Farmers’ income in tribal dominated villages of Jharkhand: Farm level evidences

This study uses five-year panel data to analyze the dynamics of farm household income, composition of income source, and determinants of income of farm households in Jharkhand. The study has shown that although income level of farm households in the selected villages of Jharkhand is low, it has shown an impressive annual growth rate of 17 per cent during 2010-11 to 2014-15. The income level has shown a clear positive relation with size of landholding. Further, the sources of household income are quite diverse and the cultivation contributes only one-fifth to the total income of farm households. The farm assets and education level turned out to be important drivers of farm household income. Emphasis on farm and non-farm sector diversification and the investment on human capital or skill development will be crucial for enhancing farmers’ income.