Decadal Change in Income Diversification of Small and Marginal Farmers of Assam in Climate-Vulnerable Situations

Abstract

The cross-sectional, micro-level study was conducted to determine the changing trends of some income-related variables and income diversification in a decade among marginal and small farmers of Assam. The base years were 2010 and 2020. The number of samples was selected randomly to make it three hundred from the three districts of Assam, viz., Jorhat, Majuli and Golaghat. Data were collected during 2021. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Simpson Index of Diversity. The findings asserted that between 2010 and 2020, landholding declined among the respondents. The average annual income of respondents also did not increase between 2010 and 2022. Respondents still preferred to stay in the joint family type. The findings show that farmers in 2020 preferred to change income sources. Many farmers’ income diversification also increased, though income did not increase. The study identified that in a decade, there was a decrease in operational landholdings, no increase in annual income, and marginal and small farmers opted for income diversification. So, it suggested that livestock and non-farm-based income sources may be provided to improve the income of marginal and small farmers of Assam. The study suggests that the scientists and policymakers of government going for more micro-level study would help develop different policies for small and marginal farmers.