Overview of the State of Marginal Farmers Report

The State of Marginal Farmers Report provides a timely and detailed understanding of the condition of marginal farmers in India. Unlike the Agriculture Census conducted every five years and the NSSO’s Situational Assessment of Agricultural Households (SAS) every ten years, this report offers a more frequent and focused examination. By surveying both cultivators and non-cultivators across rural and urban households in Indian states, the report covers a wide range of socio-economic characteristics, offering a comprehensive overview of the farming sector and the status of farm households.

Key Focus Areas of the Survey

This report queries farmers with different landholding sizes about various aspects, including:
The report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the performance of farming and the status of farm households, thereby informing essential policy imperatives.
2024 Report Highlights

Impact of Climate Change on Marginal Farmers

The 2024 report, themed “Impact of Climate Change on Marginal Farmers,” explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on this crucial group. The survey, conducted across 20 major states with 6,615 respondents, reveals significant findings:

Climate Impact

40.9% of farmers reported experiencing droughts, while 32.6% faced excessive rains, leading to substantial crop losses.

Objectives

Measuring Climate Impact

Assessing exposure to extreme weather events, impacts on crop production, and the extent of losses.

Adoption of Resilient Strategies

Evaluating the availability and adoption of climate-resilient adaptation strategies from government schemes and community responses.

Documenting Climate Action

Providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations for resilience-building and livelihood preservation.

2023 Report Highlights

income and agricultural practices

The 2023 report centers on the income and agricultural practices of marginal farmer households owning less than 1 hectare, based on a comprehensive survey across 20 major states in India. The key objectives include:

Assessing Agricultural Status

Analyzing land use patterns, land leasing practices, access to irrigation, and crop diversity among marginal farmers.

Income Sources

Examining the dependency on activities allied to agriculture and non-farm occupations to supplement farm income.

Identifying Challenges

Highlighting issues in access to credit, purchase of inputs, and sale of output through government procurement agencies and other marketing channels.

Evaluating Government Programs

Assessing the effectiveness of existing government programs and policies supporting marginal farmers through extension services, subsidies, and direct cash transfers.

Future Outlook

Understanding the perspectives of marginal farmers on the future of small farms amidst changing climatic conditions and sustainable farming practices.