Human resource development, agricultural productivity and household income in rural Jammu and Kashmir

Pages: 315-322
S.H. Baba (Sr. Scientist, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar, J&K)
Omar F. Khan (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar, J&K)
T. Kawoosa (Department of School Education, Govt. J&K)

This study investigated the quality and quantity of human resource development (HRD) and analyzed its impact on agricultural productivity and household income in rural areas of J and K. It was observed that there has been a differential endowment of land and water resources across different agro-climatic locations in the state. Chi-square estimates indicated significant difference across agro-climatic zones of the state with respect to the accumulation of quality and quantity of HRD. Moreover, the household income was higher in the zone which has maximum value for composite HRD index. The OLS estimates indicated an important role of human resources in determining agricultural productivity and farm household income. As evident from influence on R2 values in each model for all zones, HRD variables have more contribution in enhancement of agricultural productivity and rural income than capital and land though the role of quality of HRD was more significant. Based upon findings, the study put forth few policy suggestions for the sustained accumulation of human capital. Study suggests that inter-regional differences in socio-economic indicators need to be considered while framing HRD strategies so it could be location specific.