Performance of chickpea in Maharashtra: an analysis of growth and instability

Chickpea is one of the major pulses cultivated and consumed worldwide. Region wise performance of chickpea was judged based on two important parameters i.e., growth and instability, in Maharashtra state. Compound growth rates was estimated by fitting non-linear model to the area, production and productivity data for the period from 1960-61 to 2019- 20. Instability was assessed by employing Cuddy-Della Valle instability index. The results showed that the production of chickpea increased in the state during the entire study period. Growth in area was the main reason for significant growth in production up to 1990, but thereafter, increase in chickpea production was due to area expansion coupled with improvement in the yield. As against expansion in area and production, rise in yield level of chickpea was slower in the state. High growth in area and production of chickpea was associated with high level of instability. Area variability in chickpea was more as compared to yield variability at overall level. Therefore, attempt should be made to stabilize the yield level in chickpea.