Globalization and the Crisis of Smallholder Agriculture: A Study on Marginal Farmers in Madurai District

Abstract

This study examines the impact of globalization on marginal farmers in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, within the broader context of post-1991 economic reforms in India. Globalization has transformed Indian agriculture through technological advancements, market integration, and foreign investments, offering both opportunities and challenges for smallholder farmers. While policies and innovations have improved productivity, access to credit, irrigation, and hybrid seeds, marginal farmers continue to face structural constraints, including land fragmentation, labor scarcity, low education, climate vulnerabilities, and dependence on chemical inputs. The study highlights the social and economic disparities that globalization has intensified, with agriculture lagging behind the industrial and service sectors in income, productivity, and modernization. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as financial support, market access, skill development, and sustainable farming practices, to enhance the resilience, livelihoods, and socio-economic well-being of marginal farmers in the globalized era.