The present study analyses the region-wise growth patterns of area, production, and productivity of major pulse crops-Chickpea, Pigeon Pea, Green Gram and Black Gram-in Maharashtra over the period from 1991-92 to 2020-21. The analysis focuses on four major agro-climatic regions: Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha. Compound growth rates were calculated for three sub-periods: Period I (1991-92 to 2000-01), Period II (2001-02 to 2010-11) and Period III (2011-12 to 2020-21), along with the overall study period (1991-92 to 2020-21). The study is based on secondary data obtained from the Socio-Economic Review, District Statistical Abstracts and official reports published by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra. Results showed wide regional disparities. Rice and wheat recorded positive growth mainly driven by productivity gains, especially in Western Maharashtra and Vidarbha, due to improved irrigation and technology. Marathwada experienced sharp declines due to drought and poor infrastructure. Pearl millet and sorghum showed a continuous decline in area and production, reflecting crop diversification and agrarian distress.
Overall, Maharashtra’s cereal growth became yield-driven rather than area-driven, emphasizing the need for better irrigation, high-yielding varieties, and improved market access for sustainable growth.
International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development
