Study on Growth and Instability in Pulses Production in Bihar: A Decomposition Analysis

Abstract

An assessment of changes in the area, production, and productivity of the pulse crops is considered helpful for their management and policy-making to ensure the nutritional security of the ever-growing population. The results revealed that the annual growth rates of production and productivity of lentils were comparatively high to other pulses. Instability indices for the area, production, and productivity of green gram were 7.04, 10.84, and 9.34, respectively, lower than other pulse crops grown in the state. The decomposition analysis revealed thatthe yield effect of red gram was negative. Low productivity and its cultivation by the marginal and small farmers under rain-fed conditions with poor crop management practices could be the probable reason for the negative yield effect. The results showedthat the area mainly influenced production, and productivity did not play anyrole in the state.The study emphasized the need to expand the area under pulse crops and increase their production through technological interventions.