Sadiq Mohammed Sanusi and Grema Isiyaku Jawa
The present study discussed the trends and patterns in agricultural growth at the state and sub-state levels in Rajasthan State of India. Time series data on important variables like area, production and productivity, covering post-green revolution period spanning from 1994 to 2015 were compiled from various published sources. In all, 17 crops cultivated in 23 potential districts of the state were selected, and data analysis was achieved using growth rate model. Results revealed that the cropping pattern in Rajasthan State has undergone significant changes over time. Productivity growth of all kharif crops except groundnut was negative, while productivity growth for almost all rabi crops were positive, in most of the selected districts respectively. Among kharif cereals, maize crop exhibited positive growth in production, while jowar and bajra crops, respectively, exhibited negative growth in all selected districts. For kharif pulse crops, three major crops showed declining trend, as the production growth rates were negative except moong crop in Ajmer and Nagaur, moth in Barmer in period I; while for kharif oilseeds, groundnut and soyabean exhibited promising trend, while sesamum and cotton showed losing trend. Productivity growth of wheat, barley, mustard, cumin and coriander was positive in almost all selected districts. For rabi crops viz. rabi cereals, both wheat and barley crops exhibited positive growth in production overtime; rabi pulse crop (gram) also showed positive production growth in Jaipur and Jhunjhunu, and negative growth in Sri-Ganganagar and Churu districts, respectively, in period II. Therefore, findings inferred that, the performance of kharif crops with respect to productivity growth was not impressive during the study period. The use of technological inventions in the cultivation of rabi crops was also not so conspicuous in kharif crops, except groundnut crop. Nevertheless, increase in crop yield has been a major factor for accelerating production in the country since green revolution period. The use of modern varieties, irrigation and fertilizers were important factors that ensured higher growth in crop production. However, technological and institutional support for rabi crops brought significant changes in crop productivity in almost all the selected districts. Therefore, results of growth model indicates that enhanced capital formation, adequate irrigational facilities, adequate provision of improved varieties and improved fertilizer utilization helped to improve crop productivity in the state. Hence, a policy on development of consistent performing varieties and further enhance irrigation facilities will go a long way in ensuring stability in Rajasthan State agriculture.
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