Land Degradation and its Impact on Livelihood Security of Farm Households

The study has examined land degradation and its impact on livelihood security of farm households. It has estimated the impact of saline soils on farms in terms of resource use, productivity and profitability of crop production and has also examined employment and income level for ensuring better livelihood. The study conducted in area under canal irrigation in the Pune district of western Maharashtra, is based on the data collected from 40 affected and 40 non-affected sample farm households. The cost of cultivation, productivity, and profitability of sugarcane and wheat crops have been found higher in non-affected farms than affected farms. The average gross income from crop production has been found higher on non-affected farms than affected farms. The livelihood dependence for both employment and income of sample farms has been revealed high on non-farm activities in the affected farms. The study has suggested that in the degraded land areas, activity diversification for reducing uncertainty, would increase employment and income for better livelihood opportunities in the rural areas.