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Rice production in Kerala (2012-2023)


The data table shows the area, production, and productivity of rice in Kerala from 2012-13 to 2022-23. Analysing and interpreting the trends observed over these years:

Area
The area under rice cultivation has fluctuated, with a general decrease observed. 
It started at 197.277 thousand hectares in 2012-13 and fell to 190.171 thousand hectares by 2022-23, indicating a reduction over the decade.
The lowest area was recorded in 2016-17, at 171.398 thousand hectares. However, there has been some recovery since then, but it did not reach the initial levels of 2012-13.

Production
•    Rice production has shown some fluctuations, with a general upward trend from 2016-17 onwards.

•    The lowest production was 436.483 thousand metric tons in 2016-17, coinciding with the lowest cultivated area. 


•    Production peaked in 2020-21 at 626.888 thousand metric tons, showing a substantial increase even with moderate area recovery.

•    In 2022-23, production was 592.684 thousand metric tons, indicating that the production levels have remained relatively high in recent years despite fluctuations in the cultivated area.

Productivity


•    Productivity, measured in kilograms per hectare, has generally increased over the years.

•    Starting at 2577 kg/ha in 2012-13, productivity reached 3117 kg/ha by 2022-23, the highest in the recorded period.


•    Even during years with reduced cultivated areas, such as 2016-17, the productivity did not drop significantly, suggesting that efficiency improvements may have countered area reductions.

Conclusion


•    Decline and Recovery in Area and Production: The decline in cultivated area from 2012-13 to 2016-17 likely reflects changing land use, economic pressures, or adverse environmental conditions. However, a partial recovery in area and a more significant recovery in production since then suggest that improvements in farming techniques or support have boosted yields.

•    -Sustained Productivity Growth**: The steady increase in productivity indicates a shift toward more efficient cultivation practices, perhaps involving better seeds, improved irrigation, or modernized agricultural techniques.


•    Outlook: The data suggests that while the area for rice cultivation may be decreasing, Kerala's rice production remains resilient due to gains in productivity. This trend hints at the potential for Kerala to sustain or even increase rice output by continuing to focus on efficiency and technology in rice farming.