AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION, PRODUCTIVITY GAINS, AND FOOD SECURITY IN SMALLHOLDER FARMING SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FROM INTEGRATED LOGIT, PSM, ESR, AND SEM APPROACHES IN INDIA
Venu B. N.1, Navya A. G.2, Suresh Babu3, Asif4
1Associate Professor, 3, 4Assistant professor, College of Agricultural Sciences & Applied Research, Bhratiya Engineering Science & Technology Innovation University, Gorantla, Andhra Pradesh, India.
2Associate Professor, Sri Madhusudhana Sai Institute of Medical sciences and Research, Mudedenahalli, Karnataka, India.
Abstract: Agricultural technology adoption is widely recognized as a critical driver of productivity enhancement, income growth, and food security improvement in developing economies. However, adoption remains uneven due to socio-economic, institutional, and behavioral constraints, particularly among smallholder farmers. This study examines the determinants, impacts, and diffusion patterns of agricultural technology adoption using primary data collected from 240 farm households in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, India. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure representation across small, medium, and large farmer categories. The study adopts a comprehensive econometric framework integrating Logit regression, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to address selection bias, endogeneity, and causal inference. A composite Technology Adoption Index (TAI) and a Food Security Index (FSI) are constructed to capture multidimensional aspects of adoption intensity and household welfare outcomes. Empirical results reveal that education, farm size, extension contact, and access to credit significantly and positively influence technology adoption decisions. PSM estimates indicate that adopters achieve significantly higher crop yields (11.25 q/ha), increased farm income (₹98,500), and improved food security (0.18 index points) compared to non-adopters. ESR results further confirm substantial treatment effects, highlighting robust gains even after correcting for selection bias. SEM analysis reveals that technology adoption influences food security both directly and indirectly through productivity and income channels, with income acting as a key mediating variable. Diffusion analysis shows that most farmers fall within the early and late majority categories, indicating a transitional stage of technology diffusion with scope for accelerated adoption. The findings underscore that agricultural technology adoption significantly enhances farm-level productivity and rural welfare, but its benefits are unevenly distributed due to structural constraints. The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension systems, improving access to institutional credit, and promoting inclusive digital agriculture strategies to accelerate adoption and ensure equitable rural transformation.
Keywords: Technology adoption, PSM, ESR, SEM, food security, agricultural productivity, diffusion, India
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04 2026: 234 – 261