H R Sharma

Farm Size and Farmers’ Income, Consumption, and Poverty in India

Using unit-level data from the 70th National Sample Survey round Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households, the paper seeks to determine, for major states, the minimum size of cultivated land at which the average monthly income of farmer households from cultivation exceeds their average monthly consumption expenditure and the minimum farm size at which the average monthly income from all sources exceeds their poverty-line-equivalent income. Further, it examines the contribution of different sources towards their total income across farm-size categories and the incidence of poverty among such households. It then estimates the income support for those households that are not able to meet their average monthly consumption expenditure and which are below the poverty line.

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Distribution of Landholdings in Rural India, 1982 to 2013

Changes in the distribution of landholdings in 15 major states between 1982 and 2013 are analysed using the National Sample Survey data. In particular, the following questions are examined: How has the concentration of land, both owned and operated, changed over time? At what level of hierarchy has the concentration of owned and operated land tended to become more pronounced? How have the changes in the land distribution benefi ted the holdings at the bottom 50%?

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Land Distribution and Tenancy among Different Social Groups

Not much is known about the distribution of land and tenancy among the various social groups, especially in rural India. This article examines recent National Sample Survey data on house ownership holdings to determine the pattern of land distribution and tenancy among these groups.

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Liberalising the Lease Market

Despite the enactment and implementation of various tenancy laws, concealed tenancy continues to be widely prevalent. However, banning tenancy completely may not be a feasible option. This article argues for a selective liberalisation of the lease market coupled with adequate safeguards to protect the interests of small and marginal farmers.

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Distribution of Landholdings in Rural India, 1953-54 to 1981-82-Implications for Land Reforms

Implications for Land Reforms H R Sharma How has the concentration of land

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Distribution of Landholdings in Rural India, 1953-54 to 1981-82-Implications for Land Reforms

Implications for Land Reforms H R Sharma How has the concentration of land, both owned and operated, changed over time ? At what level of the landownership hierarchy has land concentration tended to become more pronounced as a consequence of the so-called agrarian reshuffle ? How have changes in distribution of landholdings benefited holdings at the bottom? These and other issues are examined in this article.