Growth and Instability in Area, Production and Productivity of Groundnut in Rajasthan: A District Level Analysis

Groundnut is an important cash crop and is grown in almost a hundred countries of the world. In the Indian economy all legumes including groundnut, assume importance as an important source of edible proteins. Groundnut is an important source of edible oil. Rajasthan state occupies a prominent place in the oilseeds production of India. A district-wise investigation regarding growth and instability in area, production and productivity for groundnut was carried out in Rajasthan because this state is a vast state where large variations in the pattern of agricultural development are displayed from district to district. The study pertains to the period 1980–1981 to 2010–11. The study results revealed that the variability in area and production was highest during 1991–2000. In case of productivity, it was highest during 19811990. Likewise, the annual compound growth rate in area and production was highest during 2001–2010 and in case of productivity; it was highest during 1981–1990. The change in production was mostly affected by change in area as compared to change in yield. Hence, a policy for development of consistently performing varieties and further enhancement of irrigation facilities will go a long way to ensure stability in the Rajasthan agriculture. Expansion of area under irrigation, development of watershed, and development of varieties resistant to insects, pests and climate stress are the other major factors for reducing variability in area, yield and production.