"This study analyzes the growth performance, instability, and sources of production change in rapeseed and mustard across Rajasthan and its key districts, Alwar and Bharatpur, during 2003-04 to 2022-23. Using compound annual growth rate (CAGR), Cuddy Della Valle Index (CDVI) and decomposition analysis, the research provides insights into temporal shifts in area, production, productivity, and farm harvest prices. The findings indicate that Rajasthan achieved modest but positive growth in production (2.12%) and productivity (2.13%), with farm harvest prices rising significantly (6-7% annually). Alwar outperformed state averages, recording consistent expansion in area and higher productivity growth, reflecting successful adoption of improved technologies. In contrast, Bharatpur exhibited mixed trends, with strong initial growth but declining productivity in later years, likely due to climatic and resource constraints. Instability analysis revealed declining acreage variability at the state level, while production fluctuations persisted. Decomposition results highlighted yield as the dominant contributor to production growth in Rajasthan, while area expansion played a stronger role in Bharatpur. Overall, the study underscores the critical role of technological improvements and resource management in enhancing rapeseed and mustard output, while also pointing to regional disparities that require targeted policy interventions"
"This study investigates the socio-economic impact of SHGs on rural women based on primary data collected from 180 respondents. The demographic profile indicates that 51.11% of participants belong to the 30-40 years age group and 40% to the 40-50 years category, reflecting high participation among economically productive women. Educational attainment remains low, with 92.22% having only primary education and 7.22% being illiterate, highlighting the inclusive nature of SHGs in reaching marginalized sections. The findings reveal a significant transformation in occupational patterns. Prior to SHG participation, 35.55% of respondents were housewives and 43.34% engaged in low-income miscellaneous activities. Post-SHG, 100% of respondents became economically active, with 43.33% involved in vending and 37.22% in daily wage labour, alongside universal participation in agriculture. A substantial improvement in income levels is observed, with mean annual income increasing from ` 62,966.67 to ` 1,28,300. Income distribution shifted entirely from below ` 1,00,000 to higher brackets, with 83.89% earning above ` 1,20,000 post-SHG. The paired sample t-test confirms this increase as statistically significant (t = -95.625, p < 0.05). Expenditure patterns reflect enhanced living standards, with food expenditure rising from ` 1,847.22 to ` 2,841.67 and education spending increasing from ` 1,168.87 to ` 1,832.31. Healthcare and housing expenditures also show notable growth. Additionally, 63.33% of respondents invested in livestock, indicating asset creation. Savings behaviour improved markedly, with all respondents reporting average annual savings of ` 19,000, compared to no savings prior to SHG participation. The study also highlights improvements in socio-economic empowerment, with 93.89% of respondents participating in household decision-making and 100% reporting enhanced entrepreneurial skills, mental well-being and social awareness.
"The primary objective of this study to examine the growth rate, variability and contributing factors of output growth in acreage, production and yield of isabgol in leading districts Rajasthan as well as the state as a whole. This study was purely based on secondary time series data. The study period was considered from 2010-11 to 2023-24. The data was analysed using the exponential growth model, Cuddy-Della Valle instability index and decomposition analysis to fulfil the objectives of the study. The findings of study indicated that highest growth rates were found in the production (31.90%)and area (29.65%) of Bikaner district. The lowest growth rate was seen in production (12.98%) and area (11.21%) of Chittorgarh district. The upmost instability in production (73.22%) and area (64.93%) was found in Bikaner and Chittorgarh districts respectively. The major contributor to expand the output of isabgol in all selected districts was expanded in area under the crop. Varietal development could be major contributor to enhance the output and increase international demand."
"The rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) in the Indo-Gangetic plains faces sustainability challenges due to the biased application of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers and the neglect of potassium (K), leading to soil K mining and long-term productivity risks. To address these concerns, a split-plot experiment was initiated in 2012 with four crop establishment techniques and three nutrient management practices under conservation agriculture. Results demonstrated that plots receiving crop residue in both seasons (CE4) significantly outperformed other treatments, achieving higher grain yield (9.1 Mg ha⁻¹), improved apparent K balance (+30 kg ha⁻¹), and superior sustainability index values. CE4 also recorded the lowest cost of cultivation (` 63,467 ha⁻¹), while delivering higher gross returns (` 189,513 ha⁻¹), net returns (` 126,046 ha⁻¹), and a better benefit: cost ratio (2.0). Sustainability index values improved progressively from CE1 (0.15–0.36) to CE4 (0.62–0.84), with residue incorporation (RWCM) and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) consistently outperforming farmers’ fertilizer practice (FFP) by balancing yield, K management, and economic returns. Across treatments, rice exhibited lower cultivation costs, whereas wheat contributed greater economic returns. These findings highlight the critical role of balanced nutrient management and residue recycling in enhancing yield, profitability, and potassium sustainability of the rice–wheat system, offering a pathway to mitigate soil K depletion and secure long-term agricultural sustainability in the Indo-Gangetic plains."
"Agricultural trend prediction serves as a cornerstone for strategic policy formulation, market equilibrium maintenance, and sustainable national development. This investigation examined annual datasets encompassing onion cultivation area and production spanning 1978-2023, alongside export statistics from 1987-2023, employing comprehensive time series modeling and predictive analytics. The research methodology incorporated Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) frameworks combined with advanced machine learning methodologies, including Time Delay Neural Networks (TDNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architectures, and Random Forest regression algorithms. Additionally, innovative hybrid frameworks were constructed to harness the complementary strengths of these approaches in capturing temporal dependencies and nonlinear data characteristics. Predictive performance evaluation utilized Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) metrics to identify optimal forecasting methodologies. Results demonstrate that hybrid modeling approaches consistently deliver enhanced accuracy relative to individual techniques, establishing their efficacy in predicting onion area, production, and export dynamics. This investigation underscores the substantial benefits of integrating traditional statistical frameworks with state-of-the-art machine learning methodologies to address agricultural forecasting complexities."
"The study examined the perceptions of cattle farmers regarding feed accessibility and feeding-related adaptation strategies across four districts of Eastern Bihar—Bhagalpur, Banka, Khagaria, and Katihar. The results revealed significant variation in farmers’ perceived accessibility of feed resources. Dry fodder, primarily in the form of crop residues, was considered readily available and widely used. However, green fodder, concentrate feeds, and access to communal grazing lands were perceived to be limited due to seasonal variability, land scarcity, and declining common property resources. Traditional adaptation strategies—such as feeding crop residues, reducing feed to non-productive animals, and peer-to-peer sharing—were common, whereas scientifically recommended practices, including mineral supplementation and fodder crop cultivation, showed low adoption. These findings indicate a critical knowledge and resource gap between awareness and adoption of improved feeding practices. The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions such as decentralized fodder banks, strengthened extension delivery systems, and sustainable feeding strategies to enhance livestock productivity and resilience in flood- and drought-prone regions of Bihar."
"Sustaining agricultural extension services through complete public funding has become increasingly difficult due to financial and manpower constraints. In this context, the present study examined farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for agricultural extension services (AES) under a cost-sharing approach in Meghalaya and identified the factors influencing their payment decisions. The study was conducted in East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts using a multistage purposive-cum-random sampling technique, and data were collected from 60 farmers through structured interview schedules. A modified Ingram’s marketing approach, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), and Binary Probit Regression were employed for analysis. The findings revealed that farmers showed higher willingness to pay for tangible services such as quality planting materials, piglets, chicks, and fertilizers. About 63.33 percent of respondents were willing to pay for AES, while 80 percent preferred receiving services with up to 80 percent subsidy. Most farmers preferred direct cash payment immediately after availing services. Probit results indicated that education, farm size, and satisfaction with existing extension services significantly influenced farmers’ willingness to pay. The study suggests that a cost-sharing model can enhance sustainability and pluralism in agricultural extension services while ensuring timely and accessible support to farmers."
The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector forms the backbone of India’s economy, contributing nearly 30% of GDP, 45% of exports, and employing over 111 million people. Yet women remain underrepresented, with only 20.37% of MSMEs under female ownership, and their share in small and medium segments negligible. This paper examines the structural barriers that limit women’s participation in MSMEs, focusing on skill development deficits, financial exclusion, and socio-cultural constraints. Using official data from the MSME Annual Report (2023–24) and the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Report (2023–24), the study analyzes the impact of government initiatives such as PMKVY, SANKALP, and MUDRA, while highlighting gaps in gender budgeting. The analysis is grounded in the Capability Approach and the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Framework, demonstrating how systemic disadvantages across skills, finance, and markets reinforce gender inequality. Empirical evidence shows that while interventions have created opportunities such as the Drone Didi program in agri-tech and localized artisan training schemes, fragmented implementation and underfunding continue to constrain outcomes. The paper concludes that bridging the gender gap requires an integrated strategy that links gender-responsive skilling with financial access, mentorship, regulatory support, and market linkages. Expanding women’s participation in MSMEs is critical not only for gender equity but also for achieving India’s inclusive growth and sustainable development goals.
India, being an agrarian economy, is highly dependent of the development of the rural and agricultural sector for the overall development of the economy. This makes it the proper credit provision to these sectors the need of the hour. Kisan Credit Card scheme was brought as a need based credit delivery system which was modified many times by the RBO. Some of the major modifications include the addition of SHGs, JLGs, etc under this scheme, allowing credit disbursement to allied fields of agriculture such as dairy farming and so on. This study examines the socio-economic and financial impacts of Self-help Group (SHG) membership among farmers in the Nadia and East Burdwan districts of West Bengal. The socio-economic profile revealed that even though majority farmers were of small and marginal categories, SHG members did fare better than non-members. Repayment patterns and factors affecting were also examined and seen that SHG member farmers were on a better footing with timely repayments. Regression analysis identified SHG membership and total annual income as highly significant factors (at the 1% level) influencing timely repayment, while education and land ownership were significant at the 5% level. These findings highlight the critical role of SHGs in enhancing financial discipline and socio-economic resilience. Policy recommendations include strengthening SHG networks, promoting livestock farming, improving market access, and expanding financial literacy programs, especially for marginal and small farmers. SHGs, through collective farming and sustainable practices, can serve as a transformative force in rural agricultural development.
"This study examines the extent, structure, and determinants of indebtedness among rural labour households in Punjab using primary data collected from 530 households across 22 villages. The findings reveal a pervasive incidence of debt, with over 92 per cent of households being indebted, particularly among agricultural labourers. A substantial share of borrowing (over four-fifths) originates from noninstitutional sources such as large farmers and moneylenders, often at exorbitant interest rates exceeding 15 per cent per annum. Borrowing is predominantly driven by consumption needs, especially socio-religious ceremonies and purchase of consumer goods, reflecting structural income inadequacies. Econometric analysis indicates that family size, number of dependents, reliance on non-institutional credit, and unproductive expenditure significantly influence the level of indebtedness. The study underscores the persistence of exploitative credit structures and highlights the urgent need for strengthening institutional credit access and reducing dependence on informal lending sources to mitigate rural indebtedness.
"Organic farming is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture; however, its adoption remains constrained by multiple challenges, particularly in hilly regions. This study examined the major constraints faced by farmers practicing organic farming in the low hill districts of Kangra and Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 120 farmers, comprising 70 marginal and 50 small farmers, were selected through proportionate random sampling. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using pre-tested schedules, while percentage analysis and Chi-square tests were employed for interpretation. The findings revealed that production-related constraints were dominated by difficulties in managing weeds, pests, and diseases organically (75%), non-availability of quality seeds (66.67%), and low productivity (66.67%). High labour wages (70%) and labour shortages (63.33%) further intensified production challenges. Institutional constraints included high certification costs, longer conversion periods, and difficulty in fulfilling certification norms (88.33%). Marketing issues such as lack of market information (91.67%), low marketable surplus (85%), and high transportation costs (83.33%) were also significant. Additionally, monkey menace (83.33%) and stray animals (81.67%) emerged as major miscellaneous constraints. The Chi-square results indicated no significant differences in constraints faced by marginal and small farmers. The study highlights the need for policy support, simplified certification procedures, improved extension services, and better market infrastructure to promote sustainable organic farming in Himachal Pradesh."
"The study examines the demand structure and future prospects of functional dairy foods (FDF) in Tamil Nadu using primary data collected from 220 respondents (160 consumers and 60 sales points). A double-log demand model was employed to estimate income and price elasticities, while a growth rate approach was used to project demand up to 2036. The results indicate that functional dairy foods currently account for a small but emerging segment of the dairy sector, constituting about 1.26 per cent of total milk production and 3.78 per cent of processed milk in milk-equivalent terms. The demand analysis reveals heterogeneous consumption behaviour across products, with significant expenditure elasticities observed for fortified milk, probiotic drinks, and malted milk foods. Own-price elasticities were significant and inelastic for most products, indicating relatively stable demand in response to price changes. Crossprice relationships suggest limited and product-specific substitution and complementarity effects among functional dairy foods. Demand projections under pessimistic (2.12%), business-as-usual (5.44%), and optimistic (8.18%) growth scenarios indicate steady expansion, with total demand reaching 157.44, 181.29, and 203.40 ML/year by 2036, respectively, corresponding to compound annual growth rates of 1.51, 2.61, and 3.53 per cent. The findings suggest that while the functional dairy segment is still in a nascent stage, it holds potential for gradual expansion driven by income growth and changing dietary preferences. From a policy perspective, strengthening supply chains, improving product accessibility, and enhancing consumer awareness will be important to support sustained growth in the functional dairy food sector."
How many productive animals would have to be on a Gaushala to be independent of donations and why is it that milk revenue never really fills the gap? These questions are at the heart of Gaushala financial policy, but neither has been addressed by previous multi-state work with audited data. This paper does that with the help of primary information obtained from the 32 Gaushalas surveyed in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh in 2024–25. The results are presented in the context of three interrelated analyses. First, a break-even productive animal share analysis reveals that, for earned income self-sufficiency, a sector mean of nearly 37.5% (SD: 16.1 pp; range: 10.4–81.6%) would be required, whereas the break-even threshold for the sector under simulation is around 30%. Second, a milk-feed cost squeeze analysis reveals that the average institution is spending ` 150.8 per litre of milk for feed, resulting in a negative margin, which highlights why a sector that relies on milk revenue to achieve self-sufficiency is a challenge. Third, sensitivity scenarios to earned income show that the highest single intervention to income in the sector is 0.445, and the highest combined intervention is 0.422, both well below the BCR of 1.0 required for self-sufficiency. These are findings that challenge the policy debate; dependency on transfer income isn’t a stage that can more effectively be managed, it is the financial imprint of a welfare mandate. The policy issue is what to do to make that dependency more stable, closer to the true cost, and conditional on institutional performance.
Background: Determination of growth rate, acreage response and production response of groundnut using price and non-price factors in Gujarat and Rajasthan state. Methods: Compound growth rate and Cuddy-Della index were used for the calculation of growth rate and instability index, respectively during the study period from 2002-03 to2018-19. To study the effect of price and non-price factors influencing on acreage and production of groundnut crop over time and space in both states were examined by using the Nerlovian lag adjustment method. Results: The study reveals that in Gujarat, the area under groundnut crop was decreasing at 1.79 per cent per annum with one per cent level of significance. The production and yield of groundnuts showed a high rate of instability with 42.02 per cent and 37.94 per cent, respectively. The factors namely, irrigated area and lag year groundnut production were found positive and statistically significant impact on the rise in groundnut area over the study period. This implied that higher irrigated area and lag year groundnut production leads to larger areas of the groundnut crop. However, the lag area of cotton (competitive crop) had a negative impact on the rise in groundnut area over the study period. The results of the production response function indicated that the regression coefficients of a irrigated area under groundnut crop and monsoon season rainfall has a statistically significant impact on the rise in groundnut production in Gujarat. The area under groundnut crop has been positively increasing at 7.52 per cent per annum and found statistically significant at a one per cent level in Rajasthan state. It was found that area (17.18 %), production (20.57%) and productivity (16.87%) registered medium instability. During the decision of area allocation for groundnut crop in Rajasthan state, the coefficient of area under bajra (competitive crop) was negative and significant magnitude was 0.69. It implied that an increase of one per cent in the area under bajra crop is expected to result in a decrease 0.69 per cent area for groundnut crop. Coefficient of irrigated area and monsoon season rainfall were positive and significant helps to increase groundnut production. Thus, results suggests that groundnut production is improved by agricultural improvements like building protective irrigation structures like farm ponds contribute to an improvement in groundnut area and production.
The study assesses the magnitude and determinants of post-harvest losses in chickpea production in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh using primary data collected from 80 farmers, 10 wholesalers, and 10 retailers through a multi-stage sampling framework. Both tabular and functional analyses were employed to estimate losses and examine their economic impact across the supply chain. The results indicate that the average post-harvest loss of chickpea is 6.4 kg per quintal, with the highest losses occurring during harvesting and drying stages. Regression results show that harvesting, threshing, and marketing losses significantly reduce farm income. At the farm level, weather conditions, availability of threshing machines, and timely labour significantly influence losses, while at the intermediary level, quantity handled, storage duration, and transportation constraints are key determinants. The study highlights the need for improved post-harvest management practices and infrastructure to minimize losses and enhance farmers’ income.
The Himalayan region is one of the world’s youngest and most tectonically active mountain systems, characterized by exceptional biodiversity, ecological sensitivity, and a high degree of vulnerability to natural hazards, particularly landslides. Increasing anthropogenic pressures, including unplanned infrastructure development, deforestation, rapid urbanization, mining, and unsustainable land-use practices, coupled with climate change-induced extreme rainfall events and glacier retreat, have significantly intensified the frequency and severity of landslides across the region. Recent disasters occurring between 2023 and 2025 have resulted in substantial loss of human life, extensive damage to infrastructure, disruption of ecosystem services, and considerable socio-economic consequences for mountain communities. This review critically examines the major geological, climatic, ecological, and anthropogenic factors responsible for landslides in the Himalayan region and evaluates their impacts on biodiversity, forest ecosystems, water resources, agriculture, and local livelihoods. Furthermore, the paper synthesizes existing structural and non-structural mitigation measures, including landslide hazard zonation, early warning systems, slope stabilization techniques, afforestation, community awareness programmes, and policy interventions promoted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other agencies. The study emphasizes that sustainable management of the Himalayan ecosystem requires an integrated approach combining scientific land-use planning, ecosystem restoration, disaster risk reduction, carrying-capacity assessment, and community participation. Strengthening environmental governance, enforcing land-use regulations, promoting nature-based solutions, and incorporating ecological principles into development planning are essential for enhancing the resilience of Himalayan landscapes and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
Rice is a vital cereal crop that sustains more than half of the global population and remains central to India’s food security and rural economy. As the world’s second-largest rice producer, India relies heavily on this crop for livelihoods and agricultural income. This study examines the marketed surplus and marketing efficiency of rice across different farm-size categories in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh. Primary data were collected from 160 rice-growing households through stratified random sampling in two purposively selected blocks, Baberu and Naraini. The findings reveal significant variation in marketed surplus across farm sizes, with large farms marketing 205.57 quintals, medium farms 116.07 quintals, small farms 27.67 quintals, and marginal farms 8.44 quintals. Marginal farmers frequently sold beyond their marketable surplus, indicating financial stress and the need for liquidity. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to identify the determinants of marketed surplus across farm categories. Among three identified marketing channels, Channel II (producer → wholesaler → retailer → consumer) accounted for 57.8% of total sales, while Channel III (direct producer → consumer) exhibited the highest producer price share (96.45%) and marketing efficiency (27.26). The study underscores the importance of promoting shorter marketing chains, farmer cooperatives, and improved access to market information to enhance efficiency and farmer welfare in the rice sector.
