Research on farmers’ adoption of additional technology combinations: Practice from Chongqing, China

Abstract

Tobacco farmers often adopt additional multiple agricultural technologies (AMATs) in addition to implementing the standardized technical system in China. Based on the cross-sectional micro data of 346 households of Chongqing, China, this paper assesses the determinants and impacts of the adoption of AMATs on income by using a multinomial endogenous treatment effects model to correct for selection bias and endogeneity caused by observed and unobserved heterogeneity. The results show that (1) the adoption of combinations of AMATs is determined by the household head’s education level, experience in tobacco growing, the shortest distance to nearby town, the amount of technical training, the ratio of land available for mechanical cultivation to tobacco land, the distance to extension station, and the ratio of leased land. (2) The adoption of combinations of AMATs has heterogeneous effects on farmers’ income through yield and quality improvement. (3) The comprehensive combination of AMATs is not necessarily the best option for farmers. Due to the interaction between technologies such as complementary, substitute or supplementary effects, the moderate implementation of fertilizers and soil improvement is the most effective combination. The results of this research provide a scientific basis for improving the adoption efficiency of AMATs in China.