Vol. 9, Issue 7, Part E (2025)

The present study analyses the region-wise growth patterns of area, production, and productivity of major pulse crops-Chickpea, Pigeon Pea, Green Gram and Black Gram-in Maharashtra over the period from 1991-92 to 2020-21. The analysis focuses on four major agro-climatic regions: Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha. Compound growth rates were calculated for three sub-periods: Period I (1991-92 to 2000-01), Period II (2001-02 to 2010-11) and Period III (2011-12 to 2020-21), along with the overall study period (1991-92 to 2020-21). The study is based on secondary data obtained from the Socio-Economic Review, District Statistical Abstracts and official reports published by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra.

The findings revealed significant inter-regional disparities. Chickpea showed positive growth trends in area, production and productivity across all regions except Konkan, where both area and production declined, although productivity slightly improved at overall. Vidarbha and Marathwada consistently recorded better performance due to improvements in technology and expansion of cultivated area. For Pigeon Pea, Marathwada demonstrated sustained growth across all parameters, while Konkan experienced consistent decline, indicating stagnation. Green Gram exhibited a general decline in both area and production, particularly in Vidarbha and Marathwada, with only marginal gains in productivity. Black Gram presented mixed results, showing early gains in Konkan during Period I, followed by a general downward trend in area, production and productivity in later years across most regions.

Overall, the study highlights uneven regional growth patterns and emphasizes the need for region-specific interventions. Productivity improvements were a key factor driving output growth in Marathwada and Vidarbha. Conversely, the persistent stagnation in Konkan calls for focused investment in infrastructure, technology dissemination and agricultural extension services to boost pulse crop performance.