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VOL. 12, ISSUE 11 (2025)
Tenancy, sharecropping and women farmers: Policy Insights from Odisha
Authors
Sibabrata Choudhury, Dr. Sandhyarani Mahapatro
Abstract
Tenancy and sharecropping remain largely informal in current agrarian
structure, limiting women farmers’ access to credit, insurance, and
institutional benefits. This study examines the gendered dimensions of tenancy
through a comparative mixed-methods approach in two villages, one coastal and
one tribal upland. Data were collected via household surveys, focus group
discussions, key informant interviews, and policy analysis. Findings reveal
that women tenant farmers, often operating through informal or unregistered
leases, face systemic exclusion from welfare schemes such as KALIA, PMFBY, and
MSP procurement. Women-headed households report lower productivity and higher
input costs due to limited access to subsidised inputs and formal credit.
However, collective leasing through self-help groups and producer organisations
shows potential for enhancing women’s market participation and decision-making
power. The study underscores the need for tenancy reform to strengthen tenure
security and promote inclusive agricultural growth in Odisha.
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Pages:180-185
How to cite this article:
Sibabrata Choudhury, Dr. Sandhyarani Mahapatro "Tenancy, sharecropping and women farmers: Policy Insights from Odisha". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 11, 2025, Pages 180-185
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