The key problems in the agriculture sector in this region are i) poor soil health (low in organic carbon, NPK and major micronutrients) ii) Lack of quality seeds iii) high input costs in agriculture iv) low land productivity v) lack of irrigation. Because of drought situation and uncertainty of rainfall, crop failure is a regular event and high dependency on fertilisers, and pesticides resulted in further degradation of land, high input cost and low land productivity in the long run. Farmers practicing traditional methods of farming add to further woes of low crop productivity, this is also because of poor knowledge transfer and low penetration of extension system.

Agriculture and Crops: Kharif is the main growing season in the entire project area. Most farmers having irrigation facility prefer short duration crops like green gram, black gram and soybean, so that they can grow a winter crop. Wheat, peas, gram and mustard are common winter (Rabi) crops. In single crop area not having irrigation facility, farmers grow cereals like sorghum, oilseeds like sesame and groundnut, and pulses like red gram in Kharif season. Wheat is the staple food in the area.

Livestock: Rearing of livestock is an important part of farming in Bundelkhand, with almost 40% of the farmers owning cattle or buffalo. Many families also rear goats (15.8% of livestock farmers) and sheep (only 1% of livestock farmers), too. Population of bullocks and number of farmers owning them (4.4%) was found to be very low.

Agricultural Implements: While agriculture is the mainstay of rural economy in Bundelkhand, the level of technology has not kept pace with the rest of the state. There are only 767 tractors in the study area of 28 villages. Improved implements like seed cum fertiliser drills are present in very low number (less than one per three tractors, in case of tractor operated ones, and less than two per village in case of bullock drawn).

Because of drought situation and uncertainty of rainfall, crop failure is a regular event and high dependency on fertilisers, and pesticides resulted in further degradation of land

the level of technology has not kept pace with the rest of the state. There are only 767 tractors in the study area of 28 villages.