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@article{185416,
        author = {P Srinivas},
        title = {Cycles of Debt and Dependency : Understanding Indebtedness Among Agricultural Labourers in Peddapalli District , Telangana},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {1346-1352},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185416},
        abstract = {This study examines the extent, causes, and patterns of indebtedness among agricultural labourers in Peddapalli district, Telangana, highlighting structural vulnerabilities and socio-economic dependencies. Using a descriptive and analytical research design, data were collected from 387 households through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The analysis reveals that most households operate small farms, spend moderately on agriculture, and sell their produce within their village, with no ownership of tractors or modern agricultural equipment, indicating low mechanization. Income levels before COVID-19 were generally low, with over half earnings below Rs.10,000 per month, though post-pandemic recovery raised average incomes and daily wages modestly. Dependence on informal credit sources is universal, Kisan Credit Card access is nonexistent, and crop insurance coverage is minimal (9.3%). Most households rely on a single earning member, while 87.3% depend entirely on farming or farm labour, reflecting high vulnerability to seasonal, climatic, and market risks. The study underscores the cyclical nature of debt, wherein limited financial inclusion, low mechanization, and inadequate social protection perpetuate dependency. Policy recommendations include expanding formal credit access, increasing crop insurance coverage, providing mechanization support, stabilizing wages, promoting livelihood diversification, and improving market access. These interventions aim to enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability, and promote sustainable livelihoods among agricultural labour households in Telangana.},
        keywords = {Agriculture, Agricultural Labourer, Indebtedness},
        month = {October},
        }