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

Abstract

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.