Abstract
<p>Cropping decisions are not always autonomous, but the result of structural factors that govern markets and policies. This article explores the vulnerabilities resulting from cropping pattern changes in the water stressed Marathwada region in India. We draw upon field research conducted during 2022-23 involving a survey of 184 households from two villages in the region. The area under soybean has seen phenomenal increase in two decades, which along with sugarcane cultivation, has led to unsustainable groundwater use. The changes have resulted in inequities largely disfavouring the small farmers. We conclude that the farmers are able to exercise little agency and are primarily responding to external signals in making cropping decisions, resulting in unsustainable resource use and unviable livelihoods.</p>