Sustainable Livelihood Empowerment Status of Rural Stakeholders Under Faremers Farm, Innovation, Resources, Science and Technology Project of Indian Council of Agricultural Research in Nadia District of West Bengal, India
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Abstract
The present study entitled “Sustainable Livelihood Empowerment Status of Rural Stakeholders under
Farmer FIRST Project of ICAR in Nadia District of West Bengal” was undertaken to assess the livelihood
empowerment level of farming communities across three adopted villages, that is, Ayeshpur, Baksh, and
Dakshin Duttapara under Haringhata Block of Nadia district, West Bengal. A comprehensive field survey was
conducted during March 2025, covering 1001 farmers engaged in livestock-Poultry, horticulture and fishery-
based enterprises. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule focusing on socioeconomic
indicators, livelihood assets, income generation, technology adoption, and social participation. The analysis
revealed significant role of livelihood capitals i.e. human, social, financial, physical and natural among the
participating farmers for implementing the interventions under Farmer Farm, Innovation, Resources, Science
and Technology (FIRST) project of Indian Council of Agricultural Research at West Bengal University of
Animal and Fishery Sciences West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences. Enhanced access
to training, improved production practices, diversified income sources and institutional linkages should
contribute to increased household income and resilience. The animal Husbandry farmers have effective
income and women’s participation, while horticulture and fishery stakeholders followed improved input
management and market linkages. Overall, the findings indicated that the Farmer FIRST project interventions
will effectively promoted sustainable livelihood empowerment and inclusive rural development in the
target villages. The study emphasizes the importance of participatory technology dissemination, capacity
building and enterprise diversification for strengthening livelihood security of small and marginal farmers
in functional area of the study in the state of West Bengal, India
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