This policy brief presents the results of a TCI-supported study that identified agricultural hotspot districts in India and assessed possible reasons for the districts’ higher-than-average production. The researchers examined the spatial distribution of seasonal yields for paddy, wheat and millets in India from 2010 to 2019. They identified 536 hotspots and 122 coldspots. To discern possible reasons behind the hotspots’ success, the researchers analyzed the impact of input use on yield levels. They found that hotspots are associated with higher irrigation, higher fertilizer usage and increased use of digital extension services. A 1% increase in irrigation corresponded with a 7 kilogram per hectare increase in yield, while a 1% rise in crop-specific extension queries was tied to a 6 kilogram per hectare increase. A 1 kilogram per hectare increase in fertilizer was associated with a 0.5 kilogram per hectare rise in yield.

Based on these results, TCI recommends that policymakers: 

• Invest in irrigation infrastructure, increase fertilizer use and promote the usage of digital extension services in poorly performing districts.

Download the policy brief