As the harvesting season for paddy crops in 2017-2018 has ended, the average yield of paddy across the country has been calculated and analyzed. According to the data provided by the Department of Agriculture, the average yield of paddy for the 2017-2018 season is estimated to be around 4.5 tons per hectare. This year’s average yield is slightly lower compared to the previous year, which was around 4.7 tons per hectare.
The productivity of paddy crops varies from region to region and is affected by factors such as weather conditions, irrigation systems, fertilizers, seed quality, and harvesting techniques. Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were the top performers in terms of yield per hectare, with an average yield of around 5 to 6 tons per hectare. In contrast, the northeastern states of India have much lower yields, averaging around 2 to 3 tons per hectare.
The lower yield for the 2017-2018 season can be attributed to several reasons. First, there was a decrease in the area under paddy cultivation due to low rainfall during the early onset of the monsoon, which delayed the sowing of crops. Additionally, the rising cost of farming inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides also played a significant role in reducing yield. This year has also been marked by unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and pest infestations that have damaged crops in some regions, leading to a decline in overall yield.
The fall in paddy yields has raised concerns among the farmers, agro-industry, and policymakers. To address the issue, the government has initiated several interventions such as promoting new farming techniques, providing affordable credit, and the establishment of a market network where farmers have access to better prices for their produce. There is also a need to promote sustainable farming practices that can help reduce input costs, improve the efficiency of water usage, and mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture.
In conclusion, the average yield of paddy crops in the 2017-2018 season has decreased slightly compared to the previous year. However, this decline can be viewed in the context of a broader challenge to agriculture, which requires significant intervention to increase productivity and sustainability. Taking these steps would be crucial to ensuring food security and economic growth in the long run.