Drivers of Foodgrain Productivity in Uttar Pradesh

The present study using district-wise panel data for the period between 2000–01 and 2016–17 assesses trends and acceleration or deceleration of growth in area, production and productivity of foodgrains in Uttar Pradesh. Though agriculture production growth in the state is primarily attributed to productivity gains, the crop-wise analysis suggests the scope for productivity-led growth in the case of wheat. The significant decline in area under nutri-cereals and pulses over time is another concern. Increasing cropping intensity, irrigation coverage and strengthening extension outreach are major suggestions for bolstering productivity in the long run.

Agriculture productivity growth has remained a subject of intense debate in scientific as well as policy circles in India. Large numbers of studies have been taken up across the country for understanding the agricultural growth pattern over time at the national level (Mahadevan 2003; Tripathi and Prasad 2008). However, understanding the pattern of agricultural growth and development at the regional level is a pre-requisite for evolving strategic decentralised development strategies to ensure inclusive growth in the country in the long run (Mathur et al 2006; Kumar and Elumalai 2007; Bhalla and Singh 2009; Kumar and Jain 2012).