Clocking a 10.97% of decadal growth rate between 2000-01 and 2009-10, Gujarat has recorded the highest agricultural growth in real terms (at compound annual growth rate, or CAGR) among 15 non-special category States, according to an independent research and analysis of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries.

Maharashtra has closely followed Gujarat with 10.5% of agricultural growth during the last decade, leaving behind many front-running agricultural States, Assocham said here on Tuesday.

“Steps like investment in agricultural infrastructure to improve irrigation system, employment of latest technologies and establishment of a dedicated power grid to ensure regular power supply for agricultural sector are significant reasons behind high agricultural growth rate that Gujarat has achieved,” said Mr D.S. Rawat, Secretary-General, Assocham.

Chhattisgarh has ranked third with 6% of agricultural growth, followed by Orissa (5.28%) and Andhra Pradesh (5.2%), said the Assocham analysis.

“Innovative and efficient management of the State's groundwaterresources is a major turning point in Gujarat's agricultural miracle which has converted barren lands into fertile farms thereby raising yields and resulting in fall of cultivation costs,” said Mr Rawat.

A revolution in agriculture has converted around 15 lakh hectare of additional lands in largely semi-arid Gujarat fit for farming, thereby establishing the State on the top in systematic and scientific development of the farm sector.

Improved diffusion of technology and better utilisation of water through various unconventional initiatives have helped expand area under cultivation and enhanced the crop productivity. Reasonable monsoon season throughout the decade along with rising minimum support prices from the Centre and extension of profitable cash crop BT cotton are the factors that led to superlative performance by Gujarat, it observed.

Farmers in the State have adopted more technology and value addition of agricultural produce to supplement their income. Increased agricultural production has not only increased the State farmers' income but also discouraged them from migrating to urban areas for jobs.

Assocham recommended that other States should also focus on small, minor irrigation projects and watershed facilities which are cheap and affordable.

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