Impact of RIFS interventions on productivity and livelihoods of dryland farmers in Gujarat
AK Saini, RV Bhabhor, Lalita H Saini, JM Chavda and Densy R Patel
In arid and semi-arid regions of India, particularly Gujarat, sustainable agricultural productivity remains a challenge due to limited resources and climatic uncertainties. The Rainfed Integrated Farming System (RIFS), promoted under the All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA), presents a holistic solution tailored to such conditions. This study evaluates the impact of RIFS interventions on the productivity and livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in the dryland region of S.K. Nagar, Gujarat, during the 2021-22 period. A sample of 24 farmers, categorized by landholding size and farming situation (rainfed or partially irrigated), were assessed with and without RIFS interventions.
Key components of RIFS included crop diversification, improved crop varieties (e.g., Castor GCH-8, Greengram GM-4), livestock integration, natural resource management (e.g., in-situ moisture conservation), and the use of organic inputs and farm ponds. Data on Crop Equivalent Yield (CEY), net returns, and employment generation were collected and compared using descriptive statistical methods.
The results demonstrated significant improvements in all key indicators across farmer categories. For instance, small farmers under partially irrigated conditions saw productivity rise from 1,044.02 to 2,462.79 kg/ha and net returns from Rs. 47,148 to Rs. 1,53,009. Employment generation increased across all groups, reflecting enhanced rural livelihood opportunities. Longitudinal data further highlighted RIFS's resilience-enhancing potential under variable climatic conditions.
Overall, RIFS interventions significantly boosted productivity, profitability, and employment, providing a scalable model for sustainable dryland farming. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and extension agencies aiming to improve agricultural sustainability in resource-constrained regions.
AK Saini, RV Bhabhor, Lalita H Saini, JM Chavda, Densy R Patel. Impact of RIFS interventions on productivity and livelihoods of dryland farmers in Gujarat. Int J Res Agron 2025;8(6S):88-90. DOI: 10.33545/2618060X.2025.v8.i6Sb.3076
