FARM DIVERSIFICATION IN HARYANA: AN APPRAISAL FOR FUTURE FARMING
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Date
2023
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Publisher
ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL
Abstract
Continuous mono cropping system threatens the sustainability of future agricultural
production in terms of soil, water, climate and market parameters which warrants
diversified farming system enabling farmers to use their resources efficiently with its
ecological benefits. The present study was undertaken to explore the potential of farm
diversification in the state of Haryana. The study was carried out during 2020-2022 in
three agro ecological zones of Haryana state. One district from each agro-ecological zone
was chosen followed by two blocks each in every district and two villages of selected
block. With the help of expert opinion and progressive farmers, 15 farmers from each
village were selected. Ex-post design and case study approach were followed. The data
were collected using structured interview schedule with the sample size of 240
comprising 180 farmers and 60 experts. Data were analysed by frequency, percentage
and Cumulative Square Root Technique. Two Delphi surveys were organized with 60
experts to identify future drivers of Haryana agriculture sector for the year 2030. The
study revealed that Crop Diversification Index of the Haryana state was found to be
decreasing (0.272(2010) to 0.262(2018)), while Farm Diversification Index of the state was
found to be increasing (0.509(2010) to 0.546(2019)). Proximity to NCR (0.896), increased
road density (0.857) and improved access to market information (0.801) were found to
influence farm diversification extensively. Market uncertainties (0.876) and climate
induced factors (0.796) were perceived to hinder the farm diversification considerably.
Farm diversification with enterprises such as sheep (3-3.8), piggery (2.4-2.66), apiary
(2.55), mushroom (4.8), ber (5-6) and cauliflower (2.6-5) provided better income in
comparison to the traditional field crops. Kaithal district (2.46) reported the highest farm
diversification efficiency followed by Bhiwani (1.88) and Hisar (1.64) districts.
Availability of fertile soil, increased area under irrigation, better marketing and
transportation facility were the major reasons for Kaithal to score the highest BC ratio
compared to Hisar and Bhiwani. The study suggests the need for modification in
government schemes (MPMV and BBY), making provision for adequate attractive
incentives and timely payment of the compensation amount. Extension efforts should be
fine-tuned for accelerating the adoption of enterprises such as poultry, piggery, fishery,
apiary, mushroom, ber and cauliflower and sheep farming due to their potential for
higher income generation and suitability for farm diversification. R and D efforts should
be strengthened to enhance the income from dairy farming. Scenario forecasting on
future farming of Haryana for the year 2030 reveals that if government policy support
and technological up-gradation moves in an accelerated way (Shining future), there is a
high chance of large scale production of food and non-food crops, milk, egg and meat. In
addition, government policies are also focusing on the production of less water requiring
crops, which in turn decelerate growth of paddy in this scenario. Study concludes that
area based planning (based on SWOT analysis of different agro-ecological zones of
Haryana) is the prime strategy to achieve farm diversification in the state. Farmer
Producer Companies, Public Private Partnership, ICT tools, entrepreneurship and
advanced farm machines should be the areas of attention for developing farming sector
of Haryana state in a sustainable fashion.