"The main objective of this important book is to analyse in depth the nature of the changes in the levels of growth of agricultural output, both at the state and district levels. To this end, the authors study the area and value of output of a large number of crops in 289 districts spread over 17 states and based on data for four distinct periods: 1962-65, 1970-73, 1980-83 and 1990-93. They provide an understanding of why spatial patterns of land and labour productivity, as also cropping patterns, have changed during this period, especially after the widespread adoption of new seeds, fertilisers and irrigation."--BOOK JACKET.