Volume : 4, Issue : 12, December - 2015

Estimating the effect of Fertilisers on Rice Yields in Assam: A Panel data Analysis

Parul Jain

Abstract :

<p>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;Rice cultivation is the chief occupation of the rural economy of Assam and provides food to more than 25 million people, in addition to generating income and employment directly and indirectly. Fertilisers, along with better seeds and water, play a critical role in enhancing the productivity of rice. The present study looks at rice cultivation in Assam and estimates the impact of fertilisers use on rice yields, showing that the relationship is negative up to a point (underuse of urea), beyond which the impact of the additional use of fertilisers on yields is positive. A panel data analysis has been used to capture the effect of fertilisers, especially urea. The results suggest that there is still under-consumption of urea in the region which is affecting the rice productivity&lt;/p&gt;</p>