POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND ITS DYNAMICS IN THE AGRARIAN STRCTURE OF RURAL PAKISTAN: A CASE STUDY OF SINDH PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the increasing trends of rural poverty in Sindh province of Pakistan..The related material was collected from the various government publications as well as household survey through primary method (survey Method). Two districts of Sindh province of Pakistan namely Thatta and Khairpur were surveyed on random sampling. From each district, 150 respondents were selected. In this way, 300 growers, possessed their own land, were interviewed personally from both districts. While analyzing the data, the Ereelawn model: C=a+b In, was used to determine poverty in rural Sindh. Keeping in view the official poverty line of Rs. 875.64 per adult monthly to meet 2350 calorie as recommended by the Planning Commission in the year 2004-05. The data were classified into three groups i.e. group A, B below subsistence holding and group C subsistence and above subsistence holding in both districts. Due to shortage of irrigation water, group A cultivated land of 341.25 acres out of 540 acres, group B brought land under cultivation of 373.75 acres out of 575 acres and group C cultivated 414 acres out of 690 acres in district Thatta. Similarly group A cultivated 358.4 acres out of total 560 acres, group B cultivated land 380.8 acres out of total 595, acres and group C brought under cultivation 435 acres out of total 725 acres in district Khairpur. The output of their farms decreased which affected the income of growers. The average monthly income of each grower group A stood Rs. 3,089.7 against the monthly expenditure Rs. 4453.88. Similarly, the average monthly income of each grower of group B was Rs. 5,651 and the expenditure was made Rs. 5,453.88. This group in just above the poverty line. The average income of each grower of C was Rs. 12,599.4 and the expenditure was Rs. 7,453.88. This group proves to be in better positionIII The average monthly income of each grower of group A in district Khairpur was Rs. 3,295.29 and the expenditure was made Rs. 4653.88 which indicated below poverty line. The average income of each grower of group B stood Rs. 5818.48 and Rs. 5,753.88 were spent by each grower of that group, which was just above the poverty line. The average income of each grower of group C was Rs. 13,412.5 as compared to expenditure Rs. 8,053.88 monthly. This group is in better position because of the large size of the farms. It is analyzed from the study that 50% population of rural Sindh is below poverty line, 33.33% population on just above the poverty line and 16.67% of population is in better position to provide facilities to their family members. The poverty can be reduced in rural Sindh by increasing the output of the agricultural sector. by timely irrigation for agricultural growth. In this regard, the appropriate government macro policies are essential for providing the actual share of irrigation to the growers of Sindh as per Water Accord 1991.