Unlocking the potential of rainfed crops through a science-led intervention in Karnataka: Impact of Bhoochetana scheme on economic security of blackgram farmers

Limited by water scarcity and deficiency of soil nutrients, rainfed areas are hotspots of poverty, malnutrition and degradation of natural resources. The yield level of rainfed crops is less compared to the potential yields. In order to increase the productivity of rainfed crops, The Government of Karnataka initiated a novel project called 'Bhoochetana' to improve the yield level of major dry land crops to an extent of 20 per cent by supplying micro-nutrients and bio-fertilizers at subsidized prices to farmers. The study was conducted to analyse the economic impact of Bhoochetana scheme in blackgram production in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka. The results revealed that, per hectare yield of black gram was 1.85 quintals more for beneficiary farmers over non-beneficiary farmers. Beneficiary farmers’ realized higher net returns of ₹ 4038 per hectare over non-beneficiary farms which can be attributed to the application of micronutrients and bio-fertilizers. A significant positive co-efficient of dummy variable indicate that, Bhoochetana beneficiaries realised higher blackgram production by 0.27 quintals per farm. Lack of awareness about recommended dose of fertilizers with a garret score of 58.65 was the major constraints faced by Bhoochetana beneficiary farmers.