Total Factor Productivity of Major Pulse Crops in India: Implications for Technology Policy and Nutritional Security

Abstract

Improving TFP of pulse crops, the major sources of protein, is important to achieve food and nutritional security in India. In this context the paper has examined the consumption pattern of pulses in India and has estimated the TFP growth of major pulses (chickpea, pigeon pea, green gram and black gram) in the country. The study carried out for the period of 1994-95 to 2012-13, has used Malmquist productivity approach to estimate the TFP. The study has also explored the role of technology change in improving pulse productivity by studying the case of chickpea in Andhra Pradesh. The study has noted that per capita consumption of pulses has declined over the years. The consumption of pulses is far less by the lowest income group vis-a-vis the highest income group households. The yield of pulses in general has stagnated over the years. Among the pulses studied, only chickpea and green gram have exhibited improvement in TFP. The study has revealed that pulses are the cheapest source of proteins among all foods and therefore, have a significant place in improving nutrition at individual level as well as country level. It is the development of short-duration and heat-tolerant varieties and better management that have helped in yield improvement. The case study on chickpea in Andhra Pradesh has shown that productivity improvement is directly related to the share of improved varieties adoption. The study has concluded that the development of affordable technologies suitable for marginal environments and emerging cropping patterns would help improve the productivity of pulses in India, thereby may contribute to addressing the under-consumption of protein.