Citation:

Rajkumari Girija Devi, Padmabati Khundrakpam, Anandi Sarangthem. "Income Generation and Livelihood Diversification: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Occupations and Organic Farming among Women in Kakching District" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 5, No. 6, pp. 235-242, 2026. Crossref. http://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I6P126

Abstract:

This research provides a comparative assessment of income levels of women engaged in both traditional livelihoods and organic farming in Kakching District, Manipur.This is a cross sectional study. With more than 70% of the locals engaged in agriculture, Kakching has historically depended on activities such as kabok production, handloom weaving, and rice farming. The research concentrates on women farmers. Nonetheless, recent trends towards sustainable practices—especially organic turmeric cultivation—have brought about new income possibilities. The objective of the study is to analyze and compare average monthly earnings between these two sources of livelihood, evaluate the statistical significance of any income variations, and suggest policy improvements. Information was gathered from 200 women farmers who are part of the Kakching Organic Farming Producer Company (FPC), with many also participating in traditional economic endeavors. Through the use of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and t-tests, the research revealed that organic farming produces notably higher and more stable income compared to conventional livelihoods. The average monthly income from organic farming was ₹9,857.92, while traditional activities generated ₹6,024.20, yielding a highly significant t-test result (p < 0.0001). The outcomes suggest that organic farming serves as a practical alternative to traditional roles and improves income stability for rural women. These findings have significant consequences for rural development initiatives, indicating a necessity to broaden support for organic farming as a sustainable and economically advantageous livelihood choice.

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Keywords:

Organic Farming, Traditional Ivelihoods, Income Comparison, Rural Women, Kakching District, Sustainable Agriculture.