The Impact of New Agricultural Technology on Tribal Farming: A Study of Ranchi District of Jharkhand State Barla Marcus Department of Economics, St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, Jharkhand Online published on 9 October, 2012. Abstract The major tribal groups in Jharkhand are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Low agricultural productivity and production have resulted into their economic deprivation. The adoption of new agricultural technology (NAT) in the form of HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, other agro-chemicals, method of cultivation, etc. can improve the production and productivity of agricultural sector in tribal region leading to improvement in economic condition of the people. NAT has been concentrated in those areas, which have irrigation and other supporting facilities, and among those farmers who have relatively better resource base. Spread of information regarding NAT, improvement in irrigation facility, support from block, bank or NGO, easy availability of HYV seeds and fertilizers are some of the factors, which have helped in adoption, and spread of NAT in this region. Ignorance of the farmers, lack of irrigation facility, poor credit supports, etc. are some of the factors that restrict its spread. The nature and magnitude of impact, varies from region to region and therefore, needs to be explored. All these aspects have been thoroughly studied in this research work. Some policy implications have also been discussed. Top Keywords Agriculture, tribals, livelihood, productivity, technology, HYV seeds, Jharkhand. Top |