Patterns and Determinants of Agricultural Growth in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is economically among the most developed states in the country. But it is not counted among the advanced states in India in terms of agricultural production, though most of the state's workforce still depends on agriculture. During the last four decades, the agricultural sector has undergone many changes. Though agricultural performance improved, its progress was not sustained and showed wide fluctuations. The important characteristics of agriculture are instability in crop production and significant regional variations. Recent suicides of farmers in Vidarbha and Marathawada have once again highlighted regional disparity. An attempt has been made in this paper to analyse the differential agricultural growth pattern experienced and identify appropriate policy interventions.