Analysis of Changes in Extent and Composition of Land Tenancy in India

Exploration in Technology Adoption and Agricultural Profitability

Bibliographic Data

ID5852627
AuthorsMrityunjay Pandey (0000-0002-9274-7464, Institute on Governance, corresponding author), Nisha Patel (0000-0002-6308-944X, University of Hyderabad), R Vijay (University of Hyderabad)
Year2025
Volume14
Issue4
Pages431-450
Publication date2025-10-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAgrarian South Journal of Political Economy A triannual Journal of Agrarian South Network and CARES (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2277-9760 • E-ISSN: 2321-0281
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/22779760251385308
OpenAlexW4415564321
LanguageEN
References cited19

This article analyzes the evolving trends in tenancy contracts in India. Using official statistical data, the study observes a U-shaped pattern in the proportion of land leased and the share of cultivators engaged in tenancy over time. This declined until 1991-1992 and was followed by a considerable increase since 2002-2003. Notably, in the 1970s, semi-medium cultivators were the predominant tenant class. However, in the revival phase, landless and near-landless households emerged as the principal demanders for land under the tenancy. The article argues that in the 1970s, the green revolution and the changes in public policy related to agriculture caused an increase in productivity and profitability and the introduction of markets for many factors and output which were previously nontraded, all of which induced a decline in the extent of tenancy. In the subsequent phase, as the impact of new technology tapered out and state support declined, the rising cost of cultivation and reduced returns created disincentives for landowners to cultivate, giving rise to absenteeism and an employment and livelihood crisis and leading to the revival of tenancy and the emergence of labor-supplying households as the primary tenant group

Agricultural land · Agriculture · Green Revolution · Leasehold estate · Livelihood · Productivity · Profitability index · Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Development · Land Rights and Reforms · Microfinance and Financial Inclusion

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