Medium Farmers Research Articles

Analysis of Women’s Economic Engagement in the Agricultural Economy and Factor Affecting it: A Case Study of Fatehabad District of Haryana State

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: The study analysed women’s contribution to agricultural activities in small, medium and large farm sizes and also examined the socio-economic factors that affect women’s participation in the agricultural sector. Materials and methods: The study is entirely based on primary data collected from a field survey with the help of a pre-structured questionnaire. A simple tabulated method and multiple regression method has been employed to make conclusions. Results: The study has revealed that the participation of women in the agricultural sector is the highest in the small and medium farm size and selected socio-economic variables explain the 85.4% association with women’s participation in the selected area. Conclusions: The study concluded that employment-wise participation of the respondent’s decreases with the increase in farm size and the relationship between women’s participation and farm size, family income and education is statistically significant.

Comparative Study on Production and Marketing of Poovan and Nendran Banana in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India

The present research study was conducted in the year 2022 using a sample of one twenty respondent banana growers in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Research data were collected using questionnaire schedule. The study revealed that total area under banana of the sample farmers was 230.58 ha, of which 59.58 percent was under Nendran and 40.42 percent was under Poovan banana. Cost of cultivation of Poovan banana per ha is much higher than the cost of cultivation of Nendran banana. The cost of cultivation per ha of Poovan banana for marginal, small, semi medium and medium farm size groups was found to be varied from Rs. 434117.24, Rs.431181.45, Rs.427948.25 and Rs 418435.14 respectively. The cost of cultivation per ha of Nendran banana for marginal, small, semi medium and medium farm size groups was found to be varied from Rs.414155.91, Rs.412809.04, Rs.409212.27 and Rs. 403082.07 respectively. Average Cost benefit ratio for Poovan banana related to Cost C was 1:1.6 which is lesser than average cost benefit ratio of Nendran banana related to Cost C was 1:1.8. Among the nine constraints related to production of Banana, High incidence of disease was ranked first by sample farmers and was reported by 70.33% while high cost of input ranked second and in marketing of banana price fluctuation was ranked first and was reported by 73.63%.

Analysis of Socio-Economic Characteristics of Potato Farmers and Trend, Growth Rate of Area, Production of Potato in Nalanda District of Bihar, India

This paper investigates the socio–economic situation of potato farmers and the Growth Rate of Area, Production of Potato in Nalanda District of Bihar, India. Nalanda district was purposively selected because this district has a maximum area under potato cultivation. The required data were collected from 150 randomly selected farmers for the year 2021-22. The average size of land holding and the family size was 1.51 ha. and 5.7 respectively in the study area. Potato farmers are categorized into three different age groups i.e., Below 30 years, 30-50 years and Above 50 years. The majority of farmers (40%) fall into 30-50 age group. Medium farmers are the highest annual income as compared to small and marginal farmers. The result shows that the annual income of farmers consists of farm and non-farm sources i.e., 40% and 60% respectively. The trend analysis shows that the growth rate in area and production was negative during periods I (2007–08 to 2011–12) and II (2017–18 to 2021–22), while the growth rate of area and production was positive during periods III (2012–13 to 2016–17). There was a positive trend with annual growth rates of 2.85 percent for area, 0.86 percent for production during period III and 8.82 percent and 2.19 percent for yield during the period of 2007-08 to 2017-18.

Socio-Economic Status of Wheat Growers in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh

Aims: The study was carried out to determine the socio-economic status of wheat farmers in Bangladesh.
 Study Design: Simple random sampling technique was used for the study.
 Place and Duration of the Study: Birganj Upazila under Dinajpur and Thakurgaon Sadar, and Pirganj Upazila under Thakurgaon district were purposively selected for the study. The survey was conducted from February to March 2019.
 Methodology: A total of 150 wheat growers were selected as sample farmers. Data were collected from the respondents through direct interviews using pre-tested interview schedules. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentage were employed to analyze the data.
 Results: The study estimated that the average farm size was 1.38 ha, and most of them were medium farmers (40 percent). Most of the wheat growers were middle-aged (51–60 years old), while a small portion of them were younger (18–30 years). Findings revealed that about 35.3 percent of farmers were literate, while 34.7 percent completed secondary education. The average family size was 4.96 persons. However, the large farm household had relatively more family members than other farm households. Most of the respondents had more than 30 years of farming experience. Nevertheless, agriculture, notably wheat farming, was their primary occupation (92 percent), and about 70.67 percent of their average yearly income came from agriculture. Furthermore, the study found that only a small percentage of farmers obtained training from the government's agricultural extension office, while most farmers did not receive any training opportunities. In this study, about 53.33% of respondents received loans from banks or NGOs, whereas around 46.67% received no credit.
 Conclusion: Therefore, the government should provide more institutional and infrastructure support to promote wheat production, which will increase efficiency, income and enhance the livelihood conditions of wheat farmers in the study areas.

The long-term impact of the integrated crop-livestock system on carbon emission, sustainability and livelihood security of small and medium farmers

In India, 80 per cent of the farmers are small and marginal farmers. They primarily depend on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood security. The rice-rice cropping system reduces farm income, declined soil fertility and other soil degradation problems. The farming system approach is a holistic tool to address the problems of mono-cropping through diversification that enhances farm income, production and employment. A field study was conducted during 2011–2018 to study the impact of the rice-based integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) for profitability, carbon emission and sustainability. Recycling of resources and residues led to higher productivity (58.9 %) and net profit (48.5 %) over the initial year by adopting rice-based ICLS. This system had a net profit of $ 3097/year and generated 776 man T days/ha/year employments. In ICLS, the recyclable farm waste material of 28.98 tons is converted into organic manures of 16.03 tons and saves the fertilizer’s cost of $ 504 per year. It can be a sustainable model with a sustainable yield index (0.11) of for wet situations with less carbon-emitting and profitable.

Evaluating Yield Gap and Yield Improvement Potential in the Dairy Sector of Pakistan

A survey data of 600 dairy farms obtained from the largest dairy cluster in Pakistan’s Punjab was used to provide new evidence on the yield gap and yield improvement potential of dairy farms producing milk and meat. The yield gap was estimated by the frontier-based input distance function analysis. The results indicated that a large yield gap exists in the sample where an average dairy farm has a yield improvement potential of 55 percent. By closing the gap, an average dairy farm can increase yearly production of fat-corrected milk (FCM) by 120,036 kg and non-milking herd for meat by 25 heads. The evidence also shows that small farms (< 25 herd-size) are technically more efficient than those of medium (26 ≤ herd-size ≤ 50) and large farms (> 50 herd-size). The study finds clear evidence of an efficiency boost for keeping a higher share of non-milking to milking herd, a greater proportion of exotic cows to local breeds, and a higher farm-gate price of milk, which can all trigger efficiency gains. Policymakers hence have room to provide adequate intervention strategies that can help in enhancing efficiency.

Deforestation and agricultural fires in South-West Pará, Brazil, under political changes from 2014 to 2020

ABSTRACT The increasing deforestation and fires since 2019 raises concerns about the irreversible destruction of the Brazilian Amazon. Our goal was to better understand these changes in south-west Pará across different land-tenure and farm systems and between the terms of President Rousseff, Temer, and Bolsonaro. We reconstructed deforestation and fire history using all Landsat and Sentinel-2 observations from 2014 to 2020 and assessed, using quasi-experimental methods, the average treatment effects of each presidency on deforestation and fires across land-tenure and farm types. Deforestation nearly quadrupled to 1,201 km2, particularly during Bolsonaro in undesignated areas and conservation units and on medium-sized farms (p < 0.001). Burning increased to 4,805 km2 and in all tenure types (p < 0.001). The increase was strongest in agrarian settlements and conservation units and on medium and large farms. Our observations show the importance of clarifying land-tenure and re-strengthening disincentives of environmental infractions, which have been weakened specifically under President Bolsonaro.

A Perspective on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Agriculture with Special Reference to Precision Agriculture

Agriculture has undergone rapid technological changes in the search for greater productivity. At the same time, environmental changes, agricultural crises from the possible repercussions of climate change and the different uses of land and technology make tools that look to minimise the negative aspects of the environment and human beings increasingly necessary. In this context, the concern with sustainability is imperative. Different agricultural systems have been trying to connect with this issue, making the term sustainable a field of conceptual, political, ideological, and power dispute. On this note, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to enhance sustainable agriculture's growth prospects. Therefore, this paper analyses how AI could aid sustainable agriculture, keeping in mind the accessibility challenges for small and marginal farmers. The paper will also explore the prospects of agrometeorology and precision agriculture as a concept and how it would play a significant role in smart harvesting. Finally, the documents will also look to oversee the influence of AI in agroecology. The article will also explore the common grounds between Indian and Brazilian agriculture, especially the small and medium farmers scenario, their challenges in accessing this technology, and how the government could aid the use of these technologies through inclusive policy interventions.

Evaluation of Cost Structure of Pig Farming in Punjab

Pig farming is an emerging enterprise in Punjab. Per cent share of pig meat production to total meat production in Punjab is 0.47 per cent, with 0.57 per cent of the total pig population in the country. The present study was conducted during 2018-19 in the three districts of Punjab, namely, Ludhiana, Mohali and Sangrur. Eighty-two pig breeding-cum-finisher units were categorized into small farms (&lt; 10 sows), medium farms (10-25 sows) and large farms (&gt; 25 sows). The present study unravelled that the net return/animal/month was 1,677.09 (18.17 per cent), 3,632.55 (27.74 per cent) and 5,573.72 (34.34 per cent) in the small, medium and large category. Feed costs constituted most of the total cost incurred on the farm. Value addition at the farm level would help farmers to achieve remunerative returns.

An Economic Evaluation of Freshwater Fish Production and Marketing in Gujarat

The current study was carried out to examine the costs and returns of pond fish production under various farm size categories in Gujarat. Additionally, it examined the marketing structure and effectiveness in selected fish markets of Gujarat. The information was gathered between 2021 and 2022 from 60 fish producers in Gujarat's four principal fish-producing areas. The study revealed that the per ha variable average cost of producing fish was 2,17,134.90. However, large farm sizes were found to have higher costs and net revenue per ha followed by medium and small farm sizes. The cost of labour, food, land rent, and harvesting substantially impacted the gross income of fish farms. Depending on the distance to the wholesale market, it was found that the marketing effectiveness of prevalent marketing channels ranged from 3.16 to 29.30 per cent. The percentage of the consumer's rupee went to the fisher, ranging from 68.50 to 96.77 per cent. esults encouraging small farmers to operate The r revealed that collectively and creating modern, specialized infrastructure facilities are necessary to ensure better monetary returns for the farmers.

Homestead Vegetable Production: A Means Of Livelihood and Nutritional Security for Resource Poor Households in Bangladesh

Justifiable, nutritious and safe food productions are main challenges for food safety which reduce starvation, meets dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy life. Home gardens can play a significant role in providing better food supply and diversity of food. Studies on niche-based homestead gardening were carried out at FSRD site Atia, Tangail under On-Farm Research Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during 2018-19 and 2019-20 to utilize the homestead resources for producing vegetables and fruits and to enhance nutritional security for the farm families. A total of 12 households were selected from marginal (0.021–0.20 ha), small (0.21–1.0 ha) and medium (1.0- 3.0) farmer groups and seven production niches were intervened for year-round production following the Palima model. Results revealed that homestead area could be capable of harvesting sufficient and diversified vegetables round the year by utilizing all possible homestead nieches. After intervention, the number of vegetables was produced by medium farmers (630 kg/year) followed by small (510 kg/year) and marginal (408 kg/year) farmers. Yearly vegetable requirements of farmers were largely met by homestead garden with a supply between 30-58 kg/head/year compared with bench mark level of 5-12 kg/head/year. Results suggested that farmers consumed lion share of their products that could meet up nutrition. Utilization of farm resources available in the farm that increased nutritional security, income and improved livelihoods as well. The up scaling of the production model based on ecosystem in different poverty-stricken regions of Bangladesh is recommended to attain food security and lessening malnutrition.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(1): 51-68, March 2022

Main factors associated with foot-and-mouth disease virus infection during the 2001 FMD epidemic in Uruguay.

Large epidemics provide the opportunity to understand the epidemiology of diseases under the specific conditions of the affected population. Whilst foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemics have been extensively studied in developed countries, epidemics in developing countries have been sparsely studied. Here we address this limitation by systematically studying the 2001 epidemic in Uruguay where a total of 2,057 farms were affected. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors (RF) associated with infection and spread of the virus within the country. The epidemic was divided into four periods: (1) the high-risk period (HRP) which was the period between the FMD virus introduction and detection of the index case; (2) the local control measures period (LCM) which encompassed the first control measures implemented before mass vaccination was adopted; (3) the first mass vaccination, and (4) the second mass vaccination round. A stochastic model was developed to estimate the time of initial infection for each of the affected farms. Our analyses indicated that during the HRP around 242 farms were probably already infected. In this period, a higher probability of infection was associated with: (1) animal movements [OR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.19-2.06)]; (2) farms that combined livestock with crop production [OR: 1.93 (95% CI: 1.43-2.60)]; (3) large and medium farms compared to small farms (this difference was dependent on regional herd density); (4) the geographical location. Keeping cattle only (vs farms that kept also sheep) was a significant RF during the subsequent epidemic period (LCM), and remained as RF, together with large farms, for the entire epidemic. We further explored the RF associated with FMDV infection in farms that raised cattle by fitting another model to a data subset. We found that dairy farms had a higher probability of FMDV infection than beef farms during the HRP [OR: 1.81 (95% CI: 1.12-2.83)], and remained as RF until the end of the first round of vaccination. The delay in the detection of the index case associated with unrestricted animal movements during the HRP may have contributed to this large epidemic. This study contributes to the knowledge of FMD epidemiology in extensive production systems.

Revisiting the Debate on Farm Size and Utilisation of Agricultural Land: Recent Trends in India

This paper revisits the debate on the relationship between farm size and utilisation of agricultural land. Since the 1960s, a large number of studies have been examining this relationship and suggesting possible explanations supporting their thoughts. Three significant hypotheses exist in the literature forwarded by different scholars in this regard: an inverse relationship, a positive and a U-shaped one. Using the recent data from the Agriculture Census of India, this paper attempts to analyse the spatio-temporal trends of the relationship between farm size and land utilisation and examine the hypotheses and explanations already advanced, taking a state-level analysis in India. We found an inverse relationship where smaller farms are more fully and intensively used compared to the larger farms; however, the increasing share of unutilised land among the small and medium farms in the recent decade of 2005–2006 to 2015–2016 indicates a losing ground of small farmers because of ongoing agrarian distress.

Smallholder farmers practices of crops livestock integration in the district of Aguié (Niger): Agricultural production and livestock feed

Crop production and livestock are main economic activities of most populations in Maradi region. The objective of this work is to study agricultural production and livestock feeding in terms of farming practices of crops livestock integration in 4 villages of Aguié. The results of surveys randomly conducted on a sample of 78 farmers showed that farmers were categorized into two groups, which are farmers (67%) and agro-pastoralists (33%). However, the multivariate analysis of data highlighted existence of three categories of agro-pastoralist farmers, distinct in terms of their means of existence and levels of integration. It was counted 21% of population who have plows and seeders, while 51% have carts. According to distribution of oxen in farms, a proportion of 51% were small farms have no draft oxen, while 45% of farms have a draft oxen, 3 % of farms have a pair of oxen and 1 % of farms has five (5) draft oxen. Cereal production in Kg is 862 ± 419 for Small Farms (SF); 1008 ± 132.7 for Medium Farms (MF) and 5748 ± 4068 for Big Farms (BF). As for production (Kg) of legumes; SF produce on average 293 ±139.3, MF 452 ± 123.7 and the BF 991 ± 208.5. With regard to sales and self-consumption of cereals and legumes, BF carry out these practices in large quantities. In MF, for a millet production of 4,155.99 ± 613.49 kg, the millet stovers are 2,068.85 ± 305.39 kg. Cowpea production in BF is 359.08 ±135.25 kg for 65.64 ± 24.72 kg of cowpea haulms. The sorghum stovers for BF, MF and SF is respectively 566.2; 276.8 and 125.2 kg with land capital in Ha of 8.1 (BF), 3 (MF) and 1.8 (SF). Despite fodder available which is 2,227.5 kg for 0.58 TLU in the SF; 2,441.1 kg for 1.63 TLU at the MF level and 4,414.5 kg for 3.03 TLU, fodder balance is in deficit in all farms according to fodder requirement (Kg/270 days).

Effect of fish downstream supply chain on wealth creation: the case of tambatinga in the Brazilian Midnorth

We describe the downstream supply and value chains originating from commercial tambatinga farming in Midnorth Brazil, which was used as a model for inland pond fish farming in tropical South America. We assessed how farm size affects intermediaries, job creation, income generation, and the number of wealth beneficiaries. We surveyed 16 commercial farms from 0.1 to 220 ha and their supply chains. To compare wealth creation and the number of beneficiaries, we established a baseline annual production of 550 t. Labor hours per tonne tended to rise in medium and extra-large farms. We identified 7 downstream supply/value chains, which can be grouped into farmer-controlled and intermediary-controlled supply/value chains. The first group includes small farms selling their fish directly to consumers, while the second encompasses medium, large, and extra-large farms relying on intermediary trading. These two types showed different impacts on wealth creation and the number of wealth beneficiaries. The first group generates significant wages concentrated in the farmers’ segment. This permits small farms to compensate for their low production level and to obtain economic outcomes sufficient to have a decent life and it allows wealth distribution. This model makes small fish farms (around 1 ha or less) an interesting business to alleviate poverty, provide food security and decent jobs, and reduce inequalities. The intermediary-controlled chains consist of non-vertically integrated farms composed of supply chains with intermediaries that transport and trade fish, mostly in remote markets. Thus, various stakeholders share the gross revenue. This was found to result in poor economic outcomes for the livelihoods of small farms and small intermediaries. Therefore, this model is more suitable for large farms or intermediaries, resulting in fewer wealth beneficiaries.

Impact of minimum support price on pigeonpea growers

The present study was conducted mainly with the objective to study extent Impact of Minimum Support Price on pigeonpea growers. For the study, Washim district was selected purposively as area of pigeonpea under this district was high as compare to other district of Vidarbha region. Karanja (Lad) talukas viz., Lohara, Shaha, Yewata (Bandhi), Wai, Kherda Bu, Donad, Mungutpur, Sohol, Gaywad, Belmandal, Meha, Manabha, Pangavhan, Rahati (Kajba), Bhamdevi, Sukadi, Umbarda (Bazaar), Hiwara (Lahe), Khanapur, Murambi, Nimba (Jahangir), Poha, Palana and Dhamni were selected randomly and 24 villages from each talukas were selected randomly. From each village 5 respondents who were cultivating pigeonpea crop were randomly selected constituting the sample size 120. Ex-post factor research design was used for the study. Majority of the respondents had medium farm experience, were literate, medium land holding, medium annual income, medium source of information, medium extension contact and possessed medium knowledge. The variables like farm experience, education, annual income, social participation, extension contact, source of information had positive significant relationship with impact of minimum support price on pigeonpea growers. Whereas, land holding could not establish any relationship with impact of minimum support price on pigeonpea growers. Based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Government of India, declares Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 22 crops before their sowing seasons. The idea behind MSP is to give guaranteed price and assured market to the farmers and protect them from the price fluctuations and market imperfections. The guaranteed price and assured market are expected to encourage higher investment and in adoption of modern farming practices. Further, with the globalization resulting in freer trade in agricultural commodities, it is very important to protect the farmers and their interest.

EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF OPEN FIELD TOMATO PRODUCTION IN PUNJAB: A NON PARAMETRIC DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS APPROACH

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study was designed to calculate production efficiency (technical, economic and allocative) and determinants of inefficiency in open field tomato production in Punjab, Pakistan. Simple random sampling was used for primary data collection from 70 farmers in 2014. Data envelopment analysis explored the mean of technical (79.4%), allocative (58.1%) and economic (45.9%) efficiency. It showed the capability of 21.6 and 41.9% reduction in inputs and total cost, respectively with same output and technology. For sub groups, technical efficiency (92.1%) was more for medium farmer while allocative (74.2%) and economic efficiency (63.8%) was higher for large farmer. Tobit model explored the negative impact of education, experience, extension services and credit availability on inefficiency. Impact on inefficiency was positive for family size, area and vegetable market distance.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Staphylococcus aureus in cow milk and milk products in Ambo and Bako towns, Oromia, Ethiopia: prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a foodborne bacterial pathogens that can cause staphylococcal food poisoning and contaminate food of animal origin worldwide. The current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and assess risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of S. aureus in raw milk and milk products of cows in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia. The overall prevalence of S. aureus in milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence in bulk tank raw milk (17.50%) and the lowest in "Ergo" (13.11%). High S. aureus contamination at farm level were associated with poor farm hygiene, extensive management system, medium farm size, loose housing, and less frequent removal of bedding. At the cow level, a high S. aureus isolation rate was observed in crossbred cows; cows with age equal to or greater than 5years old, tick infestation, history of mastitis treatment, and udder washing were not practiced before milking. On the other hand, the type of container, hygiene of milk handler, and container were the major risk factors for bulk tank milk contamination with S. aureus. S. aureus counts ranging from 1.25 × 104 to 1.92 × 104CFU/mL were detected in 28.33% of the bulk tank milk samples.. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed higher resistance of S. aureus to amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), with 43.94% of isolates showing multidrug resistance (MDR). The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is a possible indicator of the existence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also noted in the current study. Higher prevalence of S. aureus and MDR isolates in milk and milk products was detected in study areas. Therefore, to make milk and milk products safe for human consumption, hygienic handling of milk and milk products, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are recommended.

Constraints in the production and marketing of mustard in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh

The present study was conducted in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. 150 farmers were selected purposely on the basis of the total number of farmers in the district, with categories based on different farm categories from the 12 villages. The primary data was collected in the cropping year 2017-18 from sampled households through the personal interview method with the help of a well-prepared schedule and questionnaire. In which the cropping intensity was about (139.57 per cent). An average cost of cultivation per hectare of mustard was calculated at Rs. 18997.12. The average yield of mustard is 11.82 qtl. On an average, the input output ratio in mustard was 1:1.77 on the sample farms. The average cost of production per quintal of mustard was worked out to be Rs. 1607.19. The net income was calculated to be Rs. 37808.03 per hectare. There are three marketing channels for mustard crop marketing preferred by sample house hold as given below:-Channel I: Producer–Agent–Processor–Retailer–Consumer. Producers. Channel II: Village Traders/Agents, Wholesalers, Millers/Processors, Retailers, and Consumers. Channel III: Producer-Wholesaler-Processor-Retailer-Consumers. Only three channels were preferred by sample households for the selling of mustard. The majority of mustard seeds were sold through the agent by marginal farmers, approximately 66.67 percent, and the majority of small and medium farmers were sold through village traders, approximately 61.76 percent and 65.71 percent, respectively, while large farmers were sold through village traders, 53.33 percent. Overall, 44.52 percent of farm product is sold through agents. The mustard problem is faced by a lack of implementation of MSP in pulses and oilseed crops and a lack of a sufficient number of processing units (Rank I) (100.00 per cent). The study suggested that urgent attention must be paid towards enhancing the productivity and marketing of rapeseed-mustard by providing improved and high-yielding varieties, technology; irrigation; marketing; price support; policy; and effective extension.

Unveiling the Food and Income Insecurity among Farm Households of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

The study was conducted during 2022-23 to assess the level of food insecurity and income status among farm households. Data from 474 farmers through personal interview method were collected. Agriculture was the primary occupation for most households followed by off-farm activities. Average per capita annual income (Rs. 1,00,073) was lower than the national average. The per capita annual income was Rs. 73,303, Rs. 93,256 and Rs. 1,44,456 for marginal, small, and medium farmers, respectively. About 47 per cent of the expenditure was made on consumption. A comparison of calorie intake to recommended calorie intake indicated that food insecurity was prevailing among 26 percent of the farmers. The major contribution to calorie intake was from cereals, the consumption of vegetables and fruits was low. A decision tree model using machine learning algorithms was used to identify the factors influencing food security. Per capita income, family size, consumption expenditure, social participation, and land holdings had significant importance in classifying the households as food secure and insecure. Diversifying farm activities and creating additional opportunities in rural areas, teaching households about balanced diets, promoting home gardening, and institutional policies to improve food security may be the strategic points.