Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Agriculture is a key pillar of India’s economy, contributing about 18% to national income and supporting over 70% of the population, with cereals playing a central role in food security. In Karnataka, diverse cropping patterns exist, with cereals occupying 37% of cultivated land—rice being the dominant crop, followed by maize widely grown in several districts. The present study analyses the growth performance of four major cereal crops, namely rice, maize, jowar, and bajra in Karnataka over a period of 30 years. Secondary data on area, production, and productivity were collected from official sources and the study period was divided into three equal sub-periods. Compound Growth Rates (CGR) were estimated using an exponential growth model and their significance was tested using Student’s t-test. The results revealed divergent growth patterns both spatially and temporally. Rice exhibited a positive growth in production and productivity despite a decline in cultivated area during the overall study period. Maize showed a significant increase in area and production, while productivity declined marginally. Jowar experienced a substantial reduction in area and production, with productivity showing a modest positive growth. Bajra recorded positive growth in production and productivity, although the cultivated area declined. These findings highlight structural shifts in cropping patterns and underline the need for region-specific strategies to enhance productivity and sustain cereal production in Karnataka.