An introspection into impact of combine harvester: A tale of sustainable livelihood security

Adoption of combine harvester (CH) for wheat cultivation is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of wheat industry. A study has been conducted in Lower Shivalik Hills of India during 2016–2020 to elucidate the adoption level and its impact in livelihood security. Results revealed that due to variation in significant determinants of adoption, the extent of adoption was low (36.67%). A comparative analysis of socio-agro- economic impact of combine and manual harvesting method revealed thatCH required only 2.5 hours for harvesting 1 ha land whereas, manual harvesting required 7–8 hours. Value of B:C and Rate of Return for using CH was 1:1.55 and 155 per cent, respectively. To measure economic efficiency SUR model was adopted and found the variety HD-3059 had 14 quintal/ha more grain yield than other varieties.After a financial scaleout of CH based crop varieties to get clarity on its adoptability across the country for sustained livelihood security, appropriate strategies for promoting CH have been Penned down.