Adoption of Risk Mitigation Practices among Small and Marginal Farmers in the Marathwada Region of Maharashtra

Agricultural production is characterised by a high degree of uncertainty, particularly in developing economies where farming activities largely depend on monsoonal rainfall and traditional cultivation practices. In India, small and marginal farmers are disproportionately exposed to agricultural risks due to fragmented landholdings, limited financial resources, and restricted access to institutional support systems. The Marathwada region of Maharashtra represents one of the most vulnerable agrarian zones in the country, having experienced recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, declining groundwater availability, and persistent market instability. The present study investigates the nature of agricultural risks encountered by small and marginal farmers in Marathwada and examines the extent to which they adopt various risk mitigation practices. It also identifies the key constraints affecting the adoption of such practices. The analysis is based on primary data collected from 120 sample farmers across selected districts of the region, using descriptive statistical techniques. The results indicate that climatic variability constitutes the most significant source of risk perception among farmers, while the adoption of formal risk mitigation instruments such as crop insurance and climate-resilient technologies remains limited. Financial limitations, inadequate awareness, weak extension mechanisms, and institutional shortcomings emerge as major impediments. The study underscores the need for a region-specific and integrated agricultural risk management framework that combines technological interventions, institutional support, and livelihood diversification to enhance income stability and resilience among small and marginal farmers.