Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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Final Report: Baseline Study in Bihar
2012-13
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Table of Contents Acknowledgement .............................................................................................................................. 8
Abbreviation ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................... 10
1 Chapter: Background and Introduction .................................................................................... 15
1.1 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................... 15
1.2 Focus of the Baseline Study: ............................................................................................. 16
1.3 Methodology of the Study ................................................................................................ 16
1.3.1 Sample selection ....................................................................................................... 16
1.3.2 Pre- testing of Tool .................................................................................................... 17
1.3.3 Training ..................................................................................................................... 17
1.3.4 Field Work and Data Collection ................................................................................ 18
2 Chapter: Village Profile ............................................................................................................. 19
2.1 Demographic Profile ......................................................................................................... 19
2.2 Primary Occupation .......................................................................................................... 20
2.3 Poverty Status ................................................................................................................... 20
2.4 Basic Infrastructure ........................................................................................................... 21
2.4.1 Basic Infrastructure facilities ..................................................................................... 21
2.4.2 Agricultural facilities ................................................................................................. 22
2.4.3 Health facilities .......................................................................................................... 22
2.5 Irrigation Facilities ............................................................................................................. 23
3 Chapter: Household Profile ....................................................................................................... 24
3.1 Basic Profile ....................................................................................................................... 24
3.1.1 Household Category: ................................................................................................. 24
3.1.2 Poverty Status: .......................................................................................................... 24
3.1.3 House Type, Drinking Water and Toilet: ................................................................... 25
3.1.4 Education Profile: ...................................................................................................... 25
3.2 Activity Profile ................................................................................................................... 27
3.2.1 Working Women ....................................................................................................... 30
3.2.2 Details of non-wage generating Activities by Female Members: ............................. 30
3.2.3 Details of wage generating activities by Female Members ...................................... 30
3.2.4 Details of women involved in agricultural activities ................................................. 31
3.2.5 Level of Satisfaction amongst Women ..................................................................... 32
3.2.6 Decision making on choice of Work by Women ....................................................... 33
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3.2.7 Decision making amongst women involved in agricultural activities ....................... 33
4 Chapter: Agricultural Practices ................................................................................................. 35
4.1 Cultivated Land Size .......................................................................................................... 35
4.2 Main Crops ........................................................................................................................ 36
4.2.1 Various crops grown by farmers in a year on their own field ................................... 37
4.3 Land Preparation ............................................................................................................... 38
4.4 Seed Selection ................................................................................................................... 39
4.4.1 Varieties of seeds used in the three districts ............................................................ 39
4.5 Irrigation ............................................................................................................................ 41
4.6 Nursery Raising and Transplantation ................................................................................ 42
4.7 Weeding ............................................................................................................................ 42
4.8 Fertilizer/ Pesticides Application....................................................................................... 43
4.8.1 Fertilizer and Manure................................................................................................ 43
4.8.2 Pesticides .................................................................................................................. 43
4.9 Harvest .............................................................................................................................. 45
4.10 Threshing ........................................................................................................................... 45
4.11 Storage .............................................................................................................................. 45
5 Chapter: Agriculture Income and Expenditure ......................................................................... 46
5.1 Income from Agriculture ................................................................................................... 46
5.1.1 Major crops grown in the three districts .................................................................. 46
5.1.2 Productivity ............................................................................................................... 46
5.1.3 Productivity per acre for three major crops i.e. Maize, Paddy and Wheat .............. 47
5.2 Sale and Consumption of the Produce ............................................................................. 49
5.2.1 Households that don’t sell ........................................................................................ 49
5.2.2 Households that sell produce ................................................................................... 50
5.3 Buyer and Reason for choosing buyer .............................................................................. 50
5.4 Time of payment and Advise received with regards to agriculture .................................. 51
5.5 Net Agricultural Income (Net Farm Income) ..................................................................... 52
5.5.1 Net agricultural income on the basis of district ........................................................ 52
5.5.2 Net agricultural income on the basis of land holding ............................................... 52
5.5.3 Net agricultural income on the basis of social category ........................................... 53
5.6 Agricultural expenditure ................................................................................................... 54
5.6.1 Agricultural Expenditure for Small & Marginal Farmers ........................................... 55
5.7 Non- farm income and its sources .................................................................................... 55
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5.8 Net Household Income (Farm and Non Farm Income) ..................................................... 56
5.8.1 Net household income on the basis of districts ........................................................ 56
5.8.2 Net household income on the basis of land holding ................................................ 56
5.8.3 Net household income on the basis of social category ............................................ 57
5.9 Households taken Agriculture Loan .................................................................................. 58
6 Chapter: Government Schemes and Services Related to Agriculture and Food Security ........ 60
6.1 Agriculture Services Received ........................................................................................... 60
6.2 Government Schemes and Programme ............................................................................ 61
6.2.1 Status of government schemes and programmes in the three districts .................. 62
6.3 PDS and other schemes to improve food security ............................................................ 64
6.3.1 Receive Items through PDS ....................................................................................... 64
6.3.2 PDS items distributed amongst SC and ST category ................................................. 65
6.3.3 Food Crisis faced by households ............................................................................... 65
6.3.4 Households facing food Crisis in 2011 ...................................................................... 66
6.3.5 Effects of Food Crisis ................................................................................................. 67
7 Chapter: Relation with Primary and Secondary Institutions .................................................... 68
7.1 Membership of Village Level Groups ................................................................................ 68
7.2 Participation in SHG .......................................................................................................... 68
7.3 Participation in Other Groups ........................................................................................... 69
7.4 Personal Rapport with Panchayat Members, Village and Block Level Officials ................ 70
7.5 Role of PRI and NGOs in Agriculture ................................................................................. 70
8 Chapter: Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................................ 72
A. Annexure1 ................................................................................................................................. 74
B. Annexure 2 ................................................................................................................................... 96
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List of Tables
Table 1.1Sample Covered ..................................................................................................................... 17
Table 2.1: Caste-wise distribution of HHs in villages ............................................................................ 20
Table 2.2: irrigation Status in villages ................................................................................................... 23
Table 4.1: Major crops grown in all the 405 households ...................................................................... 37
Table 4.3: Households involved in vegetable production ..................................................................... 38
Table 4.4: Type of seeds used ............................................................................................................... 39
Table 4.5: Types of seed used in the three districts ............................................................................. 40
Table 4.6: Source of Procurement of seeds .......................................................................................... 41
Table 4.7: Type of Pesticides used ........................................................................................................ 44
Table 5.1: District wise distribution of major crops .............................................................................. 46
Table 5.2: Households that do not sell produce ................................................................................... 49
Table 5.3: Social category wise distribution of respondents who do not sell any produce ................. 50
Table 5.4: buyers for the produce and the reason of choosing them .................................................. 51
Table 5.5: Net agricultural income on the basis of land holding .......................................................... 52
Table 5.6: Net agricultural income on the basis of land holding .......................................................... 53
Table 5.7: Net agricultural income on the basis of social category ...................................................... 54
Table 5.8: Sources of non farm income ................................................................................................ 56
Table 5.9: Net household income on the basis of districts ................................................................... 56
Table 5.10: Net household produce on the basis of land holding ........................................................ 57
Table 5.11: Net household income on the basis of social category ..................................................... 57
Table 6.1: PDS items received amongst SC and ST categories .............................................................. 65
Table 6.2: Food crisis with respect to social category .......................................................................... 66
Table7.1: Participation of SC and ST households in SHGs and other groups ........................................ 69
Table 9.1: Type of House....................................................................................................................... 74
Table 9.2: Availability of Toilets ............................................................................................................ 74
Table 9.3: Main Source of Drinking Water ............................................................................................ 74
Table 9.4: Categorization of Working Women according to Social Category ....................................... 74
Table 9.5: Categorization of Women according to Economic Category ............................................... 74
Table 9.6: Average Hours spent on the Wage Activities on a daily basis ............................................. 75
Table 9.7: Categorization according to the Hours spent on Wage Earning Activities .......................... 75
Table 9.8: Level of Satisfaction amongst the Working Women ............................................................ 75
Table 9.9: Non Wage Activities by Female Members ........................................................................... 75
Table 9.10: Number of Hours spent on Non Wage Activities ............................................................... 76
Table 9.11: Having Livestock ................................................................................................................. 76
Table 9.12: Type of Livestock ................................................................................................................ 76
Table 9.13: Membership to Village Level Groups ................................................................................. 76
Table 9.14: Type of Groups ................................................................................................................... 76
Table 9.15: Participation in Other Groups ............................................................................................ 77
Table 9.16: Role of PRI in Agriculture ................................................................................................... 77
Table 9.17: NGOs working in the sector of Agriculture ........................................................................ 77
Table 9.18: Items Received under the Public Distribution System ....................................................... 77
Table 9.19: Regularity of Receiving Wheat under the PDS ................................................................... 77
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Table 9.20: Fair Price of Wheat under PDS ........................................................................................... 78
Table 9.21: Right quantity of Wheat under PDS ................................................................................... 78
Table 9.22: Regularity of Receiving Rice under PDS ............................................................................. 78
Table 9.23: Right Quantity of Rice under PDS....................................................................................... 78
Table 9.24: Fair Price of Receiving Rice under PDS ............................................................................... 78
Table 9.25: Regularity of Receiving Kerosene under PDS ..................................................................... 79
Table 9.26: Right Quantity of Kerosene under PDS .............................................................................. 79
Table 9.27: Fair Price of Kerosene under PDS ....................................................................................... 79
Table 9.28: Regularity of receiving Sugar under PDS ............................................................................ 79
Table 9.29: Right Quantity of Sugar under PDS .................................................................................... 79
Table 9.30: Fair Price of Sugar under PDS ............................................................................................. 79
Table 9.31: Months wherein Food Crisis is faced by Respondents ....................................................... 80
Table 9.32: Food Crisis faced by Respondents in 2011 ......................................................................... 80
Table 9.33: Months in which Food Crisis was faced in 2011 ................................................................ 80
Table 9.34: Effects of Food Crisis .......................................................................................................... 81
Table 9.35: Items received under PDS, by HH facing crisis in 2011 ...................................................... 81
Table 9.36: Received Agriculture Extension Services in the Year 2011 ................................................ 81
Table 9.37: Institution from where Agriculture Services are received ................................................. 81
Table 9.38: Attended Demonstration on Agriculture ........................................................................... 81
Table 9.39: Institutions Disseminating these Demonstrations ............................................................. 82
Table 9.40: Part of Agriculture Related Demonstration Visits in 2011 ................................................. 82
Table 9.41: Institutions Disseminating Demonstration in the year 2011 ............................................. 82
Table 9.42: Main Crops Cultivated in the Area ..................................................................................... 82
Table 9.43: Source of Procurement of Seeds on an Overall Level ........................................................ 83
Table 9.44: Irrigation facilities used by the Respondents ..................................................................... 83
Table 9.45: Fertilizers Applied ............................................................................................................... 83
Table 9.46: Use of manure .................................................................................................................... 84
Table 9.47: Name of the Fertilizer ........................................................................................................ 84
Table 9.48: Place of Procurement of Fertilizers .................................................................................... 84
Table 9.49: name of the Pesticides Used across Crop Categories ........................................................ 85
Table 9.50: Place of Procurement of Pesticides across crop categories ............................................... 85
Table 9.51: Harvesting Machinery ........................................................................................................ 86
Table 9.52: Threshing Machinery .......................................................................................................... 86
Table 9.53: Storage of the Crop ............................................................................................................ 86
Table 9.54: Awareness about Schemes and Programmes .................................................................... 87
Table 9.55: Source of Information with regards to Schemes and Government Programmes ............. 87
Table 9.56: Regularity of Availing Benefits ........................................................................................... 87
Table 9.57: Reason for Storage ............................................................................................................. 88
Table 9.58: Place of Selling ................................................................................................................... 88
Table 9.59: Buyers for the Produce ...................................................................................................... 88
Table 9.60: Timing of Receiving the Payment ....................................................................................... 89
Table 9.61: Advice Received from with regards to Agriculture ............................................................ 89
Table 9.62: Productivity with respect to Major Crops .......................................................................... 89
Table 9.63: Caste wise Population covered under the Village Profile .................................................. 89
Table 9.64: Primary Occupation across the villages studied (from village profile) .............................. 90
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Table 9.65: Poverty Status off the Village Population (from village profile) ........................................ 90
Table 9.66: Educational Infrastructure (from village profile) ............................................................... 90
Table 9.67: Drinking Water Sources (from village profile) .................................................................... 90
Table 9.68: Irrigation Sources (from village profile) ............................................................................. 91
Table 9.69: Land ownership on the basis of social category ................................................................ 91
Table 9.70: Land holding classification of SC and ST farmers ............................................................... 91
Table 9.71: Participation of Households in SHGs and other groups based on size of land holding ..... 91
Table 9.72: Sources of irrigation for villages( from village profile) ....................................................... 95
Table 9.73: various crops grown by farmers (season wise) .................................................................. 95
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List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Division of villages on the basis of size ............................................................................... 19
Figure 2-2: Access to Basic infrastructure facilities .............................................................................. 21
Figure 2-3: Access to Agricultural facilities ........................................................................................... 22
Figure 2-4: Access to Health Facilities ................................................................................................... 22
Figure 3-1: Social Category of respondents .......................................................................................... 24
Figure 3-2: Economic Status of the respondents .................................................................................. 25
Figure 3-3: Educational Profile of household members (6 years and above) ....................................... 26
Figure 3-4: Gender distribution of educational profile of household members (6 years and above) .. 26
Figure 3-5: Activity Profile (above 14 years) ......................................................................................... 27
Figure 3-6: District wise distribution of major activities ....................................................................... 28
Figure 3-7: Number of days of involvement in all activities ................................................................. 28
Figure 3-8: Nature of involvement in agricultural activities ................................................................. 29
Figure 3-9: Details of earning activities amongst women .................................................................... 30
Figure 3-10: District wise composition of women involved in agricultural activities ........................... 31
Figure 3-11: level of satisfaction amongst women involved in income generating activities .............. 32
Figure 3-12: Reason of dissatisfaction amongst women engaged as agriculture daily wage labour ... 32
Figure 3-13: Decision making amongst working women ...................................................................... 33
Figure 3-14: Decision making amongst women involved in agricultural activities ............................... 33
Figure 4-1: Cultivated land size ............................................................................................................. 35
Figure 4-2: District wise distribution of farmers with own lands ......................................................... 36
Figure 4-3: Various crops grown by farmers in a year on their own field ............................................ 37
Figure 5-1: Productivity per acre with respect to major crops ............................................................. 47
Figure 5-2: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in land more than 5 acre ....................... 47
Figure 5-3: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in 2-5 acre land ...................................... 48
Figure 5-4: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in 1-2 acre land ...................................... 48
Figure 5-5: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in land more than 5 acre ....................... 49
Figure 5-6: Sale of produce ................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 5-7: Expenditure categories incurred by households with respect to Agriculture .................... 54
Figure 5-8: Expenditure categories incurred by marginal & small farmers with respect to agriculture
.............................................................................................................................................................. 55
Figure 5-9: Sources of agriculture loan ................................................................................................. 58
Figure 5-10: Purpose of availing agriculture loans ............................................................................... 59
Figure 6-1: Comparison between awareness and availing of schemes ................................................ 61
Figure 6-2: Satisfaction of beneficiaries ................................................................................................ 62
Figure 6-3: Status of government schemes and programmes in Khagaria district ............................... 63
Figure 6-4: Status of government schemes and programmes in Purnea district ................................. 63
Figure 6-5: Action taken to overcome food crisis ................................................................................. 67
Figure 7-1: Participation in SHG ............................................................................................................ 69
Figure 7-2: Personal rapport with members in authority ..................................................................... 70
Figure 7-3: Role of NGOs in agriculture ................................................................................................ 71
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Acknowledgement
We are especially grateful to Mr.Ashis Mondal, Director, ASA, G Jayanthi, Theme Manager- HR and
team, for giving New Concept support and inputs at each stage of the Baseline Study.
Our special thanks to the Team Leaders, ASA, and team for their support throughout the field work
period especially to Yogesh Sharma for arranging the logistics for training at Purnea.
We express our thanks to the PEs, DAs and VRPs of ASA for their contribution to the field work.
We thank our field executives for their dedicated and sincere job in the field and to the New Concept
staff who spared no effort in going through the entire research process including analysis of the
data. Without their help, this task could not have been completed.
We are thankful to all the above mentioned who took time from their busy schedule and
contributed to the study in many ways. Without them, this work would not have been possible.
Last but not the least we express our gratitude to the community and households who spared their
time and patiently responded to our questions.
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Abbreviation
ASA: Action for Social Advancement
BoD: Board of Directors
BRLPS: Bihar Rural livelihoods Promotion Society
DA: Development Assistant (ASA)
FGD: Focus Group Discussion
HR: Human Resource
INM: Integrated Nutrient Management
IPM: Integrated Pest Management
LRP: Local Resource Persons
MKP: Mahila Kisan Pathshala
MKPC: Manila Kisan Producer Company
MKSP: Manila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana
PE: Project Executive (ASA)
PG: Primary Group
PTD: Participatory Technology Development
SHG: Self Help Group
SRI: System of Rice Intensification
SWI: System of Wheat Intensification
VRP: Village Resource Person (ASA)
WFPC: Women Farmer Producer Groups
WI: Women Institution
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Executive Summary
The primary focus of this baseline study was on current agricultural practices which include income
from agriculture, linkages with the government schemes related to agriculture and relationships
with primary and secondary institutions where the target groups are farmers. Keeping in mind this
objective of the study, a total of 15 villages were covered across three districts of Jamui, Khagaria
and Purnea. The Baseline Study covered 405 households in Bihar. In each village one village profile
was compiled and in each cluster, in the biggest village in terms of population, one FGD was also
conducted.
Village & Household Profile
With reference to the social categories of households surveyed in the study, it was observed that
amongst a total of 405 households interviewed, about 58 percent belonged to Other Backward
Class. Both SC and ST households were 16.8 percent of the total sample, OBC and general
households comprised 57.5 and 8.9 percent respectively of the 405 households studied.
Nearly one fourth of the members from the sampled households in the category of 6 years and
above (about 23 percent), were illiterate. Nearly 47 percent of the household members were
engaged in agricultural wage labour for 201-300 days a year. Also in the district of Purnea much
more people than the other two districts are involved in activities like Farming and Housework.
The basic infrastructure was also studied from the village profile and it was noted that all the villages
were electrified. In terms of Educational Infrastructure Primary Schools were reported to be present
in 60 percent of the villages. With respect to Drinking Water Sources, hand Pump was the pre-
dominant source present in nearly 68 percent of the villages
Amongst a total of 68 women (from the households sampled) involved in wage earning activities, 63
percent women were involved in agricultural daily wage labour for their source of earning. Nearly 49
percent women reported that they were satisfied and about 33 percent women reported that they
were not satisfied with the work they were doing (the remaining 18 percent could neither describe
themselves as satisfied or not satisfied). When considering women involved in agricultural activities,
it is noticed that majority of the decisions made for females engaged as agricultural daily wage
labourer are joint in nature, for women practicing agriculture in their own field, similar sort of trend
is seen as majority of the decisions for female members in this category are also jointly made i.e.
women’s opinion is taken into perspective.
Agriculture Profile and Practices
For the household questionnaire only those households were taken into perspective that owned
land. Among these sampled households it was observed that 67 percent of the farmers belonged to
the marginal category and owned less than 1 acre of land and very few fell in the category of large
farmers. It was not surprising to note that the main crops included Paddy and Maize, which form the
staple diet of the people in Bihar. About 42 percent of the household members also stated that they
cultivated Wheat. Accordingly, Maize, Paddy and Potato are the three most popular Kharif crops and
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similarly Wheat, Brinjal and Cauliflower are the three most popular Rabi crops grown in the area
studied.
On further analysis to help assess the status of vegetable production, it can be concluded that not
many households were involved in the production and cultivation of vegetables, in fact save for
Potato (6.4 percent), cultivation of other vegetables was very insignificant. A percentage wise
distribution of all households that were involved in vegetable production shows that outside of
Potato, Brinjal (2 percent) and White Gourd (2.7 percent) are the two most grown vegetables.
With respect to seed selection, it was noted that hybrid varieties of seeds were popular amongst the
farmers for Maize and Brinjal, and high yield varieties were widely used for Paddy, Wheat and
Potato. Also traditional varieties of seeds were popular amongst farmers in district Jamui, whereas
for both Purnea and Khagaria hybrid varieties of seeds were most commonly used. In terms of
procurement of seeds, it was noted that direct procurement from markets seemed to be popular for
all crops. Seed treatment is not practiced in any other district except for Khagaria, where it is
practiced for Paddy. From both the FGD findings and the household questionnaire it was established
that bore well is the major source of irrigation in the area.
Further, broadcasting method of sowing was popular across all districts for all the varieties of crops.
Weeding is done manually in the districts of Purnea and Jamui, however in district Khagaria it was
noted that machine was used for weeding for Paddy. With respect to fertilizers and manure, the
results indicated that nearly 54 percent respondents used straight fertilizers, about 31 percent
respondents used complex fertilizers and nearly 15 percent respondents practiced the use of
micronutrients. With reference to the use of pesticides, the results obtained indicated that across all
the crops Maize, Paddy, Wheat, Potato, Banana and Brinjal, Insecticides appeared to be the most
popularly used which was followed by the use of herbicides. Most respondents reported that they
stored produce inside their house.
Agriculture Income & Expenditure
With respect to the productivity of the crops cultivated by the respondents, the findings are
interesting. From the sample who reported growing Maize, Paddy and Wheat, the largest proportion
reported that the productivity was below 10 quintal per acre in cases of Maize and Wheat, while for
Paddy the productivity ranged between 11 to 20 quintals.
It was also established that most of the households that do not sell their produce are from marginal
(less than 1 Acre) and small (1-2 Acre) households. District wise analysis of this data shows that
situation in Jamui and Khagaria is considerably worse off than district Purnea when considering
farmers that don’t sell their produce.
The respondents were asked about the buyers who usually bought their produce and here it was not
surprising to note that almost 80 percent respondents reported that their produce was traded in the
village itself whereas 15 percent reported that the produce was traded outside the village. In terms
of timing of payment received 46 percent reported that they received the payment on the same day,
nearly 28 percent received it within seven days and about 23 percent received it within 8-30 days
after the sale..
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While considering the net agricultural income earned by farmers in the three districts it is clearly
seen that district Jamui lags far behind the other two districts when it comes to net income earned
from agriculture, in fact 90 percent of the people in this district reported to have incurred a loss in
2011 i.e. signifying that their expenditure was more than that of the income earned from selling
produce. Net agricultural income earned by various types of farmers show that as expected loss
incurred by farmers having only marginal land holdings i.e. less than 1 Acre exhibit the maximum
composition experiencing loss. Around 67 percent of all marginal farmers stated that they had
experienced negative agricultural income in 2011. Another important point to note here is the
production, sale and expenditure of crops amongst the various social categories of farmers, once
again the data as expected shows that majority of the SC and ST households reported that they
experienced loss, in fact a staggering 88.2 percent of SC and 91.2 percent of ST households stated
they had experienced a net negative agricultural income in 2011. While analyzing the various
expenditure heads incurred for agricultural activities, it is realized that fertilizers (28.2 percent),
irrigation (20.4 percent), tractor/power tiller (17.8 percent) and labour (17.8 percent) are the major
sources of expenditure for the 405 surveyed households.
While considering the net household income (including non-farm income) for farmers in the three
districts it can be said that non farm income has supplemented the overall household income of a
large number of households covered during the study, none more so than in district Jamui. Also
farmers whether marginal, small, medium or large have all augmented their net household income
from non-farm sources. While analyzing the net household income data for various social categories,
it was revealed that SC and ST households have drastically increased their household income as a
result of their non-farm ventures, only 11.8 and 13.2 percent of SC and ST households respectively
report to have incurred any loss in their net household income. While considering the non farm
income earned by households and various sources of it, wages earned through labour work emerged
as the single major contributor (around 81 percent).
The study also indicated that amongst the total respondents about 21 percent had taken agriculture
loan while the rest claimed not to have taken any loan. Further, probing with the respondents who
had taken loan for agriculture indicated that money lender was the pre dominant source of lending
for this purpose.
Government schemes and services related to Agriculture & Food Security
The results for the items that are received under the Public Distribution System by the respondents
indicated that nearly 56 percent reported to obtain wheat and rice under this system. About 98
percent respondents received kerosene. The observations with respect to receiving fair price and
quantity were tilted towards the negative side. Out of total sampled households, 52.3 percent stated
that they received Wheat and Rice respectively, out of those who said they received wheat 55
percent were OBC, whereas only 5.2 percent were from general category. The percent of SC who
received wheat was only 12.7 whereas that of ST was considerably better i.e. 27 percent. The
percentage composition for those who received Rice was quite similar to that of wheat.
With respect to the status of food crisis, it was noted that a little less than half the respondents,
about 48 percent reported that they had faced food crisis and the rest reported otherwise. A further
review found that out of those who had faced food crisis, 60 percent of the respondents had faced
this crisis every year. Facing food crisis every year seemed to be the norm amongst scheduled caste
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and general category people. While interestingly, majority of scheduled tribe group reported facing
this occasionally. The months of February and March were when this crisis usually surfaced.
It is also important to understand what kind of efforts are made to overcome this food crisis, it was
observed that borrowing money seemed to be the most common solution amongst the respondents
(as about three fourth of the respondents resorted to this step).
With respect to Government schemes, it must be noted that except for awareness on subsidies
related to seeds, the knowledge on other schemes and programmes appears to be low amongst the
respondents and an effort must be made to raise awareness in this regard. However amongst those
aware, a large number of respondents were also availing the schemes. Hence, it can be implied that
if the awareness of schemes is raised amongst the farmers then availing the benefits of those
schemes will automatically follow.
From the district wise analysis of data regarding awareness and availing of government schemes and
programmes, it can be established that households in district Khagaria are majorly aware about only
two schemes i.e. subsidy on seeds and fertilizers, percentage of household beneficiaries only half
(50.8 percent) of those households that were aware of subsidy on loan were availing that scheme;
nearly 68 percent of those households that were aware of subsidy on fertilizer were availing/had
availed that subsidy. Percentage awareness about government schemes and programmes was even
lower in district Purnea than it was in district Khagaria, the maximum awareness was for the crop
loan scheme (45.1 percent), 39.5 percent were aware of subsidy on seeds and 24.7 percent for loan
for tractor/pump/machinery. Percentage of households availing the schemes and programmes were
also quite low, schemes that the households were less aware of also had less beneficiaries. The
statistics that emerged for district Jamui were quite abysmal; in fact not a single household in this
district was aware about any sort of scheme or programme by the government.
With reference to the source of information with regards to the schemes and programmes, it was
noted that most of the respondents, received this information from the Sarpanch/ Other GP officials.
It is interesting to note that media also plays a role in spreading awareness with respect to schemes
as nearly 9 percent reported that their awareness was from TV/Newspapers. Hence, it may be
inferred that this is an avenue which can serve good for spread of awareness. In terms of regularity
of availing the schemes of the respondents who reported to be the beneficiaries of schemes, it was
noted that not more than three fourth of the respondents reported of availing any type of scheme
regularly. An attempt was also made to understand whether those who reported to be benefitting
from the scheme were actually satisfied. The results obtained indicated that the satisfaction level
ranged from between 65 per to 100 percent on various schemes.
Linkages with Primary & Secondary Institutions
It is important that the communities are part of groups as these may help them in increasing their
awareness, exposure, and assist in solving occupational and other problems through discussions and
specific initiatives. However, amongst the 405 households studied only about 12 percent reported to
be part of village level groups or were members of Self Help Groups. Water user groups and
Producer Groups are not very popular amongst the respondents. The status of participation in the
group meetings was even worse though the awareness about the meetings being held was high.
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
14 | P a g e
Thus, it can be said that motivation is needed to encourage the respondents to participate in the
meetings as more awareness and attendance does persuade them to participate in decision making.
The rapport of the communities with Block level official, PRI, Agriculture officials was not that good,
in fact, only about 13 percent reported to have a rapport with the Sarpanch. Further, only about 19
percent respondents reported to share a rapport with the Agriculture Officer. An attempt was made
to understand the role that PRI plays in agricultural practices and productivity. Here, it was noted
that, not much effort was being taken on this front. It was also noted that nearly 75 percent
respondents reported that NGOs were working in this area.
It was also noted that nearly 66 percent respondents had received agriculture extension services in
the year 2011. With respect to the institution from where these respondents had received the
services included District/ Block level officials and Agriculture University as was popularly pointed
out. However, NGOs were pointed out by maximum respondents. Demonstrations on agriculture did
not seem to be a common response in the area and amongst the few that were held were
disseminated by the Districts/Block Level officers. Here, it can be concluded that though Krishi
Vigyan Kendra is established to disseminate knowledge to farmers, activities such as seminars and
demonstrations on agriculture services do not seem to be common. Further, most of the farmers
reported that they attend most of the activities being done by the NGOs in this area. .
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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1 Chapter: Background and Introduction
Bihar located in the eastern part of the country (between 83°-30' to 88°-00' longitude) is an entirely
land-locked state, though the outlet to the sea through the port of Kolkata is not far away. Bihar lies
mid-way between the humid West Bengal in the east and the sub humid Uttar Pradesh in the west
which provides it with a transitional position with respect to climatic conditions, economy and
culture. It is bounded by Nepal in the north and by Jharkhand towards the south. The plains of Bihar
are divided into two unequal halves by the river Ganga which flows through the middle from west to
east1. The climate of Bihar is similar to that of climatic pattern of the Indian subcontinent. It enjoys a
continental monsoon type of climate owing to its great distance from the sea2.
Agriculture is considered to be the backbone of Bihar’s economy as 81 percent of the workforce
here is employed in the field of Agriculture, which is much higher than the national average of 52
percent3. Nearly 42 per of the State Domestic Product is contributed by the Agriculture Sector (2004-
05, including forestry and fishing). The state is said to have gained self-sufficiency in food grains
production. However barring maize and pulses, productivity of various farm produce in Bihar is much
below national average. Though the area under cultivation is shrinking within the state, there is
tremendous scope for income generation in this sector. Adverse climatic conditions, like draught and
floods, do play a role in decreasing productions but the State Government attempts to re orient
agriculture through diversification policies and other measures4.
Major types of soil found in Bihar include the following:
1. Piedmont Swamp Soil - found in North-western part of west Champaran district
2. Terai Soil - found in northern part of the state along the border of Nepal
3. The Gangetic Alluvium - the plain of Bihar is covered by Gangetic Alluvium (both new as well
as old)
1.1 Purpose of the Study Action for Social Advancement (ASA) is a not for profit Non-Governmental Organisation working in
the sphere of livelihood and with millions of poor people in its operational regions in India. In
October 2011, ASA has started a project entitled “Enhancing status of small women farmers by
improving their strategic role in agriculture through building two tier women led collectives,
increased agriculture productivity and ensuring efficient backward and forward systems in three
districts- Purnea, Khagaria & Jamui of Bihar”.
The purpose of the Project is to collectivize women farmers at various levels for creating a strategic
role for them in agriculture and creating sustainable agriculture based livelihood for them. The major
components of the project include:
1. Building and nurturing farmers’ groups at the primary and apex level
2. Planning and Implementation of agriculture based livelihood initiatives
1http://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/default.htm
2http://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/default.htm
3http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-17/varanasi/31204312_1_agriculture-icar-farmers
4http://krishi.bih.nic.in/defolt1.html
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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3. Formation and development of Mahila Kisan Producer Company for market linkages and
obtaining extension and knowledge services
The Key activities to be undertaken as a part of the project would include:
1. Training, exposure and several capacity building interventions for Mahila Kisan Samooh and
LRPs
2. Agriculture based livelihood interventions such as – trial and demonstration of Good
Agriculture Practices (replacement of varieties, SRI, SWI, vegetable garden, seed production
and dissemination, INM, IPM etc.), Land and Water Resources development (viz. Field bund,
levelling, diversion based irrigation, stop dam, talab, dug wells, lift irrigation, sprinkler etc.)
3. Formation and development of MKPC, for which activities will include awareness building,
drafting constitution, registration of the company, develop and establish system and
procedures related to admin, accounts, HR, develop business plan and implementation,
statutory compliance, etc.
The Project will be implemented with 18000 small and marginal farmers in 67 villages. There will be
in total 5 clusters of villages, each with 25 villages and 2000-2200 women farmers. In Purnea and
Khagaria there would be two clusters each and in Jamui there will be one cluster.
In this contest, ASA wanted to conduct a baseline study to understand the current scenario which
will serve as the base to mark changes during and post project implementation stages. ASA
commissioned New Concept Information Systems to conduct the baseline study in Bihar.
1.2 Focus of the Baseline Study: The baseline study primarily focuses on current agricultural practices which include income from
agriculture, linkages with the government schemes related to agriculture and relationships with
primary and secondary institutions where the target groups are farmers.
1.3 Methodology of the Study
1.3.1 Sample selection
The determination of the overall sample size for the Baseline study is governed by several
considerations, including key indicators, the availability of resources, and logistical considerations.
This study is seen as providing data for a baseline that can be compared at mid point and end of the
project in terms of improved practices of agriculture, increment in agriculture income and improved
status of women. The Baseline Study aimed to cover 405 households in Bihar
[Note: A sample of size 384 gives estimates with 95% of confidence and 5% of margin of error in
estimating proportions for a population size from 2,50,000 and above.5]
From each cluster 3 villages were selected and from each village 27 household were selected for
household interview. In each village one village profile was compiled and in each cluster, in the
5References:
1. Cochran, W.G. (1977), Sampling Techniques, 3rd edition, New York: John Wiley 2. Tripathi, P. C. (2003), A Text Book of Research Methodology in Social Sciences, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi. (Pages -125-129)
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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biggest village in terms of population, one FGD was conducted to get an overall village overview.
(Refer Annexure 2 for detailed household selection process).
Table 1.1Sample Covered
District Cluster BLOCK VILLLAGE HH Interview
Village Profile
FGD
Jamui Chakai Chakai
Pojha 27 1 1
Rahima 27 1
Burhiatanr 27 1
Purnea
Bhawanipur -1 Bhawanipur
Supauli 27 1 1
Sondip 27 1
Parasbani 27 1
Bhawanipur -2 Bhawanipur
Sonima (Souna) 27 1 1
Madhoapur 27 1
Basantpur Chintamanmilik
27 1
Khagaria
Cluster-1 & 2 Chouthan
Nirpur 27 1 1
Bakeya 27 1
Partraha 27 1
Cluster-1 & 2 Chouthan
Devka 27 1 1
Saraiya 27 1
Navrolia 27 1
Total 405 15 5
In the baseline study three tools were used to collect information:
Household Tool
Village Profile and
Focus Group Discussion
1.3.2 Pre- testing of Tool
Pre-testing of household tools was carried out in a village called Rampur (District Hapur) in UP, near
New Delhi on 29 May 2012. The team pre-tested the tool and pointed out the problem areas in the
tools and the difficulties faced in administering the tool which was modified after discussion within
the New Concept team.
1.3.3 Training
Training for data collection was carried out at Purnea from 6th to 8th June 2012. The training agenda
and plan were prepared keeping in mind the information needed by the data collection team in
order to gather relevant and robust data for successful completion of the study.
Interactive sessions used for the training helped participants to learn three tools thoroughly and
they also participated enthusiastically in mock sessions. After each session/ tool, feedback was given
to the participants and also clarifications were made if any doubts arise in between the session.
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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Classroom training was followed by one day field practice which was very helpful the data collection
team obtained hands on experience. The field training was conducted in Chota Sahara village near
Purnea on 8th June.
1.3.4 Field Work and Data Collection
The entire field work was completed in around one month, it started on 9th June 2012 and
completed on 12th July 2012. In each village a team of two DAs (of ASA) spent 3 days to complete
household selection and household interviews. The PEs (of ASA) were involved in filling up of village
profile and conduct Focus Group Discussion. Field Executives monitored and supervised data
collection.
Scrutiny at village level was done by the data collection team under the guidance of Field Executives.
The data was then subjected to office level scrutiny in Delhi and entered. Computerised checks were
used to clean and validate the data, which was then analysed for table generation. The
chapterization and tabulation plan was shared with ASA team and agreed upon, which was referred
to while writing this report.
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2 Chapter: Village Profile
The objective of this chapter is to understand the demographic profile and infrastructural facilities
across the 15 villages covered under the sample of this study. The Chapter is the result of the
analysis obtained from the village profile tool.
2.1 Demographic Profile The total number of households in all the villages combined was noted to be 4798. In terms of
demographic Profile, with respect to various castes residing in the 15 villages include Scheduled
Tribes- who seemed to be the pre dominant category as it formed nearly 47percent of the
households. The general category contributed about 12 percent of the households residing in the
sampled villages. Nearly 15 percent of the households belonged to other backward castes. (Refer to
Annexure Table 9.63: Caste wise Population covered under the Village Profile).
Also if the villages were to be divided on the basis of size, the below given pie chart would give an
illustration of the same:
Figure 2-1: Division of villages on the basis of size
For the purpose of this study, size would mean the total number of households found in the village,
for the sake of this analysis, a village is considered as small if it has less than 100 households, a
medium village would have households b/w 101-500 and a large village would mean any village
having more than 500 households.
20%
53.3%
26.7%
Division of villages on basis of size (HH in a village)(n=15)
Small Village(n=3)
Medium Village(n=8)
Large Village(n=4)
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The table below gives a much more detailed description of the villages (that were part of this study)
and the division of households as per caste (existing in them).
Table 2.1: Caste-wise distribution of HHs in villages
District Village SC(HHs)
ST(HHs)
OBC(HHs)
General(HHs)
Total no of HHs
Pojha 35 120 25 0 180
Jamui Rahima 0 73 5 1 79
Burhiatanr 13 41 0 0 54
Supauli 10 2 140 0 152
Sondip 140 30 150 40 360
Parasbani 0 0 130 10 140
Sonima (Souna) 80 0 250 0 330
Purnea Madhoapur 39 23 170 0 232
Basantpur Chintamanmilik 20 0 390 55 465
Nirpur 90 0 525 10 625
Bakeya 227 0 0 0 227
Partraha 32 0 96 0 128
Khagaria Devka 90 0 650 25 765
Saraiya 135 0 400 144 679
Navrolia 100 0 425 0 525
2.2 Primary Occupation The study indicated that maximum proportion of the households was primarily involved in
agriculture and contributed to about 56 percent of the total households. About one fourth of the
households across all the 15 villages was reported to be landless labour and the rest were spread
across the occupations of Animal Husbandry, Artisan, petty Traders and Salaried Employees (Refer to
Annexure Table 9.64: Primary Occupation across the villages studied).
2.3 Poverty Status With respect to the Poverty Status of the households covered across the 15 villages, it was noted
that nearly half the households were Below Poverty Line cardholder and about one fourth the
population belonged to the category of Above Poverty Line. Amongst the rest, about 15 percent
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
21 | P a g e
reported to belong to the category of Antyodaya card holders (Refer to Annexure Table 9.65:
Poverty Status off the Village Population).
2.4 Basic Infrastructure The basic infrastructure was studied with respect to the villages and it was noted that all the villages
were electrified. In terms of Educational Infrastructure Primary Schools were reported to be present
is 60 percent of the villages (Refer to Annexure Table 9.66: Educational Infrastructure). With respect
to Drinking Water Sources, hand Pump was the pre-dominant source present in nearly 68 percent of
the villages (Refer to Annexure
Table 9.67: Drinking Water Sources).
Extension Officers, Roads, PACS, Rural Medical Practitioners etc seemed to be present in quite a few
villages though not in all.
These basic infrastructure facilities can be further divided into three sub-facilities namely:
1. Basic Infrastructure facilities i.e. Road to the village, electricity connection to the village,
presence of a post office in the village etc.
2. Agricultural facilities i.e. presence of canal and water reservoir/watershed for irrigation,
whether an extension officer serves in this village.
3. Health facilities i.e. presence of a sub-centre and a veterinary centre in the village, is there a
doctor/ Rural medical practitioner in the village.
2.4.1 Basic Infrastructure facilities
On further analyzing the data, it can be clearly seen that village Sondip in district Purnea has access
to 6 of the below given basic infrastructural facilities, also villages Nirpur, Devka and Saraiya (all in
district Khagaria) all have access to 5 of the below mentioned eight basic infrastructural facilities and
are all better off than the rest of the villages. On the flip side of the equation villages Rahima (in
district Jamui), Madhoapur (in district Purnea) and Partraha (in district Khagaria) only have access to
electricity.
Figure 2-2: Access to Basic infrastructure facilities
7
15
4
1
4
7
1
9
02468
10121416
Pu
cca/
tar
road
Elec
tric
ity
Po
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ank
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…
We
ekly
mar
ket
Pri
mar
y Sc
ho
ol
(Till
5th
)
Acess to Basic infrastructure facilities
Number of villages
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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2.4.2 Agricultural facilities
Also another standard for measuring the basic infrastructure would be the access to services that
enhance the process of and the productivity from agriculture and allied activities i.e. agricultural
facilities (please refer figure below). Once again on further analysing it can be established that in
district Khagaria villages Saraiya and Nirpur both have access to a water reservoir/watershed and an
extension officer, also three villages in district Purnea have access to two of the agricultural facilities
, the villages being Supauli(access to canal and extension officer) , Sonima (access to water reservoir
and extension officer) and Basantpur Chintaman Milik (canal and extension officer). On the other
hand villages like Pojha and Rahima (both in Jamui District) and Partraha (in Khagaria district) do not
have access to any of the agricultural related facilities.
Figure 2-3: Access to Agricultural facilities
2.4.3 Health facilities
Yet another standard for measuring basic infrastructure would be access to institutions and
individuals that provide health facilities like sub-centre and doctors etc. Figure below shows that 8
villages have access to a doctor/rural medical practitioner, whereas only 3 villages have access to a
sub-centre and a veterinary centre. On further analyzing the data it is found that villages like
Rahima, Burhiatanr (both in district Jamui), Supauli, Parasbani, Sonima (Souna) (all three in Purnea)
and Partraha (in Khagaria district) don’t have access to any of the health facilities, whereas villages
like Pojha in Jamui district, and Nirpur, Bakeya both in Khagaria district have access to both a
doctor/rural medical practitioner and a veterinary centre.
Figure 2-4: Access to Health Facilities
5
0
10
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Water reservoir/ watershedfor irrigation
KVK Extension officer serving
Acess to Agricultural facilities
3
3
8
3
0
2
4
6
8
10
Sub centre Doctor/rural medicalpractitioner
Veterinary centre
Acess to Health facilities
Number of villages
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
23 | P a g e
2.5 Irrigation Facilities With reference to irrigation facilities, it was noted that out of total cultivable land, maximum area
was under irrigation i.e. 8 villages reported to be fully irrigated (100%) out of these eight, five
villages namely Supauli, Sondip, Parasbani, Sonima and Madhoapur are all in Purnea District,
whereas the other three i.e. Nirpur, Bakeya and Devka are in district Khagaria. It can be clearly seen
from figure 5 that the status of irrigation in Jamui district is considerably worse off than the other
two districts, which is again testified by the fact that one village in that district reported that none of
its cultivable land was under irrigation (Village Pojha). Also if we look at the figure of irrigated
agricultural land we can clearly see that district Jamui lags far behind the other two districts, hence it
is here i.e. in villages of district Jamui where interventions to develop sound irrigation facilities is
most necessary.
Table 2.2: irrigation Status in villages
% Distribution of irrigated and un-irrigated land
District Village
Total agricultural land (acre)
% irrigated %un irrigated
Jamui
Pojha 60 0.00 100.00
Rahima 34 29.41 70.59
Burhiatanr 46 43.48 56.52
Purnea
Supauli 40 100.00 0.00
Sondip 900 100.00 0.00
Parasbani 400 100.00 0.00
Sonima (Souna) 560 100.00 0.00
Madhoapur 550 100.00 0.00
Basantpur Chintamanmilik
4600 56.52 43.48
Khagaria
Nirpur 65 100.00 0.00
Bakeya 300 100.00 0.00
Partraha 43 88.37 11.63
Devka 600 100.00 0.00
Saraiya 738 82.38 17.62
Navrolia 150 86.67 13.33
With respect to irrigation sources, it was noted that Bore Well was the pre-dominant source of
irrigation as reported in most of the villages. River was also noted as an irrigation source in 40
percent of the villages. (Refer to annexure Table 9.68: Irrigation SourceTable 9.68: Irrigation
Sources).
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
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3 Chapter: Household Profile
This section portrays complete information about the profile of the households surveyed, i.e.
different social category, poverty status, type of houses that they reside in, availability of drinking
water and toilet facilities. In addition to this, the chapter highlights on the educational profile and
activity profile of household members with special focus on women work participation. Here, it must
be noted that analysis is done on the basis of the data that was captured through household tool.
3.1 Basic Profile
3.1.1 Household Category:
With reference to the social categories of households surveyed in the study, it can be concluded that
amongst a total of 405 households interviewed, a little more than half (about 57percent), belonged
to Other Backward Class. A significant number of households (about 17 percent) were from the
category of Scheduled Caste, also similar number of households were from Scheduled Tribe.
Approximately 9 percent of the households belonged to general category.
Figure 3-1: Social Category of respondents
3.1.2 Poverty Status:
In terms of the poverty status of the households surveyed, it was noted that a little more than half
(about 54 percent) fell in the category of Below Poverty Line. Quite a few (about 33percent) of the
respondents belonged to Above Poverty Line. It was also noticed that amongst all the respondents
surveyed, only a few, about 7 percent, responded that they held Antyodaya Cards. About 6 percent
reported that they did not possess any card.
SC 17%
ST 17%
OBC 57%
GEN 9%
Social Category (N=405)
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
25 | P a g e
Figure 3-2: Economic Status of the respondents
3.1.3 House Type, Drinking Water and Toilet:
In order to understand the profile of Respondents covered in the study, certain other factors such as
type of house that they reside in, availability of drinking water and sanitation facilities were also
studied. It was reported that amongst the 405 households surveyed (Refer to Annexure Error!
Reference source not found.), about 72percent resided in Kachha houses, 18 percent reported to
reside in Semi-Pucca houses and 10 percent reported that their house was of the Pucca category.
Thus, it can be concluded that Kachha type of house is predominant in the area and this data seems
to be consistent in relation to the predominance of BPL population in the study area.
In terms of availability of toilet facilities, it was noted that despite the numerous sanitation
programmes prevalent in the state, only about 18 percent of the 405 respondents reported to
possess a toilet and the rest did not.
The sources of drinking water available to the respondents was also studied and it was noted that
hand pump at home was the predominant source amongst the 405 households surveyed (Refer to
Annexure Error! Reference source not found.), as nearly 67 percent reported that it was their main
source of drinking water supply. 18 percent respondents reported that public hand pump was also
used as a source of water supply. Amongst the other sources of water supply used were, pipeline
into the house, rainwater collection, stream/river, protected dug well, unprotected dug well and
lake/pond.
3.1.4 Education Profile:
On the question of educational background of the Household members surveyed (a total count of
1894 members). Here, as shown in below given figures, it was noted that nearly one fourth of the
household members under the category of 6 years and above (about 23 percent), were illiterate, out
of which 34.3 % were males and 65.7% were females.
APL 33%
BPL 54%
Antodaya Card 7%
No card 6%
Poverty Status
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
26 | P a g e
Figure 3-3: Educational Profile of household members (6 years and above)
A little more than one fourth (about 27 percent), were educated till primary level although here the
percentage composition of males is 56% whereas that of females is 44%. It was also noticed that
very few household members reported to have been educated till and above Higher Secondary
levels of education. Another interesting statistics to note here is that even though only 2.8 percent
of the total household population reported to have a graduate degree, out of those graduates the
male-female ratio is highly skewed (male being 81% of those graduates)
Figure 3-4: Gender distribution of educational profile of household members (6 years and above)
23.1
5.6 8.7
26.9
12.7 10.6
7.3
2.1 2.8
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
No
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rate
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urs
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Gra
du
ate
Educational Profile of the household members (6 years and above)
% HHmembers(N=1894)
34.3 46.7 41.5
56.0 61.8 64.0 64.5 62.5
81.1
65.7
53.3 58.5
44.0 38.2 36.0 35.5 37.5
18.9
0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0
No
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Educational profile of the household members (6 years and above)
% male respondents
% female respondents
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
27 | P a g e
3.2 Activity Profile An attempt was made to understand various activities that the respondents and their household
members aged above 14 years, are involved in for the purpose of livelihood and their days of
involvement in the same. Here, after studying the educational profile, and agriculture being the
predominant occupation in the state, it was not surprising to note that amongst a total of 1368
household members above the age of 14 (from 405 households), some 32 percent were involved in
farming. Also it is interesting to note that nearly one-third of the respondent (32.3percent) reported
to be involved in some or other form of household work. Youth, also formed a major portion of the
study, as 15 percent of the household members reported to be students and all these students are
above 14 years of age, and thus may be pursuing courses which are at par or above Higher
Secondary Level of education. Further, 5 percent reported to be involved as agricultural daily wage
labour and nearly 8 percent were involved as non-agricultural daily wage labour.
Figure 3-5: Activity Profile (above 14 years)
Figure below illustrates district wise break up of activity profile. It clearly shows that district Khagaria
and Purnea has considerably more people than Jamui district earning income by working as
agricultural daily wage labour. Also in the district of Purnea much more people than the other two
districts are involved in activities like farming and housework. Maximum proportion of people in
districts Khagaria and Purnea are involved in farming activity with 42.9 and 46.3 percent
respectively, whereas in district Jamui a major portion of the population i.e. 53.7 percent are
involved in housework.
5.3 7.8
32.0
1.5 2.9
32.3
15.0
1.3
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
Agr
icu
ltu
ral d
aily
wag
e la
bo
ur
No
n-A
gric
ult
ura
ld
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ur
Farm
ing
Go
vt. s
ervi
ce
Pvt
. Ser
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(o
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r)
Ho
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Wo
rk
Stu
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t
Un
em
plo
yed
Activity Profile (Above 14 years)
% of HHmembers(N=1368)
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
28 | P a g e
Figure 3-6: District wise distribution of major activities
Figure below shows that most of the working population engaged in wage earning activities (total
count of 1193 from 405 households) surveyed in the three districts of Bihar reported that they were
involved in work for 301-365 days, around 36 percent were involved for more than 200 and less than
300 days in the year 2011. However a significant composition (17.7%) of people surveyed also
reported that they were involved in wage earning activities for less than 200 days.
Figure 3-7: Number of days of involvement in all activities
Further, in order to understand the involvement in terms of number of days of work of the
household members who are engaged in farming activity and as agricultural daily wage labour, an
attempt was made to study the number of days of their involvement in this activity annually. Here,
the analysis is done on the basis of 72 household members involved as agricultural daily wage labour
and 438 household members involved in Farming (refer figure 14). Here, it is observed that most of
the household members (nearly 47 percent)engaged as agricultural wage labour, reported to be
involved as such for 201-300 days a year, also no one in this category reported to be involved for less
1.6
9.7 7.4
14.1 12.2
6.1
30.6
42.9 46.3
53.7
35.2
40.2
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
Jamui(N=255) Khagaria(N=361) Purnea(N=443)
District Wise breakup of major activities
Agricultural daily wage labour
Non-Agricultural daily wagelabour
Farming
House work
3.4
14.3
35.5
46.8
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
1 to 100 Days 101 to 200 Days 201 to 300 Days 301 to 365 Days
Number of days of involvement in all activities
%age (N=1193)
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
29 | P a g e
than 101 days in the year. In case of farming, the nature of involvement seemed to be higher as
nearly 39 percent reported that they were engaged in the activity for 301-365 days a year, whereas
the same figure for agricultural daily wage labour is a little more than 27 percent. In crude numerical
terms it can be said that 169 people involved in farming (out of a total of 438) were employed for a
period of 301-365 days in the year 2011, and only 20 out of a total of 72 engaged as agricultural daily
wage labourers were employed for the same period in the year 2011.
Figure 3-8: Nature of involvement in agricultural activities
The respondents in the Focus Group Discussions were also asked about occupation in their villages
and percentage of households that practiced agriculture. Agriculture, construction labour, drivers,
animal husbandry, teachers and blacksmiths were noted as the popularly practiced occupations
In the district of Jamui, agriculture was reported to involve about 95 percent households of
the village. Here, the respondents believed that agriculture is practiced by the entire
population except the people who do not own land. The farmers here, also reported that
women were involved in agriculture activities in the district and participated in
transplantation, harvesting and in all activities except ploughing.
However in the district of Khagaria, the findings observed were different as agriculture was
reported to be practiced by 75 percent of the total households and the rest were involved in
either business, or were self-employed/skilled labour. Women in this district were largely
involved in the activities of sowing, harvesting, weeding and transportation of the produce.
In the district of Purnea the responses revealed that 90 percent population practiced
agriculture except those who belonged to the Harijan category. Women here were basically
involved in weeding and harvesting.
In terms of predominant occupation it was noticed that wage labour was an occupation which was
practiced across the all districts except Khagaria, where skilled labour, private/government services
were reported to be predominant by the respondents.
25.7
47.1
27.1
4.7
20.4
36.3 38.6
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
1 to 100 Days 101 to 200Days
201 to 300Days
301 to 365Days
Number of days of involvement in Agricultural Activities
Agricultural daily wage(N=72)
Farming (N=438)
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30 | P a g e
3.2.1 Working Women
It was noted that from a total of 638 women who were above the age of 14, covered in the sampled
households of 405, 68 women reported to be working in activities that generated some sort of
wages and the rest reported otherwise.
3.2.2 Details of non-wage generating Activities by Female Members:
The non-wage activities performed by the female members of the family range from cooking,
cleaning, washing clothes, taking care of children, firewood collection and agriculture in own field.
Very few women reported to perform activities such as teaching their children, purchasing
household items and rearing cattle/milking (Refer to Annexure
Table 9.9: Non Wage Activities by Female Members). Further, it is important to note that out of this
non-wage generating group,210 women reported that they were involved in agriculture practice in
their own field. In terms of the number of hours spent in a day on these activities, the women
reported that on an average they spend 8.4 hours a day on these activities (Refer to Annexure Table
9.10: Number of Hours spent on Non Wage Activities).
3.2.3 Details of wage generating activities by Female Members
An attempt was made to understand the wage generating activities of the women member covered
under the study. It was interesting to note that most of the women (more than 63 percent) out of
these 68 women involved in wage generating activity were dependent on their source of wage by
earning as daily wage labourers. Quite a few women (nearly 18 percent) were also involved in
nonagricultural daily wage labour for their source of earning.
Figure 3-9: Details of earning activities amongst women
Further, in order to understand the profile of these working women, an effort was made to look at
these women in terms of the Social and Economic Category (Refer to Annexure Error! Reference
source not found.) (Refer to Annexure Error! Reference source not found.) that they fall under.
Here, it was noticed that most of these women (nearly 54 percent), belonged to the category of
Other Backward Class, about one fourth belonged to the category of Scheduled Tribe and about 16
percent were from the category of Scheduled Caste. In terms of Economic Category, nearly, 66
63.2
17.6 8.8 7.4
1.5 0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
Agr
icu
ltu
ral d
aily
wag
e la
bo
ur
No
n-A
gric
ult
ura
ld
aily
wag
e la
bo
ur
Go
vt. s
ervi
ce
Pvt
. Ser
vice
(o
the
rth
an w
age
lab
ou
r)
Art
isan
/ C
raft
s
Details of wage activities by women(N=68)
% Female workers(n=68)
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
31 | P a g e
percent were Below Poverty Line cardholders, about 7 percent women were Antyodaya cardholders
and nearly 24 percent women were Above Poverty Line cardholders.
Here, after studying the wage activities that are performed by these working women, it is also
important to understand the average number of hours that these women (involved in wage
generating activities) spend on these activities during the day. Here, it was noted that women spend
7.8 hours a day on an average (Refer to Annexure Table 9.6: Average Hours spent on the Wage
Activities on a daily basis), on their respective wage earning activities. In order to understand this in
more detail, a breakdown of the category of hours is important (Refer to Annexure Table 9.7:
Categorization according to the Hours spent on Wage Earning Activities), and here it is noted that
nearly 71 percent women spent somewhere around 5-8 hours a day on the earning activities and
nearly 24 percent spent 9-12 hours a day on the earning activities, apart from the household work
that had to be performed by them. Here, one important implication that can be deduced is that in
spite of the long hours put into these earning activities, most of the households were Below Poverty
Line Cardholders as indicated in the section on economic Status.
3.2.4 Details of women involved in agricultural activities
Only two types of activities performed by women has been labelled as agricultural in nature namely
agricultural daily wage labour (wage earning) and agricultural work on own field (non- wage
earning). An analysis of data collected for the same points that out of a total of 253 respondents
who claimed to have worked as either agricultural daily wage labour or performed some sort of
agriculture related activity on their own field, 210 said that they were involved in the non-wage
earning activity of working on their own field, only 43 said otherwise i.e. working as an agricultural
daily wage labour.
On further analysis of this data, it was not surprising to find that the majority of the respondents
from all three districts were involved in doing agricultural work in their own field. Percentage
composition of types of agricultural work done by women district wise tells us that in both Khagaria
and Purnea district similar composition is found, in district Jamui however the composition is
relatively more balanced as 24 % of women here involved in agricultural activities work as an
agricultural daily wage labour, whereas 76% are involved in practicing agriculture in their own field.
Figure 3-10: District wise composition of women involved in agricultural activities
24.4
15 15.4
75.6
85 84.6
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
Jamui (N=45) Khagaria(N=20) Purnea(N=188)
Women involved in agriculture activities
Agricultural daily wagelabour(%)
Agriculture in own field(%)
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32 | P a g e
3.2.5 Level of Satisfaction amongst Women
An attempt was also made to understand whether the working women (in agriculture – as wage
labour or as working on household farms) were satisfied with the wage activities performed by them
(Refer to Annexure Table 9.8: Level of Satisfaction amongst the Working Women) and it was noted
that nearly 49 percent women reported that they were satisfied and about 33 percent women
reported that they were not satisfied (the remaining 18 percent could neither describe themselves
as satisfied or not satisfied).
On further examining the data collected to assess the level of satisfaction amongst women involved
in income generating activities, it is found (as given in figure below) women engaged as agricultural
daily wage labour had split opinions regarding their job, the number of women satisfied(37.2
percent) were almost similar with the number of women not-satisfied with their jobs. However
there is a stark difference when the same figures for non-agriculture daily wage labour as measured,
here the percent of women satisfied (58.3) far outweighs those who are not (25 percent).
Figure 3-11: level of satisfaction amongst women involved in income generating activities
The major reason why the women were not satisfied with their wage generating job of working as an
agricultural daily wage labour was because 72.7% of them felt that they were not paid well, some
also felt that they did not receive timely payment hence they were not satisfied. A snapshot of the
reasons why they were not satisfied with their jobs is given in figure below.
Figure 3-12: Reason of dissatisfaction amongst women engaged as agriculture daily wage labour
37.2
58.3
23.3 16.7
39.5
25.0
0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.0
Agricultural daily wage labour(N=43)
Non-Agricultural daily wage labour(N=12)
Level of satisfaction amongst women involved in income generating activities
Satisfied (%)
Average (%)
Not satisfied (%)
72.7
18.2
4.5 4.5
0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.0
Not paid well Don’t receive payment in time
Have to do hardwork
Difficult to makebalance of work athome and at work
place
Reason of dissatisfaction amongst women engaged as agriculture daily wage labour
%(N=22)
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33 | P a g e
3.2.6 Decision making on choice of Work by Women
Here, it is also important to understand whether the women made the decision to work as wage
labourers on their own, or was the decision thrust upon them. With respect to women who were
engaged in wage labour 23.7% decided only on their own, while this was not so with respect to
76.3% of women. With regard to those working on the household farms the figures were 15.8
percent and 84.2 percent respectively. Other decision makers for these women included Elder Male
Members of the family, Elder Female Members of the family and the Male Member in the family.
Here, it is important to note that despite the women being involved in wage generating activities
considerably, in about 30 percent households the decision making was in the hands of the Male
members, Elder Female members or elder male members.
Figure 3-13: Decision making amongst working women
3.2.7 Decision making amongst women involved in agricultural activities Figure 3-14: Decision making amongst women involved in agricultural activities
When considering women involved in agricultural activities, it is noticed that majority of the
decisions made for females engaged as agricultural daily wage labourer are joint in nature, whereas
another interesting point to be noted is that self made decisions also constitute plenty (23.7 per
cent). For women practicing agriculture in their own field, similar sort of trend is seen as majority of
43.5
12.6
1.2
15.1
44.4
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
Self Male member Elder Femalemember
Elder malemember
Joint decision
Decision Making on choice of Work by Women (N=405)
%HH (N=405)
23.7
15.8
10.2
3.0 3.0
22.0 25.7
44.1
52.5
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
Agricultural daily wage labour(N=59)
Agriculture in own field(N=303)
Decision making amongst women involved in agricultural activities
Self (%)
Male member (%)
Elder Female member (%)
Elder male member(%)
Joint decision(%)
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34 | P a g e
the decisions for female members in this category are also jointly made i.e. women’s opinion is
taken into perspective, as only in 3% of the cases decisions are made by male members.
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35 | P a g e
4 Chapter: Agricultural Practices
The objective of this chapter is to understand various agriculture practices prevalent among the
community which in turn may give direction to the project to address the gaps and focus on area of
improvement.
4.1 Cultivated Land Size In order to understand the agricultural practices it is important to know the land size of the
respondents.6 As the chart shows, more than 67 percent of the farmers belonged to the marginal
category and owned less than 1 acre of land. Nearly 18 percent farmers belonged to the category of
small farmers with a land holding between one to two acres. About 11 percent respondents
belonged to the category of medium farmers with a land holding of 2 to 5 acres and only about a
handful were large farmers with land holding more than 5 acres.
Figure 4-1: Cultivated land size
This information is important to note, as most farmers have a cultivated land area of less than 1
acre, use of advanced techniques is the need of the hour and it is difficult to use advanced tools on
small plots of land, hence, in order to avail maximum utility from the area, viable and innovative
approaches would seem necessary.
Since the number of households surveyed from district Jamui were exactly half of what were
surveyed in the districts of Khagaria and Purnea, their composition in the total farmers working on
their own farm was bound to be less, as expected the lion’s share of composition (within the district)
of farmers having their own land comprised of marginal farmers (i.e having less then 1 acre) in every
district, particularly in distrcit Khagaria. Also in every district, as can be clearly seen from figure 4.2,
there is a wide difference in the number of farmers classified as marginal and the rest (i.e. medium,
small and big). Even though there were lessernumber of households surveyed in district Jamui, it
6Please note that for the purpose of this study we have classified farmers into four categories viz. 1) Marginal i.e. those
farmers that own less than 1 acre 2) Small i.e. those owning 1-2 acre 3) Medium i.e. owning 2-5 acre and finally 4) Large i.e. owning land more than 5 acre
67.4
17.5 10.9
4.2
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
Less than 1 Acre 1 to 2 Acre 2 to 5 Acre More than 5 Acre
Cultivated Land Size (N=405)
% HH (N=405)
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36 | P a g e
was found that still the composition of big farmers here was less then the composition of the same
found in district Khagaria and Purnea.
Figure 4-2: District wise distribution of farmers with own lands
Also interesting to note is the type of land holders among SC and ST farmers covered in the survey,
(Refer to Annexure Table 9.70: Land holding classification of SC and ST farmers) which tells us that
almost all the SC farmers have land less than 1 acre i.e. marginal farmers (95.6 percent). The
situation for ST farmers was only slightly better as nearly 56 percent of all ST farmers were marginal
farmers, 28 percent could be labelled as small farmers, whereas 13.2 percent were medium land
holders.
4.2 Main Crops An attempt was made to understand the main crops that are cultivated in the area. Here (Refer to
Annexure Table 9.42: Main Crops Cultivated in the Area), it was not surprising to note that the main
crops included Paddy and Maize, which form the staple diet of the people in Bihar. Nearly 96 percent
respondents reported that the main crop that they cultivated was maize and about 87 percent
respondents reported that the main crop cultivated by them was Paddy. About 42 percent
respondents also expressed that they grew Wheat. Amongst other crops cultivated were, Tomato,
Onions, Soya, Jowar, Bajra, Gram, Arhar, Moong, Sesaham, Turmeric, Banana, Cashew Nut, Potato,
Garlic, Cabbage, cauliflower, Cucumber, Ginger, Brinjal, White Gourd and Raddish. The table below
mentions the major crops (i.e. the 12 most grown crops in the three districts) grown by the 405
households that were studied as part of this survey. An important point to note here is that a single
household may grow more than one crop. Given below are the list of major crops grown by the
households in the three districts studied, arranged according to seasons.
58
75
64.6
27.2
11.3 18.9
12.3 8.8
12.2
2.5 5 4.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Jamui(N=81) Khagaria(N=162) Purnea(N=162)
District wise distribution of farmers
Marginal farmer (%)
Small Farmer (%)
Medium Farmer (%)
Big Farmer (%)
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Table 4.1: Major crops grown in all the 405 households
Seasons Main Crops Bihar (N=405) Seasons Main Crops Bihar (N=405)
Kharif
Bajra 1.2 Rabi
Turmeric 0.5
Arhar/Tur 1.7 Garlic 1
Moong 3 Cabbage 1
Potato 6.4 Tomato 1
Paddy 88.6 Cauliflower 1.5
Maize 96.3 Wheat 41.5
4.2.1 Various crops grown by farmers in a year on their own field Figure 4-3: Various crops grown by farmers in a year on their own field
Major crops grown outside of Wheat, Paddy and Maize are Potato,Banana, Brinjal and White Gourd
grown respectively by 6.4, 4.9, 2.7 and 2 percent of the respondents.
From Figure 23 it can be established that almost all the farmers grow at least 2 crops in their own
field, which is to be expected. Also as one moves up the ladder of farm size ownership one finds that
the percentage composition of farmers who grow 3 crops on their own field also steadily increases
from 32.6 percent (as in the case of Marginal farmers) to 64.7 percent (in the case of Big farmers).
Although one unexpected outcome is that percentage composition of farmers that grow 5 crops is
more in the case of Marginal farmers (7.7%) then in the case of Small (5.6%) and Medium (6.8%)
Farmers, hence it can be deduced that marginal farmers are also heavily involved in the practice of
growing various crops. For season wise distribution of various crops grown by farmers Refer to
Annexure Table 9.8: Level of Satisfaction amongst the Working Women
4.2.1.1 Status of vegetable production
On further analysis to help assess the status of vegetable production, it can be concluded that not
many households were involved in the production of vegetables, in fact save for Potato, cultivation
of other vegetables was very insignificant. A percentage wise distribution of all households that were
91.2 93.0 95.5 94.1
32.6
57.7 59.1 64.7
9.9 9.9 15.9
23.5
7.7 5.6 6.8 11.8
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
Marginal farmers(N=273)
Smallfarmer(N=71)
Medium farmer(N=44)
Big farmer (N=17)
Various crops grown by farmers in a year on their own field
2 crops (%)
3 crops(%)
4 crops(%)
5 crops(%)
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38 | P a g e
involved in vegetable production shows that outside of Potato, Brinjal (2 percent) and White Gourd
(2.7 percent) are the two most grown vegetables. Given below is the list of major crops grown by the
households in the three districts studied, arranged according to seasons.
Table 4.2: Households involved in vegetable production
Seasons Main Crops % of HH cultivating vegetables (N=405)
Seasons Main Crops % of HH cultivating vegetables (N=405)
Rabi Tomato 1 Zayad Cucumber 0.2
Rabi Onions 1 Rabi Pea 0
Kharif Potato 6.4 Rabi Brinjal 2
Rabi Cabbage 1 Zayad White gourd
2.7
Rabi Cauliflower 1.5 Rabi Radish 0.2
An attempt was also made to understand the main crops grown in the districts through Focus Group
Discussions, given below are the district wise findings that emerged out of that focus group
discussion.
In the district of Jamui as reported in the Household tool, it was observed that the major
crops grown included Paddy, Maize, Bajra, Potato and Wheat.
In Khagaria district main crops grown were maize, wheat and paddy. In addition to that
Arhar, moong, mustard. potato and onion were also reported to be grown in the district.
In the district of Purnea maize, paddy and wheat emerged as the main crops, however traces
of banana cultivation were also observed in certain areas.
4.3 Land Preparation Land preparation is the first activity that a farmer does with respect to agriculture. Land preparation
generally includes land levelling, weeding, applying manure etc.
With regards to preparation of land, the Focus Group Discussions indicated quite interesting results.
Jamui
o For the crops of Paddy, Maize, Moong, wheat and potato, the land was levelled with
the help of local leveller made of wood and the practice of light ploughing was
practiced.
o In terms of Paddy, Wheat and Maize, the type of manure used as reported included
urea and DAP, used at the time of transplantation
o Weeding was done through spade, or Khurpi manually
o For the crop of moong the process of adding manure and weeding was not
practiced.
o In the crop of Potato, DAP was added as manure and weeding was done manually
by using a spade.
Khagaria
o The practices that emerged in the district of Khagaria were quite different. Here, for
the crop of Paddy, Wheat and Maize it was reported that the ploughing was done, 6
to 9 inches deep with a the help of a khurpi
o Chemical weedicide were also used.
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
39 | P a g e
o Zinc, DAP, potash and urea were reported as the types of manure used for Paddy
Wheat as well as maize and were used after 15 days of transplantation
o In case of Paddy, however in the crop of Wheat and Maize manure was put at the
time of ploughing and irrigation.
Purnea
o In the district of Purnea, for the crop of Paddy, Maize and Wheat it was observed
that the levelling was done with machines which were charged at Rs 500 an hour
o The ploughing done was 4 to 5 inches deep.
o The type of manure used was DAP, potash and urea
o Weeding was done manually.
Deep plough in every 3 to 4years by using traditional plough or by tractor or power tiller gives better
yield. So, farmers should be educated in this area.
4.4 Seed Selection With respect to seed selection, it was noted from household interviews that hybrid varieties of seeds
were popular amongst the farmers for Maize and Brinjal, whereas high yield varieties were widely
used for Paddy, Wheat and Potato. Quite a few farmers also used traditional seeds for the
production of paddy. Most of the farmers used traditional seeds (suckers) for banana.
Table 4.3: Type of seeds used
Seed Type Maize (N=390)
Paddy (N=359)
Wheat (N=168)
Potato (N=26)
Banana (N=20)
Brinjal (N=8)
Hybrid 76.7 19.8 19.0 34.6 15.0 87.5
High yield variety 6.7 49.9 64.3 42.3 0.0 12.5
Traditional 16.7 30.4 16.7 23.1 85.0 0.0
Further analysis of household interviews indicated that, the variety of seed popular for Maize was
30V92 as reported by nearly 42 percent respondents. Nearly 49 percent and 79 percent farmers
reported to use mixed varieties for cultivation of Paddy and Brinjal respectively. Further, the use of
seed variety of 343 was popular for Wheat as reported by 51 percent respondents. In case of
Banana, Hisel Variety was used for cultivation by nearly 65 percent farmers.
4.4.1 Varieties of seeds used in the three districts
Since marginal & small farmers constitute the most predominant number in our total sample size, it
would be interesting to see the type of seed they used, which in turn should give us an idea of the
type of seed most commonly used in the three districts. The table below gives an idea of that. In
district Jamui traditional varieties of seeds are most commonly used, as major proportion of both
marginal (82.7 percent) and small (67.3 percent) farmers use them for cultivation. Usage of Hybrid
seeds in this district is low for both small & marginal farmers. In district Khagaria, however the exact
opposite is found to be true, hybrid seeds here are most commonly used amongst small & marginal
farmers, whereas traditional seeds are the least popular choice here. Similarly in Purnea, hybrid
seeds were found to be used widely, however high yield variety seeds are also used for a lot of
crops, 37.8 percent of marginal and 35.5 percent of all small farmers in Purnea reported to be using
high yield variety seeds. Traditional seeds here too were not the most popular choice.
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Table 4.4: Types of seed used in the three districts
District Name Seed Type Less than 1 Acre(N=98) 1 to 2 Acre(N=52)
Jamui
Hybrid 7.1 13.5
High yield variety 10.2 19.2
Traditional 82.7 67.3
Khagaria
Seed Type Less than 1 Acre(N=312) 1 to 2 Acre(N=48)
Hybrid 61.2 54.2
High yield variety 31.1 41.7
Traditional 7.7 4.2
Purnea
Seed Type Less than 1 Acre(N=238) 1 to 2 Acre(N=93)
Hybrid 47.5 39.8
High yield variety 37.8 35.5
Traditional 14.7 24.7
Some of the findings from Focus Group Discussion alluded to the below given facts regarding the
various seed varieties used district wise:
Jamui
o Seed Variety: Sita/Swarna/HYV were used for Paddy
o Seed Variety: Desi/Kanchan were used for Maize
o Seed Variety: Lalaloo for Potato
o Seed Variety: Kanchan, Sonatika for Wheat
o Seed Variety: Desi for Kurthi
o Seed Variety: Desi for Mustard
Khagaria
o Seed Variety: PUSA 824/RBhagwati/PHB 71 for Paddy
o Seed Variety: 30V92/ 9081/ 90014 for Maize
o Traditional Varieties of Seeds were used only in the cultivation of Pulses such as
Arhar and Moong,
o Traditional varieties for mustard
o Seed Variety: 342, UP-262 used for Wheat
o Potato and Onion were also grown in the district, both for which traditional varieties
were used.
Purnea
o The use of hybrid seeds for cultivation seemed to be predominant as with regards to
Maize the varieties used included 3396, NK6607, 30V92.
o Varieties of Swarna, Rajendra and Ganga were used for the cultivation of Paddy.
o UP262 was the major seed variety used for the cultivation of Wheat.
In terms of Procurement of Seeds, it was noted that procurement from markets directly seemed to
be popular amongst all crops except Banana wherein most of the farmers procured the seeds
(suckers) from relative or neighbours as they use mostly traditional variety. Quite a few farmers also
reported to use the seeds of their last produce for re- cultivation for maize, paddy and wheat. Thus,
if analysed across the category of all crops, markets appear to be the pre-dominant source of
Final Report: Baseline Study In Bihar
41 | P a g e
procurement of seeds. None of the farmers procured any types of seeds from the Krishi Vigyan
Kendra as well as the Agriculture Universities. This area needs to be given due consideration as these
institutions can serve as good catalysts to inculcate good agricultural practices amongst farmers, and
if hybrid or high yield variety seeds are available here, then farmers should be encouraged to
procure them.
Table 4.5: Source of Procurement of seeds
Source Maize
(N=390) Paddy
(N=359) Wheat
(N=168) Potato (N=26)
Banana (N=20)
Brinjal (N=8)
Market 80.5 65.5 64.3 80.8 20.0 87.5
Cooperative society 0.3 0.6 1.2 3.8 0.0 12.5
NGO 0.0 5.3 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0
Own 19.2 27.0 33.3 15.4 5.0 0.0
From relatives/ neighbour
0.0 1.1 0.0 0.0 75.0 0.0
Farmer Producer Company
0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
With respect to the information gathered through the Focus Group Discussions, it was understood
that for the crop of Paddy, Wheat and Potato,
In the district of Jamui, treated seeds were bought from the local markets for the purpose of
cultivation, after waiting in long queues at these crowded market places. However, with
regards to maize and Moong the scenario was different as the seeds of last yield available at
home were sown again.
Interestingly, in the district of Khagaria, the participants reported that for Paddy, Wheat and
Maize they used the seeds that were distributed at the demonstration programme by
companies and krishisalahkar, at the block level markets, however, here travelling to the
block level market was usually an issue for the farmers.
With regards to the district of Purnea, the types of seeds were usually bought from the
markets of Bhawanipur, Birouli, Rupauli and sometimes even the seeds of the last produce
were used.
Seed Treatment is not practiced in any district except Khagaria, where the treatment is being done
with carbon-dyne after the intervention of ASA with respect to Paddy. This intervention should also
be extended to other two districts.
4.5 Irrigation Irrigation is very vital for better agricultural production, and for a state which largely depends on
rain-fed water, adequate irrigation facilities are more important. Further, Paddy being one of the
main crops grown in the state, irrigation facilities become even more important because regular
water supply is needed for the crop to grow. Amongst the respondents (Refer to AnnexureTable
9.44: Irrigation facilities used by the Respondents), nearly 73 percent reported that they resorted to
bore wells for their source of irrigation facilities while rain water also seemed to be used by nearly
one fifth of the respondents. Dug well, pond, river, canal and stop dams were amongst other sources
of irrigation that were resorted to by the respondents. Resorting to bore wells for their source of
irrigation is an alarming situation in the long run, as the ground water table may deplete in the
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future, making it difficult for the farmers to use their land pieces for cultivation purposes. So, there
should be more initiatives to form check dams and watershed to avoid such situation in future.
The Focus Group Discussion reiterated the findings obtained through the household tool:
In the district of Purnea, bore well was predominantly used for Irrigation purposes and the
problems faced here were reported to be the depleting levels of ground water tables and
insufficient supply of electricity to pump water.
However, in Jamui, agriculture was mostly dependant on rain and the respondents reported
that they did not have pump sets and the government had not made any investments with
respect to irrigation and creation of watersheds in this area.
In Khagaria district, the main source of irrigation was observed to be own bore wells or
public tube wells and river water; however maintenance of bore wells and supply of
electricity was an issue in this area.
Almost all the FGDs pointed to the fact that due to unavailability of proper electric connection and
lack of adequate government support, people in the village are not happy with the irrigation
facilities. Government and other organizations should support community to develop and maintain
watersheds.
4.6 Nursery Raising and Transplantation Analysis of nursery raising and transplantation has been done based on the findings from Group
Discussions.
In the district of Jamui it was observed that, for Paddy, broadcasting method of sowing
seeds over large area was practiced manually and no care or precautions were taken at the
time of sowing. Further, for all the other crops namely Maize, Wheat etc. no nursery was
raised.
Similarly in the district of Khagaria, for Paddy a nursery bed was prepared of 20”x5”x6”, in
which seeds were sowed and covered after irrigation. Here, at the time of sowing, care was
taken to ensure single seed were sowed in a row and line. For raising purposes, irrigation
was done in every 2-3 days and DAP and Potash were used. In order to ensure protection
from insects, Zinc and Bleaching Powder reported to be used. Nursery plants were not raised
in the case of other crops in the district of Khagaria.
In Purnea district SRI method was practiced by handful of farmers whereas broadcasting
method was widely used for Paddy. In the case of others crops no nursery was raised.
4.7 Weeding As mentioned earlier, based on FGD findings, weeding was done manually in the district of Jamui for
all the crops. In district Purnea too weeding is done manually, however some participants reported
the use of weedicide. In Khagaria, some participants reported about the use of Cono-weeder
machine for weeding of Paddy.
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4.8 Fertilizer/ Pesticides Application
4.8.1 Fertilizer and Manure
In agriculture, application of fertilizers and manure plays a very important role in the quality and
quantity of the produce obtained, hence it is essential to understand the practices followed. Here,
the household respondents were asked about the fertilizers that they used for the major crops that
they cultivated. The results (Refer to Annexure Table 9.45: Fertilizers Applied) obtained indicated
that nearly 54 percent respondents used straight fertilizers, about 31 percent respondents used
complex fertilizers and nearly 15 percent respondents practiced the use of micronutrients. In terms
of use of organic manure, it was observed that this practice was prevalent only amongst significant
number of respondents (125 in number). Amongst these, about 90 percent reported that in terms of
organic manure they used cow dung. Amongst the other organic manure (Refer to Annexure
Table 9.46: Use of manure) Vermi-compost, KhahliKhad and MatkaKhad were used. Further analysis
was done to understand the name of the fertilizers that were used by the respondents and it was
noted that DAP, Urea, Potash and Zinc were predominantly used (Refer to Annexure Table 9.47:
Name of the Fertilizer).
With respect to place of procurement of these fertilizers, 99.5 percent respondents reported that
they procured it from the markets and the rest reported to procure it from the agriculture university
or from friends/neighbours (Refer to Annexure Table 9.48: Place of Procurement of Fertilizers).
According to the FGD findings following points came to light regarding fertilizer use, procurement
and application:
In district Jamui for Paddy, DAP and Urea is used, the respondents reported that they
generally procure these from local markets. The process of applying fertilizer is generally
practiced during sowing. For both Maize and Wheat along with DAP and Urea, MOP and Zinc
are also used as fertilizers.
In district Khagaria, fertilizers are mainly used for Paddy and Wheat. DAP, Urea and Potash
are used as fertilizers. They are generally procured form local markets or in some cases (if
not available in local markets) from markets at block headquarters. It was also reported that
DAP and Urea are used at the time of irrigation, rest all are used at the time of sowing.
In Purnea too fertilizers are generally used for Paddy and Maize. Urea, DAP and Potash are
mainly used as fertilizers. They are generally procured from market located at Bhawanipur.
Here the respondents reported that fertilizers are basically applied during field preparation
and 20-25 days after sowing.
4.8.2 Pesticides
An attempt was made to understand the practices with respect to the use of pesticides amongst the
household sample studied. The results obtained indicated that across all the crops Maize, Paddy,
Wheat, Potato, Banana and Brinjal, insecticides appeared to be the most widely used which was
followed by herbicides. Fungicides and organic pesticides were used only by a handful of
respondents across all the crops. It is interesting to note that in the case of Banana and Brinjal, all
the respondents reported to use only Insecticide.
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Table 4.6: Type of Pesticides used
Pesticide Type Maize (N=319)
Paddy (N=126)
Wheat (N=66)
Potato (N=22)
Banana (N=20)
Brinjal (N=8)
Herbicide 14.7 16.7 28.8 13.6 0.0 0.0
Insecticide 80.3 78.6 63.6 81.8 100.0 100.0
Fungicide 2.2 4.8 7.6 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organic Pesticide 2.8 0.0 0.0 4.5 0.0 0.0
An attempt was also made to know the names of the pesticides used by the household sample
covered under the study and it was noted that Endosulphan was the most popularly used pesticide
for Paddy as reported by 50 percent of the respondents. Thimat was the most popularly used
pesticide with respect to maize as well as wheat and about 45 percent respondents and 32 percent
respondents reported to use it in respective cases. In case of Brinjal and Potatoes maximum
respondents reported to use mixed varieties of pesticides. 45 percent respondents reported to use
Thimat as a pesticide for Banana too. Other popular pesticides used were Candidor, Rogon and
Furudan.(Refer to Annexure Table 9.49: name of the Pesticides Used across Crop Categories ).
Further, in order to understand the use of pesticides in a detailed manner, an effort was made to
study the place of procurement of the pesticides amongst the sample covered. Undoubtedly, the
results obtained were similar to those of the place from where fertilizers and seeds were procured,
thus, markets emerged to be pre-dominant source for procurement of pesticides with respect to the
Maize, Paddy, Wheat, Potato, Banana and Brinjal (Refer to Annexure Table 9.50: Place of
Procurement of Pesticides across crop categories).
According to the FGD findings following points came to light regarding pesticide use, procurement
and application:
In district Jamui, Furudan pesticide is generally used and that too for only Paddy and Maize.
Furudan is generally obtained from local shops and market. A mixture of pesticide and water
(5 ml and 5 litre respectively) is sprayed in the field when the insect/pest attack is visible.
Villagers also said that while spraying pesticide they follow certain precautions like covering
mouth and face while spraying, and washing hands with soap after spraying.
In the district of Khagaria, it was reported that pesticides is generally used for Wheat, Maize
and Paddy, popular pesticides used were Thimat, Endosulphan and Candidor. Pesticide here
is sprayed in the field as when it is required. Local markets are the major sources of
pesticide. The participants also reported that hand and mouth are covered while spraying,
and they also take care of the direction of the wind and avoid spraying pesticide against it.
In the district of Purnea, pesticide is used for Wheat, Maize and also for Banana. Thimat and
Furudan are the most commonly used pesticides. Markets at Bhawanipur are used for
procuring pesticides. Almost all reported that pesticides mixed with fertilizers are applied
while field preparation. Precautions like covering hands and mouth while spraying and
washing hands after were practiced.
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4.9 Harvest An attempt was made to understand the machinery that is used by the respondents to harvest their
yield, which would in turn help to comprehend the penetration of technology with respect to
agriculture amongst the sample covered. Using Sickle for harvesting was found to be the pre-
dominant tool used as reported by about 92 percent of the respondents.(Refer to AnnexureTable
9.51: Harvesting Machinery).Participants in the Focus Group Discussions also mentioned that
harvesting was done manually across all crop categories in all the three districts studied. Tractor and
Harvester are used by a small number of people.
4.10 Threshing In the Focus Group Discussions it emerged that in the districts of Jamui, Khagaria as well as Purnea,
threshing was done manually with the help of cows. Only a handful of respondents used equipments
like thresher in Khagaria and Purnea that too limited only for the crop of Paddy.
4.11 Storage Storage also contributes as an essential component of agriculture as it is one element which if
executed properly may fix a good price for the yield. The respondents were asked about whether
they stored the crop that they produced or directly transported it after the harvest. It was noted that
nearly 52 percent respondents reported that they did store their crop and the rest reported
otherwise (Refer to Annexure Table 9.53: Storage of the Crop). With reference to the enquiry on
where exactly did they store the crop, all the respondents reported that they stored it inside their
house. An attempt was also made to understand the reason for storage of crops as perceived by the
respondents and here it was noted that about 70 percent respondents reported that they stored the
crops due to family issues. 16 percent also reported that they believed in storing and wanted to sell
their produce only at the time of need and 8 percent respondents wanted to store for the purpose
of better prices (Refer to AnnexureTable 9.57: Reason for Storage). The respondents were also
probed with respect to the place of selling and here, nearly 76 percent respondents reported that
they sold their produce in their own village whereas about 15 percent respondents sold it at a
purchasing site near the village and 7 percent used Local Haats as the place for selling. Only a
handful resorted to Mandi and other options (Refer to Annexure Table 9.58: Place of Selling).
Focus Group Discussions confirmed that most of the crops that were produced by the participants
were usually for self-consumption, hence were stored in house only. Paddy was usually stored in
containers made of straw. Maize, Moong, Wheat, Potato etc. was stored in pitchers and no specific
care was taken at the time of storage since most of the stock was for self-consumption.
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5 Chapter: Agriculture Income and Expenditure
The objective of this chapter is to analyse agriculture income and expenditure with respect to
respondents covered in the study. Analysis provided in this chapter takes into consideration the
findings and results obtained from both the household questionnaire and the FGD.
5.1 Income from Agriculture
5.1.1 Major crops grown in the three districts
In the district of Jamui, 81 households were included in the survey, all of them reported that they
cultivate paddy, whereas almost all (95.1 percent) reported to grow maize. The households in
district Purnea all said that they grow both Paddy and Maize, also a somewhat significant proportion
of the population reported to grow banana (12.3 percent), which was not grown in any other
district. Potato showed a trend almost opposite to that of banana as 8.6 and 11.7 percent of
households in Jamui and Khagaria respectively grew them but almost no one in Purnea engaged in
potato cultivation. Wheat was grown majorly in Khagaria whereas Garlic, Cabbage and Onions
although grown by a handful of households was grown only in the district of Khagaria.
Table 5.1: District wise distribution of major crops
Seasons Crop Name Jamui (N=81)(%) Khagaria (N=162)(%)
Purnea (N=162)(%)
Kharif
Paddy 100 71.6 100
Maize 95.1 92 100
Arhar/Tur 4.9 1.9 0
Moong 6.2 4.3 0
Potato 8.6 11.7 0.6
Rabi
Onions 0 2.5 0
Wheat 11.1 62.3 35.8
Garlic 0 2.5 0
Cabbage 0 2.5 0
Brinjal 0 3.7 1.2
Zayad White gourd 0 4.9 1.9
All year long Banana 0 0 12.3
5.1.2 Productivity
An attempt was made to understand the productivity of the crops cultivated by the respondents.
The findings are interesting, from the sample who reported to grow crops like Maize, Paddy and
Wheat, the largest proportion reported that the productivity was below 10 quintal per acre in case
of Maize while in the case of Paddy the productivity was generally less than 20 quintals. Overall
production of wheat was generally below 20 quintals. With respect to Potato and Brinjal, maximum
proportion of respondents reported that the productivity could range anywhere below 5 quintal and
with respect to Banana, the productivity ranged anywhere between 10 to 15 quintal (Refer to
Annexure Table 9.62: Productivity with respect to Major Crops).
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Figure 5-1: Productivity per acre with respect to major crops
Please note: 1 quintal=100 kg
5.1.3 Productivity per acre for three major crops i.e. Maize, Paddy and Wheat
1) For farmers growing crops in land more than 5 Acre(Big Farmers): here figure 28 gives a very
surprised reading as it tells us that all the farmers falling in the category of Big (i.e. having land
holding of more than 5 acres) have very less productivity per acre i.e. below 10 quintals, this can
point to the fact that a)the amount of fertilizers or manure used for enhancing production by these
farmers is less or is not used evenly across the entire cultivated area b)because the area under
cultivation is large the variety of seeds used by these farmers is of low quality or the high quality
variety is not grown in the entire cultivated land. Another possibility could be that c) because the
area under cultivation is large it is difficult to manage hence leading to low output per area.
Figure 5-2: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in land more than 5 acre
2)For farmers growing crops in 2-5 acre land (Medium Farmer): Once again the pattern of
productivity was similar to that of Big Farmers, here too majority of the farmers had productivity of
less than 10 quintal, however for maize it was found that some respondents even stated that their
production was more than 31 quintals, a significant proportion of the maize growers (22.9 percent)
33.8
11.0
29.7
16.2 9.2
41.8 48.7
2.8 1.1 5.6
56.5
31.5
2.4 4.8 4.8
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
Below 10Quintal(%)
11 to 20Quintal(%)
21 to 30Quintal(%)
31 Quintal &Above(%)
NoResponse(%)
Productivity/acre with respect to major Crops
Maize (N=390)
Paddy (N=359)
Wheat (N=168)
84.8
100 100
15.2
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
Maize (N=33) Paddy (N=20) Wheat(N=4)
Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in land more than 5 acre
Below 10 Quintal(%)
11 to 20 Quintal(%)
21 to 30 Quintal(%)
31 Quintal & Above(%)
No Response(%)
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failed to give any response regarding the amount of production either because they weren’t aware
of the same or didn’t feel like disclosing the information for some reason. Production of paddy was
considerably better than that of wheat for Medium Farmers (2-5 Acre), as the percentage
composition of those who reported that their production was more than 10 quintals growing paddy
was more than the same category of wheat growers.
Figure 5-3: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in 2-5 acre land
3) For farmers growing crops in 1-2 acre land (Small Farmer):For maize out of the total respondents
who grew them( i.e. 42) majority said that their productivity was between 21-30 quintals/per acre
(54.8 percent), even more encouraging statistic was that a significant proportion (21.4 percent) even
stated that their maize production was 31 quintals and above. For paddy similar number of
respondents reported to have production below 10 quintals and in between 11-20 quintals (i.e. 42.3
percent each).
Figure 5-4: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in 1-2 acre land
4) For farmers growing crops in land in less than 1 Acre(Marginal Farmer): The maize growers
faired pretty well as compared to paddy and wheat growers when it comes to assessing productivity,
as they constitute the maximum composition of farmers having productivity of more than 21
quintals, on the other hand most of the paddy cultivators (i.e. total of 253 respondents) claimed that
55.7
70.6
94.4
7.1
29.4
5.6
8.6
5.7
22.9
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
Maize (N=70) Paddy (N=34) Wheat(N=18)
Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in 2-5 acre land
Below 10 Quintal(%)
11 to 20 Quintal(%)
21 to 30 Quintal(%)
31 Quintal & Above(%)
No Response(%)
14.3
42.3
72.7
9.5
42.3
27.3
54.8
3.8
21.4
1.9 0.0
9.6
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
Maize (N=42) Paddy (N=52) Wheat(N=11)
Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in 1-2 acre land
Below 10 Quintal(%)
11 to 20 Quintal(%)
21 to 30 Quintal(%)
31 Quintal & Above(%)
No Response(%)
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their productivity is between 11-20 quintals, whereas the situation among wheat growers was even
worse, here the maximum composition amongst the wheat growers had production of less than 10
quintals (i.e. 48.9 percent), which points to the fact that either more people use better variety of
maize seeds, or they practice better cultivation practices when it comes to maize then other crops.
Yet another implication could be that the natural conditions in the area surveyed are more
conducive for maize then for paddy or wheat.
Figure 5-5: Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in land more than 5 acre
5.2 Sale and Consumption of the Produce
5.2.1 Households that don’t sell
From the table below it is clearly visible, that most of the households that do not sell their produce
are from marginal (less than 1 Acre) and small (1-2 Acre) households. District wise analysis of this
data shows that situation in Jamui and Khagaria is considerably worse off than district Purnea when
considering farmers that do not sell their produce. In Jamui there were 41 percent, 87 percent and
90 percent of all marginal, small and medium farmers respectively that did not sell their produce.
District Purnea on the other hand displayed much better figures, as it constituted only 3.6 percent of
all marginal farmers and 8.7 percent of all small farmers that did not sell any of their produce. From
the below table it can also be interpreted that a total of 148 households in the 15 surveyed villages
do not sell any produce.
Table 5.2: Households that do not sell produce
Less than 1
Acre(N=112) 1 to 2
Acre(N=23) 2 to 5
Acre(N=10) More than 5 Acre(N=3)
Jamui 40.2 87.0 90 66.7
Khagaria 56.3 4.3 10 0.0
Purnea 3.6 8.7 0 33.3
Total 100.0 100.0 100 100.0
24.1
33.2
48.9
13.9
56.5
36.3 35.5
3.2 3.0
20.4
1.2
5.9 6.1 5.9 5.9
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
Maize grown in lessthan 1 Acre (N=245)
Paddy grown in lessthan 1 Acre(N=253)
Wheat grown in lessthan 1 Acre(N=135)
Productivity per acre for farmers growing crops in land less than 1 acre
Below 10 Quintal(%)
11 to 20 Quintal(%)
21 to 30 Quintal(%)
31 Quintal & Above(%)
No Response(%)
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On further analysis of no sell respondents on the basis of social category, gives a very important
reading, nearly 62 percent of all SC households do not sell any of their produce, whereas a
staggering 94 percent of all ST households also reported to not sell any agricultural output. The same
data for OBC and general category also reiterates the fact that it is majorly the SC and ST households
who never have enough produce to sell in the market, hence reducing their income.
Table 5.3: Social category wise distribution of respondents who do not sell any produce
SC(N=68) ST(N=68) OBC (N=233)
GEN (N=36)
Do not sell any produce 61.8 94.1 14.2 25.0
5.2.2 Households that sell produce
The respondents were also asked in the household tool about the sale of the produce to understand
their income cycle, as major proportion had reported to be dependent on agriculture for their daily
bread and butter. When considering all the crops that were sold in all the households, it was noted
that composition of all the crops sold above 80 percent were 56.7 percent of all crops sold. Similarly
crops sold between 60-79 percent were 15.6 percent of all sold crops. Please note: that here for sale
of produce N=462, as 462are the total no of crops that were sold, the remaining crops grown in the
15 surveyed villages were all used for self-consumption.
Figure 5-6: Sale of produce
It can be inferred that major proportion of the produce that is sold is sold in large quantities.
5.3 Buyer and Reason for choosing buyer An attempt was made to understand the market linkages with respect to agriculture prevalent in the
sample covered through both the household questionnaire and focus group discussion. The table
below shows the sale of all crops by all farmers (selling their produce) evaluated from the household
tool. As can be seen from the table, getting a higher price emerges as the major reason for selling
the produce (picked 172 times by respondents), getting immediate pay Is second in the list of
56.7
15.6 15.6 9.5
2.6
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
80 % andabove
60 % to79 % 40 % to 59% 20 % to39% 1% to19%
Sale of produce
Sale of produce(N=462)
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reasons for selling produce, however a buyer accepting large quantities doesn’t seem to be high on
that list of reasons, which could mean that the produce left for sale is never large enough. Also
interesting to note that sellers are not too concerned about the distance between them and the
buyer (that reason was selected only 5 times), which points to the fact that the buyers are not
distantly located.
When considering the most important reason for selling the produce, it can be established from the
table that 78.5 percent of this produce (i.e. sold because it fetches higher price) is sold to a trader in
the village, crops sold because they are paid for by the buyer immediately are also mostly sold to a
trader in the village (79.7 percent), in fact whatever the reason maybe for selling, it can be said with
firm confidence that majority of the produce is sold to traders inside the village, which may point to
the reason as to why there are a lower number of respondents concerned with distance between
them and the buyer . However the responses for accepting large quantities are split even between
traders both in and outside the village.
Table 5.4: buyers for the produce and the reason of choosing them
Buyer
Have contract with him (N=53)
Gives higher price (N=172)
Accept large quantities (N=5)
Accept small quantities (N=60)
Pays immediately (N=133)
He is close by (N=5)
No other option (N=41)
Trader in the village
75.5 78.5 40 93.3 79.7 80 70.7
Trader outside the village
24.5 15.7 40 3.3 15.8 20 17.1
Local market/Shop
0.0 2.9 20 1.7 3.8 0 9.8
Wholesale market
0.0 1.2 0 1.7 0.0 0 2.4
Govt. Markets
0.0 1.7 0 0.0 0.8 0 0.0
5.4 Time of payment and Advise received with regards to agriculture According to findings that came to light with regards to time of payment through the household
questionnaire it was noted 46 percent of the respondents reported that they received the payment
on the same day, nearly 28 percent received it within seven days and about 23 percent received it
within 8-30 days after the sale
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Table 9.60: Timing of Receiving the Payment). The respondents were also asked for their source of
advice with regards to agriculture and it was observed that maximum respondents (nearly 48
percent) used the advise their neighbours gave, a significant proportion (27.4 percent) also said that
they didn’t take the advice of anyone but practiced their own methods (Refer to Annexure Table
9.61: Advice Received from with regards to Agriculture.
5.5 Net Agricultural Income (Net Farm Income) Here we define net agricultural income as the difference in the amount earned by households by
selling agricultural produce and the expenditure incurred by the same households for purchasing
inputs and services that are needed for practicing agriculture in the first place. It should be noted
that this net agricultural income could also be less than zero i.e. expenditure is more then what is
earned by selling produce thus signifying loss.
5.5.1 Net agricultural income on the basis of district
From the table below it can be clearly seen that district Jamui lags far behind the other two districts
when it comes to net income earned from agriculture, in fact 90 percent of the people in this district
reported to have incurred a loss i.e. signifying that their expenditure was more than that of the
income earned from selling produce. The statistics that emerged for district Khagaria were only
marginally better as here 63.6 percent of the households reported to have undergone loss. Purnea
however fared much better as it was the only district where households reported to have made gain
(63.6 percent) were more than those which reported loss (36.4 percent), in fact 11.7 and 7.4 percent
of all households here stated that they had made a profit to the tune of 10001-20000 and 30001-
40000 respectively.
Table 5.5: Net agricultural income on the basis of land holding
Net Agricultural Income Jamui (N=81) Khagaria (N=162) Purnea (N=162)
Loss of Rs.10001 & above 2.5 15.4 3.1
Loss of Up to Rs.10000 87.7 48.1 33.3
No Profit No Loss 7.4 0.6 0.0
Up to Rs. 10000 2.5 13.0 33.3
Profit of Rs.10001 to 20000 0.0 7.4 11.7
Profit of Rs.20001 to 30000 0.0 3.7 1.9
Profit of Rs.30001 to 40000 0.0 2.5 7.4
Profit of Rs.40001 to 50000 0.0 2.5 3.7
Profit of Rs.50001 to 60000 0.0 1.2 1.9
Profit of Rs.60001 to 70000 0.0 1.2 0.6
Profit of Rs.70001 & Above 0.0 4.3 3.1
5.5.2 Net agricultural income on the basis of land holding
As expected loss incurred by farmers having only marginal land holdings i.e. less than 1 Acre exhibit
the maximum composition of households experiencing loss. Around 67 percent of all marginal
farmers stated that they had experienced negative agricultural income in 2011, which may be due to
small land holdings. However 22 percent of marginal farmers also reported to have earned profit up
to INR 10,000, a surprising finding that emerged here is that a handful of marginal farmers (1
percent) also reported to have made a profit of more than INR 70000, on further analyzing this 1
percent it was found that these are the farmers who have increased their cultivable land holding by
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practicing agriculture on leased in land, thus in the process increasing their produce and net
agricultural income beyond foreseeable limits.
Table 5.6: Net agricultural income on the basis of land holding
Net Agricultural Income Less than 1 Acre(N=273)
1 to 2 Acre(N=71)
2 to 5 Acre(N=44)
More than 5 Acre(N=17)
Loss of Rs.10001 & above 8.8 5.6 4.5 11.8
Loss of Up to Rs.10000 57.5 38.0 38.6 11.8
No Profit No Loss 2.2 0.0 0.0 5.9
Profit of Up to Rs. 10000 22.0 11.3 11.4 23.5
Profit of Rs.10001 to 20000 5.5 14.1 13.6 0.0
Profit of Rs.20001 to 30000 0.7 7.0 4.5 0.0
Profit of Rs.30001 to 40000 1.1 8.5 13.6 5.9
Profit of Rs.40001 to 50000 0.7 9.9 0.0 5.9
Profit of Rs.50001 to 60000 0.4 1.4 2.3 11.8
Profit of Rs.60001 to 70000 0.4 0.0 4.5 0.0
Profit of Rs.70001 & Above 1 4.2 6.8 23.5
From the table it is clear that marginal & small farmers i.e. owing land less than 1 Acre and 1-2 Acre
respectively are the most predominant in number, it is also clear that it is these farmers that
experience significant loss of income i.e. farmers reporting negative agricultural income have more
significant composition amongst these two types of farmers then in the categories of medium (2-5
Acre) and large (More than 5 Acre) farmers. It could thus be safely assumed that these two types of
farmers are the most vulnerable, and land holding appears to be one of the most significant factors
that influence agricultural income.
5.5.3 Net agricultural income on the basis of social category
Another important point to note here is the production, sale and expenditure amongst the various
social categories of farmers. The table below gives a snapshot of the same. Once again the data as
expected shows that majority of the SC and ST households reported that they experienced loss, in
fact a staggering 88.2 percent of SC and 91.2 percent of ST households stated they had experienced
a net negative agricultural income in 2011. None of the SC and ST households reported to have
earned a high income from sale of agricultural goods. It is thus of no surprise that most of the SC and
ST households have low land holdings (Refer Annexure Table 9.68: Land ownership on the basis of
social category), in fact 98.5 percent of SC and 83.8 percent of ST households all have less than 2
acres of land holding . General and OBC category of households fared much better, although here
too a significant proportion of the households reported to have incurred loss.
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Table 5.7: Net agricultural income on the basis of social category
Net Agricultural Income SC(N=68) ST(N=68) OBC(N=233) GEN(N=36)
Loss of Rs.10001 & above 13.2 1.5 7.3 13.9
Loss of Up to Rs.10000 75.0 89.7 33.9 33.3
No Profit No Loss 2.9 7.4 0.0 0.0
Up to Rs. 10000 4.4 1.5 28.8 16.7
Profit of Rs.10001 to 20000 1.5 0.0 11.6 8.3
Profit of Rs.20001 to 30000 1.5 0.0 3.0 2.8
Profit of Rs.30001 to 40000 1.5 0.0 4.3 13.9
Profit of Rs.40001 to 50000 0.0 0.0 4.3 0.0
Profit of Rs.50001 to 60000 0.0 0.0 1.7 2.8
Profit of Rs.60001 to 70000 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0
Profit of Rs.70001 & Above 0.0 0.0 3.9 8.3
5.6 Agricultural expenditure The figure below gives a distribution of costs incurred by farmers for agricultural activities, it can be
clearly seen from the pie chart that fertilizers (28.2 percent), irrigation (20.4 percent), tractor/power
tiller (17.8 percent) and labour (17.8 percent) are the major sources of expenditure for the 405
surveyed households. Also if the data is further analysed, it is noticed that maximum number of
farmers i.e. 95 percent reported to have spend money in 2011 on fertilizers, also 91, 76 and 72
percent of all farmers claimed to have spend money on Irrigation, Tractor/power tiller and Labour
respectively.
Figure 5-7: Expenditure categories incurred by households with respect to Agriculture
17.8
20.4
0.2 12.5
28.2
2.1
17.8
0.1 0.9
Expenditure Categories incurred by households with respect to agriculture(N=INR 6495661)
Labour
Irrigation
Power
Seed
Fertilizer
pesticides
Tractor/power tiller
Taxes
Transportation
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Note: The denominator (N) used in the above case is 6495661, which is the total expenditure incurred
by all the households surveyed (i.e. 405) across the three districts for all crops for the above given
heads (shown in the pie chart).
5.6.1 Agricultural Expenditure for Small & Marginal Farmers
Since small and marginal farmers form the major proportion of all surveyed households, and as it is
these farmers who are most vulnerable and have least income it would be interesting to see the kind
of spending pattern they exhibit when it comes to agriculture.
Figure 5-8: Expenditure categories incurred by marginal & small farmers with respect to agriculture
The figure above gives a snapshot of the various sources of expenditure for the most vulnerable
category of farmers i.e. marginal & small, it shows that majority of the costs related to agriculture
was because of purchase of fertilizers (29.22 percent). Also money spent on irrigation (21.57
percent) of cultivated fields was also a significant component of the entire agricultural expenditure.
However money spent on power (0.37 percent), taxes (006), transportation (1.08 percent) and
pesticide (2.23 percent) was not that significant. It should come as no surprise that here the total
expenditure incurred by all households (in the category of small & marginal landholders) i.e.
4038446 is a significant portion of the total agricultural expenditure incurred by all 405 households,
as the percentage composition of small & marginal landholders in all the 405 households is also very
significant. Also one important piece of information that comes to light here is that composition of
all expenditure heads for the small & marginal farmers is quite similar to that of overall expenditure,
hence the major agricultural expenditure incurred are for irrigation, labour and fertilizer for all types
of farmers .
5.7 Non- farm income and its sources The total non- farm income earned by all the households amounts to INR 11154949, from the table
below it can be clearly interpreted that wages earned from wage labor constitutes a major portion
of the total non-farm income, net income from dairy/livestock, rental income of leased out land,
income by selling of livestock and income from selling of land all constituted 2.3, 1.1, 2.8 and 1.5
percent respectively.
15.40
21.57
0.37 12.67
29.22
2.23
17.40
0.06 1.08
Expenditure categories incurred by marginal & small farmers with respect to agriculture (N=4038446)
Labour
Irrigation
Power
Seed
Fertilizer
pesticides
Tractor/power tiller_
Taxes
Transportation
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Table 5.8: Sources of non farm income
Activities Percentage composition(N=total non farm)
Wage labor 80.5
Net income from dairy/livestock 2.3
Rental income of leased out land 1.1
Income from selling land 1.5
Income selling livestock 2.8
Others 11.8
Total Amount 100
5.8 Net Household Income (Farm and Non Farm Income) It is also important to take into consideration the income earned by farmers from non-farm sources
of livelihood, as that income also adds to their overall household income. This net household income
is calculated by adding the net agricultural income (as calculated in the previous section) with the
income these households have earned from non-farm endeavours.
5.8.1 Net household income on the basis of districts
According to the table below it can be said that non farm income has supplemented the overall
household income of a large number of households covered during the study, none more so than in
district Jamui, where in section 5.5.1 it was shown that 90 percent of all households experienced
loss, after adding the income earned from non-farm activities it can be seen that that composition
has been significantly reduced to 13.6 percent, in fact majority of the households in this district now
show a profit of up to INR 20,000. Similarly composition of households in district Khagaria and
Purnea experiencing loss in the net agricultural income was also considerably reduced.
Table 5.9: Net household income on the basis of districts
Net Household Income Jamui(N=81) Khagaria(N=162) Purnea(N=162)
Loss of Rs.20001 & above 0.0 1.2 1.2
Loss of Up to Rs.20000 13.6 9.9 3.1
No Profit No Loss 1.2 0.6 0.0
Profit Up to Rs. 20000 64.2 22.8 19.1
Profit Rs.20001 to 40000 16.0 27.2 41.4
Profit Rs.40001 to 60000 1.2 15.4 17.9
Profit Rs.60001 to 80000 1.2 8.6 6.8
Profit Rs.80001 to 100000 2.5 3.7 7.4
Profit Rs.100001 & Above 0.0 10.5 3.1
5.8.2 Net household income on the basis of land holding
As seen in the net household income on the basis of districts, the table below also shows that the
farmers whether marginal, small, medium or large have all augmented their net household income
from non-farm sources. In fact for marginal farmers i.e. having land less than 1 acre the negative net
household income has reduced to 8.4 percent from an earlier finding of 66.3 percent (net
agricultural income).Also a significant portion of all types of farmers report to have made a profit of
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INR 20000 and more. Thus it can be clearly seen by comparing the net agricultural and net
household incomes, that non-farm sources have supplemented the household income significantly.
Hence government and NGOs working in these areas in the sphere of livelihood should aim at not
only improving agriculture produce and thereby incomes, but also at promoting the skills and
capabilities of the inhabitants, so that they can get involved in non-farm livelihood activities and thus
supplement their income. Also access to credit, improvement in infrastructure and linkages with
various sources like markets (both forward and backward) should be enhanced, as they will lead to
more non-farm earning opportunities for people of these villages.
Table 5.10: Net household produce on the basis of land holding
Net Household Income Less than 1 Acre(N=273)
1 to 2 Acre(N=71)
2 to 5 Acre(N=44)
More than 5 Acre(N=17)
Loss of Rs.20001 & above 0.4 1.4 2.3 5.9
Loss of Up to Rs.20000 8.1 9.9 4.5 5.9
No Profit No Loss 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0
Profit Up to Rs. 20000 30.4 32.4 29.5 5.9
Profit Rs.20001 to 40000 35.2 16.9 25.0 29.4
Profit Rs.40001 to 60000 12.8 16.9 15.9 5.9
Profit Rs.60001 to 80000 6.6 5.6 6.8 5.9
Profit Rs.80001 to 100000 3.3 9.9 2.3 17.6
Profit Rs.100001 & Above 2.6 7.0 13.6 23.5
5.8.3 Net household income on the basis of social category
The findings here again reiterate the fact that non-farm sources of income and livelihood should be
promoted amongst all social categories of people none more so than the SC and ST category. These
households (SC and ST) have drastically increased their household income as a result of their non-
farm ventures, only 11.8 and 13.2 percent of SC and ST households respectively now report to have
incurred any loss ( as compared to 88 and 90 percent in the case of net agriculture income). The
general and OBC category have also become more affluent as a result of additional non farm
income.
Table 5.11: Net household income on the basis of social category
Net Household Income SC(N=68) ST(N=68) OBC(N=233) GEN(N=36)
Loss of Rs.20001 & above 0.0 0.0 0.9 5.6
Loss of Up to Rs.20000 11.8 13.2 5.2 8.3
No Profit No Loss 2.9 0.0 0.0 0.0
Profit Up to Rs. 20000 39.7 66.2 15.9 30.6
Profit Rs.20001 to 40000 32.4 16.2 34.3 30.6
Profit Rs.40001 to 60000 5.9 0.0 21.5 2.8
Profit Rs.60001 to 80000 4.4 1.5 8.2 8.3
Profit Rs.80001 to 100000 1.5 2.9 6.4 5.6
Profit Rs.100001 & Above 1.5 0.0 7.7 8.3
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The basic findings that came to light in the Focus Group Discussions, with regards to agriculture
income and expenditure are mentioned below. These findings are listed in district specific order:
1)Jamui: Here the respondents reported that they bought the seeds, fertilizers and pesticides from a
local market which was seven kms away, but the produce was always used for self-consumption.
2)Khagaria: In the district of Khagaria the scenario was quite different as here, the participants
reported that they bought the seeds, fertilizers and pesticides from the village itself. Here, the
produce was sold to the buyer in the village within a span of 25 days despite the fact that the rates
availed are not good. Here, the farmers believe that their problems can be minimized if government
agencies purchase their produce.
3)Purnea: here the participants reported that they purchased seeds, fertilizers and pesticides from
Bhawanipur which was 14 kms away. Urea and DAP was purchased from PACS only once until now in
the year 2011, and certain issues were faced with receiving the stock in time which delayed
application of the same on the crops. They sold their produce to village level traders who usually
collected it from their doorstep, who in turn decides the rate of the produce after weighing it.
5.9 Households taken Agriculture Loan The household study indicated that amongst the total respondents about 21 percent had taken
agriculture loan while the rest claimed not to have taken it. Further, probing with the respondents
who had taken Loan for agriculture indicated that money lender was the pre dominant source for
lending for this purpose. Banks had also made a good hold in the sector and were reported by nearly
29 percent respondents. Although microfinance institutions are making a good hold in rural areas, it
did not seem to be predominant in the state of Bihar for agriculture as reported by the respondents.
Despite of lot of efforts made by Govt. banks have not been able to reach to large extent. So, more
attention should be given on bank linkages.
Figure 5-9: Sources of agriculture loan
With respect to the purpose for which this loan was taken, Fertilizers/Pesticides/Seeds seemed to be
the predominant reason for availing loans as reported by nearly 66 percent respondents. This can be
correlated with the fact that most of the respondents reported earlier that they primarily used
hybrid seeds which are expensive than the traditional variety and availing loans for the same
28.6
3.6
0.0 50.0
10.7 8.3
Sources of Agriculture Loan (N=84)
Bank
MFI
Coop. society
Money lender
Friends/relative
Others
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59 | P a g e
becomes the only solution for them which they may return once their produce is ripe. It is important
to note that the loan for entire crop cycle was taken by nearly one fifth the respondents.
Figure 5-10: Purpose of availing agriculture loans
The following findings emerged out of the focus group discussion for the three districts with regards
to agriculture credit:
1) Jamui: Agricultural loans were primarily obtained from banks located at Chikal, the rate of interest
charged hovered around 9-10 percent, the FGD participants believed that their experience of
obtaining loans from banks has not been good, as they believed they are not comfortable with the
amount and time of installments that need to pay back to the bank.
2) Khagaria: Loans here are majorly obtained from local landlords and relatives; bank contribution in
agricultural loan is minimal. Interest charged is somewhere between 5-7 percent. Here too the
respondents were not happy with the whole experience of obtaining loans, the villagers also
complained that loan is only given to them when the landlord have the money to spare.
3) Purnea: Loan is obtained from local money lenders present in and around the village. Everybody
was in agreement about the interest levied on the loan taken i.e. 5 percent. The villagers believe that
sometimes they have 4to ask for more than one money lender for the loan.
9.5
65.5
3.6
1.2 0.0
20.2
1.2
Purpose of Availing Agriculture Loans (N=84) Land development
Fertilizers/pesticides/seed
For purchasing tractor/powertillerFor purchasing harvester
For purchasing other machinery
For whole crop cycle
Other
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6 Chapter: Government Schemes and Services Related to Agriculture
and Food Security
This chapter aims to give an understanding about the Government schemes and services available
with respect to agriculture in the study area and those being availed at the ground level by the
communities. This is important from the perspective of the study, as it forms a factor, which may
promote Agricultural practices and motivate use of technologies and advanced agricultural
techniques.
6.1 Agriculture Services Received The respondents were asked in the household questionnaire, whether they had received any
Agriculture extension services in 2011 (refer to Annexure Table 9.36: Received Agriculture Extension
Services in the Year 2011), and it was noted that nearly 66 percent respondents had received these
services in the year 2011, while the rest reported otherwise. With respect to the institution (Refer to
Annexure Table 9.37: Institution from where Agriculture Services are received) from where these
respondents had received the services, included District/ Block level officials as reported by nearly
66 percent respondents, Agriculture University as reported by 55 percent respondents and private
companies as reported by nearly 59 percent respondents. Receiving these services from NGOs
seemed to be more prevalent in the area as nearly 94 percent respondents reported this. Only about
15 percent respondents had received these services from Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
The respondents were also asked whether they had attended any demonstration on agriculture, and
the results indicated that only a handful (Refer to Annexure Table 9.38: Attended Demonstration on
Agriculture), around 14 percent had attended such demonstrations, while the rest reported
otherwise. Amongst those who had reported to attend such demonstrations (Refer to Annexure
Table 9.39: Institutions Disseminating these Demonstrations) nearly 58 percent reported that it was
disseminated by District/ Block level Officials, 45 percent reported to have attended those that were
conducted by NGOs and a handful, about 3 percent voted for Krishi Vigyan Kendra. With respect to
attending these demonstration activities in the year 2011, it was noted that about 10 percent
reported to have attended it while the rest reported otherwise (Refer to Annexure Table 9.40: Part
of Agriculture Related Demonstration Visits in 2011). Amongst those who reported to attend the
demonstration, 92 percent had attended those that were conducted by NGOs. Other Institutions
such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Private Companies, District/ Block level officials and Private companies
were not very popular in the year 2011 in terms of demonstration (Refer to Annexure Table 9.41:
Institutions Disseminating Demonstration in the year 2011).
Here, it can be concluded that though Krishi Vigyan Kendra is created to disseminate knowledge to
farmers, activities such as seminars and demonstrations on agriculture services do not seem to be
very active in this regard. Further, the work being done the NGOs in this area seems to attract more
farmers, as their activities are being attended by most of them.
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6.2 Government Schemes and Programme In order to gain a deeper understanding of whether the respondents were aware about the
government schemes and programmes, the respondents were asked through the household
questionnaire on their awareness with regards to the same. Here, it was noted that a little less than
half, about 47 percent respondents were aware about the scheme on subsidies for seeds, out of
these 47 percent 44.1 percent availed this scheme, and about 22 percent were aware about the
scheme on subsidies for fertilizers, however here many of these 21.7 percent reported to avail this
scheme (almost 63 percent). Awareness with regards to crop loan was limited and was reported by
19 percent of the respondents. About 12 percent respondents reported that they were aware about
the loan schemes related to tractors, pumps and machinery (Refer to Annexure Table 9.54:
Awareness about Schemes and Programmes). Here, it must be noted that except for awareness on
subsidies related to seeds, the knowledge on other schemes and programmes appears to be low
amongst the respondents and a sincere effort must be made to raise awareness in this regard, as
schemes and services would be ineffective until and unless people are aware of the same. An
attempt made to understand whether amongst those who claimed to be aware about the respective
schemes were actually benefitting from these schemes showed that amongst those aware, number
of respondents availing the schemes is not very high.
Figure 6-1: Comparison between awareness and availing of schemes
With reference to the source of information with regards to the schemes and programmes, it was
noted that most of the respondents, nearly 43 percent received this information from the sarpanch/
Other GP officials. This is very surprising to note as when the respondents were asked about their
rapport with the sarpanch and GP officials, not many reported that they shared a personal rapport
with them. Further, quite a few respondents (36 percent) reported that they received their
information from relatives/friends or other village members. About 8 percent also reported that
their awareness was sourced from NGOs. It is interesting to note that media also plays an important
role in spreading awareness with respect to schemes as nearly 9 percent reported that their
awareness was from TV/Newspapers (Refer to Annexure Table 9.55: Source of Information with
46.4
21.7
3.5 10.1 12.3
19.0
44.1
62.5
50.0
34.1 36.0 36.4
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
sub
sid
y o
n s
eed
Sub
sid
y o
n f
erti
lizer
s
Sub
sid
y o
n p
est
icid
es
sub
sid
y o
n t
ract
or/
pu
mp
/ m
ach
ine
ry
Loan
fo
r t
ract
or/
pu
mp
/ m
ach
ine
ry
Cro
p lo
an
Comparison between the Awareness and Availing the Schemes
Awareness about the scheme(N=405)
Availing the scheme
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regards to Schemes and Government Programmes). Hence, it may be applied that this is an avenue
which can serve good for spread of awareness. NGOs should play major role in spreading awareness
regarding schemes.
In terms of regularity of availing the schemes for the respondents who reported to be the
beneficiaries of the schemes, it was noted that not more than three fourth of the respondents
reported to avail the any type of scheme regularly. In terms of availing the subsidies on Fertilizers,
about 78 percent reported that it was regular, subsidies on seeds was voted for by about 72 percent
respondents and availing loan for tractors/pumps/machineries was voted for by nearly 61 percent
respondents (Refer to Annexure Table 9.56: Regularity of Availing Benefits). An attempt was also
made to understand whether those who reported to benefit from the scheme were actually satisfied
and the results obtained indicated that the satisfaction level ranged from between 65 per to 100
percent on various schemes.
Figure 6-2: Satisfaction of beneficiaries
6.2.1 Status of government schemes and programmes in the three districts
6.2.1.1 Khagaria
From the figure below it can be established that households in district Khagaria are majorly aware
about only two schemes i.e. subsidy on seeds and fertilizers, awareness level amongst households
for these two schemes being 76.5 and 50 percent respectively, for all other schemes awareness level
seems to be quite low, in fact not a single household covered in Khagaria was aware of subsidy on
drip irrigation and loan for dairy/goat. Percentage of household beneficiaries i.e. those availing the
schemes here are calculated on the households that are aware of those schemes, the data so
obtained further reiterates the point that government schemes and programmes are ineffective,
only half (50.8 percent) of those households that were aware of subsidy on loan were availing that
scheme, nearly 68 percent of those households that were aware of subsidy on fertilizer were
availing/had availed that subsidy. For no scheme was the aware and availing ratio 100 percent.
86.7 80.0
71.4 64.3 66.7
100.0
82.1
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
Sub
sid
y o
n s
eed
(N
=83
)
Sub
sid
y o
n f
erti
lizer
s(N
=5
5)
Sub
sid
y o
n p
est
icid
es(N
=7
)
Sub
sid
y o
n t
ract
or/
pu
mp
/ m
ach
ine
ry(N
=1
4)
Loan
fo
r t
ract
or/
pu
mp
/ m
ach
ine
ry(N
=1
8)
Loan
fo
r d
airy
/ go
ate
ryet
c (N
=1)
Cro
p lo
an (
N=2
8)
Satisfaction of Beneficiaries
% HH
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Percentage of households satisfied after availing a particular scheme however was much more
encouraging, which goes to show that more people will avail the scheme if they were more aware
about them.
Figure 6-3: Status of government schemes and programmes in Khagaria district
6.2.1.2 Purnea
Percentage awareness about government schemes and programmes was even lower in district
Purnea then it was in district Khagaria. The maximum awareness was for the crop loan scheme (45.1
percent), 39.5 percent were aware of subsidy on seeds and 24.7 percent for loan for
tractor/pump/machinery. For all other schemes awareness level was quite low, in fact not a single
household covered in this district was aware that a subsidy is given on pesticide and drip irrigation.
Percentage of households availing the schemes and programmes were also quite low, schemes that
the households were less aware of also had less beneficiaries. Satisfaction level however was much
better for schemes like crop loan (80.8 percent) and subsidy on seed as nearly (75 percent).
Figure 6-4: Status of government schemes and programmes in Purnea district
76.5
50.0
8.6 6.8 6.2 2.5
50.8 67.9
50 36.4
70 50
90.5 80.0
71.4
100.0 85.7
50.0
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
Status of government schemes in district Khagaria
% of households aware aboutschmes and programmes(N=162)
% age of households availingschemes (calculated onhouseholds aware)
% age of households satisfied(calculated on householdsavailing)
39.5
4.3 19.1 24.7
45.1
31.3 32.3 27.5 35.6
75.0
40.0
54.5
80.8
0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0
subsidy onseed
Subsidy onfertilizers
subsidy ontractor/pump/
machinery
loan fortractor/pump/
machinery
crop loan
Status of government schemes in district Purnea
% of households aware aboutschmes and programmes(N=162)
% age of households availingschemes (calculated onhouseholds aware)
% age of households satisfied(calculated on householdsavailing)
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6.2.1.3 Jamui
The statistics that emerged for district Jamui were quite abysmal; in fact not a single household in
this district was aware about any sort of scheme or programme by the government. Hence it is
extremely urgent that people here are made aware of the various government schemes and
services.
In the Focus Group Discussion, attempts were made by the moderators to discuss about government
schemes, and the results obtained seemed to confirm the findings of the Household tools, where in
the awareness level on government schemes is low. The district wise findings that emerged out of
the FGD are mentioned below:
In district Jamui, almost everyone was in agreement that the residents of the village do not
receive any benefits/support from government schemes related to agriculture.
In district Khagaria, agriculture department of the government does provide grants &
subsidies on purchase of seed and machines, also it was noted during the discussion that
Urea & DAP are provided by PACS at subsidized rates, however not all members of the
village where regular beneficiaries of such schemes, as they believed that benefits provided
were not timely, and never during time of its utmost need.
In district Purnea, the villagers have received Urea & DAP from PACS, however here too
many people were either not aware of the scheme or they believed that the benefits
provided were not timely.
6.3 PDS and other schemes to improve food security
6.3.1 Receive Items through PDS
It was noted that a total number of 373 households (around 92 percent) availed PDS services from
amongst 405 households covered under the study.
In order to understand the items that are received under the Public Distribution System by the
respondents, the respondents who had either APL, BPL or Antodaya card were questioned with
respect to the items they received. Here, it was observed that nearly 56 percent reported to obtain
Wheat and Rice under this system. About 98 percent respondents received Kerosene under the
Scheme. None of the respondents reported to receive cooking oil and Ghee under the Distribution
System (Refer to Annexure Table 9.18: Items Received under the Public Distribution System).
The study did not stop only at the items that were received under the scheme, but also attempted to
understand whether these items were received regularly, at a fair price and in the right quantity.
Here with respect to Wheat (Refer to Annexure Table 9.19: Regularity of Receiving Wheat under the
PDS) nearly 70 percent reported that they received the items every month, about 25 percent
reported that they received the items once in two months, nearly 4 percent reported that they
received Wheat once between 3-6 months and about 1 percent received it occasionally. This gives us
a glimpse as to the ineffectiveness of PDS as the items under the Public Distribution System are to
be received every month, and despite the country entering into its 67th year of independence, more
than one fourth of the sample reported that they do not receive one of the items, that is Wheat
regularly. With respect to receiving Wheat at a fair price (Refer to Annexure
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Table 9.20: Fair Price of Wheat under PDS), about 65 percent reported that they did receive it at a
fair price while quite a few, about 35 percent reported otherwise. In terms of quantity, it was noted
that more than half the respondents did not receive the prescribed quantity under the Public
Distribution System (Refer to Annexure Table 9.21: Right quantity of Wheat under PDS).
Similarly, with respect to Rice under PDS, it was noted that nearly 70 percent reported that they
received Rice under the scheme and again nearly one fourth reported that they received it once in
two months. It was sad to note that, as observed in the case of wheat, nearly 4 percent reported to
receive it once in 3-6 months and about 1 percent received it occasionally (Refer to Annexure Table
9.22: Regularity of Receiving Rice under PDS), despite, rice being the staple diet in the state. In terms
of receiving this in the right quantity and at a fair price, nearly more than half reported that they did
not receive it in the right quantity (Refer to Annexure Table 9.23: Right Quantity of Rice under PDS)
and 35 percent reported that they did not receive it at a fair price (Refer to Annexure Table 9.24: Fair
Price of Receiving Rice under PDS).
An attempt was made to study the same factors with respect to Kerosene. As noted earlier,
maximum respondents reported to receive Kerosene under PDS. Amongst these (Refer to
AnnexureTable 9.25: Regularity of Receiving Kerosene under PDS) nearly 85 percent reported that
they received it every month, while about 13 percent reported that they received Kerosene once in
two months. About 2 percent respondents received Kerosene, once in 3-6 months. In terms of
receiving the right quantity (Refer to Annexure Table 9.26: Right Quantity of Kerosene under PDS)
and at fair prices (Refer to Annexure Table 9.27: Fair Price of Kerosene under PDS), 58 percent of the
respondents reported to receive the right quantity while about 23 percent reported that they did
not receive it at fair price.
6.3.2 PDS items distributed amongst SC and ST category
Out of total Households, 212 and 211 stated that they received Wheat and Rice respectively; it was
interesting to note the composition of people among SC and ST which received Wheat and Rice. The
table below gives an idea of the same, on analyzing this data it is found that SC households have not
received as much as the ST households have, for both wheat and rice, in fact the percent of SC
households that have received wheat and rice is 39.6 and 39.7 percent respectively. The distribution
amongst ST households however seems to be quite good as for both rice and wheat.
Table 6.1: PDS items received amongst SC and ST categories
Wheat Rice
SC(N=68) 39.6 39.7
ST(N=68) 83.9 83.8
6.3.3 Food Crisis faced by households
It is important to understand whether the households, covered under the study, have ever faced
food crisis ever, and in this case it was noted that a little less than half the respondents, about 48
percent reported that they had faced food crisis and the rest reported otherwise. When further
studied it was found that 60 percent of those respondents that had faced food crisis, had faced this
every year while about 37 percent faced it occasionally. Facing food crisis every year seemed to be
pre-dominant amongst Scheduled Caste as well as the general category. While, interestingly,
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majority of Scheduled Tribe reported to face this occasionally, one reason for the same could be the
more dependence of Schedule Tribes on forest rather than agriculture as their primary source of
food. Quite a few respondents, 60 percent reported to face the crisis every year among other
backward category.
Table 6.2: Food crisis with respect to social category
Faced food crisis SC (N=50) ST (N=42)
OBC (N=95)
Gen (N=8)
Total (N=195)
Every year 70.0 45.2 60.0 75.0 60.0
Once in 2-3 years 4.0 4.8 0.0 0.0 2.1
Once in 4-5 years 0.0 2.4 1.1 0.0 1.0
Occasionally 26.0 47.6 38.9 25.0 36.9
Further, an attempt was made to understand the months in which this food crisis was faced and
maximum (nearly 43 percent) respondents reported that February was the month when they faced
food crisis, while quite a few (nearly 40 percent) voted for March too. September and October also
seemed to be the months where a little more than one fourth respondents reported to face food
crisis (Refer to Annexure Table 9.31: Months wherein Food Crisis is faced by Respondents).
6.3.4 Households facing food Crisis in 2011
With respect to food crisis, an effort was made to understand the status of food crisis in 2011; and
amongst those who had reported to have faced food crisis every year, nearly 85 percent reported to
have faced the crisis in 2011 and about 15 percent reported otherwise (Refer to Annexure Table
9.32: Food Crisis faced by Respondents in 2011). An attempt was made to understand whether the
respondents who reported to have faced food crisis in 2011 received the items under the Public
Distribution System (Refer to Annexure Table 9.35: Items received under PDS, by HH facing crisis in
2011). Here, it was noted that more than half the respondents received wheat and rice under the
PDS scheme, nearly 92 percent respondents reported to receive kerosene and only a handful
reported to receive sugar.
6.3.4.1 Action to overcome Food Crisis
It is also important to understand what kind of coping mechanisms adopted to overcome food crisis,
hence, the study also attempted to gather data on this front. Here, it was observed that borrowing
money seemed to be the most popular solution amongst the respondents as about three fourth of
the respondents resorted to this solution. Migration to another place was an option that was
practiced by nearly one fourth the respondents. Dependence on Forest produce seemed to be low
amongst the respondents in such situations.
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Figure 6-5: Action taken to overcome food crisis
6.3.5 Effects of Food Crisis
In terms of effects of food crisis, it was observed that additional or extra labour seemed to be
predominant as nearly 78 percent respondents reported this. Further, nearly 68 percent
respondents reported that they had to cut down on other household expenditure and about 61
percent reported that additional debts was also another negative impact. (Refer to Annexure Table
9.34: Effects of Food Crisis).
In the Focus Group Discussion, an attempt was made to understand about the food security
situation:
In the district of Jamui, the respondents usually manage their food from own agricultural
produce and sometimes additional items were bought from a market (in Chakai), some
respondents also received food articles from PDS shop. However, food crisis was reported to
be faced by around 15-20 households, mainly during the dry months of March to July and
they recommended that this problem could be overcome if a system of daily wages could be
set up during these months.
In the district of Khagaria the scenario observed was a little different where the participants
reported to rely on agriculture as well as PDS for their food security supply. They held BPL,
Antyodaya and Annapurna yojana cards; however they reported that they had not faced any
major situations of food crisis.
In the district of Purnea the situation was similar to that in Jamui, where maximum
dependence was on agriculture and procurement of additional items was limited to village
level. The situation of food crisis was also similar to that observed in Jamui.
73.3 75.9
27.7
3.6 8.7
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0B
orr
ow
fro
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rie
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s
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Action to overcome Food Crisis (N=195)
% HH (N=195)
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7 Chapter: Relation with Primary and Secondary Institutions
This Chapter basically aims to lay a focus on the village level groups, primary and secondary groups
and its meetings. In the context of this study, it is very important to understand the kind of
community groups that exist in the study area which may in turn be helpful to catalyze the objective
of the programme.
7.1 Membership of Village Level Groups The respondents were asked whether they were part of any village level groups. It is important that
the communities participate in such groups as these may help them in developing their own
personality, awareness, exposure, and also being parts of such groups helps them solve occupational
and other problems through discussions. Despite all such benefits of being a part of village level
group, it was noted that amongst the 405 respondents only about 12 percent reported to be part of
village level groups (Refer to Annexure Table 9.13: Membership to Village Level Groups). Amongst
the respondents who reported to be part of village level groups, most of them (96 percent
respondents) were members of Self Help Groups. Water user groups, though not very popular
amongst the respondent group, appeared to have 38 percent members. 8 percent and 2 percent of
respondents reported that they were part of Producer Groups and watershed Groups respectively
(Refer to Annexure Table 9.14: Type of Groups).
More support from government and other organizations is required to form such groups and to
encourage participation of the community members.
7.2 Participation in SHG In order to understand the membership to various groups and its impact on the development of
members, being mere members of the group may not be enough. It is important that these
members also participate in the group activities. Hence, an attempt was made to study the factors
with respect to this context. Here, it was noted that the participation in the group meetings was
reported by only about 42 percent of the respondents, however awareness about the meetings was
reports by nearly 98 percent members and nearly 88 percent reported that they attended the
meetings. Thus, it can be said that counselling is needed to motivate the respondents to participate
in the meetings. Most of the respondents, about 81 percent reported that they participated in the
election process of the groups.
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Figure 7-1: Participation in SHG
7.3 Participation in Other Groups An attempt was made to understand the participation of the respondents who reported to be
members of other groups, in the group activities. Amongst these (Refer to Annexure Table 9.15:
Participation in Other Groups), nearly 80 percent reported that they were aware about the meetings
in the group and 72 percent reported that they did attend the meetings. However, with respect to
participation, merely 32 percent respondents reported that they participated in the group meetings.
88 percent respondents reported to participate in the election process of the group. Here, though
other factors such as elections, awareness about meetings and attending meetings are popular
amongst the respondents, however the participation in these meetings is low, indicating that most
of the members of the group remained passive members. Hence, encouragement for participation in
these meetings is very essential.
Participation of SC and ST households in SHGs and other groups is given in the table below, the data
shows that the reach of SHGs among both SC and ST is low, however it is still much better than its
reach among general and OBC category (which is almost negligible). On the whole the households in
these 15 villages it can be said that the SHGs and other village level livelihood based groups have
covered very few households
Table7.1: Participation of SC and ST households in SHGs and other groups
SC (N=68) ST (N=68
SHG 4.4 57.4
Producer’s group
0.0 1.5
Water user’s group
2.9 23.5
Watershed group
0.0 1.5
97.9
87.5
41.7
81.3
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
Awareness aboutthe meeting
Attending themeetings
Participation inthe meeting
Participation inelection
Participation in SHG (N=48)
% HH (N=48)
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Participation of households in SHGs and other groups on the basis of land holding size also gives a
bleak picture (Refer to Annexure Table 9.71: Participation of Households in SHGs and other groups
based on size of land holding), only 10.6 percent of marginal land holders are involved in a SHG,
whereas the same data for small farmers is 14.1 percent.
Focus group Discussion confirmed the results obtained in the Household tool as the participants
spoke in line with the results indicated above.
7.4 Personal Rapport with Panchayat Members, Village and Block Level
Officials Various selected and elected members are present at the Panchayat, Village and Block levels in
order to promote agriculture and agricultural practices using advanced technologies. It is important
that the communities share a rapport with these members, who in turn may provide them with
know-how in the deeds occurring in the agricultural sector. The government has appointed
Agricultural officers, Development and Administrative officers who also maintain Agriculture and
development with respect to this sector in their portfolio. In this context, it was noted that the
rapport of the communities with these officials was not that good, in fact, only about 13 percent
reported that they knew the Sarpanch personally, and this is surprising to note as the Sarpanch
usually resides in the village or nearby village. Further, only about 19 percent respondents reported
that they knew the Agriculture Officer. Sometimes distance is being maintained by the officials
themselves, so it is very important from the part of these officials to take initiative and build rapport
with the community.
Figure 7-2: Personal rapport with members in authority
7.5 Role of PRI and NGOs in Agriculture An attempt was made to understand the role that PRI plays in agricultural practices and productivity.
Here, it was noted that, nearly 83 percent respondents reported that Panchayati raj Institutions do
not play any role in respect to this and only 17 percent respondents reported that the PRI members
teach them techniques about cultivation (Refer to Annexure Table 9.16: Role of PRI in
Agriculture).An attempt was made to understand whether, apart from decentralized Institutions
such as PRIs, any effort was being put in by other private and local institutions with respect to
12.6
19.3
7.9 9.1
4.7
9.9
18.5
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
Sarp
anch
War
d m
em
be
r
An
y o
the
r G
ram
Pan
chay
at M
em
be
r
GP
Sec
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Vill
age
Ad
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ativ
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Blo
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Agr
icu
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re O
ffic
er
(blo
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vel)
Personal Rapport with Members in Authority (N=405)
HH % (N=405)
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agriculture. Here, it was noted that nearly 75 percent respondents reported that NGOs were working
in this area and the rest reported otherwise (Refer to Annexure Table 9.17: NGOs working in the
sector of Agriculture). When studied in detail, with respect to what activities were being executed by
the NGOs in this area, it was understood that work was being done with respect to seed treatment,
seed replacement, sowing methods, use of Fertilizers, PVSP and ICM as reported by the
respondents. NGOs like ASA are working in these areas. NGOs were working in all the 15 villages that
were part of this study.
Figure 7-3: Role of NGOs in agriculture
72.5
19.0
62.3
83.3
57.4
9.5
0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0
Seed
rep
lace
me
nt
PV
SP
Sow
ing
me
tho
ds
Seed
tre
atm
ent
Bal
ance
d u
se o
ffe
rtili
zers IC
M
Role of NGOs in Agriculture (N=305)
%HH (N=305)
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8 Chapter: Conclusion and Recommendations
It is revealed from the study that a large number of households covered in the sample report that
they had an overall negative income i.e. have experienced loss. In fact around 60 percent of all
households have reported a negative net agricultural income. According to the findings given in the
report we believe the reasons for the same could be the following:
Low land holding: Most of the farmers covered in the sample had a very low land holdings, in
fact almost 85 percent of all farmers had land holding of less than 2 acres. Thus it is no
surprise that nearly 91 percent of all households that have experienced loss in the year 2011
are small & marginal farmers
Less agricultural produce: Households that do not sell any produce are nearly 37 percent of
sampled households, these are the households that practice agriculture just to squarely feed
themselves and their families, hence their net agricultural income is negative. Also as stated
above around 60 percent of all households report to having a negative net agricultural
income, thus around 23 percent of all households, all of which sell some agricultural produce,
also reported loss. Thus a very considerable proportion of households that have sold their
produce also have lost money as a result of agricultural activities.
Variety of seeds used: In the 3 districts high yield seed variety was not the most popular
choice, in fact in district Jamui still the majority of people reported to be using traditional
seed varieties, whereas in both Khagaria and Purnea hybrid varieties of seeds were the most
preferred . Both traditional and hybrid seed varieties have low yield compared to HYV seeds,
thus this could be another reason why so many households experienced loss in 2011.
Lack of awareness about government schemes and programs: the status of awareness of
government schemes and programs was very poor in all the 3 districts, especially in Jamui
where not a single household was aware about any sort of agricultural schemes or
programme by the government. The situation in both Khagaria and Purnea was only
marginally better
Poor relationships with primary and Secondary institutions: only about 12 percent all
households were members of SHGs, which is an abysmal figure. Being part of SHGs not only
enhances the knowledge and skill level of the participants, but it also acts as a financial net
for its members and helps addressing issues related to livelihood.
In accordance with our study Jamui district is clearly worse off than the other two districts, almost all
the farmers in this district reported to have a net negative agricultural income (97.53 percent). Also
it was the only district where still traditional seeds variety are preferred over other types of seeds,
not to mention the fact that no one here either knew or were availing any of the government
schemes or programs.
Actions that need to be taken:
Farmers need to be educated on the use of high yield and hybrid variety seed, the usage of
which is very low as compared to traditional variety;
Farmer should be trained through demonstrations and training on the land preparation,
seed treatment, application of manure and fertilizers, etc;
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Watershed promotion needs to be explored which can perhaps then assist in reducing the
dependence on other existing sources of irrigation;
Women participation in agricultural activities should be encouraged;
Crop diversification can provide better yield and gain for the farmers, hence it should be
promoted, and technical support should be provided to them ;
There is low awareness level on government schemes and service, hence, benefits of the
existing schemes and services should be informed to the farmers;
Primary and secondary groups can work as catalyst for improvement in agriculture, so village
level groups like SHGs, producer groups, water user groups, etc to be formed and nurtured;
Linkages with cooperative society and banks should be strengthened so that farmers can
avail credits more easily which is very weak at this stage;
Community participation in distribution of food articles through PDS should be encouraged
to enhance the coverage which in turn will reduce the food insecurity during lean season;
Jamui needs a special attention as it is lagging behind the other two districts;
Among the social categories the vulnerable groups, SC and ST are performing very poorly and they
would need special attention.
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9 Annexure Table 9.1: Type of House
Type % HH (N=405)
Pucca 9.6
Kachha 71.9
Mixed (Both) 18.5
Table 9.2: Availability of Toilets
Yes / No %HH (N=405)
Yes 17.8
No 82.2
Table 9.3: Main Source of Drinking Water
Main source of drinking water
%HH (N=405)
Pipeline into your house 2.2
Public tap water 4.2
Rainwater collection 0.2
Stream / River 1.2
Protected dug well 2.0
unprotected dug well 4.4
Hand pump at home 67.2
Public Hand pump 18.0
Lake/pond 0.5
Table 9.4: Categorization of Working Women according to Social Category
Sample SC ST OBC GEN Total
(N=68) 16.2 25.0 54.4 4.4 100.0
Table 9.5: Categorization of Women according to Economic Category
Sample APL BPL Antodaya Card
No card Total
(N=68) 23.5 66.2 7.4 2.9 100.0
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Table 9.6: Average Hours spent on the Wage Activities on a daily basis
Average Hours Spend (N=68)
Hours spend on Earning Activities by Female worker
7.8
Table 9.7: Categorization according to the Hours spent on Wage Earning Activities
Category Hours Spend
% of Female members (N=68)
1 to 4 Hours 2.9
5 to 8 Hours 70.6
9 to 12 Hours 23.5
13 Hours & Above 2.9
Table 9.8: Level of Satisfaction amongst the Working Women
Level of satisfaction
% of Female members (N=68)
Satisfied 48.5
Average 19.1
Not satisfied 32.4
Total 100.0
Table 9.9: Non Wage Activities by Female Members
Non Earning Activity %HH (N=586)
Cooking 89.4
Cleaning 93.0
Washing clothes 91.5
Washing utensils 90.1
Take care of children 67.7
Purchasing household items 33.3
Firewood collection 49.3
Teaching child 8.7
Agriculture in own field 35.8
Rearing cattle/milking 14.2
Other 0.2
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Table 9.10: Number of Hours spent on Non Wage Activities
Hours Spend (N=586)
Hours spend on non-earning activities female worker
8.4
Table 9.11: Having Livestock
Having Livestock %HH (N=405)
Yes 69.4
No 30.6
Total 100.0
Table 9.12: Type of Livestock
Livestock %HH (N=281)
Cattle (Bullocks/he Buffaloes /calves)
38.4
She Buffaloes /cows 78.3
Goats (he & She) 38.4
Sheep 0.4
Donkeys, horses 0.7
Poultry 15.3
Other livestock 5.7
Table 9.13: Membership to Village Level Groups
Yes / No Bihar (N=405)
Yes 12.3%
No 87.7%
Table 9.14: Type of Groups
Type of Groups Bihar (N=50)
SHG 96.0
Producer’s group 8.0
Water user’s group 38.0
Watershed group 2.0
Others 0.0
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Table 9.15: Participation in Other Groups
Participation Bihar (N=24)
Awareness about the meeting
80.0
Attending the meetings 72.0
Participation in the meeting 32.0
Participation in election 88.0
Table 9.16: Role of PRI in Agriculture
Role in Agriculture % HH (N=405)
How to cultivate 17.0
Don't do anything 82.7
Other 0.2
Table 9.17: NGOs working in the sector of Agriculture
Yes / No %HH (N=405)
Yes 75.3
No 24.7
Table 9.18: Items Received under the Public Distribution System
Item % HH (N=380)
Wheat 55.8
Rice 55.5
Kerosene 98.2
Sugar 1.3
Table 9.19: Regularity of Receiving Wheat under the PDS
Regularity % HH (N=212)
Every month 70.3
Once in 2 months 24.5
Once in 3-6 Months 3.8
Occasionally 1.4
Never
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Table 9.20: Fair Price of Wheat under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=212)
Yes 65.1
No 34.9
Table 9.21: Right quantity of Wheat under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=212)
Yes 44.8
No 55.2
Table 9.22: Regularity of Receiving Rice under PDS
Regularity % HH (N=211)
Every month 69.7
Once in 2 months 24.6
Once in 3-6 Months 4.3
Occasionally 1.4
Never
Table 9.23: Right Quantity of Rice under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=211)
Yes 64.9
No 35.1
Table 9.24: Fair Price of Receiving Rice under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=211)
Yes 44.1
No 55.9
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Table 9.25: Regularity of Receiving Kerosene under PDS
Regularity % HH (N=373)
Every month 84.5
Once in 2 months 13.4
Once in 3-6 Months 1.6
Occasionally 0.5
Never
Table 9.26: Right Quantity of Kerosene under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=373)
Yes 76.7
No 23.3
Table 9.27: Fair Price of Kerosene under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=373)
Yes 57.9
No 42.1
Table 9.28: Regularity of receiving Sugar under PDS
Regularity % HH (N=5)
Every month 80.0
Once in 2 months 20.0
Table 9.29: Right Quantity of Sugar under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=5)
Yes 80.0
No 20.0
Table 9.30: Fair Price of Sugar under PDS
Yes /No % HH (N=5)
Yes 80.0
No 20.0
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Table 9.31: Months wherein Food Crisis is faced by Respondents
Name of Month % HH (N=195)
Jan 8.7
Feb 42.6
Mar 39.5
Apr 8.2
May 14.9
June 13.8
July 11.8
Aug 17.9
Sep 26.2
Oct 26.2
Nov 9.7
Dec 5.1
Table 9.32: Food Crisis faced by Respondents in 2011
Yes / No Bihar (N=195)
Yes 85.1
No 14.9
Table 9.33: Months in which Food Crisis was faced in 2011
Name of Month % HH (N=166)
Jan 0.6
Feb 8.4
Mar 30.1
Apr 2.4
May 2.4
June 6.6
July 6.0
Aug 7.2
Sep 21.1
Oct 22.3
Nov 7.8
Dec 3.6
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Table 9.34: Effects of Food Crisis
Affects due to food crisis Bihar (N=195)
Additional Debts 60.7
Additional or Extra Labour 78.1
Cut down other household expenditure
67.9
Table 9.35: Items received under PDS, by HH facing crisis in 2011
Items % HH (N=166)
Wheat 54.2
Rice 54.2
Kerosene 92.2
Sugar 1.8
Cooking oil/ghee 0.0
Table 9.36: Received Agriculture Extension Services in the Year 2011
Yes / No Bihar (N=405)
Yes 66.4
No 33.6
Table 9.37: Institution from where Agriculture Services are received
Institution % HH (N=269)
District/ Block level officials 66.2
Krishi Vighyan Kendra 15.2
Agriculture University 55.0
NGO 94.1
private companies 59.1
Table 9.38: Attended Demonstration on Agriculture
Yes / No % HH (N=405)
Yes 14.3
No 85.7
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Table 9.39: Institutions Disseminating these Demonstrations
Institution % HH (N=58)
District/ Block level officials 51.7
Krishi Vighyan Kendra 3.4
NGOs 44.8
private companies 0.0
Others 0.0
Table 9.40: Part of Agriculture Related Demonstration Visits in 2011
Yes / No % HH (N=405)
Yes 9.6
No 90.4
Table 9.41: Institutions Disseminating Demonstration in the year 2011
Institution Bihar (N=39)
District/ Block level officials 2.6
Krishi Vighyan Kendra 2.6
NGOs 92.3
private companies 2.6
Others 0.0
Table 9.42: Main Crops Cultivated in the Area
Seasons Main Crops Bihar (N=405)
Kharif
Soya 0.2
Jowar 0.2
Bajra 1.2
Arhar/Tur 1.7
Moong 3
Potato 6.4
Paddy 88.6
Maize 96.3
Rabi
Ginger 0.2
Radish 0.2
Gram 0.2
Turmeric 0.5
Garlic 1
Cabbage 1
Tomato 1
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Seasons Main Crops Bihar (N=405)
Onions 1
Cauliflower 1.5
Brinjal 2
Wheat 41.5
Jayad Cucumber 0.2
White gourd 2.7
Cashew nut 0.2
Banana 4.9
Table 9.43: Source of Procurement of Seeds on an Overall Level
Source % HH (N=1071)
Market 73.1
Cooperative society 1.1
Agriculture University 0.3
KVK 0.0
NGO 4.1
Own 19.4
From relatives/ neighbor 1.8
Farmer Producer Company 0.2
Table 9.44: Irrigation facilities used by the Respondents
Sour of water % HH (N=405)
Rain water 21.5
Pond 0.5
River/ stream 4.0
Dug well 0.5
Tube well 73.1
Canal 1.5
Stop dam 2.2
Table 9.45: Fertilizers Applied
Fertilizer Type Bihar (N=1435)
Straight Fertilizer 53.7
Complex Fertilizers 31.1
Micronutrients 15.1
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Table 9.46: Use of manure
Organic manure Bihar (N=125)
(GobarKhad) cow dung 90.4
Organic fertiliser 0.8
Vermi compost 8.0
KhahliKhad 0.8
MatkaKhad 0.0
Table 9.47: Name of the Fertilizer
Name of fertilizer Bihar (N=1435)
DAP 27.3
SSP 2.4
Urea 27.3
Potash 16.7
Ammonium Sulphate 1.9
Zinc 13.8
MOP 7.0
Other 3.6
Table 9.48: Place of Procurement of Fertilizers
Name of fertilizer Bihar (N=1435)
Market 99.5
Cooperative society 0.0
Agriculture University 0.2
KVK 0.0
NGO 0.0
Own 0.0
from relatives/ neighbor 0.3
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Table 9.49: name of the Pesticides Used across Crop Categories
Pesticide Type Maize (N=319)
Paddy (N=126)
Wheat (N=66)
Potato (N=22)
Banana (N=20)
Brinjal (N=8)
Bavidtin 0.6 0.0 1.5 0.0 5.0 0.0
Fighter 0.6 6.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Persuit 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Endosulphan 16.0 50.0 6.1 9.1 40.0 12.5
Niconil 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Laso 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
candidor 0.0 0.0 7.6 0.0 0.0 0.0
Monopotas 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Acifat 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Monocrotophas 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2-4-D 0.9 3.2 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
TurgaSupar 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Nunalphas 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Democran 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Rogon 5.3 6.3 22.7 0.0 0.0 12.5
Inida 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Furudan 17.9 8.7 7.6 9.1 0.0 12.5
Thimat 45.1 3.2 31.8 9.1 45.0 25.0
Trizophos 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Other 12.9 21.4 19.7 72.7 10.0 37.5
Table 9.50: Place of Procurement of Pesticides across crop categories
Source Maize (N=319)
Paddy (N=126)
Wheat (N=66)
Potato (N=22)
Banana (N=20)
Brinjal (N=8)
Market 99.1 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cooperative society 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Agriculture University 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
KVK 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
NGO 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Own 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
from relatives/ neighbour 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Farmer Producer Company 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
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Table 9.51: Harvesting Machinery
Machine Name % HH (N=405)
Trailer 0.2
Combine harvester 0.2
Pesticide spray machine 0.0
Leveller 0.2
Hoe 1.5
Weeder 2.5
Sprayer/duster 0.0
Shovel 0.0
Sickle 91.9
Bullock Cart 0.0
Sprinkler 0.0
Other agriculture equipment 0.5
Table 9.52: Threshing Machinery
Machine Name % HH (N=405)
Trailer 0.2
Combine harvester 0.0
Pesticide spray machine 75.6
Leveler 0.0
Hoe 0.5
Weeder 0.0
Sprayer/duster 0.5
Shovel 0.0
Sickle 0.0
Bullock Cart 0.0
Sprinkler 0.2
Other agriculture equipment 3.0
Table 9.53: Storage of the Crop
Yes / No Bihar (N=405)
Yes 51.9
No 48.1
Total 100
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Table 9.54: Awareness about Schemes and Programmes
Programme % HH (N=405)
Subsidy on seed 46.4
Subsidy on fertilizers 21.7
Subsidy on pesticides 3.5
Subsidy on electricity 0.2
Subsidy on tractor/ pump/ machinery
10.1
Subsidy on drip irrigation 0.2
Loan for tractor/ pump/ machinery
12.3
Loan for dairy/ goatery etc 0.2
Crop loan 19.0
Loan for land development 0.0
Table 9.55: Source of Information with regards to Schemes and Government Programmes
Source of Information % HH (N=405)
Relatives/friends/other villagers
36.0
Sarpanch/other GP officials 43.0
Gram sabha 1.2
Ward member 8.4
Other government official 5.9
NGO 8.4
SHG 2.0
Media (TV/newspaper) 8.9
Other 0.0
Table 9.56: Regularity of Availing Benefits
Programme % HH Total Sample
Subsidy on seed 72.3 83
Subsidy on fertilizers 78.2 55
Subsidy on pesticides 28.6 7
Subsidy on electricity 0.0 0
Subsidy on tractor/ pump/ machinery 50.0 14
Subsidy on drip irrigation 0.0 0
Loan for tractor/ pump/ machinery 61.1 18
Loan for dairy/ goatery etc 0.0 1
Crop loan 46.4 28
Loan for land development 0.0 0
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Table 9.57: Reason for Storage
Reasons Bihar (N=256)
for better price 7.8
no buyer 0.4
to sell at the time of need 16.0
due to bad weather/natural calamities
5.1
due to family problem 70.3
other 0.4
Table 9.58: Place of Selling
Selling Place Bihar (N=474)
Own Village 75.7
Purchasing Site near the village
15.4
Local Haat 6.5
Purchasing Town 1.7
Mandi 0.4
Others 0.2
Table 9.59: Buyers for the Produce
Buyer % HH (N=474)
Trader in the village 78.5
Trader outside the village 14.6
Local market/shop 3.4
Contractor 0.8
Wholesale buyer 0.8
Govt. market 0.8
LAMPs 0.4
Company 0.0
Others 0.6
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Table 9.60: Timing of Receiving the Payment
Timing of payment % HH (N=474)
On the same day 46.0
Within 7 days of the sale 28.3
8-30 days after the sale 22.8
within 2 months of sale 1.1
More than 2 months of the sale
1.9
Table 9.61: Advice Received from with regards to Agriculture
Advice from % HH (N=405)
Relative 7.4
Neighbor 47.2
PRI member 5.9
Village/ panchayat level agriculture staff
9.6
Block level officer 0.7
KVK 1.0
None, do by myself 27.4
Other 11.4
Table 9.62: Productivity with respect to Major Crops
Productivity per Acre Potato (N=26)
Banana (N=20)
Brinjal (N=8)
Below 5 Quintal 34.6 20.0 75.0
5 to 10 Quintal 19.2 10.0 12.5
10 to 15 Quintal 11.5 70.0 12.5
10 to 15 Quintal 34.6 0.0 0.0
Table 9.63: Caste wise Population covered under the Village Profile
Caste wise Bihar (N=15)
SC 23.1
ST 46.8
OBC 14.5
General 11.8
Other 3.8
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Table 9.64: Primary Occupation across the villages studied (from village profile)
Primary Occupation % Population (N=15)
Primarily Agriculturist 55.7
Landless labour 25.9
Animal Husbandry 5.4
Artisan 6.5
Petty traders 1.8
Salaried Employee (govt./pvt.) 4.7
Other____________________ 0.0
Table 9.65: Poverty Status off the Village Population (from village profile)
APL / BPL % Population
APL 24.0
BPL 48.7
Antodaya 15.1
No cards 12.3
Table 9.66: Educational Infrastructure (from village profile)
Infrastructure Bihar (N=15)
1 Primary School (till 5th) 60.0
2 Middle (6-7), 46.7
3 Secondary (8-10) 0.0
Senior secondary (11-12) 0.0
No school 26.7
College 6.7 Table 9.67: Drinking Water Sources (from village profile)
Infrastructure Bihar (N=15)
1 Tap water 13.3
2 Hand-pump 66.7
3 Dug Well 13.3
4 Bore well 20.0
5 Pond 0.0
6 River 0.0
7 Tank 0.0
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Table 9.68: Irrigation Sources (from village profile)
Irrigation Sources % Viilages (N=15)
Canal 6.7
Hand-pump 13.3
Dug Well 6.7
Bore well 73.3
Pond 6.7
River 40.0
Tank 0.0
Table 9.69: Land ownership on the basis of social category
Types of Farmers SC(N=68) ST(N=68) OBC(N=233) GEN(N=36)
Less than 1 Acre 95.6 55.9 67.38197 36.1
1 to 2 Acre 2.9 27.9 18.45494 19.4
2 to 5 Acre 1.5 13.2 10.72961 25.0
More than 5 Acre 0.0 2.9 3.433476 19.4
Table 9.70: Land holding classification of SC and ST farmers
Social category
Less than 1 Acre
1 to 2 Acre
2 to 5 Acre
More than 5 Acre Total
SC(N=68) 95.6 2.9 1.5 0.0 100.0
ST(N=68) 55.9 27.9 13.2 2.9 100.0
Table 9.71: Participation of Households in SHGs and other groups based on size of land holding
Village level Groups
Less than 1 Acre(N=273)
1 to 2 Acre(N=71)
2 to 5 Acre(N=44)
More than 5 Acre(N=17)
SHG 10.6 14.1 18.2 5.9
Producer’s group 0.7 1.4 2.3 0.0
Water user’s group 4.4 4.2 6.8 5.9
Watershed group 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0
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Table 9.72: Sources of irrigation for villages( from village profile)
District Villages Sources of irrigation
Jamui
Pojha None
Rahima River
Burhiatanr Canal , Dug well
Purnea
Supauli Bore well
Sondip Bore well
Parasbani Bore well
Sonima (Souna) Bore well, River
Madhoapur Yes
Basantpur Chintaman milik Bore well, River
Khagaria
Nirpur Bore well, River and Pond
Bakeya River
Partraha None
Devka Bore well, Hand pump
Saraiya Bore well, River
Navrolia Hand pump,. River and bore well
Table 9.73: various crops grown by farmers (season wise)
Kharif
Land Size 2
Crops 3
crops 4
crops 5
crops
Marginal farmers (Less than 1 Acre, N=273) 76.2 22.0 6.2 1.8
Small farmer(1 to 2 Acre, N=71) 73.2 39.4 7.0 1.4
Medium farmer (2 to 5 Acre, N=44) 70.5 29.5 9.1 6.8
Large farmers (More than 5 Acre, N=17) 52.9 47.1 23.5 5.9
Rabi
Land Size 2
crops 3
crops 4
crops 5
crops
Marginal farmers (Less than 1 Acre, N=273) 15.0 10.6 3.7 5.9
Small farmer(1 to 2 Acre, N=71) 19.7 18.3 2.8 4.2
Medium farmer (2 to 5 Acre, N=44) 25 29.5 6.8 0
Large farmers (More than 5 Acre, N=17) 41.2 17.6 0 5.9
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B. Annexure 2
The determination of the overall sample size for the Baseline study is governed by several
considerations, including the magnitude of the key indicators, the desired level of precision of the
estimates, the availability of resources, and logistical considerations.
This study is seen as providing estimates for a baseline that can be compared at mid point and end
of the project in terms of improved practices of agriculture, increment in agriculture income and
improved status of women.
The Baseline Study will cover 510 household in MP and 405 household in Bihar, so in total, 915
household will be covered in the study.
[Note: A sample of size 384 gives estimates with 95% of confidence and 5% of margin of error in
estimating proportions for a population size from 2,50,000 and above.7 Since there are 10 clusters in
MP and 5 clusters in Bihar, more household will be covered in MP than Bihar. For better distribution
of the samples among the clusters, 510 household in MP and 405 household in Bihar will be
interviewed.]
Name of
states to
be covered
No. of
district to
be covered
Total No of
Cluster to
be covered
Total No. of
Villages to be
covered(3 villages
to be covered in
each cluster)
No. of
Household to
be covered in
each village
Total number
of household
to be covered
MP 5 10 10×3=30 17 30×17=510
Bihar 3 5 5×3=15 27 15×27=405
Total 8 15 45 915
Household interview will be conducted with all 915 selected household.
FGD: Focused Group Discussion will be conducted with a group of farmers of 8-10. One FGD will be
conducted in the biggest village (among the selected villages) of every cluster. So, in total, there will
be10 FGDs in MP and 5 FGDs in Bihar.
Sample Selection for household interview:
7References:
1. Cochran, W.G. (1977), Sampling Techniques, 3rd edition, New York: John Wiley
2. Tripathi, P. C. (2003), A Text Book of Research Methodology in Social Sciences, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi. (Pages -125-129)
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Sample selection will involve multiple steps as depicted below.
Household Selection:
Before household selection all the household will be listed for villages with less than 1200
population (approximately 240 Household). However, for villages with more than 1200 population
two hamlets will be selected randomly. Then listing operation will be carried out in those selected
hamlets.
A listing sheet will be used to capture basic information like- Name of the head of the household, no.
of family members, land holding, whether cultivating or not and what are the major crops.
Listing of the household will be done separately in the selected hamlets. Household selection has
been illustrated with an example.
Assuming, the first of the selected hamlets has 35 households, and the second of the selected
hamlets has 150 households.
Total no. of HHs Total no. of HHs to be selected Gap number
H1 35
H2 150
Total 185 17 (in case of MP)
Proportion of households in each hamlet will be calculated- i.e., number of households in H1 divided
by the total number of households in both hamlets (= 35/185) and similarly for H2 (= 150/185). Then
multiplied this proportion by 17 (total number of households to be selected in both hamlets overall).
Village Selection
•Villages in the cluster will be arranged in descending order of household number
•Three villages will be selected randomly from each cluster (from the arranged list)
Household Selection
•Listing excercise of the household will be performed,
•Eliminate non farming household from the list.
•Required number of household will be selected randomly
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Total no. of HHs Total no. of households to be
selected
Gap number
H1 35 = 17
185
35= 3.21 = 3
H2 150 = 17
185
150= 13.78 = 14
Total 185 17
So the sample size in this case is 3 households in the smaller hamlet and 14 households in the larger
hamlet.
Once the sample size is determined, the actual households for interviewed need to be selected. In
order to do this, first the gap number will be calculated.
Gap number = total number of households in the selected hamlet divided by the number of
households to be selected:
Total no. of HHs
Total no. of households to be
selected Gap number
H1 35 = 17185
35= 3.21 = 3
H2 150 = 17185
150= 13.78 =14
Total 185 17 = 17
185 = 10.88 = 11
In each hamlet, household selection will be done starting with 11th household every 12th household
(keeping an interval of 11) will be selected for interview.