The Impact of Crop Diversification Towards High-Value Crops on Economic Welfare of Agricultural Households in Eastern India
A R Anuja, Anjani Kumar, Sunil Saroj, K. N. Singh
Abstract
Eastern India is among the most backward regions of the country with underutilized agricultural potential. Diversification towards high-value crops can be a promising strategy to enhance farmers' economic welfare in the region. The present study analyses the major determinants and impact of crop diversification towards high-value crops on farmers' economic welfare in the region using large farm household-level data and advanced matching estimation methods. The findings reveal that cultivation of high-value crops plays a significant role in enhancing farm income, consumption expenditure and reducing poverty. Growers need to allocate at least 40% area for highvalue crops to have significant income enhancement and poverty reduction.