Employment pattern of farmers in selected districts of Coastal Odisha

In the recent time, farming in India has become non-viable, specifically for marginal and small farmers. Astudy was conducted to examine the employment pattern of the farmers in selected districts of coastal Odisha. Five coastal districts were selected purposefully for the present study which has similar agro-climatic zones during the year 2013-14. Total 350 households were selected for study. Out of the total HHs based on their land holding size 94 HHs were marginal farmers. Majority of the HHs (72.57%) were working on others lands for cultivation along with their own land. The mean total wage was noticeable higher among males ₹647.60 compared to females ₹507.57 and it was statistically significant. (Z=18.66**, p<0.01). Farm income was directly related with farm-size, while income from non-farm activities was inversely related with farm-size. Agriculture and non-agricultural activities were main source of income with negligible contribution of service or employment. The mean monthly total income of the households from agriculture was ₹1152.29 and it was statistically significant (F=3.12*, p<0.05) for the four groups.