The linkage of commons, encompassing land and water resources, with the agriculture and livestock sectors has had a significant impact on the village’s GDP. The total income generated from these sectors amounted to Rs. 1,616,140, while expenses were pegged at Rs. 1,199,122.
By Mona Sisodiya
The delicate balance between natural resources and human activities has always been a subject of critical importance, particularly in the context of sustainable development and economic growth. One of the paramount aspects of this interplay is the utilization of commons, including land and water, for agriculture and livestock management. These commons serve as the lifeline for rural communities, especially in agrarian economies like India’s, where agriculture continues to be a primary source of livelihood. The judicious use of these shared resources not only influences the socio-economic fabric of a region but also has a significant bearing on a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Rawaliya village in the Gogunda block in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan, serves as a good point to explore the intricate relationship between the commons – land and water – and their profound impact on the agriculture and livestock sectors, ultimately affecting the GDP.
The Udaipur region is emblematic of India’s agrarian heritage. Rawaliya village serves as an ideal microcosm for this study due to its unique ecological and socio-economic characteristics. Rajasthan, as a state, faces perennial water scarcity and arid conditions, underlining the cause of effective resource management a matter of survival for its rural populace. In such an environment, understanding how the community manages, shares, and benefits from the commons is not only an academic endeavour but also a practical necessity for devising sustainable policies.
The Foundation for Ecological Security, renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation and community well-being, has been actively involved in empowering communities like Rawaliya to manage their commons efficiently. It is against this backdrop that we sought to uncover the complex web of relationships between land and water utilization for agriculture and livestock, assess their economic repercussions, and ultimately determine their contribution to the broader canvas of India’s GDP.
Village GDP
We explored the intricate relationship between common resources, particularly land and water, and their impact on the agricultural and livestock sectors, ultimately influencing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Rawaliya Village.
The study examined the nexus between common resources and the agricultural sector. It analyzed how farmers in Rawaliya Village utilize common lands for crop cultivation, grazing, and other agricultural activities. Additionally, the research evaluated the role of common water resources, such as ponds and community wells, in irrigating agricultural fields and supporting livestock.
To assess the economic impact of these linkages, the study quantified the contributions of common resources to the agricultural and livestock sectors, and subsequently, their influence on the village’s GDP. This analysis takes into account factors like agricultural productivity, income generation, and food security.
The linkage of commons, encompassing land and water resources, with the agriculture and livestock sectors has had a significant impact on the village’s GDP. The total income generated from these sectors amounted to Rs. 1,616,140, while expenses were pegged at Rs. 1,199,122. This resulted in substantial savings of Rs. 3,246,105, contributing to the overall economic well-being of the community. Moreover, the consumption of Rs. 1,899,565 indicates that these resources play a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods and meeting basic needs.
The utilization of common resources, such as the cultivation of custard apples and mahua, as well as the sustainable management of gum, wood, and paan, has not only added to the income of the community but has also created employment opportunities through initiatives like MGNREGA. The common pond, serving as a source of water for irrigation, has alleviated the financial burden of electricity bills, while free access to grass bundles valued at Rs. 162,300 has further supported the livestock sector.
Boosted community’s income
Additionally, collaborative efforts between the village committee and NGOs have resulted in the implementation of various developmental projects on common lands, including Contour Trenches, mini-percolation trenches, water anicuts, and border check dams. These initiatives have provided critical support to agriculture, enhancing productivity and resilience.
In the agriculture sector, where most individuals own less than 0.55 hectares of land, common resources like the shared pond, combined with the use of manure and some fertilizers, have enabled successful cultivation. The reliance on tractors and the cultivation of both rabi-dominant crops like wheat and kharif-dominant crops like maize showcase the diversification and adaptability of the agricultural practices. Furthermore, the involvement of both male and female members of the community in farming activities highlights the inclusivity and equitable distribution of labour.
In the livestock sector, goats play a central role, with 206 of them being the primary livestock. Utilizing grass from both individual and common lands has reduced the need to purchase grass from the market, resulting in cost savings. The use of pucca floors for goats has not only reduced medical and veterinary expenses but has also contributed to a decrease in goat mortality rates, promoting economic stability. Moreover, it has played a pivotal role in safeguarding against human chronic diseases.
The linkage of the commons to the agriculture and livestock sectors has not only boosted the community’s income and savings but has also fostered sustainability, resource management, and improved livelihoods. These integrated practices have made a significant positive impact on the state’s GDP while promoting environmental conservation and inclusive development.
Mona Sisodiya is pursuing MA Economics (final year) from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. This piece has been extracted from the internship report submitted by the author as part of the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship programme of National Foundation for India (NFI).
