 The main source of income for households comes from agriculture in Mawphlang (nearly 90%) and Gumma (nearly 60%). In Mawphlang, the extent of dependence is very high which indicates clearly the lack of other opportunities. In Gumma, most of the unskilled labour migrates and for about 22% of the households income from unskilled labour is their main source of income. The dependence on agricultural labour is significantly high in Minjur. Most of them work as agricultural labour in nearby villages where farming is important. For 25% of the households fishing on Pulicat lake is their main source of income.
Table 4. Households: Main Source of Income |
Details of Main Source of Income |
Part of Minjur, TN |
Gumma -Orissa |
Mawphlang- Meghalaya |
|
Percentage of households |
Agriculture/Horticulture-Owned/Leased land |
4.64 |
59.85 |
89.44 |
Business Non Farm activities |
9.25 |
7.44 |
3.25 |
Employment |
3.97 |
2.60 |
1.63 |
Fisheries |
25.17 |
- |
|
From forest produce# |
0.66 |
|
|
Labour Agriculture |
35.10 |
5.58 |
4.88 |
Labour (Non Agriculture) Unskilled |
8.61 |
22.30 |
|
Labour skilled |
5.96 |
0.74 |
|
Livestock |
0.66 |
0.37 |
0.81 |
Others |
5.96 |
0.37 |
|
Professional |
|
0.74 |
|
|
Note: In Gumma, NTFP and horticulture are generated from forests, but are included under Agriculture/Horticulture.
|
IMPLICATIONS FOR PROGRAMME DESIGN |
 Interventions to raise production and productivity in land-based activities (crop production, livestock, poultry and fisheries) can generate adequate incomes only if issues related to irrigation, financing, marketing, value addition and pricing are also simultaneously addressed.
Agricultural labour households do not have round the year employment. Therefore, enhancing their capability to use their labour productively in the lean seasons can improve their incomes. |
|
