Rural Farm and Non-farm Linkages in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

In the light of the growing importance of growth linkages, ‘Farm and non-farm linkages’ seem to be a viable solution for the growth of the rural non-farm sector in a state like Uttar Pradesh. Using rural Uttar Pradesh as a case study this work explores the existing pattern of production and consumption linkages between the rural farm and non-farm sectors and its roles in the development of the rural non-farm sector (RNFS) in Uttar Pradesh using correlation analysis and working lesser model. The analysis finds a substantial role of farm and non-farm production linkages via backward production linkages in the growth of the rural non-farm sector in Uttar Pradesh. However, consumption linkages have a significant bearing on the development of rural non-farm sector in Uttar Pradesh. The findings of a primary survey explore other possibilities in the growth of RNFS through forward production linkages and rural–urban linkages. Finally, the promotion of small scale rural industries, the development of institutional links between agriculture and rural non-farm sector and policies to support rural entrepreneurs are the key to promote rural non-farm sector in Uttar Pradesh.