Application of the CERES-Rice Model for Rice Yield Gap Analysis

Aim: This study aimed to quantify and identify the trends in the yield gaps over the 15 years (2006-07 to 2020-21) in the Karimnagar district of Telangana State in India. The DSSAT v4.7.5 CERES-Rice model was used to calculate the potential yields and then yield gaps were calculated. For the yield gaps, linear and compound growth rates were determined.

Results: (Crop Environment Resource Synthesis) CERES-Rice model has simulated the potential yields with the given weather and soil data of Karimnagar district in India. Yield gap I has recorded positive trend, whereas the yield gap II and total yield gaps have recorded negative trend. Linear and Compound growth rates for yield gap I, yield gap II and total yield gaps were calculated in which only yield gap I showed positive growth rates whereas yield gap II and total yield gaps showed negative growth rates. However, at 5% level, the growth rates in yield gap-II are significant.

Conclusion: It has been observed that, in Karimnagar district of Telangana, the production of rice has increased during the period under study, however there are yield gaps in rice. Using the DSSAT (Decision-support system for Agro-technology Transfer) model, potential rice yields in the Karimnagar district were predicted. There was no much variation in the yield gap I and it was noticed negative trends in yield gap II and total yield gaps. These gaps are to be filled to boost the productivity.