Role of Water Resource Availability in Farmers' Per Capita Income Across Regions of Maharashtra

Abstract Maharashtra, one of India’s most agriculturally significant states, exhibits stark disparities in farmers' per capita income across its regions. This paper investigates the underlying causes of these inequalities over the period 2001 to 2020, emphasizing the critical role of water availability. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzes primary and secondary data on agricultural productivity, irrigation infrastructure, rainfall distribution, and socio-economic factors influencing farmers' income. The findings reveal a direct correlation between water accessibility and regional income disparities, underscoring the need for policy interventions to ensure equitable resource distribution and sustainable farming practices.