Understanding Farmers’ Attitudes towards Challenges and Strengthening Agriculture: A Study of Punjab, India

Description

Akhil Chawla and Navdeep Aggarwal (School of Business Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

This study explores the association between various natural risks and risk attitude of 480 respondent farmers of Punjab, India, using cross-table analysis. Punjab was divided into three geographical zones, namely, Majha, Malwa, and Doaba. Natural risks such as drought, flood, heat wave, risk of availability of labour, hail storm, heavy storm, excessive rainfall, and unfavourable weather were considered, out of which a significant association was found between risk attitude and the following risks: flood, heat wave, risk of availability of labour, hail storm, heavy storm, and excessive rainfall. A structured questionnaire was utilised to gather data, and the results were further analysed by forming various cross-tables. The findings of the study are useful for agricultural extension services providers and policymakers, highlighting the importance of providing education to young, less experienced and tenant farmers, so that they can manage agricultural risks more efficiently and effectively.