What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess economic vulnerability and farm-size inequality among paddy cultivators in the Cauvery Delta.

March 21, 2026Open Access

Economic vulnerability and farm-size inequality in the Cauvery Delta: A multidimensional quantitative assessment

Key Points

The aim is to assess economic vulnerability and farm-size inequality among paddy cultivators in the Cauvery Delta.
Mixed-methods explanatory sequential design
Surveyed 450 farmers using structured questionnaires
Utilized descriptive statistics and ANOVA for quantitative analysis
Constructed CEVI and FSESM for economic assessments
Thematically analyzed qualitative data from focus group discussions.
Marginal farmers have a debt–asset ratio of 3.47 and higher input costs than larger farms.
Net returns per hectare are significantly lower for marginal farms (₹17644) compared to medium (₹33304) and large farms (₹45830).
CEVI scores indicate increasing vulnerability from marginal (0.78) to large farmers (0.22).
FSESM explains 62% of income variability, with farm size as a significant factor.
Key determinants include irrigation reliability, formal credit access, and mechanisation.

Abstract

The Cauvery Delta of Tamil Nadu is experiencing accelerating agrarian stress, characterised by rising input costs, groundwater dependence and deepening indebtedness among paddy cultivators. This study assesses economic vulnerability and farm-size inequality using a mixed-methods, explanatory sequential design in 3 delta districts (Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam). A stratified multi-stage sample of 450 farmers (marginal n=178; small n=197; medium n=63; large n=12) was surveyed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, corroborated with land passbooks, input bills and focus group discussions. Quantitative analyses comprised descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s HSD, construction of a composite economic vulnerability index (CEVI) using min–max standardisation and estimation of a farm size economic stress model (FSESM) using multiple regression; qualitative data were thematically analysed to contextualise trends. Results reveal pronounced stratification: marginal farmers show the highest debt–asset ratio (3.47) and input cost intensity (≈29 % higher per ha than large farms), with net returns per hectare (₹17644) markedly below medium (₹33304) and large (₹45830) categories (all group differences p<0.001). The CEVI scores decline with farm size (marginal 0.78; small 0.62; medium 0.41; large 0.22), indicating severe vulnerability among the smallest holders. The FSESM explains 62 % of observed income variability (R² = 0.62); standardised β weights identify farm size (β = 0.61, p<0.001), irrigation reliability (β = 0.42, p<0.01), formal credit access (β = 0.38, p<0.01) and mechanisation (β = 0.29, p<0.05) as key determinants. Qualitative evidence underscores the role of informal credit dependence, tail-end irrigation delays and market access asymmetries in perpetuating risk. The findings indicate that structural factors-not farmer inefficiency-drive economic vulnerability and support a smallholder-first resilience agenda. Recommended measures include targeted low-interest/no-collateral credit, community machinery banks, strengthened tail-end irrigation governance and market and storage interventions (such as village procurement centres and stronger farmer producer organisations (FPOs)) to redress inequality and improve adaptive capacity in the Cauvery Delta.

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay

View Full Paper