EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF FARMERS ENGAGED IN SUGARCANE PRODUCTION IN ERODE DISTRICT

International Journal of Computer Science (IJCS) Published by SK Research Group of Companies (SKRGC)

Abstract

Sugarcane cultivation plays a ignificant role in the agrarian economy of Erode District, Tamil Nadu. The present study empirically assesses the socio-economic characteristics and livelihood status of farmers engaged in sugarcane production. Primary data were collected from 150 sugarcane farmers across selected blocks of Erode District using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, livelihood index analysis, and socio-economic indicators were employed to evaluate farmers' living conditions and income generation patterns. The findings reveal that a majority of respondents belong to the middle-age category (46%), possess secondary education (38%), and own small to medium-sized landholdings (62%). Sugarcane cultivation contributes nearly 68% of household income. However, challenges such as labor scarcity, rising input costs, fluctuating sugarcane prices, and water scarcity adversely affect livelihood sustainability. The study suggests strengthening extension services, promoting water-efficient technologies, and improving market linkages to enhance farmers' socio-economic well-being.

References

1. R. Chambers and G. Conway, Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Practical Concepts for the 21st Century, IDS Discussion Paper 296, Brighton, UK, 1992.
2. F. Ellis, Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2000.
3. Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, Chennai, 2024.
4. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Agricultural Census Report, New Delhi, 2023.
5. S. Kumar and P. Singh, “Socio-economic determinants of agricultural livelihood sustainability,” Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, vol. 76, no. 2, pp. 145–158, 2021.
6. M. Ramasamy and K. Balasubramanian, “Livelihood assessment of sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu,” Journal of Rural Development, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 567–582, 2020.
7. N. R. Bhat and V. Patel, “Economic analysis of sugarcane cultivation in India,” Agricultural Economics Research Review, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 45–58, 2021.
8. Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Tamil Nadu, District Statistical Handbook – Erode District, Chennai, 2024.

Keywords

Sugarcane Farmers, Socio-Economic Status, Livelihood Assessment, Agricultural Economics.