A Socio-Economic Appraisal of Cotton Producers in Aurangabad and Jalna: A Micro Level Study from Maharashtra's Cotton Heartland

Abstract

This study assesses the socio-economic profile of cotton farmers in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad and Jalna districts, focusing on landholding size, age, literacy, family size, occupation, and income distribution. A sample of 240 farmers was selected across five landholding categories—marginal to large—using a multi-stage purposive sampling method. Percentage analysis and the Chi-square test were used to explore associations between socio-economic factors and farm size. Findings reveal that most cotton growers are middle-aged (40–50 years), while youth participation remains limited, raising concerns about future labour availability. Literacy levels vary significantly; small and semi-medium farmers tend to be better educated, while marginal farmers show high illiteracy rates. Family size increases with landholding size, offering labour advantages to larger farms. Marginal and small farmers primarily depend on agriculture, whereas medium and large farmers often diversify into allied or non-agricultural occupations. Income distribution reflects sharp disparities—nearly 40% of marginal and small farmers earn below ₹75,000 annually, whereas large farmers often earn over ₹3,00,000. These results highlight critical inequalities across landholding categories and point to the urgent need for targeted policies to improve access to education, promote youth engagement in farming, and support income diversification strategies for smallholders. The study contributes valuable micro-level insights for policy formulation aimed at ensuring the sustainability and economic viability of cotton farming in this key cotton-producing region of India.