Socio-economic status of terrace-cultivators in Darjeeling Himalaya region, West Bengal

Socio-economic scenario of an area is determined by its physiographic nature, but also the physical environment. Of these, climate is the primary factor that decides nature of socio-economic activities. The study was, therefore, undertaken during 2010–2012 in four villages viz. Sangsay Busty, Upper Dalapchand Busty, Lower Pudung Busty and Lower Sindebong Busty of Kalimpong sub – division of Darjeeling district, situated at approximately at 5500, 4500, 3500 and 2500 ft. altitudes respectively. Population of the village situated at lowest altitude, is relatively higher than the villages at higher altitudes. Moreover, male and female population in 20–40 years age groups is 27.55%. But, it is 66.2% in the study area as a whole, which indicates that the area has a good concentration of labour-force. On the contrary, concentration of female labour force is relatively higher at higher altitudes. Economy of the most of the villages depends on agriculture. But, in Lower Pudung Busty sources of family income are mostly service and business. Nevertheless, mean capita per day (PCPD) income of the area is about 45.97, which indicates people, in general, live above poverty line (28 PCPD). Butvirtually, (60–70%) people in the villages at higher altitudes live below poverty line indicating that these villages are dominated by poverty-stricken people. As people dependmostly on agriculture, the size of land holding owned by them also plays crucial role. In study area more than 45% of farmers own less than one acre of land while 5–6 acres of land areas are owned by only about 3% farmers. But, there is no farmers having less than1 acre land in lowest altitude, which indicates that farmers in lower altitudes are more economically prosperous than the farmers having at higher altitudes