Factors affecting shift from paddy to maize cultivation in Punjab

Maize is one of the most suitable replacements of paddy in Punjab. The primary data for 2015-16 of paddy, maize, and wheat crop from five Punjab districts (Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and SBS Nagar) was collected from 300 sample farm households. The binary logistic model was constructed, and among the six most relevant explanatory variables availability of hired labour was found to be negative and significant statistically, whereas the educational level of decision maker was statistically nonsignificant. The participation in block-level camp/Kisan Mela/lecture attended by the decision maker was positive and significant statistically, and water availability on the diversified farm was negative and significant. Like the assured market and experience of the decision maker, the other variables were positive but non-significant. The farmers' non-diversification was found to be price instability, the menace of animals, lack of awareness regarding government programmes, non-availability of mechanisation for dehusking of the kernels.