ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Fertiliser Use and Agricultural Outcomes: An Economic Analysis of Farmers in Darrang District, Assam

Fertiliser use plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in agrarian economies. However, concerns regarding input-use efficiency, rising cultivation costs, and sustainable nutrient management have increased the need for economic assessments of fertilizer application at the farm level. The present study examines fertiliser-use patterns and their agricultural outcomes among farmers in Darrang district of Assam. The study is based on primary data collected from 300 farming households selected through a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, farm-budget analysis, and multiple regression models were employed to analyse fertilizer-use behaviour, its impact on agricultural productivity, and the socio-economic factors influencing fertiliser adoption. The findings reveal that fertilizer expenditure constitutes a significant component of cultivation costs and that fertilizer use positively influences crop productivity and farm income. The regression results indicate that fertiliser use, irrigation access, farm size, and educational attainment significantly enhance agricultural productivity. Furthermore, education, farm income, access to institutional credit, and extension services were found to be important determinants of fertilizer-use behaviour. The study also highlights the continued dependence of farmers on nitrogen-based fertilizers, particularly urea, raising concerns regarding balanced nutrient management. The findings underscore the importance of promoting soil-test-based fertilizer application, strengthening agricultural extension services, improving access to institutional credit, and encouraging integrated nutrient-management practices. Such measures can improve fertilizer-use efficiency, enhance farm profitability, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Assam.