Adoption of organic horticulture in Haryana: An analysis of opportunities and constraints

Abstract

In India, the shift towards sustainable agriculture has gained notable momentum, especially in states like Haryana, where intensive farming has caused significant environmental damage. This research investigates the adoption of horticulture practices in Haryana in organic form, intending to analyse the pattern and extent of adoption of organic horticulture among farmers and to trace out the main prospects and constraints influencing adoption. The study is based on primary data collected from 180 farmers using a well-structured questionnaire across selected districts in the state of Haryana. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the farmers for the study. To determine the institutional and socio-economic factors affecting adoption, a binary logistic regression model is employed. The findings of the study revealed that farm size, market linkage, access to extension services and education significantly influence adoption. Opportunities such as premium pricing, environmental sustainability and rising demand encourage adoption, while constraints include certification barriers, weak marketing infrastructure and lack of technical knowledge, which hinder its expansion. The study suggests various policy interventions focusing upon institutional support, capacity building and market development to promote organic horticulture in Haryana.