Land Use Changes and Extent of Crop Diversification in North Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Tamil Nadu, one of the important agrarian states in India, has experienced remarkable growth in the agricultural sector. Among the seven agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu, north western zone is known for intensive agrarian economy of which, the economy of Salem district is predominantly agrarian having 2.20 lakh hectares of net cultivated area (42.31 percent of total geographical area). The district has distinctive cropping patterns and the major crops grown in the district include Paddy, Tapioca, Maize, Sorghum and Vegetables. Given the importance of changing scenarios in cropping patterns, this study was undertaken to analyze the land use and cropping pattern changes and to examine the extent of crop diversification in Salem District over the year using the time series data for 20 years, i.e., from 2000-01 to 2019-20. Direction of changes in land use and cropping pattern was investigated using Markov chain analysis and for each year, crop diversification index was calculated. It was concluded from the study that the compound annual growth rate of area under crops like cereals and millets, pulses, spices and condiments, fruits, fibres. drugs, narcotics & plantation crops and other non-food crops were positive whereas it was negative for sugar crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fodder and green manure. Based on the crop diversification index value, it is evident that Salem district is moving towards crop diversification rather than specialization however the process as analysed on a time series basis is stagnant.

Climate Change and Food Supply Chain Economics: A Comprehensive Analysis of Impacts, Adaptations, and Sustainability

“…The adaptation of climate-resilient agricultural practices within food supply chains involves various strategies. Crop diversification has been identified as an essential climate adaptation strategy with positive outcomes on household standard of living (Priyanga et al, 2023). It has the capacity to achieve sustainable agriculture development, stabilize farm income, and ensure food security (Barman et al, 2022;Ali, 2015).…”

“…Advances in agricultural machinery and the development of climate forecasting tools are essential components of this investment. Moreover, market-based responses to mitigate risks, such as risk-sharing mechanisms like insurance and contract farming arrangements, have been recognized as important strategies (Priyanga et al, 2023;Coker et al, 2023). In conclusion, the economic adaptations within food supply chains involve the adoption of climateresilient agricultural practices, investment in technology and infrastructure, and market-based responses to mitigate risks.…”