Technology application driven farmers’ income enhancement: Evidences for spatial, sectoral and social inclusiveness

Abstract

Indian farmers have played decisive role in ensuring national food security, however issues about their economic security have been a matter of concern. The study conducted during 2022 with 3648 farmers in 29 districts of Karnataka, exhibited the possibilities for income enhancement through technology-supported productivity-driven, diversification and agri-entrepreneurship promoted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The composition of income, estimated through Simpson’s Index of Diversity, testify the inclusiveness in sources of household income. Income enhancement across agro-climatic zones corroborated for the spatial inclusiveness. Evidences across different landholding categories demonstrated the social inclusiveness. Horticultural sector contributed highest to absolute enhancement in farmers’ income, but farm and non-farm enterprises, fisheries and livestock had higher rate of growth. Technology uptake was the catalyser for income enhancement across the sectors. The results provide an empirical framework for stage I impact, driven by productivity enhancement, leading to diversification and entrepreneurship development.