Agricultural Credit and Income Stability among Farmers: A Review of Institutional and Policy Perspectives from Kerala
Published by: Admin
Authors: Ajith K S and V Usha Rani
Abstract
Based on the sustainable livelihoods approach and a focus on the agricultural credit-income stability nexus, this review explored the impact of institutional credit on income stability among farmers in Kerala. The review focused on peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 and other relevant policy and official reports on agricultural credit in Kerala. While Kerala was the focus of this review, national-level evidence was also included due to the fact that some of the key credit tools and policy measures are applicable all over India and shape Kerala’s institutional landscape. The review demonstrated that institutional credit contributed to income stability provided that it comes timely, is sufficient, affordable and accompanied by insurance, diversification, and post-harvesting measures. Even though Kerala boasts robust cooperative and banking institutions, the process of financial inclusion for agricultural purposes is still lacking, particularly concerning the issue of Kisan Credit Cards, crop insurance, and tenancy-related measures.