*Corresponding author: deepalichadha6989@gmail.com (ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4135-811)
The present investigation was carried out to determine the factors affecting fertilizer consumption in Rajasthan from 1967–68 to 2014–15. The study period had been divided into following three phases; Post-green revolution-Phase I (1967–68 to 1980–81), Post-green revolution-Phase II (1981–82 to 1990–91) and Post-reform period (1991–92 to 2014–15). The regression analysis was done for the three temporal phases as well as for the overall period. High coefficient of multiple determination (R2) indicated that 90 per cent of total variation in fertilizer consumption was explained by the variables included in the linear regression model. Gross irrigated area was found to be the most important variable influencing the fertilizer consumption during the three phases as well as for overall period of study. Its coefficient was found positive and statistically significant (P<0.05). Area under high yielding varieties appeared to be the second most important variable significantly influencing the fertilizer consumption. Its coefficient was found positive and statistically significant (P<0.05) during the overall study period. The regression coefficient of rainfall was found to be statistically non-significant in all the three temporal phases of study period. Although it was positive in phase I and negative in phase II and III.
Results clearly indicated that increase in area under irrigation and high yielding varieties will accelerate fertilizer consumption in the state in future. Rainfall was found to have insignificant impact on fertilizer consumption indicating the erratic behaviour of monsoon in the state. On an average, one hectare increase in area under irrigation and area under high yielding varieties resulted in an increase of 150 kg and 43 Kg in fertilizer consumption in the state respectively.
Fertilizer, post-green revolution, regression coefficient, gross irrigated area, high yielding varieties
