Economics of Adoption of Farm Technologies Across Terai Region of West Bengal, India: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Terai, a region in North West Bengal is both highly diverse in ecology and socioeconomic heterogeneity, and this has led to unequal adoption of agricultural technologies in the agro-climatic regions. Purpose: This systematic review pulls together empirical findings on the factors, trends and economic consequences of farm technology adoption in the Terai plains and neighboring hill districts of Northern West Bengal. Methods: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a detailed search of Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was carried out. The selection of the 45 peer-reviewed and grey literature studies was done according to pre-defined inclusion and quality criteria and published in 2000-2024. Findings: The size of landholding, education, and access to non-farm income were identified to be the main socioeconomic factors that influence adoption of mechanization, high-yielding varieties, and weather-resistant technologies. The KVKs became important institutional actors with an estimated 40% greater rates of technology adoption among the participating farmers. Adoption had measurable payoffs such as a 12-20% rise in yield and a 10-15% decline in the cost of cultivation with greater impact of the practice in the Terai plains. The most consistent obstacles are gender inequalities in land tenure and extension opportunities, PM-KUSUM delays in subsidies, digital divide in tribal and hilly regions, and ecological imbalance between technologies and localities. Conclusion: Gender-inclusive, context-specific and institutionally coordinated extension policies are necessary in ensuring inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural transformation in the area.