Crop diversification has emerged as an important strategy for improving farm income and reducing farmers’ dependence on a limited number of crops. In India, where small and marginal farmers constitute a large share of the agricultural workforce, diversification towards high-value crops, horticulture, pulses, oilseeds and livestock-related activities can influence income, employment and economic resilience. This study examines the relationship between crop diversification and farm income in Indian agriculture. It analyses how changes in cropping patterns affect farm profitability, income stability and the economic risks associated with dependence on traditional crops. The study uses secondary data from government publications, agricultural statistics, research studies and institutional reports to examine trends in crop diversification and farm income. The analysis indicates that diversification can improve farm income when farmers have access to irrigation, markets, storage, credit, technology and reliable price information. High-value crops can generate greater returns per unit of land than some traditional cereal crops, although they may also expose farmers to price fluctuations, production risks and higher input costs. The study argues that crop diversification should be supported through improved market infrastructure, extension services, credit facilities and risk-management mechanisms. Effective diversification can contribute to higher and more stable farm incomes while strengthening the economic resilience of Indian farming households.
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Kour, B. (2026). Crop Diversification and Farm Income: Evidence from Indian Agriculture. The Business and Economic Research, 1(1), 13-22.
Banpreet Kour "Crop Diversification and Farm Income: Evidence from Indian Agriculture." The Business and Economic Research, vol. 1, no. 1, 2026, pp. 13-22.
Banpreet Kour. 2026. "Crop Diversification and Farm Income: Evidence from Indian Agriculture." The Business and Economic Research 1, no. 1: 13-22.
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