Trends and Determinants of Foodgrains Productivity in Bankura District of West Bengal during the Last Thirty Years

Abstract

Foodgrains productivity is an overriding factor for agricultural sustainability and rural livelihoods in the drought-prone areas such as the Bankura district of West Bengal. This study investigates the key factors affecting the foodgrains productivity of the district through an integrated new investigation of agro-climatic conditions, soil characteristics, irrigation infrastructure factors, technology adoption and socio-economic constraints. The study is based on secondary sources of data like district statistical records and relevant literature and uses a descriptive and analytical approach. The yield rates of major crops in Bankura district by 1996 - 97 to 2021 - 22 in kilograms per hectare and their Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) rate changes in over years.The findings show that productivity is badly limited by erratic monsoon rainfall and low soil fertility levels and capacity of water-holding capacity of lateritic soils in Bankura district, As well as poor irrigation coverage and low levels of technological adoption and little institutional support limit agricultural efficiency. The yield trend analysis for a period of 1996-97 to 2021-22 reveals moderate growth in the productivity of foodgrains, however, the growth is even and very sensitive to climatic variability.