The present study investigates the impact of irrigation access and crop choice on farm profitability in the semi-arid regions of Sikar district, Rajasthan. Semi-arid regions face recurrent challenges such as water scarcity, low rainfall, and declining soil fertility, which significantly affect farmers’ decisions regarding crop selection and resource allocation. In this context, irrigation infrastructure and crop diversification emerge as critical determinants of agricultural sustainability and profitability. Using both primary data (collected from farm households through structured questionnaires and field visits) and secondary data (government reports, agricultural statistics, and scholarly articles), this research employs cost-benefit analysis and regression techniques to measure the relationship between irrigation access, crop choice, and farm profitability. The findings reveal that farmers with assured irrigation facilities are more likely to cultivate high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, leading to significantly higher net returns compared to those dependent solely on rainfed farming. On the other hand, farmers with limited irrigation continue to focus on low-risk but less profitable food grains. The results further highlight that irrigation access not only enhances profitability but also reduces production risks, stabilizes income, and encourages crop diversification. Policy implications suggest that expanding irrigation coverage, promoting efficient water-use technologies (like drip and sprinkler systems), and incentivizing farmers to diversify into high-value crops can substantially improve farm incomes in semi-arid regions. This study contributes to the growing literature on agricultural economics by providing evidence-based insights from Sikar district and offers practical recommendations for policymakers, agricultural planners, and development agencies working in semi-arid regions of India.
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