Abstract

During last four years, under papaya plantation mission (technology of cultivation + quality seedling of papaya) run by KVK Sirohi more than 2.36 lakh papaya plants were planted in 95.0 hectare area. Total production of papaya during last four years was 18.19 thousand tonns and their market value was Rs. 14.57 crores (3.64 crores per annum). Total net return from papaya was Rs. 12.02 crores (3.00 crores per annum) with 4.77 benefit: cost ratio as reported during experimentation period (2008-2011) in the district. By this intervention, 40,565 additional mandays employment was generated during last four years. The papaya producers made pucca houses (37%), purchased utility facilities (40%), maintained bank accounts with more than Rs. 10,000 balance (52%), gave good education to children (27%) and purchased improved agricultural implements (32%). In addition to this, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra established more than 5,000 nutrition gardens having 5-15 papaya plants for nutritional security of malnourished rural population. Papaya based nutrition-gardens increased fruit consumption of the farm families by consuming 280 kg more fruits than without having nutrition garden families. A significant change was observed in socioeconomic conditions of respondents as they started earning upto Rs. 2.25 lakh/ha per annum. Thus, papaya production proved a milestone in tribal empowerment by providing social, economic, employment, health and nutrition security.