Occupational Patterns Of Main And Marginal Workers In The Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project Command Area Of Sangli District

The present study examines the occupational patterns of main and marginal workers in the Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project Command Area of Sangli District. The research is based on secondary data obtained from the District Census Handbook of Sangli District (2011). Workers have been classified into four major industrial categories, namely cultivators, agricultural labourers, household industry workers, and other workers. The analysis reveals that cultivation and agricultural labour continue to dominate the occupational structure of the command area, reflecting the agrarian nature of the regional economy. However, a significant proportion of marginal workers indicates the prevalence of employment instability and seasonal nature of work, particularly among agricultural labourers. Tehsil-wise variations highlight uneven occupational diversification, with limited expansion of household industries and non-agricultural employment. Despite the introduction of irrigation facilities under the Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project, the transition towards stable and diversified livelihoods remains slow. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive rural development strategies focusing on employment security, skill development, and diversification of occupational opportunities to enhance the socio-economic conditions of workers in the command area.