Examining The Emerging Nature and Performance of Agriculture in The State of Odisha: An Inter-Regional Analysis

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to understand the performance of agriculture in Odisha. It estimates the five decades of agriculture from the year 1970-71 to year 2019-20 taking into consideration the long period with 34 major crops produced in Odisha. The cropping pattern of Odisha has changed significantly overtime. The cropping pattern of Odisha shows a shift from predominantly food crops. The growth rate of area during the preceding reform period were remarkable for most of the crops except fibers as compared to the post reform period. The growth rate of yield per hectare during the post reform period were much better for only few crops An important finding of the study is that the growth rate of area, yield and production was extremely low and volatile in Odisha. Thus, the future agricultural strategy for accelerating the growth rate of agricultural development of Odisha should include the expansion through the gross cropped area as well as net shown area, better irrigation facility and capital formation.