Impact of COVID-19 on Food and Non-Food Consumption Behaviour of People in the Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the global pandemic COVID-19 on household income, expenditure, and consumption behaviour of farmers in the western zone of Tamil Nadu during the year 2020. The Annur block in the Coimbatore district was purposively chosen for this study since majority of the farmers cultivating horticultural crops were affected significantly due to COVID-19 situation. A total of 210 farmers were selected using a proportionate sampling technique by covering the vegetable (Tomato, Brinjal, and Bhendi) and flower crops (Jasmine, Mullai, and Rose). The study helped in analyzing the changes noticed in the livelihoods of the farmers as a consequence of the emergence of this global pandemic situation. The findings of the study indicated that the average annual income of farmers has been lowered about 17 per cent due to COVID-19 along with subsequent effects on household consumption expenditure and savings being reduced about 16 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively. Further, the expenses on food items had increased about 8 per cent, while non-food group expenses had plummeted about 46 per cent. On the other hand, medical expenses significantly enhanced to an extent of about 38 per cent among the sampled households.