The Economic Status of the Pineapple Farming Households of Lakhipur Subdivision in Cachar District of Assam: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

Pineapple cultivation has vital economic importance for farming households in the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar district of Assam, situated in the southern part of North-East India. It contributes to the livelihoods of a substantial portion of the native tribal population of the region. Little is known, however, about the economic status of the pineapple-growing families of the Lakhipur subdivision. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the extent of poverty among the pineapple-growing households of the Lakhipur subdivision, emphasising the role of fruit cultivation in mitigating rural poverty. The study is based on primary data collected from a sample of 335 pineapple-growing households through a multistage mixed sampling technique. The results of the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) have shown that a notable proportion of pineapple-growing households in the region are affected by multidimensional poverty. According to the MPI analysis, nearly 45% of pineapple-growing households are non-poor. However, more than 55% of households are either vulnerable to multidimensional poverty or multidimensionally poor. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of poverty, extending beyond income and consumption expenditure to encompass various dimensions such as health, education and living standards. The implications of this research are far-reaching, as it not only identifies the pineapple growers who are most vulnerable but also provides crucial insights for policymaking. It is recommended that, to improve the living standards and economic well-being of pineapple growers, targeted interventions that address both income–consumption-related and multidimensional poverty factors are essential.