Growth and instability of rabi green gram production in Odisha

The study aims to examine the growth rate and instability patterns of green gram cultivation for rabi season in all districts of Odisha over a specified time period. The analysis focuses on three key aspects such as the area under cultivation, the total production and the yield per hectare of green gram, which would be helpful in visualising the progress of the state with regard to cultivation. The study is based on secondary data, that are collected from the various volumes of Odisha Agricultural Statistics, employs the compound growth rate and Cuddy Della instability index to assess the growth and instability of green gram cultivation. After estimating the data of twenty-four years, the districts of Odisha are grouped on the basis of growth rate and instability respectively. Further, the test of significance of difference has done in mean area, production and yield of green gram among the grouping districts classified on basis of growth rate and instability under two categories as compared to Odisha. The growth trends show for the study period of 1994-95 to 2017-18, where Kandhamal district exhibited the highest growth rate in both area and yield, while Nuapada led in terms of production. The district Sundargarh exhibits the highest area instability index, followed by Kandhamal on production and Puri on yield. As in whole state, the positive and significant trends in area and production contrasted with an insignificant growth rate in yield, primarily influenced by the interaction effect of area and production. The study identifies the districts with high growth rate and low instability, suggesting potential factors such as technological adaptation and favorable agricultural conditions with adequate irrigation facilities. This suggests the need to explore and recommend the practices of high-performing districts for wider implementation, potentially leading to increased production which contribution to the overall development and economic well-being of Odisha’s rural population.