Revisiting the Status of Agricultural Productivity in Odisha

Abstract

The present study analyses the productivity growth performance of major crop categories grown across the state of Odisha from 1970-71 to 2019-20. For analysing growth performance and comparing yield of important crops in Odisha, the research applies statistical methods such as annual growth rate (AGR), compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and ordinary least square method (OLS) of regression. On the other hand, the coefficient of variation (CV) and the instability index (Cuddy & Valle, 1978) have been used to investigate the state’s crop productivity instability. The study reveals the fact that the selected categories of crops which include cereals, oilseeds, pulses, food grains, fibres and small millets have not been experienced with steady annual growth rate from 1970-71 to 2019-20 rather they have been featured with high volatility. Moreover, the high degree of instability is evident in productivity of specified crop categories in Odisha. To boost agricultural production rates, it is vital to emphasise agricultural research and development and ensure that research discoveries are easily accessible to farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers. JEL Code: Q10, Q19