Gujarat recorded the highest decadal agricultural growth of 10.97% during 2000-01 to 2009-10, a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) has concluded.
Gujarat recorded the highest decadal agricultural growth of 10.97% during 2000-01 to 2009-10, a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) has concluded.
As a part of the revolution, around 15 lakh hectares of additional land has been made cultivable in the semi-arid state, complementing a systematic and scientific development of the farm sector.
Maharashtra followed closely Gujarat in agri-growth, registering 10.40% during the decade. At the third position, it is Chhattisgarh with a growth 6%. Kerala and Jharkhand recorded the lowest growth during the decade with 0.39% and 0.37%
respectively.
“Revolutionary steps like investment in agricultural infrastructure to improve irrigation system, employment of latest technologies and establishment of a dedicated power grid to ensure regular power supply for agriculture sector has contributed to agricultural growth in Gujarat,” said DS Rawat, secretary-general at Assocham.
He said that the innovative and efficient management of groundwater has been a turning point for Gujarat. “Barren lands have been converted into fertile farms with higher productivity and reduced cultivation costs,” Rawat added.
The study further reveals that improved diffusion of technology and better utilization of water through various unconventional initiatives has helped in the expansion of cultivation area and crop productivity.
A reasonable monsoon throughout the decade along with rising minimum support prices from Centre and extension of profitable cash crop BT cotton has further supported the growth.
As the farmers in the state are adopting more technology and going for value addition to their agriculture produce. This has resulted into increase in their income.
Also, it has discouraged them to migrate to urban areas in search of jobs. "Innovative initiatives carried out by Gujarat government must be followed by other states to disseminate technical knowledge and expertise to farmers for better productivity and higher income," the Assocham secretary general opined.
As irrigation is a major bottleneck for agricultural sector in many states, Assocham has further recommended them to focus on small, minor irrigation projects and watershed facilities which are cheap and affordable.
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