Characterization of Households of Marginal and Landless Livestock Farmers in Rural Tamil Nadu

Abstract

A study was conducted in rural areas of Tamil Nadu to ascertain the characteristics of households of marginal and landless livestock farmers. The investigation was carried out among the households of 100 marginal farmers and 100 landless livestock farmers owning livestock. Majority of the households were male headed in the age group of 40–50 yr belonged to most backward caste category, had nuclear family with the family size of 5–7 members. Further, majority of the respondents and their spouse were illiterate and their primary occupation was agriculture followed by livestock keeping. Most of the respondents had thatched roof type of dwelling with paid electricity supply. Organization memberships of the households were high in self-help groups as compared to co-operatives and political parties. Income generation was the prime purpose of livestock keeping