Challenges, options and strategies for doubling farmers’ income in West Bengal – Reflections from coastal region

Abstract

Despite leading in production of many important agricultural commodities, the income of agriculture dependent households remained one of the lowest (Rs. 3980/month per households) in West Bengal and far below the national average (Rs. 6426/month/household). The paper has analysed the past performance of agriculture sector in the state's economy from the available secondary data and also has looked into effectiveness of the existing price policy. Besides, technology options, agricultural market scenario/linkage have been analysed through primary information from the most vulnerable group of farmers in the coastal region to understand how far doubling of income was achievable. However, the micro-level households’ data analysis has indicated ample opportunities to increase farmers’ income through enhancing cropping system intensification. Technology options are also available for increasing cropping intensities. The agriculture sector needs policy thrust like attracting private investment, value addition to agricultural commodities and marketing innovations. The paper has concluded that doubling of farmers’ income in West Bengal is a challenging tasks, particularly due to low agricultural growth (< 2%), lack of market innovations and private investment, but is achievable. The real concern for the farmers in the state was not only to achieve higher (double) income for farmers but also to sustain the enhanced farmers’ income which is inclusive across the farmers’ groups.