Agriculture in relation to socioeconomic status of Tharu in Chitwan of Nepal

Abstract

Tharu are living in the fertile Terai belt of Nepal however self-sufficiency in crop production is not observed. Rapid urbanization and trade after the construction of the East west highway and establishment of CNP led to tourism flourishment. This proved beneficial to the immigrants but degraded the agricultural status of Tharu. The Survey research was conducted in the Chitwan district of Nepal from January to July in 2020 to comprehend the relationship between the socioeconomic status of the Tharu and agriculture. Total 69 households were selected by simple random sampling for the survey using a pretested questionnaire. Agriculture was their primary occupation however their socioeconomic status was unsatisfactory. They were rich in ITK. Some of the traditional tools used in agriculture were Borshi, Jha jha, Dihuri, Dhimmar and Khonga About 35.5% of mechanization was reported in overall cultivation practices. Farming at the subsistence level was practiced by more than half of the households. The major reasons behind this were lack of sufficient extension facilities, migration, land fragmentation, and the dominant psychology about traditional cultivation. The average annual expenditure and income in agriculture per household were NRs. 62,661 and NRs.106,977 respectively with the benefit-cost ratio of 1.7. Language and farming type were found to be significantly associated with the access to extension services at 5% and 1% level of significance respectively. There should be a provision of extension services in the Tharu language. Strategic approaches for the integration of ITK of Tharu with modern technology should be brought for enhancing their socioeconomic status. • Tharu are rich in ITK related to agriculture. • Subsistence farming was dominant due to fragmented land and lack of mechanization. • Rapid urbanization and tourism was beneficial to immigrants and Tharu. • Cultural festivals and social norms had significant value in crop production. • Language spoken and farming type were significantly related to extension services.