Variations in Agricultural Production in Southern Parts of India - A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the components of change in production of major crops in irrigated and rain fed zones of Tamil Nadu, India. The study observed high instability in paddy, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, groundnut, tapioca and banana production in both the zones. The results of component change in variance in production showed that paddy, pulses and sugarcane were stable in the irrigated zone but unstable in the rain-fed zone. The results of transition probability matrix in irrigated zones indicated that paddy, pulses and tapioca retained majority of its area. In case of rain-fed zone, cotton, paddy, groundnut and pulses retained maximum share of its area, whereas area under other major crops have shifted to other crops. Development of new agricultural practices, technologies and land conservation law are important to improve the agricultural production in future and expand the situation.