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VOL. 11, ISSUE 8 (2024)
Socio-economic status of small and marginal farmers in Bulandshahr district
Authors
Atvir Singh, Manisha
Abstract
The study is carried out to understand the prevailing socio-economic
conditions of marginal and small farmers of Bulandshahr District. Marginal and
small farmers form a significant portion of the region's agro-community but
face various socioeconomic challenges. Cultural and socioeconomic factors
contribute to the marginalization of landholdings, resulting in poor economies
of scale and decreased productivity. The majority (51.0%) of respondent farmers
were between 46 and 60 years old, male (96.7%), Hindu (98%), and married
(93.3%). Additionally, a significant portion belonged to backward castes (50%)
and had a middle to secondary level of education (30-40%). The study found that
87.7% of marginal and 95.2% of small farmers inherited land from their
ancestors. About 86% of farmers followed traditional farming methods, with
wheat being the major crop. Over 70% of respondent farmers used multiple
cropping patterns. As for water sources, around 65% of marginal and 61% of
small farmers used hand pumps for clean water, while almost all farmers
depended on tube wells for irrigation. Both, small and marginal farmers, used
medium-quality fertilizers and pesticides. In terms of prosperity, farmers in
Gulaothi (53%) and Sikandrabad (60%) blocks were found to be comparatively
prosperous among the seven blocks, with both farm and non-farm activities being
practiced. Most male laborers were hired at 450 rupees daily while female
laborers earned around 350. Two-wheelers were the primary mode of transport for
64.2% of marginal and 89.4% of small farmers. Amongst market choices, the
majority of both marginal and small farmers preferred local markets for any
sale or purchase of agricultural inputs or output. Livestock served as a
crucial additional income source, with three-fourths of respondent farmers
reporting ownership. Buffaloes and cows were the dominant livestock in rural
families, generating an income of 10,000 to 15,000 per month. Additionally, 24%
of marginal and 32% of small farmers were involved in horticulture activities.
The study also found that marginal farmers earned rupees 1-1.5 lakh monthly,
while small farmers earned up to rupees 2 lakhs. Annual income data suggested
that small farmers (1.5 - 2 lakhs) were generally in higher income groups than
marginal farmers (0.5 - 1 lakhs). Moreover, personal savings were reported by
43.4% of marginal and 51.9% of small farmers. Cash was the preferred mode of
payment for surplus crops among marginal (50%) and small farmers (43.3%), and
it took less than 45 days to clear the payments.
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Pages:1-10
How to cite this article:
Atvir Singh, Manisha "Socio-economic status of small and marginal farmers in Bulandshahr district". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 11, Issue 8, 2024, Pages 1-10
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