Dynamics of Cropping Pattern in Arid Western Plain Zone of Rajasthan

By : Shivangini Rathore , Seema Jalan

Page No: 176-193

Abstract
The study examines the dynamics of cropping pattern in Arid Western Plain zone of Rajasthan using the secondary time series data of 22 years (1996-97 to 2017-18) divided into two equal periods. Pulses, cereals and cluster bean occupy more than 80 per cent share of the total cropped area of the zone. Percentage change, Compound growth rate and Markov chain analysis has been employed to understand the dynamics of change in cropping pattern. The share of total cropped area under cereals and fibre has decreased registering a negative growth rate during the study period while pulses have recorded only marginal growth rate. The share of area under cluster bean, oilseeds and horticulture has remarkably increased over base period recording significantly higher positive growth rate. The transition probability matrix reveals cereals as the stable group of the zone during period I. For period II cluster bean, cereals and pulses were the stable crop groups of the zone however results indicate increased area retention probability of high value crops during the period. The projected share in cropping pattern for the zone indicates shift of cropping pattern from its traditional crops towards high value crop slike cluster bean, oilseeds and horticulture.

Authors :
Shivangini Rathore
Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313001 (Rajasthan)

Seema Jalan
Professor & Supervisor, Department of Geography, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313001 (Rajasthan)
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2021.41.01.11