Rural Agricultural Resilience in India: A Case Study of Agricultural Practices and Constraints in Ukhali Village, Vidarbha

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, employing over 50% of the workforce and contributing approximately 16.4% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 (World Bank, 2024). Despite its significance, rural farmers, specifically in regions like Vidarbha in Maharashtra, face multifaceted challenges like water scarcity, debt burdens and climate variations. This study examines these issues through a qualitative case study of Ukhali Village in Hingna Taluka, Nagpur District, using secondary data to explore agricultural practices, persistent problems and the role of government schemes. The findings reveal that while Ukhali's farmers cultivate diverse crops like cotton, pulses, and horticultural produce, they face the issues of inadequate irrigation, rising input costs, and limited access to credit. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture’s (NMSA) sub-schemes related to soil health management and rainfed area development offer potential for resilience but suffer from implementation gaps at the local level. This study highlights the novelty of micro-level analysis in linking policy design to village-specific outcomes. The implications of the findings for agricultural management include enhanced stakeholder engagement and technology adoption to ensure sustainability