Maharashtra, a state that plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural exports and agro-industries, presents a varied picture when it comes to crop productivity.
While some crops such as sugarcane and soybean perform well, others—including cotton, cereals, and millets—lag behind national and top-state averages.
For a state so central to India’s farm economy, improving yields is not only vital for farmers but also a matter of national interest, affecting food security, export competitiveness, and rural livelihoods.
Recent figures show that Maharashtra’s average cereal yield is 1,788 kg per hectare, considerably lower than the national average of 2,928 kg. Pulses stand at 939 kg/ha, slightly above the national mean, while oilseeds register 1,177 kg/ha, falling just below the national average.
Cotton, one of the state’s most important cash crops, yields only 338 kg/ha against a national average of 443 kg/ha. Sugarcane continues to be a bright spot, with productivity at 87 MT/ha, higher than the country’s average of 82 MT/ha.
Where Maharashtra falls short
Cotton and millets illustrate some of the largest yield gaps. Cotton production is heavily dependent on rainfall, and uneven irrigation, pest pressures, and inconsistent hybrid adoption further limit output. Compared to Gujarat, Maharashtra’s cotton yields lag by over 260 kg per hectare.
Millets, increasingly recognized for their nutritional value and climate resilience, also show significant shortfalls. Maharashtra’s average of just over 1,000 kg/ha is far behind Telangana, which produces nearly three times as much. Improving input use, irrigation, and crop management could close this gap and benefit both farmers and consumers.
Bright spots and opportunities
Soybean yields in Maharashtra, at 1,343 kg/ha, are above the national average, showing the state’s strength in this crop. Sugarcane too demonstrates how reliable irrigation, strong farmer cooperatives, and effective extension support can produce robust results. However, even here, there is room to catch up with leading states that achieve higher per-hectare outputs.
The bigger picture
Pulses, oilseeds, and cereals present mixed results. Pulses are near the national average, but the state still trails high-performing peers. Oilseed productivity is slightly lower than the national benchmark, while cereals face the largest deficit. These differences point to structural issues such as limited irrigation, uneven soil fertility, and variable adoption of improved farming practices.
Looking ahead
Experts argue that Maharashtra needs crop-specific strategies to narrow yield gaps. Expanding irrigation in rainfed areas, strengthening seed systems, encouraging mechanization, and improving extension services could make a real difference. Benchmarking districts against top-performing states and providing timely, data-backed guidance to farmers can further enhance outcomes.
Even partial improvements in cotton, millets, and oilseeds could boost incomes, strengthen agri-value chains, and increase the state’s contribution to India’s agricultural exports. For a state that drives a significant portion of the country’s farm-based economy, improving crop productivity is a matter of national importance.
Maharashtra’s agricultural story is one of contrasts: successes in some areas, urgent needs in others. With focused policies, better technology adoption, and farmer-centric interventions, the state has the potential to enhance productivity, secure livelihoods, and contribute more decisively to India’s food and economic security.
(The author is an agricultural economist)
Published on February 28, 2026