Assessing the influence of seasonal variations on cereal crop yield: A case study in western Odisha

In the past decade, agricultural development in India has undergone significant changes influenced by various factors. The agricultural sector in Odisha, in particular, faces considerable risks and uncertainties, making the assessment of growth and instability crucial. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the compound growth rate and Coppock’s Instability Index for four major cereal crops: rice and maize in the Kharif season, and ragi and wheat in the Rabi season. Leveraging secondary data from 1993-94 to 2022-23, the research evaluates and compares the growth and instability in crop yield across districts in Western Odisha. Additionally, the study ranks districts based on these metrics, offering a comparative analysis between the Kharif and Rabi seasons. The results highlight differences in yield trends and instability levels among the crops, delivering valuable insights into the agricultural patterns and challenges in the region.