Innovating Sustainability: Transformative Pathways for Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Development in Telangana State
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Abstract
Sustainable agricultural development in India demands innovative and institutionally supported solutions to tackle climate variability, resource depletion, and rural livelihood insecurity. Telangana State, with its predominance of small and marginal farmers and semi-arid Agro-climatic conditions, offers a crucial case study for exploring transformative pathways. This study examined the impact of innovation-driven agricultural practices and various institutional, technological, and policy interventions on sustainable inclusive and resilient agricultural development in Telangana. Data was gathered from 350 farm households across selected districts through structured surveys and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and regression-based econometric analysis using STATA assessed the effects of innovation adoption and institutional support on farm productivity income and resilience. Key findings revealed that innovative practices like improved seed varieties, sustainable farming methods micro-irrigation and digital advisory services significantly boosted farm productivity. Institutional interventions such as access to extension services, credit, government schemes and membership in Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) were crucial in translating productivity gains into higher incomes and improved livelihoods. Furthermore, the study showed that innovation adoption, coupled with crop diversification and institutional connections, significantly strengthened farmers’ resilience to climate and market shocks. Overall, the research concludes that sustainable agricultural transformation in Telangana is best achieved through an integrated systems-based approach that aligns technological innovation with robust institutions and inclusive policy frameworks. These insights are valuable for policymakers aiming to promote long-term agricultural sustainability inclusiveness and resilience in climate-vulnerable regions.