Trend in Area, Production and Productivity of Groundnut in Maharashtra

Abstract

Groundnut is one of the most important oilseed and cash crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Globally, India is the second-largest groundnut-producing country after China, with a 19 percent share. The present study examines the growth performance and instability in the area, production, and productivity of groundnuts in Maharashtra over a twenty-five-year period, from 1998–99 to 2022–23. The present study is based on secondary sources of data, which are obtained from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Data is analyzed by applying statistical techniques, such as compound annual growth rate, coefficient of variation, and the Cuddy-Della Valle instability index. In Maharashtra, the highest area (542.5 thousand ha) and production (667.3 thousand tonnes) of groundnut were recorded in 1998-99. The compound annual growth rates of area and production have shown significant negative trends, which are 2.58 percent and 2.08 percent, respectively. The productivity of groundnut is increased from 2020-21 onward. The area and production of groundnut recorded a negative trend. In contrast, productivity showed a marginal positive growth rate of 0.51 percent, which was statistically non-significant. Cuddy Della Valle instability shows that there is low instability in the area, production, and productivity of groundnut in Maharashtra, which are 10.52, 14.88, and 9.26, respectively, indicating relative stability in fluctuations over time. The decline in area and production of groundnut is largely attributed to crop substitution, particularly the expansion of soybean cultivation. The findings of the study is helpful for researchers and policymakers in designing strategies to enhance sustainable oilseed production.