Assessment of the farming productivity in Puri district of Odisha: A block wise analysis

Abstract:

Agricultural sector in India contributes nearly one half of the national income, providing jobs to nearly three fourth of the total population. Agriculture plays an important role in the economic developmental process of a country and continues to be the most dominant sector in Puri district. Agricultural productivity has been an important issue as the population continues to increase in recent times. The concept of agricultural productivity has been extensively used to explain the different patterns of agriculture and spatial organization over space. Agricultural productivity and efficiency have been assessed by different scholars in contemporary times by using different statistical measures and techniques. In this light, this research paper attempts to identify spatial pattern of Agriculture Efficiency Index in the study area that includes the Eight blocks of Puri district like Brahmagiri, Kanas, Delanga, Satyabadi, Pipili, Nimapada, Gop and Kakatpur which fall under immediate cyclone prone coastal areas of Puri District. The data for this study was collected from District Statistical Handbook (Agriculture Statistics and factsheet), Dept. of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment produced by Govt. of Odisha (2012-16) including both the Rabi and Kharif produce. Among various productivity index methods, the researcher has chosen S.S. Bhatia Method to calculate the crop efficiency index because of its detailed analysis and profound accuracy.