A Critical Study of Crop Pattern and Financial Resource Utilisation among Tribal Farmers in Maharashtra

Abstract

Tribal agriculture in Maharashtra represents a unique socio-economic and ecological system shaped by fragmented landholdings, rain-dependent cultivation practices, limited access to institutional finance, and persistent livelihood vulnerabilities. This study critically examines the crop patterns and financial resource utilisation among tribal farmers residing across the Scheduled Tribe–dominated belts of Maharashtra, including districts such as Nandurbar, Palghar, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Nashik, Amravati, and parts of Ahmednagar. The research explores how traditional cultivation practices, socio-cultural norms, land ownership patterns, natural resource availability, market accessibility, and credit mechanisms collectively influence cropping decisions and financial behaviour. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, using both primary and secondary data collected through structured interviews, field observations, government statistical reports, NABARD publications, and academic research. Findings reveal that tribal farmers predominantly follow monocropping systems based on rainfed crops such as paddy, millets, pulses, and minor forest produce–linked seasonal activities. Crop diversification remains limited due to credit constraints, poor irrigation facilities, low awareness of high-value crops, and inadequate market linkages. Financial resource utilisation reflects heavy dependence on informal credit sources including moneylenders, traders, and relatives, attributed to low financial literacy, procedural complexity in institutional loans, collateral issues, and exclusion from mainstream banking. Only a minority access schemes such as Kisan Credit Cards, SHG-bank linkages, and government subsidy programmes. The study highlights the multidimensional impact of finance on cropping choices, risk-taking behaviour, technology adoption, and overall farm productivity. The paper concludes that improving credit accessibility, strengthening irrigation systems, promoting crop diversification, expanding financial literacy, and integrating tribal farmers into formal markets are essential strategies for transforming tribal agriculture. The findings serve as a foundation for policymakers, extension agencies, cooperatives, NGOs, and agricultural financial institutions committed to enhancing tribal livelihoods and sustainable rural development in Maharashtra.