Socio-economic determinants of willingness to expand palmyrah palm cultivation: An econometric analysis

K Subasri; S Senthilnathan; T Elanchezhiyan; P Jeyalakshmi; Balaji  Kannan; R Swarnapriya; V M Indumathi; Devi M Nirmala

doi:10.14719/pst.5394

Authors

K Subasri Department of Agricultural Economics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003 Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1110-8951
S Senthilnathan Department of Agricultural Economics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003 Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2924-3690
T Elanchezhiyan Department of Agricultural Economics, V.O.C. AC&RI, Killikulam 628 252, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5595-0906
P Jeyalakshmi Department of Agricultural Extension Communication and Rural Sociology, V.O.C. AC&RI, Killikulam,628 252,Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7238-9445
Balaji Kannan Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2330-0893
R Swarnapriya Palmyrah & Banana Research Station, V.O.C. AC&RI, Killikulam 628 252, Tamil Nadu India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7138-0595
V M Indumathi Department of Agricultural and Rural Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3611-3085
Devi M Nirmala Department of Physical Science & Information Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6452-9881

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5394

Keywords:

palmyrah palm, probit model, rural development, socio-economic factors, willingness for area expansion

Abstract

The Palmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer L.), often referred to as the "Tree of Life". It holds a significant cultural and economic significance, serving as a cornerstone for rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Despite its numerous advantages, the expansion of Palmyrah palm cultivation is influenced by a range of socio-economic factors. This study examines the socio-economic determinants affecting farmers’ willingness to expand Palmyrah palm cultivation in Vembar South Gram panchayat, located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, South India. To analyse the binary nature of the outcome variable, the Probit Econometric Model was employed to assess the factors influencing the likelihood of expanding Palmyrah cultivation based on various socio-economic parameters. The findings reveal that farming experience, higher income, and larger landholdings significantly increase the likelihood of expansion, whereas gender, occupation (agriculture), and family size are associated with a decreased likelihood. Notably, female landowners, non-agricultural workers, and farmers from smaller families with higher income levels are particularly inclined to expand Palmyrah cultivation. The study’s findings provides important insights for policymakers aiming to promote Palmyrah cultivation and foster rural economic development through targeted interventions that could effectively support the socio-economic well-being of the farming communities.

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