Abstract

                                Cassava is gaining importance as an industrial crop in Tamil Nadu. In this context the present study was undertaken to estimate the supply response and to study the growth rate in area, production and productivity of cassava in Tamil Nadu. There was positive compound growth rate (CGR) of area in western zone, southern zone, Cauvery delta zone and north western zone, while the CGR of area declined in north eastern zone, high rainfall zone and hilly zone. CGR of production increased in all zones except in hilly zone and north eastern zone. Highest increase in rate of growth in productivity was observed in western zone with 15.95 per cent per annum. State as whole, there was positive compound growth rate in area, production and productivity with 2.47, 3.68 and 1.19 per cent respectively. Lagged area and lagged price had significant positive influnce on cassava area while the influence of rainfall and lagged yield was not significant. The supply response model for cassava shown that for every increase of 0.18 rupees per quintal in tuber price in the previous year, the current arac increased by one hectare. Similarly for an increase of 0.58 hectare in the area planted in the previous year the current area increased by one hectare.

Key words : Cassava, Supply response and Growth rate.