The comparison between simulated potential yields and production (see the “Suitability and Potential Production”) with observed yield and production of crops currently grown, provides yield and production gap information for the analysis of major causes of rural poverty (e. g., lack of agricultural inputs, poor market accessibility, inappropriate cropping systems, inadequate crop management, year-to-year variations in climatic conditions, occurrence of natural hazards such as floods and droughts).[...]
Yield and production gaps are estimated by comparing potential attainable yields and production with actual achieved yields and production (year 2000) for main commodities. The yield and production gaps presented compare actual yield and production with potential yield as ratios, and production as differences. The yield and production gaps are provided in map and tabular formats. Results take into account rain-fed and irrigated water supply conditions and are calculated with potential yield and production for assumed low and mixed level of inputs and management circumstances.