Absolute change, relative change and variabilities in the area of papaya in the Chhattisgarh plain agroclimatic zone of Chhattisgarh state

The study focused on the Chhattisgarh plains agroclimatic zone, covering 11 districts selected purposefully. It analyzed papaya area, production, and productivity data from 2009-10 to 2020-21. Absolute change, Relative change and variabilities were examined using official data from Chhattisgarh’s agriculture department. In the Chhattisgarh plain zone, papaya cultivation expanded considerably during the study period. Districts such as Raigarh, Bilaspur, Kabirdham, Janjgir, Mahasamund, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Dhamtari, and Kanker showed positive growth in area, with Kabirdham and Mahasamund recording the highest increases of 195.70% and 126.19%, respectively. However, Korba and Raipur experienced declines. Overall, the area under papaya rose by 1,753.13 ha, from 7,929.20 ha to 9,682.33 ha, with a growth rate of 22.11% and annual variation of 12.38%. Papaya production surged by 86,472.47 metric tonnes (45.13% growth), led by Mahasamund, Durg, Raipur, and Raigarh, while Korba and Dhamtari saw declines. Productivity also improved, increasing by 4,639.98 kg/ha (19.26% growth) with annual variation of 9.22%. Significant productivity gains were observed in Raigarh, Raipur, Janjgir, and Mahasamund, while Kabirdham, Durg, and Dhamtari recorded decreases. Overall, the zone demonstrated a strong and positive trend in area, production, and productivity of papaya.