Relative Economics of Farmers Practicing Different Farming Systems and their Impact on Livelihood Security in Mandya District of Karnataka, India

Abstract

A study conducted in Mandya district of Karnataka to examine the livelihood security of farmers practising important farming systems and their relative economic viability. Pandavapura and K.R.Pete talukas were selected from Mandya region. The vital farming systems in each taluk had been recognized after a radical discussion with line department specialists and after discussion with farmers and the major farming systems were decided on from each taluk: that is “paddy+dairy” and “paddy+dairy+horticulture” in K.R. Pete taluk, and “sugarcane+dairy” and “sugarcane+dairy+horticulture” in Pandavapura taluk. For each farming system, 30 respondents were randomly decided, giving an aggregate sample size of 120. A comprehensive measuring scale was developed to measure the livelihood security. Six components of livelihood security specifically food and nutrition security, economic, ecological, social, psychological and physical security have been recognized to assess the livelihood security of farmers. In the case of the farming system "paddy + dairy" social security (63.33%), in the case of the farming system "paddy+ dairy + horticulture" ecological security (70.00%), in the matter of  "sugarcane + dairy" economic security (73.33%) and with regards to "sugarcane + dairy + horticulture" social security (76.66%) become labelled as I rank. The highest benefit-cost ratio was found in the case of "sugarcane + dairy + horticulture” (1:2.62) followed by “sugarcane+dairy” (1:2.47), “sugarcane+dairy+horticulture” (1:2.3) and “paddy+dairy” (1:1.43). Therefore, the sugarcane+dairy+horticulture farming system needs to be popularized via ensuring an assured market for horticulture products and offering a minimum support rate price for sugarcane.