The problem of low productivity of rice in Eastern India is currently being discussed among the policy makers, academicians and technologists. This paper attempts to analyse the date of rice production, are and productivity of Eastern India and individual states for a period of 1971-72 to 1981-82. The low productivity is the result of the slow adoption of high yielding varieties which points to the fact that the varieties evolved are not suitable for the area or proper rice technology is not evolved. The analysis of district data indicates that there are few districts with positive growth rates and a large number of districts with negative growth rates of productivity. A comparative study of these two groups of districts will reveal factors which govern low productivity in the region. Because of the analysis of the district data, it was possible to identify the districts in the two groups. It is suggested that a research project be undertaken in the selected districts of the two groups to identify factors governing the low productivity and to suggest measures to policy makers, development agencies and research agencies to improve productivity and enhance production.