Financial Inclusion of Farmers: A Case Study of Dhenkanal District of Odisha, India

Finance is essential for both economic growth and development of the country. Lack of access to finance for small, marginal farmers and weaker sections of the society has been recognized as a serious threat to economic progress especially in developing countries like India. Moreover, prolonged and persistent deprivation of banking services to a large segment of the population causing financial exclusion which leads to a decline in investment hindering economic development of the country. Thus, the need for inclusive growth comes in the picture of economic and social development of the society. The study was aimed at analysing the extent of financial inclusion among the farmers, a way to include the weaker and vulnerable section of society in the inclusive financial system which will make their present life better and secure with future plans. A multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting one hundred farmers. Data were collected using survey schedule administered by the researcher. Descriptive statistical tools such as Garret’s ranking technique and inferential statistical tool such as multiple regression analysis were employed to analyse the data.