Regional Disparity in the Growth Performance of the Agricultural Sector: Evidence from Indian States

Abstract

This research study investigated regional disparity in agricultural sector growth performance in 15 states from 1991 to 2020. The study confirmed the existence of ? and ? convergence using the convergence hypothesis and suggested reduced income disparity between states and higher growth in poorer states than richer states. Further insights into club convergence came from forming two clubs, with three states approaching the national average while twelve did not converge. The economic reforms of 1991 strengthened Indian agriculture, but only a few states prospered, and the majority did not follow a common development path, which is a cause for concern. The government should make policies to bring these states up to national averages, which will pave the way for the government's goal of doubling farmers' income.