Role of Agricultural Credit for the Socio Economic Development of Tribals

Abstract

This study is based on both primary and secondary data. To collect primary data, newlinestructured survey scheduled and semi-structured interviews were used to capture newlinequantitative and qualitative insights. Primary data were gathered through field surveys, newlinewhile secondary data were obtained from government reports, NABARD records, and newlinedistrict agricultural office documents. Secondary sources included government reports, newlinefinancial documents, published research, and official statistics. The analysis covered newlinekey aspects such as the socio-economic profile of the respondents, cropping patterns, newlineaccess to institutional and non-institutional credit, utilization of funds, repayment newlinebehavior, and credit related constraints. newline newlineFindings revealed that agricultural credit significantly contributes to the improvement newlineof farm productivity and income, particularly in maize cultivation, which is the newlinedominant crop in the region. Regression analysis indicated a positive and statistically newlinesignificant impact of credit on agricultural outcomes. However, several challenges newlinehinder the effective use of credit: procedural complexity, delay in loan disbursement, newlineinsufficient loan amounts, and high interest rates were commonly reported. A newlinexvi newlinesignificant gender gap was also observed, with women farmers having less access to newlineformal credit systems. newlineThe study concludes that agricultural credit plays a crucial role in achieving socioeconomic newlinedevelopment among tribal communities. It recommends expanding the reach newlineof formal financial institutions, simplifying credit procedures, designing gender newlineinclusive credit schemes, and strengthening financial literacy. These steps would not newlineonly enhance the livelihoods of tribal farmers but also contribute meaningfully toward newlineachieving the broader development objectives under the SDGs newline newline