Income and Expenditure Pattern of Agricultural Labourers: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59890/3dqtdj72Keywords:
Agricultural Labourers, Rural Economy, Income Pattern, Expenditure Behavior, Consumption, Seasonal Employment, Rural Poverty, Wage Labour, Food Security, Rural DevelopmentAbstract
Agricultural labourers represent a vital segment of India's rural workforce, yet they remain economically vulnerable due to irregular employment, low wages, and limited asset ownership. This review paper analyzes existing literature to understand the income and expenditure patterns of agricultural labourers, identifying the socio-economic constraints they face. The study synthesizes findings from various empirical studies, highlighting regional disparities, seasonal income fluctuations, and consumption behavior. It also explores the impact of government schemes, rising inflation, and rural indebtedness. The review reveals a consistent trend of income insufficiency, food expenditure dominance, and limited investment in education or health. The paper suggests the need for robust policy interventions, diversification of livelihood sources, and targeted welfare programs to uplift this marginalized group
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