Tamil Nadu Tops In Crop Yield

Punjab emerged as the biggest loser in food and cash crop production during 1998-99 with a drop in yields of rice and cotton. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, scored three distinctions -- that of being the number one state in the country in terms of rice, sugarcane and oilseeds yield.

According to a study conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), on food and cash crop production trends (1996-97 to 1998-99), Haryana too has slipped from its top position in oilseeds yield with Tamil Nadu emerging ahead of both Haryana and Orissa.

"After occupying the top slot in 1996-97 and 1997-98 for rice production, Punjab lost out to Tamil Nadu that produced 3,443 kg per hectare in 1998-99, thereby earning the number one position," the chamber says. Punjab had produced 3397 kg per hectare of rice in 1996-97 and 3,465 kg per hectare in 1997-98, when it had bagged the top slots.

 

Sugarcane productivity in Tamil Nadu stood at 99,841 kg per hectare in 1998-99 and oilseeds production was 1,476 kg per hectare, the study observes.

In production of cotton, Punjab lost to Gujarat. The production in the western state was 416 kg per hectare, the study says, adding that the production in Gujarat was the highest in 1998-99.

Uttar Pradesh -- that had the highest productivity in pulses in 1996-97 at 927 kg per hectare -- lost out to Haryana in the following year. Haryana, on the other hand, which had the highest rate of oilseeds production of 1,478 kg per hectare in 1996-97 was toppled by Tamil Nadu.

The Associate Chamber of Commerce and Industry has suggested that it was imperative to ensure timely use of high quality inputs, development and adoption of a package of improved practices besides investment in order to reduce the gap between the maximum and minimum yield rates.

Moreover, there is need to step up field demonstration for farmers including training of farmers and farm labourers for effective transfer of technology.