International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Kavana V Patil and VR Kiresur

abstract
The study examines a socio-economic assessment of farm diversification on income variability among farmers in Belagavi and Haveri districts of Karnataka during 2023-24. It involved 120 farmers, stratified by farm size and found a positive relationship between diversification and income stability. The study used the Simpson Index of Diversification (SID) to measure diversification and the Tobit model to identify factors influencing it. Farmers with no diversification had an average income of ?6,31,716 and 59.10 per cent income variability, while fully diversified farms averaged ?20,48,049 with just 8.03 per cent variability. Key factors influencing diversification included education, farming experience, landholding size, farm income, and non-farm income. Experience and farm income were the most significant determinants. Farmers with more experience and higher farm income were better able to diversify, reducing their reliance on a single income source. In terms of farm size, larger farmers had higher levels of diversification, driven by better resources and the ability to invest in multiple enterprises. Belagavi farmers exhibited greater diversification and higher incomes compared to those in Haveri, likely due to better market access and agro-based infrastructure. Chi-square analysis showed a strong positive association between farm income and diversification, with wealthier farmers more likely to diversify to mitigate risks and enhance profitability.