The study examined the economic viability of cost effective technology for treatment of seasonal torrents and rehabilitation of degraded lands through combination of mechanical and vegetative soil conservation measures. The project was funded by National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) in village Narayanpur, District Panchkula (Haryana) during 2001–2005. The results revealed that the project was economically viable with Rs. 65.66 lakhs worth of NPV and BCR of 2.65 at 8 per cent discount rate. The payback period for the project was 6 years and IRR was 29 per cent. The project was able to generate both productive as well as protective benefits. The technology was effective in channelizing the flow of runoff water, which rehabilitated about 100 acres of land for cultivation in the first year of the project. The farmers diversified their agricultural activities including cash crops and vegetables. The project had the ability to withstand an increase in costs by 10 per cent and decrease in benefits by 10 per cent even at the 10, 12 and 15 per cent discount rates. The project helped in reducing seasonal migration of landless in search of work in the nearby areas by providing higher on-farm employment opportunities and enhancing the value of land.
Benefit-cost ratio, Crop diversification, Net present value, Rainy season torrents
