Input use and productivity differentials in wheat crop in Punjab

The significant variation in the use of crucial inputs resulting into huge variation in wheat productivity across farms was observed. The yield of wheat ranged between 2017 and 6122 kg per ha with an overall average of 4434 kg per ha. The percent of farmers who obtained a productivity level of less than 3000 kg per ha was 10, whereas 14 percent farmers had realised more than 5000 kg per ha. The wheat crop sown up to the first week of November yielded the highest productivity. Similarly, the farmers who applied six irrigations had obtained the highest level of wheat productivity. Though the use of fertilizers above the recommended dosages affected the productivity positively, their application needs to be regulated keeping in view soil testing reports. The production function analysis revealed that sowing time, irrigation, nitrogen application and expenditure on plant protection chemicals were the major determinants of wheat productivity.