CONSUMPTION PATTERN AND EXPENDITURE OF AGRICULTURAL LABOUR HOUSEHOLDS IN MANIPUR: A CASE STUDY OF TAOBUNGKHOK VILLAGE

Abstract

The consumption pattern and expenditure is considered to be an important parameter to examine the economic conditions of people living in any society. The paper attempts to bring out the consumption pattern and expenditure of Agricultural Labour Households in Manipur. The paper is based on a field study in a village called Taobungkhok in Manipur. The paper examines the consumption pattern of both Landless Agricultural Labour Households as well as very small cultivating households who also work as agricultural labour due to their marginal holdings (0-0.62 acres). As reflected in their consumption patterns and expenditure, the paper shows that the living conditions of Agricultural Labour Households with some land (ranging from 0-0.62 acre) are better than landless Agricultural Labour Households. The paper however concludes that the consumption pattern of both the landless as well as those small cultivating cum agricultural labour households can be improved in order to strengthen their economic conditions and also for overall development of the rural sector in Manipur.