Farmers’ behavioural transformation in sustainable organic farming transitions

Abstract

The study evaluates the degree of adoption of organic practices, dimension-wise behavioural predictors, and overall behavioural change for farmers moving from conventional to organic farming under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Analysis of data from 180 transition farmers indicates moderately to highly positive adoption of organic practices, especially with respect to nutrient and crop management. The behavioural change was most significantly impacted by attitude, social influence, self-confidence, management skills, and control. Farmers under rainfed conditions had significantly greater positive behavioural change than farmers under irrigated conditions. The results underscore the need for institutional support, positive attitude towards the environment, health and economics, and need targeted training to ramp up transitions to organic farming.