Study on Agriculture–livestock Linkages, Irrigation Access, and Income Variability in Canal-irrigated Villages of Central India

The main challenge to the income diversity of Indian smallholder farmers is the continued reliance on mono-crop for most India’s farmers, coupled with the lack of irrigation and limited access to employment outside the farm. To improve rural development and agricultural expansion program in India, we need to understand how agriculture, livestock, and irrigation work together to generate household income. The link between the agricultural system, livestock holdings, access to irrigation and household income is analysed using data collected from 195 households represent 18 villages in the Patan block of Chhattisgarh in central India through a structured survey. Descriptive statistical methods together with comparative analysis, are used to quantify the variability of household income from own resources. The results show that agriculture is the main source of income for the majority of households; however, combining agriculture with livestock or other business activities provides households with more stable income. Households have higher income level if they have access to guaranteed irrigation. Livestock provide households with both an additional source of income and a means to reduce income variability. The results show that there is a strong need to develop a more integrated approach to agricultural extension services, provide farmers with access to farm support, support for the development of diverse agricultural systems and also fair and equitable access to irrigation to improve their income security.