Modernizing Agriculture: Economic Motivation as Predictors of Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Adoption of New Technology among Small Farmers of Sargodha

Abstract

The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in national economic development, yet in Pakistan it continues to lag behind the global standards of modernization due to persistent socio-economic and intellectual barriers. This study investigates the role of economic motivation as a key predictor of entrepreneurial initiatives and the adoption of modern technology among small farmers in the Sargodha district. The study embedded a quantitative research design, data were collected from 120 small farmers through structured interview schedules using a multistage sampling approach that combined simple random and convenience sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using SPSS, with results presented in descriptive and inferential forms. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between farmers’ economic motivation and their entrepreneurial engagement and willingness to adopt modern agricultural technologies. The study highlights that strengthening economic motivation among small farmers, can substantially contribute to agricultural modernization and improved productivity. Doing so can ultimately support Pakistan’s broader goals of economic growth and rural development.