Total Factor Productivity Growth of Jowar and Bajra in India: A Comparative Analysis Using Different Methods of TFP Computation

摘要

Jowar and bajra are the two main coarse cereals in India and are cultivated in regions with permanent geographical and climatic impediments. In this study, the total factor productivity (TFP) growth of jowar and bajra has been estimated using three different methods, viz. Solow index method, Tornqvist-Theil index method and the Malmquist index method. The first two methods impose certain theoretical restrictions while calculating TFP growth. These restrictions can be addressed by using the third method, viz. the Malmquist index method. Jowar and bajra being rainfed crops, rainfall has been considered as one of the inputs in the production of these coarse cereals in the Malmquist index method. Hence, it is argued that on a number of counts, the contemporaneous Malmquist index method of TFP measurement could be more preferable as it gives reliable TFP estimates.