Livelihood assessment of cassava and paddy growing farmers in Tamil Nadu- A comparative analysis

Abstract

Livelihood assessment was done for cassava and paddy farmers of Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu. A sample of 60 cassava and 60 paddy growers were selected using snow ball sampling technique and data were collected using a well-structured interview schedule which was supplemented through focus group discussions. Index was worked out for all the capitals for assessing the livelihood of farmers. Of the five livelihood capitals, the index for physical and natural capital was higher followed by the social, financial and human index. The overall rural sustainable livelihood index for paddy farmers was 62 which was higher than the cassava farmers (52). Significant differences were observed between the paddy and cassava farmers in farming experience, farm size, annual income, training undergone and family labour involvement. Financial support may be provided through the banks to improve the financial capital of the farmers. Cassava based farming system need to be promoted for sustainable livelihood improvement of farming community.