Yield Gaps Analysis and Constraints Faced by Rabi Sorghum Growers in Amravati District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The study was undertaken during 2024–25 to assess the extent of yield gaps, identify their determinants, and analyse the constraints limiting productivity. The Amravati district was purposively selected due to its significant area under rabi sorghum. Three tehsils Dharni, Chikhaldara, and Dhamangaon Railway were chosen, and from each, two villages were randomly selected. A total of 120 farmers were surveyed using a random sampling method. The IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) methodology was employed to estimate yield gaps, while Garrett’s Ranking Technique was applied to rank production constraints. The findings revealed that the potential yield of sorghum was 3100 kg/ha, the potential farm yield (demonstration plot) was 2080 kg/ha, and the actual farm yield was 1966 kg/ha. Consequently, Yield Gap I, II, and III were estimated at 32.90%, 5.45%, and 36.56%, respectively. A fitted quadratic trend showed an accelerating pattern in yield gap growth over time. The path analysis of input use revealed variations in the direct and indirect effects of labour, manure, fertilizer, and plant protection across small, medium, and large farms, highlighting the inefficiencies in resource utilization and technological adoption. Major constraints identified by the farmers were lack of technical knowledge (65.49%), shortage of labour (50.26%), and crop damage by wild animals and birds (49.44%), followed by non-availability of quality seed and pest/disease infestation. The study concludes that there exists a considerable scope for improving sorghum productivity in Amravati district through enhanced extension support, timely input supply, and capacity-building programmes to bridge the technological and management gaps among farmers.