Title: Financial well-being and agricultural credit access among organic and conventional farmers: the role of socio-economic factors

Authors: Md Sikandar Azam; M. Banumathi; Satish Chandra Tiwari; Arokiaraj David

Addresses: Department of Finance and Accounting, ICFAI Business School, IFHE, Hyderabad, Telangana, 501203, India ' Department of International Business, School of Management, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India ' Department of Commerce, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, 784028, India ' ATMS SBS Swiss Business School, RAK, UAE

Abstract: Sustainable livelihoods for small and marginal farmers in India face significant challenges, with many relying on non-institutional sources such as moneylenders. This study examines the financial condition of organic and conventional farmers and their access to agricultural loans. Primary data were collected from both organic and conventional farmers in India. The farmers' financial status was evaluated through focus group discussions, followed by a questionnaire. The findings reveal that educated and financially stable large-scale farmers benefit significantly from financial institutions in accessing agricultural loans. This study recommends establishing a Farm Economic Performance Index (FEPI) to assess farmers' financial health, identify needy farmers, and support them. The study provides key policy insights to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen institutional credit systems, and promote organic farming through assessing financial health, targeted subsidies, training, and financial literacy initiatives.

Keywords: agricultural credit; financial position; organic vs. conventional; socio-economic factors; Indian farmers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2026.154853

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2026 Vol.20 No.2, pp.159 - 182

Received: 05 Jun 2025
Accepted: 15 Jan 2026
Published online: 16 Jul 2026 *

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