Agricultural Growth and Instability in Maharashtra: Trends and Determinants

The paper has analysed the trends in agricultural growth and instability in Maharashtra and has identified its determinants. The study is based on the secondary data compiled from various published sources. It is observed that during the past five decades, the agricultural sector of Maharashtra has undergone several changes. Though performance of agriculture improved during the past fifty years, its progress was not sustained and showed wide fluctuations. The slow growth of agriculture as compared to other sectors is a serious issue from the point of view of rural employment and poverty. Due to low irrigation facility (hardly 18%), not only low-value crops are cultivated predominantly in the state but the productivity of most of the crops is also very low as compared to the national average. Since low irrigation facility and variation in rainfall are considered to be the important factors responsible for low and varied productivity level, major initiatives need to be taken to increase irrigation facility in the state. Research priorities need to shift towards enhancing the yield potential in the rain-fed areas by evolving, through recourse to modern biotechnologies, varieties that are drought and pest resistant, and by evolving cropping systems suited to varying agro-climatic conditions. The emphasis in production should be on farming system approach that integrates crop, livestock, agro-forestry, and horticulture.