Assessing implementation barriers and beneficiary suggestions under Shakambhari Yojana in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

This study was conducted in Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, to assess the implementation challenges of the Shakambhari Yojana and gather beneficiary feedback for improving the scheme's effectiveness. The findings indicate that while the scheme has contributed positively to increased crop intensity, agricultural productivity, and year-round employment, several implementation barriers continue to hinder its optimal impact. The most frequently reported issue was the non-availability of spare parts for irrigation pumps (72.50%), followed by the complexity of the benefit application process (54.16%), limited operational knowledge of pump usage (50.83%), and the lack of skilled technicians in rural areas (40.00%). In response to these challenges, beneficiaries recommended ensuring the availability of spare parts in rural areas (73.33%), simplifying the application procedure (54.16%), providing on-site technical guidance during installation (51.66%), and deploying skilled technicians to remote regions (44.16%). These insights offer valuable direction for policymakers to refine the delivery mechanisms of the Shakambhari Yojana and enhance its long-term sustainability and impact.