Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part H (2025)

The human capital capabilities of farm families play a crucial role in securing sustainable livelihoods, particularly in ecologically fragile regions like the Bikaner Division of Rajasthan. This study examines the status of human capital among rural households engaged in agriculture under arid and semi-arid conditions, where climatic uncertainties and resource constraints heighten livelihood vulnerabilities. Using an ex-post facto research design and multistage sampling procedure, primary data were collected from farm families through a structured interview schedule supported by secondary sources. Human capital was evaluated using key indicators including educational status, economically active members, health conditions, vocational training, and migration for wage work, traditional skill proficiency, and occupational knowledge. Results reveal that households possess adequate family labor and strong experience-based occupational knowledge, enabling them to sustain agricultural activities despite limited resources. However, low participation in formal training programs, minimal skill diversification, and negligible retention of traditional skills indicate critical constraints in human capability enhancement. Findings highlight the dependence on off-farm wage migration as a coping strategy in response to agricultural uncertainty. The study concludes that strengthening access to education, health services, and capacity-building initiatives is essential to improve adaptive capability, promote livelihood diversification, and build long-term resilience of farm families in the region. Targeted interventions focusing on youth and women can significantly uplift overall human capital and contribute to sustainable rural development.