The statistical profile of Kerala agriculture during the past five decades has experienced significant transformation. This paper has analysed the time series data on acreage, production and productivity of rice in Kerala for the period 1960–61 to 2013–14. The study has revealed that the production of rice has reached a negative growth rate due to the declining trend in its area. The diversification in terms of variation in acreage allocation has taken place due to price and non-price factors like agro-climatic conditions, labour availability, irrigation facilities, soil fertility, cost of cultivation, price levels, profitability, mechanization, etc. The study has observed that the first five crops in Kerala at present are coconut, rubber, rice, pepper and arecanut, i.e. rice which was at top position during 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, has come at third position, posing a major challenge to rice security in the state. The study has revealed that during 1960–61 the state had a shortage of rice of 40 per cent, which increased to 85 per cent in 2013–14 and is likely to increase further looking at its demand in the coming years. This will enlarge the supply demand gap of rice in Kerala in the coming years necessitating increase in rice production in a sustainable way.
Kerala, agricultural transformation, rice security
