Factors influencing youth in family farming: A study from Southern India

India’s agricultural products have robust demand across globe because of its diversity and quality. The agricultural sector is transforming rapidly with technological advancements in the areas of precision farming, IoT applications and Agritech innovations. Youth embody the promise of tomorrow. With 68 percent of India’s population are under the age of 35 years, they play a critical role in ensuring food security of India. Economic factors such as availability of credit, finance and agricultural input play a significant role for youth to involve in family farming. Respectability for youth who involves in family farming and the presence of parents in agricultural activities and the family tradition also exercises its influence as a part of social factors. Access to information and communication technology, use of machineries in various farming activities and easy access to renewable resources play a crucial role in engagement of youth in farming. Thus, it becomes imperative to investigate the major factors influencing youth in family farming. This study followed key informant interviews with 58 farming families in Erode and Coimbatore districts of south India in a farmer’s exhibition. The study highlights the significant challenges and practices related to selling produce, obtaining financing, and accessing markets. reliance on unofficial funding sources, such as moneylenders or personal connections, frequently entails high interest rates and unfavourable terms, which can limit the profitability and expansion of farming businesses financially. At the same time, enhancing market infrastructure and transportation facilities could greatly improve market accessibility for young farmers, addressing these challenges effectively thereby impacting youth participation in family farming in Southern India.