EXPLORING DIVERSITY AMONG FARMERS IN ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AND OPTIONS FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMING SYSTEM-A CASE STUDY OF AMBEDKARNAGER DISTRICT OF UP

Smallholder farmers occupy a prominent position in Indian agriculture. Against the background of increasing fragmentation of landholdings, these farmers are facing the challenge of securing their livelihoods within the context of a wide variety of socio-economic and political constraints. Consequently, every day a massive stream of rural people are migrating to urban centres. A sustainable and dynamic approach to smallholder farmers’ deplorable condition is a matter of great concern and priority for discourse for balanced social development. This study, based on cross-sectional survey of 1243 farm households to assess the cropping pattern, off-farm activities of the farmers, and their adoption to agricultural innovations. Employed a stepwise multiple linear regression model to identify which factors and to what extent influence the adoption bahaviour of farmers. The results demonstrate nearly 98% positive influences of size of land holding, economic condition, education and farm ownership on adoption behaviour of farmers. The study also reveals that fragmented landholdings are major hindrance in adoption process. Diversification of agriculture in favour of high-value commodities is suggested for sustainable development of smallholder farmers.