Outcome evaluation, lessons learned and recommendations to scale up the impact of “Reducing crop residue burning and promoting regenerative agricultural practices in Punjab”
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Punjab
Project Under Domains: Nature-based Solutions, Skills and rural enterprises; Sub Domains: Sustainable production systems
The project “Reducing crop residue burning and promoting regenerative agriculture practices in Punjab’ seeks to address the challenges impeding the adoption and optimal utilization of the HS/CRM technologies by farmers and strengthen the service delivery system to address the broader level issues related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions due to crop residue burning, soil health deterioration, loss of organic content of the soil, declining crop productivity, depleting groundwater table, etc. and the impact of the two-year project.
Objectives
The objective of the study was to understand the outcome of the project across the following criteria-
* Percent AEs providing HS rental services
* Percent reduction in crop residue burning in villages served by AEs
* Percent increase in AE income and profitability
* Number of farmers adopted HS in villages served by AEs
* Number of farmers served at the end of both Kharif and Rabi
* Number of acres covered at the end of both Kharif and Rabi
Approach and Methodology
We employed a non-experimental evaluation approach, utilizing a mixed-methods methodology that combined both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This comprehensive approach was chosen to gain a holistic understanding of the project’s results, derive valuable insights, and formulate recommendations for expanding the impact of the Agri-Entrepreneurship (AE) project.
On the quantitative side, we conducted surveys among Agri-entrepreneurs to assess the project’s impact on their income, agricultural practices, perceptions of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and access to CRM machines, among other aspects.
Simultaneously, we engaged in illuminating Focus Group Discussions (qualitative) with farmers. These discussions aimed to evaluate the project’s outcomes, identify challenges faced, highlight successes, and pinpoint areas where improvements were necessary. This qualitative approach provided a comprehensive understanding of both the subject matter and the local geography. To round out our assessment, we facilitated small group discussions with the project team and conducted in-depth interviews with government departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and other pertinent stakeholders.
Results
The assessment study provided TNC with valuable insights into several key aspects, including the utilization of rental services and the adoption of HS/CRM technologies among farmers. It also shed light on the reduction in crop residue burning within villages served by Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) and assessed the income and profitability of these AEs.
Furthermore, the study has paved the way for addressing challenges that hinder the adoption and effective utilization of HS/CRM (Customer Relationship Management) technologies by farmers.