CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE RURAL YOUTH IN TAKING UP AGRICULTURE AS MAIN OCCUPATION IN KERALAM

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to analyse the constraints faced by rural youth in taking up agriculture as their major occupation in Keralam. An exploratory research design was adopted, and Kannur district of Kerala was selected purposively due to its relatively high rural youth population. A total of 120 rural youth were selected from three villages using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a well-structured interview schedule comprising a list of potential constraints, and the responses were analysed using the Severity Index method to prioritize the constraints. The findings revealed that lack of stable monthly income (Mean = 3.350), financial insecurity (Mean = 3.250), high cost of agricultural inputs (Mean = 3.225), non-availability of cultivable land (Mean = 3.158), and poor coordination among agricultural information providers (Mean = 3.100) were the most severe constraints perceived by rural youth. Moderate constraints included fragmented landholdings, inadequate exposure to improved agricultural technologies, insufficient government financial support, market price fluctuations, and lack of family support. The study concludes that economic, resource-related, institutional, and technological constraints collectively discourage rural youth from pursuing agriculture as a major occupation. Strengthening income security, improving access to productive resources, enhancing extension and institutional support, and promoting youth-oriented agricultural policies are essential for encouraging youth participation and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in Keralam.