Performance of Pulses in Gujarat: A District level Assessment

Abstract

A research was conducted to assess the performance of pulses in one of the most important agriculture states of India. Performance of pulse crops was judged on two important parameters i.e. growth and instability. Compound growth rate was estimated by fitting non linear model to the area, production and productivity data for the period from 1970-71 to 2011-12. The fitted model was analyzed using Marquardt algorithm. Instability was assessed by employing Cuddy-Della Valle instability index. The results show that, the production of pulses increased in the state during the entire study period. The increase in pulse crops in the state was due to area expansion coupled with marginal improvement in yield up to the year 1990 after that, increase in production was mainly from improvement in the yield of pulse crops as area was stagnated. Area under pulse crops increased consistently up to year 1990 afterwards it was stagnated. Consistent improvement in the yield of pulses was a notable feature which shows that improved technology has payoff in the state. High growth in area, production and yield of pulse crops was associated with high level of instability during first sub period. Yield variability in pulse crops was relatively higher than area variations which clearly indicated that yield instability was a major source of variation in the production of pulses. Therefore attempt should be made to stabilize the yield level in pulse crops.