Abstract:
This study estimates effects of various climatic, non-climatic and geographical
factors on agricultural productivity in India. The study used a state-wise panel data during,
1980-2009. Value of production for each crop is estimated by farm harvest price (at constant
level, 1993-94 prices). The study applied Cobb-Douglas production function model
estimating outputs (in monetary term) on per hectare land for Rabi and Kharif crops as
dependent variables and regressed with different socio-economic and climatic factors.
Empirical results based on Prais Winsten models with panels corrected standard errors
(PCSEs) estimations, indicate that actual average maximum temperature appears positive and
statistically significant impact on agriculture productivity of Rabi crops; and negative impact
on Kharif crops. While actual minimum temperature has negative impact on Rabi crops and
positive impact on Kharif crops. Geographical location i.e. latitude situation of a particular
state also has a positive and statistical significant association with agriculture productivity of
Rabi and Kharif crops. This study provides the empirical evidence that climatic and
geographical factors have a significant impact on agriculture productivity. The study
integrates more realistic representation of Indian agriculture by studying the climate change
impacts empirically estimating differentiated impacts on Kharif and Rabi crop productivity.
