Pathways to Sustainable Economic Development: Household Adoption, Benefits, and Challenges of Organic Farming in Rural Kerala

Abstract

Organic farming has emerged as an important strategy for achieving sustainable economic development by ensuring ecological balance, improving household food security, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. This study investigates the dynamics of organic farming adoption at the household level in Elamad Panchayath, Kollam district, Kerala, focusing on trends, influencing factors, economic benefits, and challenges. Utilizing a descriptive research design and primary data from 60 households, the research reveals that health consciousness is the primary driver for adoption, with homemakers playing a pivotal role. While organic farming significantly reduces household expenses and offers modest income generation, persistent challenges such as pest management, high input costs, and limited formal support hinder full adoption and scalability. The findings underscore the potential of household organic farming as a pathway to sustainable economic development through enhanced food security and reduced dependency on market produce, but also highlight critical areas for policy intervention, including targeted training, simplified certification, and improved market linkages to foster wider and more impactful adoption.