Dynamics of Major Cereals Productivity in Nepal

Dynamics of major cereals productivity in Nepal has been studied using time series data from 1993–94 to 2013–14. Field survey with focus group discussion (FGD) was carried out in five districts representing two ecological domains, viz. Mid-hills and Terai plains. Percentage change, compound growth rate and Malmquist productivity index have been employed to measure productivity changes on the national basis. During study period, the productivity of rice, maize and wheat increased by 72.46 per cent, 73.47 per cent and 111.35 per cent, respectively with compound growth rate of 1.66 per cent, 2.17 per cent, and 2.59 per cent per annum, respectively at 1 per cent significance level. Malmquist productivity index has shown significant changes in total factor productivity (TFP) having its mean of 1.028 for paddy, 1.041 for wheat and 1.040 for maize. The productivity change has been found bigger in FGD than in time-series data. The major contributing factors to productivity growth have been increased irrigation facilities, high-yielding varieties and quality seed, higher use of chemical fertilizer and increased technological awareness of the farmers. Important policies for realizing higher productivity growth have been formulated and working procedure is underway for approval.