Advancing economic sustainability in smallholder agriculture: insights on financial inclusion, asset size, technology, and knowledge-based inputs in the transformation of farm productivity in India

Enhancing agricultural productivity is central to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in rural economies characterized by smallholder farming. This study examines the role of financial inclusion, human capital, and technology adoption in shaping crop productivity among marginal farmers in India. Drawing on human capital and development perspectives, the research investigates how literacy and awareness interact with access to agricultural credit, farm size, and the adoption of modern technologies to influence productivity outcomes. Primary data were collected from 400 marginal farmers through a structured survey and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that literacy and awareness significantly enhance crop productivity both directly and indirectly by strengthening the impact of technology adoption and access to credit. The results highlight a complementary relationship between knowledge-based inputs and technological resources in driving sustainable agricultural outcomes. In contrast, farm size shows a limited influence, reflecting structural constraints in smallholder contexts. By demonstrating the dual role of literacy as both an independent and moderating factor, the study contributes to the literature on sustainable agriculture and inclusive development. The findings underscore the need for integrated policy interventions that combine financial inclusion, capacity building, and technology dissemination to promote resilient and equitable agrarian systems. Such interventions can enhance food security, improve rural livelihoods, and support long-term sustainable development in emerging economies.