Background
Indebtedness among farmers in Rajasthan has become a critical issue, endangering agricultural sustainability and rural livelihoods. Understanding the factors contributing to this financial burden is essential for developing targeted interventions to address the issue.
Methodology
This study utilizes secondary data from the 77th Round of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), focusing on the Indebtedness Survey of Agricultural Households. A Probit regression model is employed to analyze the likelihood of indebtedness among farmers. Key variables include credit agency, tenure of loans, nature of interest, type of land, and transport equipment usage, along with continuous variables like usual monthly consumer expenditure. Data from all 33 districts of Rajasthan, grouped into seven sub-regions, were systematically analyzed using STATA 18 software.
Findings
The analysis reveals that informal credit sources, high-interest loans, unfavorable loan terms, and inadequate access to institutional credit are significant contributors to farmer indebtedness. Additionally, factors such as landholding patterns and financial constraints further exacerbate the debt crisis. The reliance on informal financing perpetuates a cycle of financial vulnerability, limiting farmers' ability to invest in better agricultural practices or improve their livelihoods.
Conclusion
This study highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to improve farmers' access to institutional credit, restructure loan mechanisms, and reduce dependence on informal lenders. By addressing these challenges, the financial resilience and sustainability of Rajasthan's farming communities can be significantly improved.