Trends in Production of Pulses and Oilseeds Over Last Two Decades in Eastern India

Abstract

"India is a major producer and consumer of a wide variety of pulses and oilseeds but still struggles to achieve self-sufficiency due to the growing disparity between demand and supply. The present study has made an attempt to compare and disseminate trends in acreage, production, and productivity of pulses and oilseeds over the last two decades (1999-2000 to 2018-2019). Regarding the computation of growth and instability, a modified exponential production function is fitted, and to judge the overall change in production, a decomposition of the trend in area and yield over two decades has been performed. Bihar and West Bengal stand out as the primary producers of pulses, while rapeseed and mustard take the lead among oilseed crops, followed by sesame. Odisha uniquely contributes to groundnut production, while linseed has become integral to West Bengal’s overall oilseeds output. To enhance production in these states, implementing HYV seeds, proper land preparation techniques, and adopting paira cropping in rice-fallow situations can significantly boost the current status of pulses and oilseeds in the eastern India."