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This study aims to estimate the growth rate of total agricultural output as well as the output of major crops in Kerala. Additionally, we examine the factors that influence overall agricultural growth in the state.

Using data from 1970 to 2019, the study estimated CAGR of the total agricultural output and output of major crops in Kerala. Further, the ARDL model is estimated to investigate the factors influencing agricultural growth.

Agricultural growth in Kerala has been weak, with food crop production consistently declining. Although commercial crop production initially increased, it has now begun to drop. An econometric analysis identified rainfall, fertilizer consumption and gross cropped area as key long-term factors affecting agricultural output. While rainfall has a negative impact, both fertilizer consumption (0.5%) and gross cropped area (8.89%) positively influence production.

This study uses proxy variable for agricultural output due to the unavailability of continuous data. Lack of time series data on certain variables such as agricultural credit, public investment and subsidy expenditure limited the inclusion of additional explanatory variables.

Several studies have examined various aspects of Kerala’s agricultural sector. However, to the best of our knowledge, no research has focused on identifying the key factors driving agricultural growth in the state.

The construction industry is notorious for high risks and accident rates, prompting professionals to adopt emerging technologies for improved construction workers’ health and safety (CWHS). Despite the recognized benefits, the practical implementation of these technologies in safety management within the Construction 4.0 era remains nascent. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms influencing the implementation of Construction 4.0 technologies (C4.0TeIm) to enhance CWHS in construction organizations.

Drawing upon integrated institutional theory, the contingency resource-based view of firms and the theory of planned behavior, this study developed and tested an integrated C4.0TeIm-CWHS framework. The framework captures the interactions among key factors driving C4.0TeIm to enhance CWHS within construction organizations. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey among 91 construction organizations and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships.

The results reveal that: (1) key C4.0TeIm areas are integrative and centralized around four areas, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing, Internet of Things and extended reality; and (2) external coercive and normative forces, internal resource and capability, business strategy, technology competency and management (BST), organizational culture and use intention (UI) of C4.0 technologies, collectively influence C4.0TeIm-CWHS. The findings confirm the pivotal roles of BST and UI as mediators fostering positive organizational behaviors related to C4.0TeIm-CWHS.

Practically, it offers actionable insights for policymakers to optimize technology integration in construction firms, promoting industrial advancement while enhancing workforce well-being.

The novel C4.0TeIm-CWHS framework contributes to the theoretical discourses on safety management within the C4.0 paradigm by offering insights into internal strategic deployment and compliance challenges in construction organizations.