Agricultural Research Journal

High-input agriculture presents several drawbacks that can adversely affect both environmental sustainability and human health. A primary concern is soil degradation, which results from the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These substances can deplete soil nutrients, impair crop growth, and ultimately render the land barren and unproductive. This study, therefore, aims to explore the perceptions and practices of farmers in the Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district of Telangana State, India. The research involved a sample of 382 farmers across six mandals within this district. A stratified random sampling method was utilized within a survey-descriptive research framework. Data collection incorporated a mixed-method approach, combining observational techniques, interviews with farmers, and a semi-structured interview schedule. Data analysis employed frequency distributions, percentages, and Chi-Square tests to interpret the results. The study reveals that farmers in the Backward Class (BC) social category are preponderantly represented in terms of land size and agricultural holdings, despite the region being a scheduled tribe agency area. The majority of farmers (53%) have approximately 21 years of experience in intensive farming. Furthermore, 92% of the farmers cultivate their own land. Land ownership patterns show that 42% of farmers own between 4 and 6 acres, while 30% possess between 3 and 6 acres. There is a notable correlation between land ownership—whether outright or under tenancy—and agricultural output profitability. The findings highlight the prevalence of high-input agriculture practices and their implications for soil health and farmer livelihoods in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district. Effective strategies are needed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the adverse effects of chemical-intensive farming on both environmental sustainability and farmer income.