Livelihood Pattern of Farmers: A Study on the Impact of Social Welfare Schemes on Their Agriculture in Subarnapur District of Odisha

Abstract

The article examines the livelihood patterns of farmers in Subarnapur district, Odisha, and how social welfare schemes have impacted their livelihoods and support in the agricultural field. 70 per cent of the district’s population depends on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. The study areas were selected in Sindhol village, Ullunda Block, Subarnapur District, to understand the cropping patterns and the livelihoods of the farmers. Purposive sampling, also known as non-probability sampling, was selected to choose participants who are active farmers in the village; therefore, 42 farmers were selected to explore their understanding of social welfare schemes and their impact, as well as the challenges they face in maintaining sustainable livelihoods. To analyse the data, a descriptive research design was used to comprehend the current situation and challenges faced by the farmers in the study areas. The selected farmers were small and marginal, with low educational qualifications to comprehend the livelihood patterns of the farmers. Paddy cultivation is a primary source of livelihood in the region. Irrigation facilities are robust and benefit the farmers. KALIA, PM-KISAN, and Krishi Sinchai Yojana significantly enable farmers to maintain sustainable livelihoods in the study areas. The farmer's sale of the product at Mandi is a key factor in obtaining the minimum support price (MSP), a key finding of the study. In the study areas, the most critical challenge identified is crop destruction caused by wild animals, specifically elephants and boars. Despite high awareness of other schemes, farmers reported an inability to secure government compensation for wildlife-induced crop damage.