From Fields to Finance: Evaluating the Impact of Kisan Credit Cards in Saurashtra, Gujarat

This study aims to comprehensively examine the socioeconomic characteristics and agricultural practices of farmers in Saurashtra, Gujarat, with a specific focus on assessing the effectiveness of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) in facilitating financial access and improving agricultural outcomes. A quantitative research design is employed, utilizing a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representative sampling across different geographical areas within Saurashtra. Data is collected through structured interviews with 436 farmers, covering demographics, agricultural practices, KCC utilization, and household income. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis are conducted to analyze the data and investigate the relationship between KCC utilization and agricultural productivity while controlling for other independent variables. Descriptive statistics reveal a diverse farming population in terms of age, farm size, education level, and household income. Regression analysis highlights the significant positive impact of KCC utilization, farm size, education level, and household income on agricultural productivity, providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of KCCs in enhancing financial access and improving agricultural outcomes in the region. The findings indicate that KCC utilization positively influences agricultural productivity, alongside other factors such as farm size, education level, and household income. These results underscore the importance of targeted interventions aimed at promoting access to financial services and enhancing socioeconomic conditions to foster agricultural development and improve livelihoods among farmers in Saurashtra, Gujarat. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical insights into the effectiveness of KCCs in the context of rural finance and agricultural development in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic factors and agricultural practices offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the farming community, informing evidence-based policy recommendations for enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods in the region.