Livelihood diversification of irrigated and rainfed farmers a comparative study from drought affected Raichur district of Karnataka

Abstract

Raichur is a district located under the northern dry zone of Karnataka where the economy mainly depends on agriculture for their livelihood. However, the district receives river water for irrigation; therefore, agriculture in the district is both under irrigated and rainfed conditions. The district is chronically affected by drought as it occurs every other year. The rainfall in the district is scanty and soil has got poor water holding capacity, as a result, there is a decrease in productivity of food grains, increase in poverty and desertification forcing the farmers to diversify their income-generating sources to have a sustainable livelihood. Livelihood diversification was examined using the primary data collected from 400 sampled respondents. Among 400, 200 were irrigated another 200 were rain-fed respondents. To understand the extent of diversification Simpson Diversification Index was used. The study results revealed that the average extent of diversification was more in rainfed respondents less found in irrigated respondents. But among irrigated respondents, the extent of diversification was found more in 2017 than in 2010. The diversification from on-farm to non-farming enterprises was increased in rainfed respondents. But diversification among the on-farm enterprises witnessed more in irrigated respondents. The research survey revealed that sugarcane was reported among irrigated farmers group. In 2017 migration was one of the popular income diversification strategies followed by both groups.