Economic Analysis of Farming Systems in Mahabubabad District of Telangana State, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Mahabubabad district of Telangana state, India during the year 2022-23 for the economic analysis of the existing farming systems in Mahabubabad district with a focus on income patterns, employment generation, enterprise contribution, and constraints to IFS adoption.  Using a multistage stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 170 households categorized by landholding size into marginal, small, medium, and large farms.The findings highlight significant variations in socio-economic attributes, cropping patterns, livestock holdings, income sources, and levels of enterprise integration across farm sizes. Larger farms showed higher crop dominance, better livestock productivity, and greater income diversification potential. In contrast, marginal and small farms relied more on livestock and non-farm sources for sustenance. Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), especially those combining crop and dairy with small ruminants, generated higher employment and optimized recycling of farm by-products. However, access to credit, improved livestock breeds, and infrastructural limitations emerged as critical constraints to IFS adoption. The study suggests targeted interventions to address these constraints and enhance farm sustainability and income resilience in the region