Measuring farm sustainability index: priorities for sustaining livelihoods of farm households in Haryana, India

The research investigated the challenges of agricultural sustainable development in Haryana by employing the Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) as a comprehensive evaluative tool. The study integrates economic efficiency, ecological security and social equity dimensions through selected indicators and by utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to eliminate spatial variations among districts. The Economic Efficiency Index (EEI) reveals distinct agricultural performances with Karnal excelling in food production and Panchkula demonstrating efficient fertilizer use. The Ecological Security Index (ESI) highlights Gurgaon's significant land use practices and Panchkula's determinantal to forest conservation. The Social Equity Index (SEI) advancements in female literacy and healthcare. Integrating these three indices showed that Panchkula emerges as a paragon of overall sustainability, followed closely by Karnal, Sirsa and Gurgaon. Disparities in Nuh and Faridabad addressed the necessity for targeted interventions. These study findings offered to the policymakers about the crucial insights into district-specific needs which guiding them in the formulation of strategies for inclusive growth and sustainable development for each district's unique challenges and opportunities.