The present study based on secondary data reveals that the net sown area, gross cropped area and cropping intensity have increased over the period of T.E. 1986-87 to T.E. 2012-13, despite of deceleration in gross irrigated area. Land holding pattern have remained more or less unchanged over the entire period and characterised by the domination of marginal and small farmers. Food grains continue to dominate the cropping pattern, but its share has declined by 15.56% and the high valued fruits, vegetables and spices

have consolidated position by increasing share to the tune of 14.78% of the gross cropped area. Per ha Consumption of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers has reduced and the use of potassic fertilizers has been more than doubled during this period. All the major crops have registered significantly positive growth rates with varying magnitudes in area,

production and productivity, but associated with moderate to high instability. Area effect is the primary source of output growth for food grains crops and total vegetables except rice whereas yield is the major contributor to the production increase of total fruits and total spices. Development of region specific crop varieties and production techniques and extensive training programmes along with improvement in irrigation, communication and marketing facilities are urgently needed to accelerate the growth with more stability in agricultural sector of the state.