Farmers Perception Towards Drivers and Barriers of Farm Diversification in Punjab and Tamil Nadu: A Comparative Study

Background: Diversification of farm is important in agriculture. The present study focuses on farmers’ perception and barriers towards farm diversification. This study aims to analyse farmers’ perception towards drivers and barriers of farm diversification in Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Methods: Primary data was collected through pre-structure and pre-tested questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents. Data were collected from 120 farmers 60 from Punjab and 60 from Tamil Nadu. Mean, frequency, one sample t-test and independent sample t-test was used for the analysis of the collected data. Result: Results of study revealed that good irrigation facilities and fixed assets (4.37), knowledge and farming experience (4.43) followed by new and modern production technology (4.10), opportunities to participate in extension activities (4.15) reported important drivers of farm diversification in Punjab and Tamil Nadu respectively. Lack of storage and processing facilities (4.48), (4.63) and market instability and demand variability (4.15), (4.32) reported important barriers of farm diversification in Punjab and Tamil Nadu respectively.