Inequality in Food Grains Production in Maharashtra: A Study of Vidarbha Region

Maharashtra has inequality in terms of district domestic products. The inequality is also reflected in variations in productivity and production of agricultural commodities across different regions of the state. Such difference is observed because of soil, climatic conditions, use of fertilizers, etc. Post-Green Revolution farmers have been using the high yielding varieties of seeds, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities. Therefore, the yield of the major crops has considerably increased in the Post-Green Revolution period. But yield of crops has not increased all over Maharashtra. In the Vidarbha region, the yield of all major crops except cotton has declined after Green Revolution. But yield of almost all crops has increased in Western Maharashtra. It has been observed that the farmers of lower yield areas usually suffer high cost of cultivation. Thus, farmers must be given more information about crop cultivation, climate change, water management, and use of fertilizers. The construction of farm ponds and check dams through NREGA will improve irrigation. Further, small farmers must be given priority in the formulation of agricultural policy, as this will help to improve the yield of various crops.