Abstract:
The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of endogenous (farmer-controlled) factors on both pearl millet and stover yield.
The study uses descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze farmer-controlled factors affecting pearl millet and stover yields, based on 473 survey responses from Rajasthan’s semiarid zones, analyzed with Minitab 21.4.
The descriptive results indicate widespread use of desi seeds (77.4%) and organic fertilizers (67.4%), extensive crop rotation (78%), low intercropping (12%) and extensive dependence on rainfall (70%). The multiple regression analysis indicates irrigation frequency, seed type, fertilizer type and crop rotation as major drivers of yield. The most efficient combination of hybrid seeds, inorganic fertilizers, intercropping and high irrigation frequency yields the best yields. The least efficient combination of desi seeds, no fertilizer, no intercropping and very low irrigation frequency yields low yield levels. The findings validate targeted input strategies and policy reforms.