Assessment of Mission Kakatiya Scheme on Development of Agricultural Production, Dairy, Fisheries, Washermen and Pottery: A Village-Level Study through Difference-in-Differences Method

Abstract

Mission Kakatiya, launched by the Telangana government in 2015, after the state's formation in 2014, aims to rejuvenate feeder channels, strengthen bunds, restore hydraulic structures, and desilt historic irrigation tanks. The programme seeks to boost agricultural production, recharge groundwater, enhance irrigation potential, and revive rural livelihoods that depend on tank ecosystems. This investigation is conducted within a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) framework. The primary data were collected from 230 families, the main livelihood groups associated with the reconstructed irrigation tank. The results show statistically significant increases (p<0.001) in agricultural output, crop productivity, milk production, fish production, washermen's income, and pottery production after the implementation of Mission Kakatiya. The study finds that the programme has generated significant multidimensional livelihood benefits beyond irrigation through stimulating the local rural economy.