Civics Chapter 07: Rural Livelihoods

Nearly two-fifth of all rural families are agricultural labourers in our country. Not being able to earn money throughout the year forces people in many rural areas to travel long distances in search of work. This travel, or migration, takes place during particular seasons.

Very often farmers need to borrow money to purchase basic things like seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. Often they borrow this money from moneylenders. When a major crop failure happens farmers sometimes are unable to pay back their loans.

Selling milk to the village cooperative society or taking milk to the nearby town may be the main source of livelihood for some families.

People in rural areas earn their living in various ways. Some work on farms while others earn their living on non-farm activities.