Different Categories Of Farmers Research Articles

Resource Use Efficiency and Constraints Faced by Potato Growers in Kannauj District of Uttar Pradesh, India

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to examine Potato cultivation in different categories of farmers in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh. Primary data was collect through personal interview by pre-structured and pre-tested schedule; the data was collect for the agricultural year 2022-23. A sample size of 100 farmers, marginal (61) Small (29) Medium (10) were interviewed form 5 village of Kannauj block in Kannauj district select the farmers by using the proportionate allocation method, with the data analysis, the result found that average holding size 0.84, 1.84 and 3.91 ha. in respect of marginal small and medium farm, respectively. In the case of potato, returns to scale of marginal, small and medium size group of farms were 0.8989, 0.8525 and 0.8280, respectively. Returns to scale in all three categories of the farms were found less than unity. It indicates the production of potato is characterized by decreasing returns to scale on each farm situation. Another factor of production i.e. manure and fertilizer was found significantly associated with dependent variable at 1% level probability in all farm situation. The problem related with hired human labour and technical knowledge was notice at I and II rank by the sample farmers (i.e. Unavailability of machines and tractor and Lack of improved varieties).

Identification of Agroforestry Systems and Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in Rural Areas of Jogindernagar in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study was carried out in rural areas of Jogindernagar in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh with the aim of identifying the agroforestry systems and assessing the demographic features and socio-economic status of farmers. The methodology followed for the present study in order to site selection, sampling procedure, identification of agroforestry systems, data collection, an analytical framework and valuation. The study site was selected by multistage random sampling technique. The study revealed that there are six agroforestry systems viz., agrisilviculture, agri-silvi-horticulture, agri-horticulture, agri-silvipastoral, pastoral-silviculture and pastoral-horticulture which prevails among different categories of farmers. In the medium and small categories of farmers, all the six agroforestry systems were present, while in the marginal category of farmers, the agri-silvipastoral system was absent. The average family size of the sampled households was 5.59 individuals per family. The highest sex ratio was observed in marginal farmers (990) and the lowest in medium farmer category (834). The literacy rate was recorded at its highest (91.70) in the marginal category of farmers. Most of the women were employed in the agroforestry and their livelihood depends on the farm’s income. The highest percentage of local breeds of cows was found in the all three categories of farmers. Overall, average land holding was recorded at 3.07 hectares in all sampled categories of farmers. The average land holding area was found to be maximum (1.58 ha) in medium, followed by small (1.01 ha) and marginal (0.48 ha) categories. Thus, small scale agroforestry viz., Agri-silvi-horticulture system in the subtropical region of Himachal Pradesh is recommended for social, economical and environmental benefits to the rural population for their livelihood and food security in the climate change era.

Impact of technological interventions on farmers' income and employment in the Trans-Gangetic Plain region

Agriculture is a cornerstone of India's economy, employing around half of the workforce. However, a very large proportion of agricultural land in India does not have the desirable productivity, which diminishes the prospects for reasonable income to the farmers. Recognizing this challenge, a study on agricultural practices and income of 640 farmers of 32 villages in Haryana was conducted during the period 2016–17 and 2020–21. The analysis revealed an increase in productivity and consequent income of the farmers with varying degrees. The growth in productivity and income was more conspicuous in adopted villages due to technological interventions such as introduction and adoption of high yielding verities/hybrids/breeds, scientific management practices, resource conservation technologies, cost reduction measures and supplementary enterprises, etc. as compared to non-adopted villages. The income augmentation was noticed in field and horticultural crops, livestock and subsidiary enterprises. The highest increase in income was registered with high value commodities. Inter-district variations were noticed in the increase in productivity and income in adopted and non-adopted villages. The net income of marginal farmers increased the most amongst the different categories of farmers during the period of study. The field crops, horticultural crops and livestock contributed more to total additional income. To sustain the growth in productivity and consequent income of the farmers the Government can strengthen mechanism for continuous infusion of improved technologies and management practices in developmental programmes along with incentives to the farmers for quality seed and planting materials and matching critical inputs through a Misson-mode approach, more so in disadvantaged and challenged ecologies.

The Impact of Crop Insurance on Fertilizer Use: Evidence from Grain Producers in China

This study aims to examine the influence of crop insurance on the utilization of chemical fertilizers using plot-level data. The dataset utilized in this analysis consists of information obtained from 1039 participants residing in four major grain-producing provinces (Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Henan, and Sichuan) in China. To address the potential issue of endogeneity, instrumental variables were employed to establish a causal relationship within the empirical model. The findings of this study indicate that crop insurance does not exert a statistically significant impact on overall fertilizer input in China. Nonetheless, the effect varies across different categories of farmers. Specifically, large-scale farmers experience a moderate reduction in fertilizer input as a result of crop insurance, while small-scale farmers do not demonstrate a significant effect. It is essential to strike a balance between risk protection and the potential influence of moral hazard in order to enhance future crop insurance policies.

Sources of risks in livestock production and their management strategies in northern India

This study was undertaken to analyze the opinion on risks sources and their management strategies in livestock enterprises. Data collected through a field survey conducted in Haryana and Rajasthan in 2015–16 from 913 livestock farmers on structured schedule forms the basis of this paper. Rajasthan depicts dry and harsh tract and Haryana with assured irrigated, and both contribute significant share in milk production. The socio-economic and demographic factors did not vary significantly except milk yield, experience in dairy, annual income for different categories of farmers. Our observation indicated that livestock owner faced risks from different sources, viz. breeding, animal health, marketing, institutional and policy related. Further risk management strategies including better breed, animal health checkup, seeking advice of veterinary expert, friend consultations, forward selling contracts, maintenance of farm inventory, accessibility to different financial, extension and government institutions etc. were adopted to cope up with risks in livestock enterprise. The determinants of source of risks were significantly influenced by a number of socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The herd size had negative relation with extent of various risks. Rajasthan farmers face higher degree of risk than Haryana. Higher education status also indicated that the lover risks and other factors like knowledge level and milk yield indicated positive influence of source of risks means higher knowledge level and yield, reduce the risks. The policy makers and researchers should see the solutions and options to minimize the source of risks in livestock production and management.

Scenario of Dairy Animals Kept by Different Categories of Farmers in Punjab

Scenario of Dairy Animals Kept by Different Categories of Farmers in Punjab

Regional impacts of rural credit and rural insurance policies on crop area and productivity: evidence from São Paulo state, Brazil (2008 and 2017)

PurposeConstrained input use and lower productivity of rural establishments may be associated with restricted or concentrated access to financial resources, especially in developing countries. Meanwhile, agricultural activity entails risks associated with the volatility of net cash flows and external events, which may discourage riskier but higher return investments (e.g. technology). As rural credit can alleviate the former, and rural insurance may help alleviate the latter, the combination of both policies might endorse each other. The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of rural credit and rural insurance policies with respect to productivity and crop area, in São Paulo state, Brazil, using farmer's microdata from two surveys realized in 2007/08 and 2016/17.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses propensity score matching and the entropy balance approaches in a complementary way. This study compared three policy treatments – rural credit, rural insurance and both policies combined, against establishments that received neither one. The analysis considered sugarcane, grain and grape crops separately and employed farmer's microdata. Moreover, the analysis was stratified into two categories: establishments owned by family farmers and those that did not.FindingsRural credit policy is related to higher productivity and larger cultivated area for grains and only to larger area for grape crops in the last analyzed period (2016/17). Rural insurance, as a unique policy or combined with credit, is related to higher productivity and cultivated areas, for all analyzed crops, only in the second period (2016/17), as the policy became more accessible to farmers. Heterogeneity regarding crops and farmers might influence the effectiveness of these policies. Despite rural insurance being related to a better performance regarding the outcome variables, it still reaches a small share of farmers, especially when combined with credit.Originality/valueMany studies about the effectiveness of rural credit in Brazil have been conducted throughout the years, while there have been fewer studies regarding rural insurance since it became an important policy in the mid-2000s. However, few studies have conducted an analysis comparing its individual and interactive influences, with such level of disaggregation, on a farm-level database, considering the heterogeneity of the data and the different categories of farmers.

Economic Analysis of Existing Agroforestry Systems Among Different Categories of Farmers in Tehsil Bangana of Una District of Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study was conducted to evaluate the existing agroforestry systems and their economic returns in Tehsil Bangana of Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India during the year 2019−2020. A total number of 324 farmers were selected randomly from three categories viz., marginal, small, and medium based on landholding capacity for survey and data collection. The data was collected through a pre-tested schedule for personal interviews with the head of each household and field sampling. The study revealed that five agroforestry system types prevalent among different categories of farmers namely: AS, AH, AHS, HP, and SP. The bioeconomic of the different systems was analyzed by calculating the cost of cultivation, gross returns per hectare, net returns per hectare, and benefit: cost ratio. The higher net returns of agroforestry systems among different farmers categories were observed in AS, small farmer’s category (` 1,51761), and lowest were observed in SP, marginal farmer’s category (` 5,999). Benefit: cost ratio of agroforestry systems among different farmers category was observed maximum in AH, medium farmer’s category (1.89) whereas, minimum benefit: cost ratio was recorded in SP, marginal farmer’s category (1.72). Irrespective of farmers category, maximum mean benefit: cost ratio (1.88) was recorded in AHS and minimum (1.72) was observed in the SP system. Hence the study represents the clear picture of economic analysis of existing agroforestry systems which will help the local peoples to fulfill their basic needs and the researchers to gain the benefit from the agroforestry.

Groundwater irrigation reduces overall poverty but increases socioeconomic vulnerability in a semiarid region of southern India

The development of irrigation is generally considered an efficient way to reduce poverty in rural areas, although its impact on the inequality between farmers is more debated. In fact, assessing the impact of water management on different categories of farmers requires resituating it within the different dimensions of the local socio-technical context. We tested this hypothesis in a semi-arid area in Karnataka, South India, where groundwater irrigation was introduced five decades ago. Using the conceptual framework of comparative agriculture, based on farmers’ interviews, we built a farm typology, traced the trajectories of farm types over the last decades and assessed their current technical and economic performances. Our results show that the differentiation of farm trajectories since the 1950s has been linked with the development of groundwater irrigation, interplaying with their initial assets, and the evolution of the national and local contexts. We highlight the mechanisms by which irrigation indeed reduces poverty but engenders fragilities, particularly for poor households, whose situation was aggravated by the depletion of water resources over the last two decades. Finally, this extensive understanding of the agrarian context allowed us to formulate and assess the potential of different ways forward, including irrigation technology, change in cropping or livestock systems, land tenure, and value added distribution. As such, this analysis would be of major interest to policy makers involved in reforming the agricultural context for better agricultural water management.

Livestock, Crop Commercialization and Poverty Reduction in Crop-Livestock Farming Systems in Singida Region, Tanzania

Livestock is an important component of crop-livestock farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper examined the effect of livestock on crop commercialization and poverty reduction among smallholder farmers in crop-livestock farming systems in Singida Region, Tanzania. It was hypothesized that livestock enhances crop commercialization and reduce poverty among smallholder farmers in the Region. Data for the analysis were extracted from the Agricultural Policy Research for Africa (APRA) data set of 600 households selected randomly from random samples of eight and seven villages in Iramba and Mkalama districts respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to compare ownership of livestock, use of ox-plough and livestock manure, crop productivity, crop commercialization and poverty levels across different categories of farmers. Econometric analyses were used to determine if livestock had a significant effect on crop commercialization and poverty levels, controlling for other variables that might have an effect. The results of descriptive analyses show differences in ownership of livestock, use of ox-plough and livestock manure, crop productivity, crop commercialization and poverty levels across different categories of farmers while the results of econometric analysis show that livestock enhanced crop commercialization. Apart from livestock, a range of other factors have worked together with livestock to drive the crop commercialization process. Regarding the impact of commercialization, the findings show that farmers have gained higher productivity (yield), signifying the potential of crop commercialization to reduce poverty. In general, evidence from the results show decline in poverty as crop commercialization increases from zero to medium level. Although crop commercialization has positively impacted on crop productivity (yields) and poverty, the results show existence of socio-economic disparities. Male-headed households (MHH) and households headed by medium-scale farmers (MSF), young farmers and livestock keepers were less poor than their counterpart female-headed households (FHH) and households headed by small-scale farmers (SSFs), older farmers and non-livestock keepers. These social differences are consequences of differences in the use of ox-plough, livestock manure and other productivity enhancing inputs. Exploiting the synergy between crop and livestock in crop-livestock farming systems needs to be recognized and exploited in efforts geared towards enhancing crop commercialization and reducing poverty among smallholder farmers in crop-livestock farming systems in Tanzania and elsewhere in SSA. Keywords: Livestock, Singida Region, smallholder farmers, crop commercialization, poverty reduction DOI: 10.7176/DCS/12-4-02 Publication date: April 30 th 2022

The Potential of Pig Sludge Fertilizer for Some Pasture Agricultural Lands’ Improvement: Case Study in Timiș County, Romania

In the context of the current energy crisis, pig sludge may be a more accessible fertilizer resource for different categories of farmers and agro-ecosystems, in order to support soil fertility and agricultural production. The present study presents results regarding the influence of pig sludge on soil quality and the spatial and temporal variability of a pasture agro-ecosystem, in the area of Ciacova locality, Timiș County, Romania. The pig sludge was fermented for a period of 6 months in fermentation tanks and was applied at a rate of 80 m3 ha−1 y−1 between 2013 and 2019, on two pasture plots (P808, P816). In the study period (2013–2019), the agrochemical indices studied presented the values: pH = 5.90 ± 0.09 (P816-6-13) and pH = 6.90 ± 0.06 (P808-7-18); P = 10.20 ± 2.26 ppm (P808-4-13) and P = 69.10 ± 3.04 ppm (P808-5-19); K = 176.00 ± 7.44 ppm (P816-4-13) and K = 429.00 ± 7.33 ppm (P816-3-19); NI = 2.45% ± 0.08% (P816-6-13) and NI = 3.87% ± 0.06% (P816-6-19). The variability of the land, i.e., the pasture category, evaluated based on the NDVI index (seven NDVI classes were generated, C1 to C7) decreased under the influence of pig sludge, the values of the variation coefficients being CVNDVI = 17.5098 in 2019 compared to CVNDVI = 41.5402 in 2013 for P808 and CVNDVI = 32.0685 in 2019, compared to CVNDVI = 52.2031 in 2013 for P816. It was found that the land area decreased (2019 compared to 2013) from classes C1 to C4 NDVI (low NDVI values, NDVI < 0.5) and the area increased within classes C6 and C7 NDVI (high NDVI values, NDVI > 0.5).

Relationship between independent variables of wheat growers and technological gap among different categories of farmers in Malwa region Madhya Pradesh

Wheat is a grass that is commonly farmed for its seed, a cereal grain that is a staple diet all over the world. The genus Triticum has several wheat species, the most frequently grown of which being common wheat (T. aestivum). The wheat kernel is a caryopsis, which is a sort of fruit. Despite the fact that wheat has been grown in northern India for a long time, many farmers are unfamiliar with wheat and its new varieties’ production procedures. The present study was conducted to know there lationship between profile of wheat growers and technological gap among different categories of farmers in Malwa region (M.P.).324 wheat growers, 9 farmers (3 big, 3 medium and 3 small farmers) were selected randomly from each (thirty-six) selected village of nine blocks of Hosangabad, Hadra and Sehore districts.The correlation co-efficient between age, knowledge found to have negative non-significant and education, social participation found to have positive and significant with technological gap among different categories of farmers. The correlation co-efficient between area under wheat crop, extension contact, material possession, farm power, economic motivation, scientific orientation, adoption level had positive and significant relation with technological gap among different categories of farmers. The correlation co-efficient between risk preference and technological gap had negative and significant relation.

"Constraints Faced by Dairy Owners in Adoption of Marketing and Scientific Dairy Practices in Haryana"

"The present study was conducted in Sirsa and Hisar districts of Haryana state with the objective to find the constraints faced by dairy owners on adoption of marketing and scientific dairy practices. The multistage stratified random sampling technique was used for selection of the respondents. It was revealed from the study conducted in Sirsa and Hisar districts of Haryana that farmers of Sirsa perceived constraints regarding feeding practices most seriously and with higher concentration as compared to the farmers of Hisar districts which may be due to significant difference of agro-climatic variation as well as lack of large sized processing industries in Hisar district as compared to such industries in Sirsa district. All the farmers’ across different categories reported lack of veterinary clinics and medical stores and high cost of treatment as serious constraints thus underlining the immediate need of low cost and highly accessible treatment. Uniform application of technology or adoption of umbrella approach for extension appears difficult given the observed differences in awareness and adoption. Future research and technology generation should, therefore, identify the differential technological requirements of different categories of farmers and should deliver technologies appropriate to needs of farmers. Shift to farming systems research and participatory technology development are suggested."

Social vulnerability and adaptation to climate change: Evidence from vulnerable farmers’ groups in Odisha, India

Farmers are the worst-affected and differentially vulnerable to climate change. This article has dealt with two research questions: (i) what factors drive the social vulnerability of farmers’ groups to climate change?, and (ii) how they adapt to the negative effects of climate change? The study applied an indicator-index approach to measuring the social vulnerability of different categories of farmers. The findings reveal that the small and marginal farmers are more vulnerable to climatic risks than are the medium and large farmers possibly because of their weak economic and social conditions. In this context, adaptation is key to reducing the climatic impacts and building the resilience of the agricultural system.

Identifying Barriers and Enablers for Climate Change Adaptation of Farmers in Semi-Arid North-Western China

The changing climate represents a large challenge for farmers, and adaptation responses are necessary to minimize impacts. Mixed approaches, which involve the analysis of meteorological data, web-based surveys, and face-to-face interviews, explore producers’ barriers and pressing needs to enhance climate resilience based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach in semi-arid north-western China. According to the main categories of farming activity, 85 crop farmers, 68 animal farmers, and 81 agro-tourism operators were interviewed. We found that most of the producers perceived climate impacts, and they encountered multiple adaptation obstacles, of which institutional and normative obstacles were more serious, such as farmers unable to obtain resources or government incentives, lacked scientific, and efficient coping measures. The survey also observed that crop farmers had a pressing need for agricultural subsidies, while animal farmers and agro-tourism operators had a strong enabler for animal housing infrastructure and credit facilities, respectively. Given the heterogeneity of the context and climate change experience of different categories of farmers, it is necessary to formulate flexible adaptation strategies and adjust them according to specific climate stress and farming conditions. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and implement the 2015 Paris Agreement, policymakers should plan and introduce appropriate adaptation strategies to minimize the adverse effects of climate change such as improving irrigation and weather forecasting system through technological advancement, cost reduction of farm inputs, ensuring availability of information, providing agricultural subsidies to the farmers, and increasing the access to agricultural markets.

Cost-Return Analysis of Okra Production in Balod District of Chhattisgarh

A study was conducted to examine the present status of okra production in Balod District of Chhattisgarh and to work out the cost and returns of okra production. The study is confined to Balod district of Chhattisgarh, a sample of 60 okra farmers comprises 20 small, 20 medium and 20 large were selected by proportionate random sampling method from five villages viz. Khursipar, Around, Newari Kalan, Jagnnathpur and Tekapar from Balod block of Chhattisgarh. The required primary data were collected from selected respondents by survey method using a pretested interview schedule. Primary data in the study pertains to the agriculture year 2016-17. The cost of cultivation was found `1, 08, 350.98 and ranged from `1, 03, 410.56 to `1,18,048.92 under different categories of farmers. The total cost of cultivation per hectare (cost C3) was highest in large size groups followed by medium and small size groups. The cost of production per quintal of okra crop was also found the same trend as the total cost. On average, the cost of production of okra was `1081.42 per quintal. The average productivity of okra was observed to be 110.12 quintals per hectare. As far as net income was concerned, it was more under large size followed by small and medium-size group farmers. The benefit-cost ratio was worked out to 1.60, 1.59 and 1.55 for small, medium and large size groups respectively.

Study on status and implement wise tractor utilization pattern in pusa block, Bihar

Tractors play a crucial role within the mechanization of Indian agriculture. The farm power and machinery jointly represent the most important single item of expenditure constituting about 60% of the overall investment on a farm. Tractor industries play a very important role because the agriculture sector contains a major contribution to India’s GDP. This study was concerned with a view to gathering information regarding status and tractor utilization pattern implement wise, at the farmers' level. The study was confined to the Pusa block of the Samastipur district of Bihar state. By personal interview employing a structured questionnaire, 34 respondents were selected from the 17 villages. the maximum intensity of tractors was in village Bishanpur Dimangra (8.46%) followed by Narayanpur Khairi (5.46 %), and Madhopur Khairi (4.46%). Among the available 30-35hp tractors, the maximum tractor 26.82% were owned by Marginal farmer followed by 14.63% Small farmer and 14.63% Semi medium farmer each. within the 36-40hp group of tractors, the maximum percent of owners were Semi medium farmer (21.95%) and followed Small farmer (9.75%). the foremost popular tractor power range was 30-35hp with (51.21%) followed by 36-40hp with (43.9%) and not popular greater than 40 hp tractor within the study area. Maximum use of cultivator found among different categories of farmers was marginal farmers which were (36.1.%) whereas the minimum use by medium farmers (16.6%). The study reveals that the tractor is principally used for seedbed preparation by all categories of farmers followed by transportation and threshing.

A Study on Post Harvest Losses in Pulses in Nagaon District of Assam

Post-harvest loss is one of the major concerns in agriculture at present stage as demand for food is ever increasing and demand supply gap is ever widening. Post-harvest loss refers to loss in the amount of food grain from the stage of harvesting of the crop till it reaches the ultimate consumer. Reduction in post-harvest losses along with improved cultivation technique will help to bridge the gap between demand and supply of food grains in our country. Though India is the highest producer of pulses in the world, it largely has to rely on import of pulses as domestic production cannot meet the demand of the country for pulses. Minimizing post-harvest losses is an important aspect to provide pulses to more countrymen in need. A study was carried out in Nagaon district of Assam with the objective to find the extent of post-harvest loss in pulses at various stages of and different categories of farmers. The loss of production was observed highest in small farmers (7.84 per cent). During farm level, the loss was highest at harvesting and storage stage (29 and 28 per cent of farm level loss, respectively). At the market level, highest loss was observed during retailing stage which contributed 40.91 per cent of the total market level loss of pulses. Adequate infrastructure facilities mainly storage and improved cultivation technique along with efficient tools will help to reduce the post-harvest losses in pulses to a minimum level.

Wilful and non-wilful default in Agricultural Credit

Present study is an attempt to analyze the default in repayment of loans and to take suitable measures to minimize over dues. The study is based on the 90 borrower farmers comprising of 25, 25, 25, 15for marginal, small, medium and large farmers respectively which were collected from five villages of Manihari block of Ghazipur district of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The study revealed that the 64 percent borrower farmers were found to be defaulters and 36 percent borrower farmers were non-defaulters. The ratio between wilful and non-wilful defaulters of total defaulter were found in equal numbers in the sample. The study further analyzed the non-wilful defaulter and find out the number of chronic defaulters on the basis that these type of defaulters have no any income even they are not in position to meet out their family consumption expenditure. Such type of defaulters were indentified. 34.48 percent of the total non-wilful defaulter and accounted 48.59 percent over dues of the total ovedues. Farmers wise defaulters were further analyzed and their numbers were found 12, 18, 17 and 11 on marginal, small, medium and large farmers respectively. The percentage of ovedues of the total over dues were reported 46.94, 24.93, 16.82 and 11.31 percent on different categories of farmers. The amount of outstanding loan per defaulters was higher on wilful defaulter and over dues were higher on non-wilfuldefaulters in the sample farmers. The government and bank official should take utmost care at the time of disbursing the loan and ensure that it must be sanction based on farmers repaying capacity strictly.

Economic Analysis of Prevailing Agroforestry Systems Among Different Categories of Farmers In Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India

Economic Analysis of Prevailing Agroforestry Systems Among Different Categories of Farmers In Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India