Pattern and distribution of domestic expenditure of farm households in rural Punjab

The present study deals with the pattern and distribution of domestic expenditure among different farm size-categories in rural Punjab. Primary-level information was collected from a sample of 160 farmers selected-from eight districts in the state using a three-stage stratified random sampling technique. A positive relationship-between farm size and household domestic expenditure was found. The distribution of per household and per-capita domestic expenditure was relatively equal as revealed by the Gini coefficient values of 0.28 and 0.29, respectively. The multiple regression analysis revealed that household size and operational holding are the-significant factors that affect the per capita domestic expenditure in the study area. There is a need for social security measures for the benefit of farmers and the distribution of essential goods particularly cereals and pulses may be undertaken more effectively for the advantage of deprived households.