Economic Impact of Agricultural Subsidies on Small and Marginal Farmers: A Case Study of Chickballapur Taluk, Karnataka.

This article focused on the economic impact of agriculture subsidies on small and marginal farmers in Chickballapur Taluk, Karnataka, India. Agriculture serves as the primary source of livelihood for most rural households in the region, The study explores various government-provided subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and crop insurance. These subsidies affect farmers’ income levels, the cost of cultivation, and overall productivity. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting primary data from 60 farmers across six villages. Statistical tools, including chi-square tests, were used to analyse the relationship between subsidy awareness, utilization, and loan dependency. The findings highlight that awareness plays a critical role in subsidy access, with significant gaps among illiterate and resource-constrained farmers. While subsidies have positively impacted farm output and reduced input costs, their effect on reducing loan dependency is not statistically significant, indicating the influence of other economic factors. This study emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions, streamlined subsidy delivery mechanisms, and robust awareness programs to ensure inclusive growth and improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. The insights contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food security in India.