International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Meena Das and Wanteikupar Nongrum

abstract
The aim of the present research is to ascertain the socioeconomic status of the tribal farmers inhabiting Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya's aspirational district. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in the selected villages of Umsning, Umling Block, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya from April’2022 to December’2022. 100 respondents were chosen randomly in proportion to the overall population. The data were then translated into a standard score for tabulation. The study reveals that males constitute the majority of respondents at Umsning Block (56%) and that 52% are in the middle age (39-50) and has a medium level of education (44%). Majority of them (68%) belong to scheduled tribes and have medium-sized households (4-6 members). 60% of the farmers owned land of less than one acre, while 60% of the respondents rented land of less than one acre. About 40% of the respondents used surface irrigation techniques like canals, minor tanks and traditional water harvesting structures to irrigate their land. About 58% of respondents have a medium yearly income (20000-50000), and the majorities (70%) do not belong to any farmer's groups or cooperative societies. About 44% of people use the media at a medium level and 44% use information sources at a medium level. The majority of responders (98%) engage in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry on a daily basis. The respondent's two main occupations are farming (94%) and livestock rearing (90%). Most respondents in Umling Block (60%) are male, with 48% belonging to the 39-50 age range and 40% having a medium level of education. Most of them (76%) are scheduled tribes and have medium-sized households (4-6 members). The majority of the farmers (52%) owned land with an area of under an acre, and 62% of respondents rented land with a size of less than one acre for daily use. About 52% of respondents used surface irrigation techniques like canal, minor tanks and traditional water harvesting structure to water their land. 60% of respondents have a medium yearly income (20000-50000), and 74% do not belong to any farmer's groups or cooperative societies. Approximately 46% of people use media at a medium level, and 50% use their information sources in a moderate way. 90% of respondents engage in agriculture-related work, followed by horticulture (80%) and animal husbandry (78%). The respondent's two main jobs are agricultural farming (96%) and animal rearing (80%).