Impact of MGNREGA on Agriculture Sector in Sirmour and Solan Districts of Himachal Pradesh

By : Balbir Singh , S.L Kaushal

Page No: 243-252

Abstract
Agriculture is the mainstay of majority of the people in Himachal Pradesh. So in this connection Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) acts as a growth engine for agriculture as it creates assets like ponds, wells, rain water harvesting system, check dam and irrigational canals etc. in rural areas. This paper attempts to assess the impacts of MGNREGA on agriculture sector through secondary and primary data basis in Sirmour and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh. From the study it is concluded that after implementation of the scheme, 93% respondents stated that they have been provided irrigation facilities for farming to enhance agriculture productivity. Around 91.8% respondents admitted that due to the provision of irrigation facilities for farming, the production of commercial crops (89.5% respondents) have increased and 91.8% respondents stated that agriculture lands have been covered under cultivation. It was also noted that after MGNREGA, 92.8% respondents admitted that women workers were working in household fields of other people. Thus, overall it is concluded that MGNREGA has become a growth engine for agriculture development and source of livelihood for the poor especially in the study area of H.P.

Authors :
Balbir Singh : Assistant Professor, Dept. of Business Administration, Himachal Pradesh University Regional Centre.
S.L Kaushal : Professor and Director, Himachal Pradesh University Business School, Summerhill, Shimla.