Agricultural growth in India

In terms of value of agricultural and allied production, Gujarat is growing at a scorching 19.5% and the Rajasthan is growing at 19%. The Centre’s latest report on state-wise statistics is likely to sharpen the political sparring over the “Gujarat model” which has seen Congress vociferously attack BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s development claims.

A comparison of statistics for 2009-10 with 2010-11 pitchfork Gujarat to the top of the heap, but also throw up Rajasthan as an expectedly close runner up, well ahead of states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

 The estimates, released by the central statistical office, calculate value of output at the mandi point. The aggregate figures represent farm and associated activities like livestock, fisheries and forest produce. Agriculturally, 2009-10 was not the best year for many states. But the disadvantages were largely uniform and do not the comparison with 2010-11 when most states bounced back.

After the super achievers, Maharashtra with 15.4%, Karnataka (14.9%), Andhra Pradesh (10%) and Tamil Nadu at 7.9% complete the top ranks. Despite its political turmoil, Andhra Pradesh ranks third in total output and first in fisheries. In terms of aggregate total output, Uttar Pradesh remains number 1, aided by large land mass and fertile areas. Yet, for the natural advantage of the Yamuna-Gangetic basins, UP’s growth is a lethargic 3.5%.

Signs of India’s traditional wheat bowls having peaked are evident with Punjab growing at 2.7%. Although Madhya Pradesh is the eighth in terms of total gross value added product, the state has registered a slight dip of -0.6%.

West Bengal is fourth in aggregate production value but growth is negative at -11%. Maharashtra is second behind UP in total value of production, followed by Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujarat Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

In the Gujarat versus Bihar debate, the northern state clocked a growth of just 1.24% in 2010-11 over 2009-10.

If output of fisheries is evaluated, Andhra Pradesh tops the chart, followed by West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra and Odisha. The value of output for livestock in 2010-11 puts Uttar Pradesh at number 1, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Punjab.

If the output value of just the farm sector, without allied activities, in 2010-11 is concerned, the rankings are: UP, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.