MGNREGA works have led to increased agricultural productivity

PIB, Aug 9, 2011
A Study conducted by the Central government reveals that works given under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, MGNREGS have led to increase in crop yields, besides substantial enhancement of market wage rates of agricultural and non-agricultural labourers. The positive impact of the scheme was also noticed in the considerable increase in the forest area and the decline in incidents of out-migration. The information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Pradeep Jain Aditya in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. He said, works permissible under MGNREGS include renovation of ponds and canals, water conservation and water harvesting, drought proofing and tree plantation, flood control, micro and minor irrigation works and land development, which have demonstrated positive impact on agriculture productivity. The Minister informed that districts like Chitradurga, Kalahandi, Lalitpur, West Medinipur and Bankura covered in the studies have also reported substantial increase in the forest area coverage due to works allocated under the MGNREGS.