Income Distribution of Dry Farming Households in the Kurnool District Andhra Pradesh, India
Mounika Metla
*
Department of Agricultural Economics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
O.P. Singh
Department of Agricultural Economics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
Gayathri Sandrala
Department of Agricultural Economics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Reliance on monsoons and rainfed cultivation makes it highly susceptible to risks and uncertainties. Around 56% of the nation’s cultivated land is under dryland farming, which sustains a large share of rural households. In Andhra Pradesh, where dry farming is widespread, recurring environmental instability and economic vulnerability significantly impact farming families. This study analyses income distribution and inequality among dry farming households in Kurnool district using the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient. Findings indicate that livestock serves as the primary income source for all categories, while larger landholders have greater access to non-farm income opportunities. Expanding access to technology, promoting diversification, and creating non-farm income avenues are essential for building resilience and ensuring greater equity among dryland farming households.
Keywords: Income distribution, farmer, households, dry farming, resilience, population