Efficiency and sustainability in rice production across Indian states

Abstract Low profits, over-exploitation of groundwater, and poor soil health have threatened rice production in India. Data for this study were gathered from various ministries of the Government of India. The state-wise cost of cultivation data on rice for the period 1990–91 to 2021–22 was used to analyse profits from rice cultivation, price realization by farmers, and trends in input use. The log-linear functional form was used to study the trends in profits and input use. The input use trend revealed that machine labour, fertilizer, and pesticide use have increased, while animal labour, human labour, and manure use have decreased significantly in rice cultivation. The return from rice cultivation is either low or negative in eastern, northeastern, and western states in comparison to states like Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. The support price is not effective in the eastern and northeastern region states and in the state of Maharashtra, leading to negative returns. There were unsustainable uses of groundwater in many irrigated areas. Technological and policy-related strategies are discussed to increase yield and profits in rice cultivation while maintaining soil health and preventing depletion of the groundwater table in different regions of India.