Determinants of vegetable farmers’ income in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Agriculture is the principal source of livelihood in India, particularly in rural areas like Uttarakhand, where farmers’ income remains low and irregular. Therefore, there is a need to investigate how vegetable production and socio-economic factors influence farmers’ income. In this study, we identify the socio-economic status of rural farmers and evaluate the influence of income determinants in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. For this study, we conducted a field survey in the Garhwal region, visiting various locations and collecting data from 308 respondents through interviews. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses are employed. The results of the present study reveal that the majority (89 per cent) of respondents are male household heads and business operators in the agribusiness. Most farmers (57.1 per cent) are in the age group of 40-55 years. The annual income of most farmers (53.2 per cent) is between Rs 50001 and Rs 100000. It presents farmers’ income levels as insufficient to raise their living standards. We found low to medium levels of socio-economic status among farmers. Most respondents (36.7 percent) hold a land size between 1-2 hectares and grow high-value vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, peas, beans, green leafy and cauliflower. The key findings of the study reveal that determinants such as vegetable production, gender, landholding, and family size positively influence farmers' income. At the same time, age, education, and training show no significant effects. The findings suggest the need for a policy intervention to promote vegetable commercial farming among farmers, thereby enhancing their economic conditions in the region.