Bauxite Mining Induced Agricultural Stress: Evidence from Crop Yields and Revenues in Koraput District, Odisha

This study aims to analyse the effects of bauxite mining on agricultural productivity and production of the major crops in the bauxite mining region of the Koraput district, Odisha. A “with and without” approach has been used for comparison of mining and non-mining regions. The differences in agricultural variables like yield, revenue, selling price, and quantity sold of the major crops, paddy, finger millet, and little millet, grown in both regions were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and regression models. Significantly lower yields for all three crops in mining regions, with these disadvantages persisting even after controlling for cultivated area and output. In contrast, no statistically significant regional differences are observed in crop revenues, quantities sold, or prices received, suggesting that market mechanisms partially offset productivity losses. The mining-induced agricultural distress manifests more sharply in yield and productivity than in observable market outcomes, underscoring the importance of examining multiple dimensions of agricultural performance rather than relying solely on income or price indicators. The findings provide micro-level evidence of mining-induced agricultural stress and underscore the need for policies that prioritise ecological restoration and sustainable farming practices in mining-affected areas.