Assessing yield gap in paddy cultivation: A case study from Shivamogga district, Karnataka

Paddy cultivation is a cornerstone of India’s agricultural economy, with Karnataka emerging as a key contributor to this sector. Despite its significance, persistent yield gaps across various paddy varieties pose a considerable challenge to achieving optimal productivity. These yield gaps primarily stem from factors such as traditional farming practices, resource availability, and varying environmental conditions. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the yield gap of paddy varieties specifically in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, employing an ex-post facto research design to identify key factors influencing yield gaps. Data were systematically collected from a sample of 197 farmers using a structured interview schedule, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. The study identified four primary paddy varieties cultivated by the respondents: Jyothi, JGL-1798, MTU-1001, and MTU-1010 representing the major paddy varieties in the region. Notably, the highest yield gap was observed in the JGL-1798 variety, recording a gap of 19.33 quintals per hectare, followed closely by MTU-1010 at 18.89 q/ha, MTU-1001 at 17.50 q/ha, and Jyothi at 13.42 q/ha. The Jyothi variety exhibited the lowest yield gap, highlighting its superior adaptability and market preference. This study underscores the critical need to address the underlying factors contributing to yield gaps through enhanced agricultural practices and technology dissemination, ultimately fostering increased productivity and contributing to food security and farmers’ income in Karnataka.