The declining impacts of climate on crop yields during the green revolution in India, 1972-2002

Abstract

One of the decisive factors determining agricultural yields is known to be climatic conditions, typically temperature and rainfall, which have a direct impact on agricultural production. To date, most of the empirical studies on how agro - climatic factors affect agricultural productivity have focused on developed countries. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the impacts of climatic factors on cereal yields have been mitigated during the Green Revolution period, using a district-level panel data set. Given India's diverse cropping patterns and agro - climate, it will be useful to review the experience of India's agricultural growth with particular reference to the impact of GR technology and climate on crop yields, so as to draw effective lessons for facilitating agricultural growth in other parts of the developing world, including sub-Saharan Africa.