Punjab's Agrarian Economy: Tracking Farmer Prosperity and Debt Over Two Decades

This study examines Punjab's agrarian economy by analyzing changes in landholding patterns, credit accessibility, income, consumption expenditure, and debt from 2002-03 to 2018-19.Using data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) Situation Assessment Surveys (SAS) of 2003 and 2019, the research highlights significant shifts in landholding distribution, with a notable decline in marginal farmers and an increase in small landholders.The average landholding size decreased, while credit accessibility decreased overall, particularly for marginal farmers.The study reveals that agricultural incomes increased across all landholding categories, with marginal farmers experiencing the highest percentage growth.However, consumption expenditures grew faster than income, indicating potential financial strain.Debt burdens rose substantially, with medium farmers facing the highest increase.Interest rates on loans decreased significantly, providing some relief.These findings underscore the evolving challenges in Punjab's agrarian economy and the need for targeted policy interventions to support farmers' economic prosperity.