Evaluation of Soil Conservation

Since 1973, Department of Economics & Statistics has been conducting Evaluation Survey of Soil Conservation Schemes implemented by Soil Survey and Soil Conservation Department. The survey aims to assess the effectiveness of measures taken under soil conservation scheme, its impact on watershed projects, crop production, productivity, water level and moisture content.

               In each district, a scheme is selected using  simple random sampling method for evaluation study from a list of all soil conservation projects (Watershed scheme/Land slide Stabilization scheme, Flood protection scheme) completed by the Soil Conservation Department three years prior. The study covers all the beneficiaries of the selected soil conservation scheme. Additionally, a control plot outside the project area is chosen to determine the benefits gained through the project.  The control plot is selected in such a way that the number of households in the control plot should be 20% of the number of beneficiaries of the scheme. If there is no such projects have been completed by the Soil Conservation department, then the project completed by local self-government are to be considered.

The evaluation survey period covers an agricultural year (July-June), and State and District level reports of the survey are prepared and published annually.