Quantifying the Role of Disembodied Technologies in Enhancing Farm Income: A Case of Dibbling Method of Redgram Cultivation in Kalaburgi District of Northern Karnataka

Dibbling method of redgram cultivation is a technique of sowing seeds of semi-determinant variety with wider spacing, followed by nipping after 40 to 50 days. This technique is gaining popularity in parts of northern Karnataka due to its yield advantage over conventional method of cultivation. The present study has analysed the correlates of its adoption and quantified the effect of this technology on yield and farm income, using econometric approaches; Heckman two-step endogeneity correction model and Difference in Difference regressions. The result indicated that the dibbling method was mostly adopted by small and marginal farmers. Extension efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra was identified as an important correlate of adoption. The average yield advantage of dibbling was estimated to be 2.66 quintals per acre after accounting for endogeneity and trend effect. The partial budgeting framework was used to translate the yield advantage into monetary gains. Farmers who has dibbled redgram derived an additional net income of Rs.10, 170 per acre.