Ranchi, Nov. 5: A study on agriculture development in Jharkhand has thrown up some disturbing details.

A study, undertaken by the state agriculture department, reveals that despite expectations of a bumper paddy growth this year, the farming infrastructure is unable to fulfil even 50 per cent of the state’s foodgrain requirements every year.

As a result of the low farm yields, more than 74 per cent of the tribal, Scheduled Caste and backward population in the rural areas do not get sufficient food for at least two to three months every year. Even in urban areas, at least 65 per cent of the population starve for two to three months every year.

The study pointed out that unscientific farming methods, low irrigation coverage of about 11.30 per cent — compared to the national average of 30 per cent — low land utilisation of around 22.68 per cent of the state’s arable lands and over dependence on traditional farming methods are the main reasons for the low farm output.

The realisation comes as the agriculture department has forecast a record paddy growth of over 15 million tonnes this season.

Sources said according to the current expectations, production was likely to exceed a record 20-million-tonne this year.

The study also pointed out that the state’s minimum requirements of foodgrain are estimated at around 49.03 lakh tonnes per annum. Out of this estimated figure, the actual grain produced is barely 24 lakh tonnes and as a result the state is forced to depend on neighbouring states of Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa to bridge the gap.

In terms of foodgrain productivity, Jharkhand ranks below Bihar, Bengal, Orissa and even Chhattisgarh with an average production of 1,094 kg per hectare, compared to the national productivity of 1,739 kg per hectare. Even in the case of milk, fruits, eggs, meat and fish, the production is below the 50 per cent mark.

To combat the situation, agriculture department director V. Jayram stressed on the need for Krishi Vikas Kendras and agriculture technical management agencies to provide extensive training on alternate farming methods, use of hybrid seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, ground water and soil conservation to farmers.