Trends of maize production in Jammu & Kashmir

Abstract

An attempt was made in this study to analyze the trends in maize production in the state employing chronological data from 1980-81 to 2015-16, collected from various issues of Digest of Statistics, GoJK. The results of this study revealed a discouraging scenario of maize in the state. The area under this crop has been increasing steadily till 2000-01 but in recent years its area has declining; consistent with which the production of maize has also shown a decline. The decline in area coupled with stagnant productivity of the crop in the state is really a cause of concern and need to be addressed on priority. The productivity level at the state level appears unsatisfactory though it is relatively better for Kashmir valley. The decomposition analysis have shown that while area effect has a positive contribution in increase in maize production, the productivity and interaction of area and productivity effects have negatively contributed to production differential of maize between 1980-81 and 2015-16. The study emphasis upon an important role of institutions in addressing the various issues confronting maize production in the state. The study came up with few policy suggestions worth emulating for the development of maize crop in the state.