Productivity of major crops half global levels

As India gears up to feed its growing population of over 1.1 billion, its crop productivity could prove to be an Achille's heel, with yield per hectare still ruling below half the world's level for major crops.

According to official data, Punjab tops the chart with highest productivity in rice and wheat. While maximum rice yield in India was only 3.85 tonnes per hectare, the highest global level stood at 8-10 tonnes.

Similarly, though wheat productivity reached 4.17 tonnes per hectare in Punjab, the highest was 10 tonnes a hectare across the world.

The country expects rice production to rise to 83.25 million tonnes this kharif season, which is marginally higher than 82.81 million tonnes in 2007-08. The estimated wheat output for 2007-08 is 78.40 million tonnes.

 

"Despite a record production in some crops, it will be very difficult to feed a huge growing population in the future if we don't raise productivity as the size of the farm land is limited. However, the Centre seems to be taking note of the situation," a farm scientist said.

Not just rice or wheat, highest maize productivity of 4.07 tonnes in Andhra Pradesh is still far from the 10-tonne-per-hectare yield globally.

The maize output in the country is projected to touch 13.04 million tonnes this Kharif season.

A government official said, the National Food Security Mission has been set up to raise output of rice, wheat and pulses by 20 million tonnes.

However, more needs to be done, he said, adding the government is doing everything possible to cater to the growing needs.

The maximum productivity of an oil crop — groundnut — is about half the world average of 3.5 tonnes per hectare.

However, the country seems to have matched, to some extent, the productivity level in pulses like gram and arhar, which stand at a highest of 1.59 tonnes per hectare and 1.29 tonnes per hectare, respectively, compared with the global level of 2 tonnes for each crop.

The scientist said the country can fend off any crisis in foodgrain availability through a blend of right policies, huge investments, sophisticated technology and better farm practices, not to forget the economic well-being of farmers.

“Without technology, raising production level is difficult,” he explained, adding the government needs to educate farmers adequately and take their financial health in its stride for any sustainable progress in agriculture.