Contribution of High-Yield Varieties Seeds to Major Food Crops Production, Yield and Area in Punjab - Pakistan

The present study is undertaken to measure the contribution of HYVs to major food crops (Wheat, rice, bajra, jowar and maize) production, yield and area in Pakistan Punjab. The study is based on secondary data for the last 44 years, i.e., from 1951-52 to 1994-95. For this purpose, a comparison of growth rates for production, yield and area is made (1) between period I (1951 to 1964) and period II 1965 to 1978). (2) between period II and period III (1979 to 1994) and (3) between period I and period IV (1951 to 1994). The study shows that the influence of HYV seed on production, yield and area for major food crops in Punjab is mixed. The contribution of HYVs to production, area and yield growth for wheat is remarkable. The adoption of HYVs has helped to accelerate the growth rate for production and yield for rice and maize in period II. In case of Jowar despite the fact that its area and production decreased its yield increased in period II, which may be due to the adoption of HYV seeds.