Factor Productivity and Yield Gap Analysis for Agricultural Production System in Northwest India

Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) region occupying a vast area over the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal in India is generally characterized by fertile soils, favourable climate and an abundant supply of water for agricultural production system. Agricultural factor productivity change indicates the sustainability and vulnerability of food security for the growing population. Analysis of factor productivity and yield gaps is needed for implication of policy formation regarding security of food system. This paper discusses factor productivity trends and yield gaps which are the keys to determine agricultural inputs use efficiency. Analysis of data revealed that the total factor productivity (TFPs) of rice, wheat, maize and mustard increased, although partial factor productivity (PFPs) of the crops for fertilizers and manures, irrigation and pesticides are in declining trend over the last decade in the Karnal district. The production can be increased by reducing yield gaps (attainable minus actual yields) viz. 48, 30, 35 and 52% for rice, wheat, maize and mustard, respectively.