ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Income Contribution of the Non-Farm Sector in Rural Households of Leparada District, Arunachal Pradesh

Rural livelihoods in hilly and geographically isolated regions like Arunachal Pradesh are increasingly shaped by income diversification strategies beyond agriculture. This study examines the extent, structure, and determinants of non-farm income among rural households in Leparada district. Using primary data collected through household surveys and qualitative interviews, supported by secondary sources, the paper analyses how non-farm activities contribute to household income, livelihood security, and socio-economic transformation. The findings reveal that non-farm income constitutes a significant share of total household earnings, particularly for small and marginal farmers and land-poor households. Participation in non-farm activities improves income stability, reduces vulnerability to agricultural risks, and enhances access to education and health services. However, infrastructural constraints, skill shortages, limited market access, and institutional barriers restrict the expansion of the rural non-farm sector. The study argues that strengthening the non-farm economy is essential for inclusive rural development in Leparada district and similar frontier regions.