Farm Income Inequality among the Farmers of Jaipur District in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The study analysed income inequality among farm households in Jaipur district, Rajasthan, using primary data collected from 100 households during 2021-22 through a pre-structured interview schedule. Farmers were grouped into four income categories: farm income, allied activities, non-farm activities and combined farm, allied and non-farm income. Twenty-five farmers were randomly selected from each category. The Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient were used to examine the distribution of income across the selected households. The results showed that the Gini coefficient ranged from 0.51 to 0.60, indicating unequal income distribution in the study area. The highest inequality was observed in the combined income category, followed by non-farm activities, allied activities and farm income. The lowest 20 per cent of households consistently held a smaller share of total income than the highest 20 per cent across the income categories. The Lorenz curves also deviated from the line of perfect equality, confirming the presence of income inequality. The findings suggest that farm income inequality in the district is shaped not only by agricultural income but also by access to allied and non-farm livelihood opportunities. Policy support should prioritise small and resource-poor farmers through productivity improvement, wider access to irrigation, water-harvesting technologies and diversified income-generating opportunities.