Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to analyze the increasing trends of rural poverty
in Sindh province of Pakistan..The related material was collected from the
various government publications as well as household survey through primary
method (survey Method). Two districts of Sindh province of Pakistan namely
Thatta and Khairpur were surveyed on random sampling. From each district, 150
respondents were selected. In this way, 300 growers, possessed their own land,
were interviewed personally from both districts.
While analyzing the data, the Ereelawn model: C=a+b In, was used to determine
poverty in rural Sindh. Keeping in view the official poverty line of Rs. 875.64 per
adult monthly to meet 2350 calorie as recommended by the Planning
Commission in the year 2004-05.
The data were classified into three groups i.e. group A, B below subsistence
holding and group C subsistence and above subsistence holding in both districts.
Due to shortage of irrigation water, group A cultivated land of 341.25 acres out of
540 acres, group B brought land under cultivation of 373.75 acres out of 575
acres and group C cultivated 414 acres out of 690 acres in district Thatta.
Similarly group A cultivated 358.4 acres out of total 560 acres, group B cultivated
land 380.8 acres out of total 595, acres and group C brought under cultivation
435 acres out of total 725 acres in district Khairpur.
The output of their farms decreased which affected the income of growers. The
average monthly income of each grower group A stood Rs. 3,089.7 against the
monthly expenditure Rs. 4453.88. Similarly, the average monthly income of each
grower of group B was Rs. 5,651 and the expenditure was made Rs. 5,453.88.
This group in just above the poverty line. The average income of each grower of
C was Rs. 12,599.4 and the expenditure was Rs. 7,453.88. This group proves to
be in better positionIII
The average monthly income of each grower of group A in district Khairpur was
Rs. 3,295.29 and the expenditure was made Rs. 4653.88 which indicated below
poverty line. The average income of each grower of group B stood Rs. 5818.48
and Rs. 5,753.88 were spent by each grower of that group, which was just above
the poverty line. The average income of each grower of group C was Rs.
13,412.5 as compared to expenditure Rs. 8,053.88 monthly. This group is in
better position because of the large size of the farms.
It is analyzed from the study that 50% population of rural Sindh is below poverty
line, 33.33% population on just above the poverty line and 16.67% of population
is in better position to provide facilities to their family members. The poverty can
be reduced in rural Sindh by increasing the output of the agricultural sector. by
timely irrigation for agricultural growth. In this regard, the appropriate government
macro policies are essential for providing the actual share of irrigation to the
growers of Sindh as per Water Accord 1991.