Growth performance of Major Indian cereals: State level analysis

Abstract

Cereals are the major staple food, covering about 80 percent of the cropped area in India. In this study, the trends and growth in the area, production, and productivity of major cereals in major producing states of India were analyzed by using secondary data for a period of 22 years from 1994-95 to 2015 16. Compound annual growth rate and instability index were worked out which revealed that among total cereals, not only area under fine cereals (Rice and Wheat) has shown tremendous increase but their share has also increased from 68 to 75 percent, whereas on the other hand coarse cereals (Maize, Jowar, and Bajra) area has declined at -1.12 per cent during the study period. Maize had shown a positive growth rate in the area whereas Jowar and Bajra showed a negative growth rate in the study period. The productivity of major cereals in all states increased significantly. Required production to meet the expected demand is possible only through productivity improvement, as the possibility of area expansion under cultivation is almost nil. Hence, there is greater potential to improve the yield of major cereals crops through biotechnology and genetic engineering, and thus improve farmers’ income.