Maharashtra, a state that plays a vital role in India’s agricultural exports and agro-industries, presents a diverse picture when it comes to crop productivity.
While some crops like sugarcane and soybean perform well, other crops including cotton, cereals and millets lag behind the national and top-state average.
For the state, which lies at the heart of India’s agricultural economy, improving yields is not only important for farmers, but also a matter of national interest, impacting food security, export competitiveness and rural livelihoods.
Recent data shows that Maharashtra’s average grain yield is 1,788 kg per hectare, much lower than the national average of 2,928 kg. Pulses stood at 939 kg/hectare, slightly above the national average, while oilseeds were recorded at 1,177 kg/hectare, slightly below the national average.
Cotton, one of the most important cash crops of the state, has a yield of only 338 kg/hectare against the national average of 443 kg/hectare. Sugarcane remains a bright spot with a productivity of 87 MT/hectare, which is higher than the country average of 82 MT/hectare.
Where Maharashtra falls short
Cotton and millet show the largest differences in yield. Cotton production is largely dependent on rainfall, and uneven irrigation, pest pressure and the adoption of incompatible hybrids limit production. Compared to Gujarat, cotton yield in Maharashtra is less by more than 260 kg per hectare.
Millets, increasingly recognized for their nutritional value and climate resilience, have also seen significant declines. Maharashtra’s average is a little over 1,000 kg/hectare, far behind Telangana, which produces almost three times as much. Improvements in input use, irrigation and crop management can reduce this gap and benefit both farmers and consumers.
Bright spots and opportunities
Soybean yield in Maharashtra is 1,343 kg/hectare, which is above the national average, indicating the state’s strength in this crop. Sugarcane also shows how reliable irrigation, strong farmer cooperatives and effective extension support can deliver strong results. However, here too, there is scope to catch up with the leading states which achieve higher production per hectare.
big picture
Pulses, oilseeds and grains presented mixed results. Pulses are close to the national average, but the state still lags behind high-performing competitors. Oilseed productivity is slightly below the national benchmark, while cereals are facing the biggest losses. These differences point to structural issues such as limited irrigation, uneven soil fertility, and adoption of improved agricultural practices.
looking ahead
Experts argue that Maharashtra needs crop-specific strategies to reduce the yield gap. Expanding irrigation in rainfed areas, strengthening seed systems, encouraging mechanization and improving extension services can make a real difference. Benchmarking districts against top performing states and providing timely, data-backed guidance to farmers can further enhance results.
Even partial reforms in cotton, millet 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 agriculture-based economy, improving crop productivity is a matter of national importance.
Maharashtra’s agricultural story is one of contradictions: success in some areas, urgent needs in others. With focused policies, better technology adoption and farmer-centric interventions, the state has the potential to increase 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
