Commercialization of agriculture in north Karnataka: A case study
Abstract
Commercial agriculture focuses on cultivating crops primarily for market purposes rather than subsistence. The present study estimates the extent of crop commercialization in North Karnataka. The study classifies the districts intotwo clusters: cluster I (Dharwad and Gadag) and cluster II (Belagavi and Bagalkot). Primary data were collected from 240farm households from the two categories using pre-tested and well-structured schedule. The study evaluated key metricsincluding cropping patterns, cropping intensity and the Crop Commercialization Index (CCI). The results of the studyrevealed disparity in commercialization between the two clusters. Cluster II demonstrates a higher degree of commercialization,largely due to its focus on cash crops like sugarcane, which have strong market demand and profitability. In contrast, clusterI is characterized by the predominance of staple crops such as maize and wheat, which limits its market engagement. Notably, the study finds that cropping intensity is higher in cluster I at 147.58 per cent, attributed to its diverse croprotations that allow for optimal land use. In comparison, cluster-II, with a cropping intensity of 128.62 per cent, is hinderedby the singular focus on sugarcane. The CCI analysis indicates that a substantial majority (94.58%) of farm households inboth clusters fall within the upper echelon of the commercialization spectrum (76 to 100 per cent range), signalling robustmarket participation among these farming communities. These findings illuminate the critical role that crop selection,market proximity and irrigation access play in shaping the landscape of agricultural commercialization. To sustain andenhance this commercialization process, it is imperative for policymakers to focus on strengthening market linkages,improving infrastructure and supporting the adoption of modern agricultural practices. Additionally, a balanced approachthat encourages the cultivation of both high value commercial crops and essential food crops is vital for fostering sustainableagricultural development.
