Name: Aman Naqvi, Arshad Naqvi , Mokshika Mehta
Country: India

Year: 2023
Volume: Volume-10, Issue-2 (July-December)
Page Number: 22-35

This study reconceptualizes smallholder agriculture by positioning it within a market-oriented agribusiness framework, moving beyond the traditional subsistence paradigm. Drawing on an extensive review of multidisciplinary literature, the paper synthesizes key insights on commercialization, institutional dynamics, value chain integration, and technological transformation in smallholder contexts. The findings suggest that smallholders are increasingly capable of functioning as entrepreneurial agents, actively engaging in markets, responding to price signals, and participating in value-added activities. However, their transition to market-oriented systems is influenced by multiple interrelated factors, including access to infrastructure, financial services, institutional support, and digital technologies. The study further highlights the role of collective action, social capital, and policy interventions in overcoming structural constraints. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of sustainability and resilience in ensuring long-term viability amid climate and market uncertainties. By integrating fragmented perspectives into a cohesive theoretical framework, this paper contributes to advancing the discourse on inclusive and sustainable agribusiness development. It provides a conceptual foundation for policymakers and researchers to design
strategies that enhance smallholder participation in modern agri-food systems.