Indian Agricultural: Growth, Generation, Policy & Problem Indian Agricultural | Page 58

Pg.no. 57
Productivity
Although India has attained self-sufficiency in food staples, the productivity of its farms is below that of
Brazil, the United States, France and other nations. Indian wheat farms, for example, produce about a
third of the wheat per hectare per year compared to farms in France. Rice productivity in India was
less than half that of China. Another staples productivity in India is similarly low. Indian total factor
productivity growth remains below 2% per annum; in contrast, China's total factor productivity growths
is about 6% per annum, even though China also has smallholding farmers. Several studies suggest
India could eradicate its hunger and malnutrition and be a major source of food for the world by
achieving productivity comparable with other countries.
By contrast, Indian farms in some regions post the best yields, for sugarcane, cassava and tea crops.
Crop yields vary significantly between Indian states. Some states produce two to three times more
grain per acre than others. The table compares the statewide average yields for a few major
agricultural crops in India, for 2001-2002.
Crop
Average farm yield in Average farm yield in Average farm yield in
Bihar Karnataka Punjab
kilogram per hectare kilogram per hectare kilogram per hectare
Wheat 2020 unknown 3880
Rice 1370 2380 3130
Pulses 610 470 820
Oil seeds 620 680 1200
Sugarcane 45510 79560 65300
Crop yields for some farms in India are within 90% of the best achieved yields by farms in developed
countries such as the United States and in European Union. No single state of India is best in every
crop. Tamil Nadu achieved highest yields in rice and sugarcane, Haryana in wheat and coarse grains,
Karnataka in cotton, Bihar in pulses, while other states do well in horticulture, aquaculture, flower and
fruit plantations. These differences in agricultural productivity are a function of local infrastructure, soil
quality, micro-climates, local resources, farmer knowledge and innovations.
The Indian food distribution system is highly inefficient. Movement of agricultural produce is heavily
regulated, with inter-state and even inter-district restrictions on marketing and movement of
agricultural goods.
One study suggests Indian agricultural policy should best focus on improving rural infrastructure
primarily in the form of irrigation and flood control infrastructure, knowledge transfer of better yielding
and more disease resistant seeds. Additionally, cold storage, hygienic food packaging and efficient
modern retail to reduce waste can improve output and rural incomes.
Ramesh Kumar P