Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Productivity in Karnataka: Evidence from District- and Household-Level Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v15n01.001Keywords:
Rural infrastructure, Agricultural productivity, Total Factor Productivity, Regional disparities, KarnatakaAbstract
Rural infrastructure plays a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity by reducing production costs, mitigating risks, and facilitating technology adoption. While macro-level studies establish a positive association between infrastructure and agricultural growth, evidence on how infrastructure affects farm-level outcomes across regions remains limited. This paper examines the impact of rural infrastructure on agricultural productivity in Karnataka using a combined district- and household-level analytical framework. Drawing on district-level panel data for the period 2010–2025 and primary survey data from 400 farm households in Mandya and Belagavi districts, the study analyses how infrastructure availability, quality, and utilisation influence agricultural costs, productivity, and income. Composite indices of rural infrastructure are constructed, and econometric models are employed to estimate their effects across regions and farmer categories. The results indicate that rural infrastructure has a positive and statistically significant impact on agricultural productivity, with stronger complementarities and marginal effects in irrigated southern regions (e.g., Mandya) compared to transitional northern areas (e.g., Belagavi). Importantly, infrastructure quality and effective utilisation matter more than mere physical availability, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Persistent regional disparities in infrastructure access and quality contribute to uneven productivity and modest Total Factor Productivity growth in the state. The findings underscore the need for policy emphasis on infrastructure quality, last-mile connectivity, maintenance, and equitable access to promote sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in Karnataka.
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