Tracking Economic and Credit Shifts among Farmers in Gujarat: A Comparative Study (2002-03 to 2018-19)

This study assesses changes in farmer well-being and indebtedness in Gujarat from 2002-03 to 2018-19, focusing on evolving landholding structures, credit accessibility, income trends, and indebtedness among farmers of various landholding sizes.Using data from the Situation Assessment Surveys (SAS) of 2003 and 2019, it examines how farmers' access to land and loans has shifted, with specific attention to changes in agricultural and total income levels across farmer categories.This analysis considers inflation-adjusted real incomes, comparing nominal incomes for 2002-03 and 2018-19, with the 2016-17 base year for CPI adjustments.The study finds notable changes in income and consumption expenditure patterns, identifying significant growth among small and medium landholders.Debt burden and interest rates also shifted substantially, highlighting increased costs for smaller farmers while decreasing rates for larger landholders.The evolving economic dynamics underscore the critical role of affordable credit in supporting agricultural productivity and financial stability for Gujarat's farming communities.Despite methodological limitations in survey comparability, the analysis offers insights into long-term trends in farmer welfare and financial challenges, contributing to policy discussions aimed at sustainable agricultural development and equity in rural Gujarat.