Fields under Semi-arid Alfisols in South India

Abstract

Based on a study conducted in 120 farmers’ fields in Manchala and Chevella mandals in Ranga Reddy district in Telangana during 2006 to 2008, the effects of socio-economic variables on productivity of different rainfed crops have been assessed in this paper. The relationships of socio-economic variables and their effects on yield of crops attained by farmers were modeled based on multivariate regression analysis. The regression models gave a significant predictability of yield through socio-economic variables in both individual years and also when pooled over years. In Manchala, land holding, price situation and livestock possession contributed significantly to yield in sorghum. In pigeon pea, extension agency contact explained variation in yield significantly. In castor, land holding and price situation contributed to yield. In kharif rice, livestock possession was significant. In rabi rice, farm power, was significant. In Chevella, in maize, risk orientation, management orientation, mass media exposure, livestock possession, education, production orientation and planning orientation were found to be significant factors. In cotton, age, farming experience, credit orientation, extension agency contact and livestock possession explained yield variation significantly. In kharif rice, farm power and planning orientation, management orientation, education, extension agency contact and mass media exposure were emerged as significant factors. In tomato, price situation, market facility, land holding and credit orientation were found to be significant. In carrot, farm power, credit orientation, marketing orientation, labour availability and land holding were emerged as good predictors of yield. In beetroot, farming experience, education, risk orientation and price situation were found to be important factors. The models could be used to predict the yields of crops through the identified significant socio-economic variables under similar farming conditions in the region. Based on the findings of the study appropriate extension strategies are suggested.