Yield Gap Analysis of Maize in Different Agro-climatic Zones in Telangana, India

Abstract

Maize is a vital cereal crop worldwide, serving as a staple food, fodder, and industrial raw material. In India, it ranks third among cultivated cereals after rice and wheat, with Telangana being a significant contributor. This study examined yield gaps in maize production across the Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ), Central Telangana Zone (CTZ), and Southern Telangana Zone (STZ). The results highlighted that Yield Gap-I (difference between potential yield and progressive farmers’ yield) was highest in STZ at 5.4 quintals/acre and lowest in CTZ at 3.9 quintals/acre, with an average of 4.5 quintals/acre for the state. Yield Gap-II (difference between potential yield and actual farmers’ yield) was also highest in STZ at 13.5 quintals/acre and lowest in NTZ 9.3 quintals/acre with an overall average of 11.3 quintals per acre in Telangana. Indices of yield gap revealed that STZ had the highest unrealized yield potential (35.7%), while NTZ had the lowest (25.2%).  Major factors contributing to these gaps included agro-climatic conditions, soil fertility, and irrigation infrastructure. This study also identified production and marketing constraints such as high costs of plant protection chemicals, seeds, and fertilizers, along with labour shortages, as the most significant production challenges. Marketing constraints such as insufficient market facilities, remunerative prices, storage facilities and untimely payment were the prominent marketing challenges. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce yield gaps through enhanced extension services, cost-effective inputs, and improved infrastructure. Strengthening the linkages among farmers, extension agents, and researchers is crucial to bridging resource and knowledge gaps, thereby boosting productivity and profitability in maize cultivation across Telangana.