Economic analysis of greenhouse gas emission reduction potential, energy-use and sustainability of maize production in Karnataka

This study was conducted to examine the energy use pattern, efficiency, sustainability and GHG reduction potential in maize production in Karnataka State through a non-parametric production function (DEA) and threshold dynamic panel model framework. Cross-sectional panel data obtained from cost of cultivation scheme was used for the study. The results illustrated that the total input energies in maize production for the period under study increased from 73.01 thousand MJ ha^-1 in 2010-11 to 95.03 thousand MJ ha^-1 in 2017-18. Energy usage pattern indicated that power and electricity consumed for irrigation were the main energy inputs consumed in maize production in the study region. The farmers were technical inefficiency (0.851) implying that 14.9 per cent of the overall resources in the production process could be saved. The total CO₂ emission was calculated as 45.17 thousand kg CO₂ eq ha^-1. By energy optimization, the total energy consumption can be reduced to 105.7 thousand MJ ha^-1 corresponding to total CO₂ emission reduction potential to value at 5.7 thousand kg CO₂ eq ha^-1. Sustainability of the farm was characterized by positive growth at a low rate of 0.07% per annum and thus, higher efficiency level accompanied by high level of productivity resulted in potential reduction emission level among the farmers. It is, therefore; recommended that government policies should be geared towards practices that tend to improve efficiency and productivity of the farmers through effective extension education.

• Total input energies in maize production increased.

• Power and electricity consumed for irrigation were the main input energy consumed.

• Majority of the input’s energies were from renewable sources.

• Farmers were inefficient caused by scale and technical (managerial) inefficiency.

• Improved farm level efficiency and productivity could raise the performance of farmers by saving overall resources, significant reduction in emission level and sustainability of the production process.