Factors determining the adoption of laser land leveling in the irrigated rice–wheat system in Haryana, India. Issue 4 (4th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aryal, Jeetendra Prakash; Rahut, Dil Bahadur; Jat, M. L.; Maharjan, Sofina; Erenstein, Olaf
• Is Part Of: Journal of crop improvement. Volume 32:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 492
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04
• Subjects: Adoption intensity -- double-hurdle model -- farmer-to-farmer communication -- Indo-Gangetic Plains -- technology adoption; Crop science -- Periodicals; 631.5
• DOI: 10.1080/15427528.2018.1457584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-7528

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Laser land leveling has been increasingly adopted in the irrigated rice ( Oryza sativa L.)–wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in the state of Haryana (India), located in the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains. Still, many farmers have applied it to only a fraction of their land. In this study, we used data collected from 621 farm households in Haryana and applied a double-hurdle model for assessing the factors that determine the adoption and intensity of laser-leveling technology. The results show that large land holders are more likely to laser level their farm land; however, we found a negative association between land holdings and the proportion of laser-leveled land. Information about technology through farmer-to-farmer communication and through private traders, participation in agricultural training and membership in local agricultural institutions increased both the likelihood and the intensity of adoption. Our findings call for a closer collaboration among the various stakeholders, specifically to promote farmer-to-farmer communication through increased participation in local institutions and increase the rate of adoption of laser leveling technology.