Doubling of Small and Marginal Farmers’ Income: Crop Diversification

In terms of agricultural production, the small and marginal farmers make a significant contribution to the production of high-value crops. In the total production, they contribute around 70 per cent to vegetables, and 55 per cent to fruits with their share of 44 per cent in land area. Their share in cereals production is 52 per cent and in milk production is 69 per cent. Thus, small farmers contribute to both agricultural diversification and food security. Despite this, the income from the crop enterprise is not enough to meet the monthly consumption expenditure of these household. It is evident from the farm level study conducted in the Raichur district of Karnataka. The study has revealed that income from the wages and crop cultivation is not enough to meet the monthly expenditure of both marginal and small farmers. Therefore, policy makers give much impetus to agricultural diversification (both vertical and horizontal). It can be one of the best options to double the income of farmers and in turn, it would lead to food, nutrition and ecological security.