The proper design and effective implementation of government development programmes depend on a careful examination of the socioeconomic circumstances of farmers. The study was conducted in Telangana during 2022-23 to investigate the socioeconomic position of farmers. Employing a cross sectional survey design, the primary data was collected through structured interview questionnaire using a sample size of 300 respondents from all over the state of Telangana. Results of the study showed that majority of the farmers were maintaining nuclear family with less than five members. Most of the farmers belonged to marginal farmers’ categories who are involved in farming alongside casual labour. Majority of the farmers had low livestock possession, material possession and farm inventory. Farmers had secondary and intermediate school level and nearly half of the farmers belonged to backward caste category. Overall majority of the farmers belonged to middle class category followed by lower class category.

Socio economic status, dimensions, farmers, agriculture

An understanding of the socio-economic status of the farmers and its determinants will help in pilot assessment of the farmers conditions where real target group will be benefited from the development programmes. Majority of the farmers have secondary and intermediate school level of education belonging to OBC category. As majority of the respondents were marginal and small farmers, they were engaged in subsidiary occupation involving on farm, off farm and non- farm activities. The livelihood status involving the possession of assets in both farm and household was observed to be poor. Livestock possession was also low with only cattle catering to their needs. The above study summarizes the socio-economic position of a sample of farmers and knowledge of this can be utilized in planning better programmes improving their social and economic well-being.

Amitha C.D. and Karthikeyan C. (2023). Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in Telangana – A Cross Sectional Survey. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 106-110.