Assessing the Impact of MGNREGA on Cold Desert Agriculture Using Geospatial and Agro-Economic Indices: A Case Study of Saboo, Ladakh

The Union Territory of Ladakh, located in the Western Himalayan agro-climatic zone, represents an ecologically sensitive cold desert environment characterised by low precipitation, limited arable land, and a short growing season. Agricultural production in this region is highly dependent on efficient land and water resource management, primarily supported by glacial meltwater irrigation. In this context, the present study evaluates the role of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in improving land-use efficiency, water resource management, and agricultural sustainability in Saboo Gram Panchayat, Leh district, using 2017 as the base year and 2024 as the assessment year. To carry out this study, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating remote sensing, GIS analysis, and field-based agro-economic metrics. High-resolution satellite datasets, including Cartosat-3 and Resourcesat-2 (LISS-IV), were used to generate Land Cover/Land Use (LCLU) maps, while Sentinel-2 imagery was used to derive spectral indices such as the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalised Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). These datasets were integrated with 317 geo-tagged MGNREGA interventions, including irrigation channels, farm ponds, and land development works. Agro-economic indicators such as the Cultivable Land Utilisation Index (CLUI) and Wheat Equivalent Yield (WEY), along with community survey data, were used to assess comprehensive spatio-temporal changes in the study area. The results show a significant improvement in the utilisation of land and water resources. Between 2017 and 2024, agricultural land increased by 15.22%, while water bodies expanded by 36.44%. Positive trends in NDVI and NDMI suggest improvements in vegetation health and soil moisture conditions in areas associated with MGNREGA interventions. The CLUI increased from 0.456 to 0.497, and WEY increased from 14.15 t/ha to 26.12 t/ha respectively, indicating enhanced cropping intensity and agricultural productivity by shifting towards high-value crops, like vegetables and hardwood species in horticulture produce. Community responses further support these findings, highlighting improved irrigation access, increased crop yields, and stronger participation in local planning processes; these reveal that MGNREGA benefits are both measurable and experienced at the community level. Overall, the study demonstrates that the integration of geospatial monitoring with community-driven rural developmental programmes such as MGNREGA can support sustainable agriculture in high-altitude, climate-sensitive environments. The findings provide a replicable framework for evidence-based rural development and natural resource management in similar ecosystems.