Impact assessment of BBF technology adoption in soybean production using probit regression

This study assesses the impact of the Broad Bed and Furrow (BBF) system on soybean farming in Latur, Maharashtra. Originally developed by ICRISAT for vertisols and tested for eight years in Medak, the BBF method proved effective in improving drainage, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing yields, which led to its widespread adoption across Marathwada’s rainfed regions with strong support from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani. Soybean, often referred to as a "miracle crop," is one of India’s major oilseeds known for its economic and nutritional value. It plays a significant role in uplifting the socio-economic status of farmers, especially in rainfed areas like Marathwada. Latur, being a key soybean-growing district, was purposively selected for this study. A multistage sampling technique was employed for selecting respondents. Primary data was collected for the year 2023-2024 through personal interviews using a pre-tested schedule. A total of 120 farmers were selected, equally divided between 60 adopters and 60 non-adopters of BBF technology. To evaluate the economic impact of BBF adoption, a probit regression model was applied, as it is well-suited for binary outcomes such as adoption (1) and non-adoption (0). The explanatory variables considered in the model included age, education level, family size, annual income, and source of information. The analysis revealed that source of information and family size significantly influenced adoption, at the 1 per cent and 10 per cent levels respectively, with the source of information emerging as the most influential factor. To enhance BBF adoption, it is essential to strengthen extension services, increase farmer awareness through demonstrations, and promote family involvement by emphasizing the benefits of labour sharing and collaborative decision-making.