A STEM-Based Analysis of Farmers Attitude towards Organic Farming in India

Agriculture is still the main occupation of majority of population in India. Nearly 55 % population is engaged in agriculture with 86% small and marginal farmers owning less than two acres of land. The concern for health and climate is aggravating. The plight of farmers in India and the increasing number of farmer suicide depicts a poor picture of the state of agriculture and the small and marginal farmers in India. Boost to organic farming is important for sustainable agriculture. Various factors like profitability, cost, consumers demand, impact on health, availability of fertile soil, community co-operation, government initiatives and support affect the adoption of organic farming practices. This research paper aims to analyse the factors which influence the inclination and adoption of organic farming by small and marginal farmers in India using STEM-based approach and ANOVA. 483 farmers comprising of fruit, cereal and vegetable growers have been taken for the survey and structured questionnaire has been used. The result may help the government/policy makers to take such decisions which will increase organic farming and long-term benefits in terms of good health and economic growth.