Pre harvest forecasting of crop yield using non-linear regression modelling: A concept

Abstract

The concept of pre-harvesting of crop yield using nonlinear growth models and detrended yield for developing yield forecast model is rarely employed in forecasting. A novel approach attempted in this study to use nonlinear models with different weather variables and their indices and compare them to identify a suitable forecasting model. Weather indices based regression models were developed using weather indices as independent variables while detrended yield (residuals) was considered as dependent variable. The approach provided reliable yield forecast about two months before harvest.