Demographic Characteristics of Farmers of Rythu Bazaar : Analysis of an Indian Farmers’ Market

Farmers' markets offering direct marketing opportunities have the potential to economically benefit the farmers. In India, the first farmers' market started its operations in 1987. Yet, the realization of the profitable marketing center that meets the requirement of enhanced profits, as envisaged by the state governments is not fully achieved. Against this backdrop, this paper studies the demographic characteristics of the small and marginal farmers with specific reference to the farmers operating from Rythu Bazaars — the farmer's markets of Andhra Pradesh (a state in southern India), to understand the economic impact of these markets on the farmers operating from Rythu Bazaars. This may result in increased participation of small and marginal farmers in such markets which will go a long way in increased generation of their incomes. The paper found a high positive correlation between levels of education and income, and also between the number of working members of a farmers' family involved in agriculture income. Proper awareness and training may improve the family income of the farmers operating from these market yards