Analysis of factors affecting productivity of Northern Flood Plains of eastern Uttar Pradesh
IRADe carried out an in-depth research to understand the drivers of growth and livelihoods and obstacles in the selected districts and clusters where Sir Dorabjee Tata Trust (SDTT) supported projects are undertaken by its partner NGOs. IRADe assessed the production and resource potential and devised strategies in consultations with stakeholders and participating NGOs to overcome various challenges encountered by the region,strengthen the clusters and generate synergy using data and analysis for Bahraich, Kushinagar and Shravasti districts, some of the poorest districts in UP.
In these districts electricity supply is poor, extension services are inadequate and certified seeds are not available in time. The irrigation potential of canals in Bahraich and Kushinagar is not fully realised due to siltation and poor management of canals. Private diesel operated tube wells are expensive. Credit to small and marginal farmers are inadequate.There exist large gaps between actual and potential productivity for major crops. Lack of proper marketing channel both for purchasing farm inputs and selling produce hampers diversification.
IRADe suggested strengthening of extension services with agri-clinics and agri-business as partners, improving canal management and diversification of agriculture to cash rich crops and measures to fully exploit the value chain of crops by utilizing byproducts in productive activities.
Key recommendations:Â Some of the major recommendations and interventions suggested for the area are to Improve livelihood opportunities to the area with promoting, fisheries, poultry, medicinal plants, mushroom farming, promoting horticultural activities. Other recommendations comprise of improving access to electricity through distributed solutions like gasifier, biogas. Improve access to water and sanitation through low cost solutions like sand filters, toilet linked septic tanks, flood proof hand pumps and toilet structures, low cost bamboo based toilet enclosures.