Growth and instability performance of major agricultural crops in India

Indian economy is agrarian in nature with the second largest agricultural land in the world and nearly 58 per cent of rural population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural production scenario of the country has changed with adoption of new technology. Area under food grains showed an increase in the initial years which later declined overtime, while production and yield showed a positive and significant growth from 1950–51 to 2019–20.Instability in area, production and yield offood grains was found to be declining with the dissemination of technology and spread of irrigation facilities. Growth rates of area and production of oilseeds, sugarcane and cotton were found to be positive and significant during the study period except between 1960–61 to 1979–80. Instability has increased in area and production of oilseeds and cotton crop overtime. The growth rates of area, production and yield of vegetables were positive and significant for the country as a whole between 1990–91 to 2019–20. However, instability index has shown a declining trend for both fruits and vegetables during the last decade.