Consumption Expenditure on Food in Typical Rural Farm Families in Arid Rajasthan

Abstract

Cross section data on consumption of food and expenditure of 154 sample households in a cluster of six villages in Jodhpur tehsil in Rajasthan for the year 1989-90 has been analysed. The analysis revealed that the average household consumption expenditure of Rs. 105/- per consumer unit per month was below the All India poverty line expenditure at current prices. However, consumption in terms of calories was marginally below the poverty line norms in marginal (2705) small (2768) and medium (2758) farms against the recommended 2800 calories per consumer unit per day. The valuation of home grown cereal bajra and milk at farm gate prices, rather than at the retail market prices was found to be the factors behind the low consumption expenditure. The,lower per capita production of cereals from ones own farms constrained the increased calorie intakes.