[13] ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF PADDY CULTIVATION TO RURAL LIVELIHOODS: A CASE STUDY OF GHAGRA VILLAGE, LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA
How to Cite the Article: Anjan Deka & Jyoti Chetia (2026). Economic Contribution of Paddy Cultivation to Rural Livelihoods: A Case Study of Ghagra Village, Lakhimpur District, Assam, India. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(7),167-179. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i7.2026.167-179
Abstract
Paddy cultivation is the principal agricultural activity in rural Assam and serves as a cornerstone of food security, employment generation, and household income. Despite its socio-economic importance, smallholder farmers continue to face challenges related to fragmented landholdings, fluctuating market prices, inadequate irrigation facilities, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. The present study examines the economic contribution of paddy cultivation to rural livelihoods in Ghagra Village of Lakhimpur District, Assam, with particular emphasis on production practices, farm economics, marketing systems, and socioeconomic conditions of farming households. The study is based on primary data collected from 100 randomly selected households through structured questionnaires, field observations, and personal interviews, supplemented by secondary information obtained from government publications, census reports, and relevant literature. Descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency distribution, percentage analysis, tables, and graphical representations, were employed to analyse the collected data. The investigation assessed landholding patterns, paddy varieties cultivated, production levels, cultivation methods, production costs, net income, marketing channels, and the adoption of modern agricultural practices. The findings indicate that paddy cultivation remains the primary source of livelihood for the majority of farming households in the study area. Nearly 39% of farmers possess 3–6 bighas of cultivated land, while 25% cultivate more than 9 bighas. Among the cultivated varieties, Ranjit occupies the largest cultivated area and contributes the highest share (28.4%) of total paddy production, followed by Chakuwa (13.7%), Aijung (13.4%), and Bora (12.2%). The study further reveals that 88% of farmers have adopted modern cultivation methods, whereas only 12% continue to rely primarily on traditional farming practices. Although modernization has contributed to improved productivity, the majority of farmers earn modest profits, with 46.5% reporting annual net returns between ₹20,000 and ₹40,000 from paddy cultivation. Production costs, dependence on seasonal rainfall, labour shortages, and market-related constraints continue to limit farm profitability. The study concludes that paddy cultivation continues to play a significant role in sustaining rural livelihoods and strengthening the local economy of Ghagra Village. However, improving farmers' income requires enhanced irrigation infrastructure, access to high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties, affordable farm mechanization, efficient marketing systems, storage facilities, institutional credit, and agricultural extension services. Strengthening these interventions would contribute to sustainable agricultural development, increased farm profitability, and improved livelihood security for smallholder farmers in floodplain regions of Assam.
