Homestead farming has been the backbone agricultural economy of Kerala but the productivity of the homesteads in Kerala has yet to reach an acceptable level. In this paper the possibility of increasing the contribution of this sector through proper crop planning is sought. The optimum model was developed by using linear programming (LP) technique. The constraints included in the analysis were total area, intercropped area, investment amount and population of each enterprise. The optimum model reveal the scope of 22.83 per cent enhancement in net return as compared to net return from the existing plan. Sensitivity analysis of the optimum model revealed that further enhancement of net return in The agro-ecological region could be achieved by increasing the cropping intensity in the underutilized intercropped area and changing the binding enterprises.

Aims: To find the Willingness To Pay (WTP) for pesticide-free vegetables by the consumers of Palakkad district in Kerala and the factors influencing the decision. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Palakkad district of Kerala, between March 2022 and December 2022. Methodology: A sample of 80 consumers spread across the district was randomly selected. The factors influencing the WTP behaviour of the consumers were analysed using a logistic regression model with WTP as the dependent variable and annual income, awareness regarding the presence of pesticide residues, education, food habit, and type of market as exogenous variables. Results: Out of 80 respondents, 54 of them (67.50 %) expressed their WTP for pesticide-free vegetables. The logit model analysis indicated the annual income of the consumers, education level and awareness of the respondents regarding the presence of pesticide residues were significantly influencing the WTP decision. Conclusion: The positive responses from consumers towards pesticide-free vegetables could be used as a driving force for farmers to produce and market the same in the study area if they ensure proper marketing focused on awareness promoting programmes on pesticide residues and by establishing the authenticity of the produce's origin.

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refer to all biological resources harvested from the forest for human use and are not having timber purposes. Two types of NTFPs such as tradable and non-tradable NTFPs are available. In international trade, tradable NTFPs are only significant. NTFPs are important components of food security and a vital source of income for the poor in many developing nations. NTFP collection accounts for almost 58 per cent of the total income earned by Kerala's tribal population. Most of the employment (54.04%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFP collection (33.77%). NTFPs were found to be collected and used by tribals for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, raw materials for making implements, and as a source of income. NTFPs are marketed through various marketing channels, depending on various factors such as the product's nature, demand and proximity to the market. If co-operative societies and EDCs (Eco-Development Committees) could develop value additional units for NTFPs with the participation of indigenous groups, it ensures effective use of their spare time as well as a better livelihood through increased NTFP income.

Nendran is a commercial plantain variety in the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka which occupies 50 per cent of total area under plantain in India. Its production in Kerala is highly dependent on nature.Even though banana is a remunerative crop, there are various kinds of risks that are encountered in its production and marketing. Farmers cultivating this crop suffered huge losses due to natural disasters, pest and disease outbreaks and fluctuation in prices. This study focuses the major constraints faced by farmers in the adoption of different risk mitigating measures during the production and marketing of banana. The major constraints faced by the banana growers were low price due to glut of output in market, complicated procedure for availing crop insurance and payment of rent in advance for leased in land.

Aims : To assess the risk perception of pineapple farmers in the context of Covid 19. Place and Duration of the Study: Muvattupuzha block panchayat in Ernakulam district in Kerala between September 2021 to September 2022. Methodology: The data relating to the study were collected during September  2021 from 120 pineapple farmers, using a well-structured interview schedule. Based on a four-point Likert scale, a Standardized Covid -19 Risk Perception Index (SCovRPI) was developed to assess the risk perception against fourteen identified risks faced by pineapple farmers during Covid 19. Farmers were asked to score the risks based on their level of perception. Results: Realisation of low price, restrictions in transportation, low demand for pineapple in market, disruption in farming activities and non-availability of adequate hired labour are the major risks perceived by pineapple farmers during Covid 19. Conclusion: findings of the study are relevant for policymakers as they work to seek remedial measures that enhance the living standards and resilience of pineapple farmers.