Resource utilization and crop productivity in degraded versus normal farmlands: insights from paddy and wheat systems in Haryana, India

Abstract

The study investigated resource utilization and crop productivity in degraded versus normal farmlands, focusing on paddy and wheat systems in Haryana, India. The research was conducted in Jhajjar and Mahendragarh districts, selecting a total of four villages representing both problematic (salinity, waterlogging, alkalinity) and normal land conditions. The sample comprised 120 farmers (30 each from normal and problematic farms in every village), with primary data collected for the 2023-24 agricultural year using a structured interview schedule. Analytical tools employed include the Cobb-Douglas production function to quantify input-output relationships and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) to estimate technical efficiency and resource use efficiency among farm types. The findings revealed that problematic farms showed lower technical efficiency and frequent over-utilization of inputs such as fertilizers and irrigation, in contrast to normal farms where certain inputs like fertilizers and irrigation were under-utilized, indicating scope for enhancing profitability. Overall, the study highlighted significant resource use inefficiencies and suggested that targeted interventions and greater adoption of improved practices were needed to boost farm productivity and sustainability in degraded regions.