Agroecology performance evaluation of farms in Kerala and Meghalaya

Abstract

The study entitled “Agroecology performance evaluation of farms in Kerala and Meghalaya” was undertaken to assess the performance of agroecological farming systems in selected regions of the two states. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the agroecology performance of farms in Kerala and Meghalaya; to analyse the elements of agroecology and various management practices followed by the farmers and to delineate the constraints faced by farmers in adopting agroecological farming systems. The study was conducted in Wayanad district of Kerala and South West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, both characterized by high climatic vulnerability and a significant presence of diverse farming systems. A multistage sampling method was employed for the selection of study areas and respondents to ensure representativeness and reduce sampling bias. A total of 80 farmers were selected for the study, with 40 farmers each from Kerala and Meghalaya. Primary data collection was collected through Kobotoolbox, a digital platform, using a pre- tested semi-structured interview schedule by conducting personal interview with the respondents. The assessment of extreme climatic events in Sultanbathery and Panamaram blocks of Wayanad highlights their high exposure to recurrent landslides and intense rainfall, placing them in the high climate impact category with impact scores of 2.80 and 3.25, respectively. In contrast, Selsella in Meghalaya faces frequent floods and hailstorms, categorized as medium impact with a score of 2.50. These findings underscore the need for localized adaptation measures such as soil and water conservation, slope stabilization in Kerala, and flood management and hail protection in Meghalaya, alongside farmer training and integrated climate adaptation planning. Using the ten dimensions of agroecology defined by TAPE such as Diversity, Synergy, Efficiency, Recycling, Resilience, Knowledge Sharing, Human and Social Values, Nutrition Culture, Circular Economy, and Responsible Governance, content analysis was conducted to deeply understand farming practices. This approach helped categorize and interpret farmers adoption patterns, strengths, and gaps across these key agroecological elements. The analysis identified fifty agroecological practice codes across ten dimensions used to categorize farmers practices. In Kerala, most responses focused on Diversity, Synergy and Efficiency, emphasizing diversification and resource optimization, while Governance and Circular Economy received less attention. In Meghalaya, Diversity, Recycling, and Human and Social Values were dominant, reflecting community-based and traditional practices, although Governance and Circular Economy were also limited. Overall, farmers prioritize on-farm ecological practices more than institutional and governance-related dimensions. Based on the identified codes and practices, bipartite network analysis revealed distinct adoption patterns across the two states. Kerala farmers are central adopters of agroecological practices like crop diversification, beekeeping, manure application, water conservation, agroforestry, input exchange, and mixed cropping, relying mainly on family labour and neighbour cooperation for knowledge sharing. In Meghalaya, a more centralized network shows key farmers adopting biogas slurry use, water recycling, group practice sharing, family labour, seasonal food traditions, seed saving, climate adaptation, land optimization and mixed cropping, reflecting strong community engagement and traditional practices. An Agroecology Adoption Index (AAI) was developed from content analysis to measure the intensity and diversity of agroecological practices across the three blocks. The index showed Selsella with the highest adoption (68.00%), followed by Sultanbathery (64.10%) and Panamaram (58.00%). Kerala’s blocks emphasized efficiency and social cohesion, while Meghalaya demonstrated more holistic engagement with agroecology. Key constraints were limited agroecology-supportive policies and subsidies favoring synthetic inputs in Kerala, and climate variability and governance issues in Meghalaya. Correlation analysis indicated significant similarity between Sultanbathery and Panamaram, with Meghalaya exhibiting distinct regional challenges. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted policies, climate resilience measures, and stronger institutional support. In conclusion, the study highlights that both Kerala and Meghalaya are progressing towards agroecological sustainability through distinct pathways. Policies promoting region-specific strategies to strengthen agroecological transitions, local innovation networks and climate-resilient agricultural practices should be given importance. Financial assistance through low-interest loans, transition grants, and incentives for eco-friendly technologies could be streamlined to ease farmers shift toward sustainable practices. Addressing these challenges will promote resilient, equitable farming systems aligned with agroecology’s core principles.