Impact of Non-Farm Employment on Landholding Structures in Punjab: Comparison of Three Villages

Abstract

Punjab is well known as a successful example of the green revolution. The farmers in the state earn incomes higher than those in other states. This higher farm income is derived not only from the high yields of wheat and paddy resulting from modern agricultural technologies but also from the high prices that the government pays for crops. The government has made unlimited purchases of wheat and paddy from farmers since the 1960s. The wheat-paddy rotation, introduced in a significant manner in the 1970s, has been one of the most profitable businesses against this background. For the Sikh Jat population to continue farming and maintaining their dominant position in the landholding structure in rural society is quite natural considering the profitability from farming.