Punjab farmers’ financial journey: evaluating loan sources from 2002 to 2019

Authors

  • Dr. Ajad Singh Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Motilal Nehru College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
  • Dr. Ghanshyam Bairwa Associate Professor, Department of Economics, SGND Khalsa College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
  • Dr. Amrat Lal Meena Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Motilal Nehru College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

Keywords:

Punjab, Farmers, Loan sources, Institutional credit, Non-institutional credit, Income growth

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of loan sources accessed by farmers in Punjab from 2002 to 2019, focusing on income growth and the dynamics of institutional and non-institutional credit. Utilizing data from the 59th and 77th rounds of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) Situation Assessment Survey, this analysis covers a range of factors, including outstanding loan amounts, borrowing patterns, and interest rates across various landholding categories.

Findings indicate a notable increase in average income across all farmer categories, with significant correlations to enhanced access to institutional loans. The proportion of institutional loans has risen sharply, with marginal farmers increasing their reliance from 24.9% to 79.7% by 2019. Conversely, non-institutional loan dependence declined, reflecting a shift towards more formal credit sources. The analysis reveals that while larger farmers benefit more from institutional credit, marginal and small farmers also exhibit improved access, though they continue to face challenges. Overall, this study highlights the changing landscape of farmer financing in Punjab, underscoring the impact of policy initiatives aimed at improving credit accessibility and financial stability among agricultural households.

References

Gill A. Social customs and economic challenges: The financial burden on rural households in Punjab. Punjab Studies Journal. 2012;8(2):77-89.

Gill SS. The persistence of non-institutional credit in rural Punjab: A socio-economic perspective. Economic and Political Weekly. 2017;52(3):30-37.

Gill SS, Brar JS. Input costs and income challenges in Indian agriculture: A case study of Punjab farmers. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics. 2007;62(4):641-654.

Kumar P, Singh N, Joshi PK. Role of institutional credit in agriculture: Evidence from Indian states. Agricultural Economics Research Review. 2014;27(2):235-245.

Nair T, Tankha A. Institutional credit and financial inclusion in India: An assessment of progress and challenges. Indian Journal of Development Studies. 2015;11(1):25-42.

Sharma RK. Financial distress and agricultural vulnerability in Punjab: A critical analysis. Journal of Agricultural Policy. 2007;3(2):120-134.

Singh B, Sidhu MS. Institutional credit for agricultural development in India: A case study of Punjab farmers. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics. 2010;65(3):448-463.

Singh S, Kaur G, Dhillon R. Agricultural risks and the vulnerability of Punjab farmers: Insights from a field study. Agricultural Economics Review. 2018;40(2):125-138.

Gill A, Singh R. Marriage and consumption patterns: Debt drivers in rural India. Journal of Rural Development. 2016;23(1):45-63.

Singh R, Singh G. Informal lending networks in rural Punjab: The role of trust and social capital. Rural Sociology Review. 2019;35(1):67-83.

Singh A, Atri J. Economic shifts and financial strain: Karnataka farmers’ journey in the first two decades of the 21st century. Journal of Social Review and Development. 2024;3(2):1-7. https://www.dzarc.com/social/article/view/548.

Singh A, Langyan B. A study of farmer economic well-being and indebtedness in Rajasthan: A comparative analysis (2002-03 and 2018-19). International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science (IRJMETS). 2024;06(07):1202-1210. https://doi.org/10.56726/IRJMETS60529.

Singh A, Singh M. Economic well-being and indebtedness of farmers in Bihar: A comparative analysis (2002-03 and 2018-19). International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024, 05(07). https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0724.1941.

Singh A, Kumar A, Bairwa G, Bhushan B. The changing fortunes of Odisha’s farmers: A comparative analysis of indebtedness and economic status (2002-2019). Journal of Social Review and Development. 2024;3(1):23-29. https://www.dzarc.com/social/article/view/550

National Sample Survey Office. Situation Assessment Survey of Farmers, NSS 59th Round, Schedule 33. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, 2003. https://microdata.gov.in/NADA43/index.php/catalog/104

National Sample Survey Office. Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households, January 2019 – December 2019, 77th Round, Visit 1 and Visit 2. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, 2019. https://microdata.gov.in/nada43/index.php/catalog/157/related_materials.

Downloads

Published

2024-08-06

How to Cite

[1]
A. Singh, G. Bairwa, and A. L. Meena, “Punjab farmers’ financial journey: evaluating loan sources from 2002 to 2019”, J. Soc. Rev. Dev., vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 22–30, Aug. 2024.

Issue

Section

Articles