economics of on-farm development - Institute for Social and ...

the period 1985-86 to 1997-98. For the sake <strong>of</strong> analysis, the period is divided into
two sub periods, viz., i) 1985-86 to 1991-92 and ii) 1991-92 to 1997-98
(table
5.14 ).
The table <strong>of</strong>fers very valid insights about the performance <strong>of</strong> paddy in the
irrigation projects in the state. The yield levels during different seasons are almost
comparable and in many cases, rain fed yield appear to be over and above that <strong>of</strong> the
reported 'irrigated yields' during winter and summer. During the first period, the
summer yield has been lower than the autumn and winter yields in three projects,
viz., Malampuzha, Peechi and Neyyar and the highest yield difference observed was
in Neyyar project (479 kg.). The summer yield was below the winter yield in four
projects and highest difference was to the order <strong>of</strong> 325 kg. in the case <strong>of</strong> Peechi.
During the second period, the autumn and winter yields were higher by 433 kg and
910 kg and 818 kg and 538 kg respectively in the Malampuzha and Neyyar projects.
Overall period analysis also shows similar trend in respect <strong>of</strong> these two projects. The
coefficient <strong>of</strong> variation in yields has been higher in most cases due to the wide
variations in yield between seasons. The non-availability <strong>of</strong> canal water during
summer months has been highlighted as an important reason for the decline in yield
levels, especially, summer. However, it is important to note that the yield levels in
the irrigation projects were above 2 tonnes per ha. and certainly above the yield
levels observed at the state level. Though this could be partially explained as the
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