ACREAGE RESPONSE OF MAJOR CROPS IN BHANDARA DISTRICT.

The growth rate for area and production under all major crops was positive in Bhandara district for the study period. During the period, it was noted that the compound growth rate in area and production for major crops in Bhandara district a whole as positive over the period of 15 years and which is statistically significant. The area, production and productivity instability in major crops was observed in Bhandra district. It may be because the crops largely depend on vagaries of nature which causes heavy losses. Per cent contribution of area affect was more responsible for gram and tur to change in production. The yield effect was found more responsible for paddy and wheat production. The coefficient of farm harvest price was very less and positive farm harvest price for wheat. It implied that prices had not shown any impact in the increase on area of major crop in the study. Long run price elasticities were more than short run elasticities in major crops indicating that farmer was not market oriented in short run period.