
