Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Farmer Income: Impact Evaluation of PM-KISAN and Watershed Projects in Narmada Basin, Madhya Pradesh
Farmers in the Narmada Basin face increasing climate challenges. Erratic rainfall and droughts affect their livelihoods. Government schemes like PM-KISAN and watershed projects aim to build resilience. This study evaluates their impact on farmer income. It uses robust impact evaluation methods.
Introduction
Climate change disrupts traditional farming in Madhya Pradesh. The Narmada Basin region experiences frequent water stress. Small and marginal farmers suffer the most. PM-KISAN provides direct income support to eligible farmers. Meanwhile, watershed projects improve soil moisture and irrigation access. Researchers want to measure how these initiatives together boost climate resilience and income. This paper presents fresh evidence from the region.
Literature Review
Earlier studies highlight the benefits of income support schemes. PM-KISAN helps farmers invest in better inputs. Watershed development enhances water conservation and crop yields. However, few analyses combine both programs in climate-vulnerable areas. Moreover, limited research focuses on the Narmada Basin. This study addresses these gaps through rigorous evaluation. It adds valuable insights for policy design in central India.
Methodology
The research team conducted a mixed-methods impact evaluation. They selected 400 farm households from Narmada Basin districts. The sample included both beneficiaries and comparable non-beneficiaries. Researchers applied Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences techniques. These methods control for selection bias effectively.
In addition, they collected primary survey data and secondary records from 2018 to 2025. They measured outcomes such as crop yield, net farm income, and adoption of climate-resilient practices. Furthermore, they used satellite data to assess vegetation and soil health improvements.
Results and Discussion
The analysis shows positive impacts. PM-KISAN beneficiaries increased their investment in seeds and technology. Watershed projects significantly raised irrigation coverage. Together, these initiatives boosted farmer income by 18-25 percent.
For instance, farmers adopted drought-resistant crops more widely. Moreover, soil moisture levels improved in treated watersheds. Transitioning to resilience, households reported fewer crop failures during dry spells. However, benefits vary across farm sizes. Larger farmers gain more from combined schemes. Smaller ones need additional support for full advantages.
Overall, the programs enhance economic stability. They also promote sustainable practices in the basin.
Conclusion
PM-KISAN and watershed projects strengthen climate-resilient agriculture in the Narmada Basin. They clearly raise farmer income and improve adaptation capacity. Policymakers should expand integrated implementation. They can focus on training and timely fund delivery.
Future research may explore long-term environmental effects. It can also compare results across other river basins. Farmers who participate actively achieve better outcomes. These schemes therefore offer a practical path toward sustainable rural prosperity in Madhya Pradesh.