Is the rice cultivation in west Bengal sustainable

Abstract

The present study was conducted to measure total factor productivity and its sources of growth of rice cultivation in West Bengal for the period of 1994-95 to 2013-14. Tornqvist Theil Index was applied to measure total factor productivity using output and input data of rice crop. The study was based on secondary data collected from various sources. The results of study revealed that there was a declination of area under rice cultivation. Maximum share of human labour to total variable cost indicates rice cultivation was labour intensive. Fall of growth rate of bullock labour and sharp increase of machine labour showed the awakening of mechanization. Declination of fertilizer productivity supported the fact that there was need of concerned for effective use of this input. The state had positive and significant total factor productivity growth throughout the studied periods. Expenditure on agricultural research and education, number of tractors had positive and significant effect on total factor productivity growth, indicating this factor should be maintained as it is showing a prospect in future growth of TFP in this state.