Agricultural Regionalisation of Kannur District: A Quantitative and GIS Analysis

Abstract

Agricultural regionalisation is an important tool for understanding spatial disparities in agricultural productivity and for formulating region-specific development strategies. This study analysed agricultural regionalisation in Kannur District, Kerala, using quantitative and GIS-based approaches for the 2024-2025 agricultural year. Eleven administrative development blocks were used as analytical units. The assessment applied crop ranking, crop concentration analysis, Weaver’s crop combination method and Bhatia’s crop diversification index to identify spatial differences in crop dominance, crop association and agricultural diversification. The results show that coconut is the dominant crop in all blocks and records the highest concentration values, confirming its central role in the district’s agricultural economy. Other crops, including cashew, arecanut, mango, jackfruit, pepper, paddy, banana, tapioca, papaya and plantain, vary in rank and concentration across blocks. The crop combination analysis indicates marked spatial heterogeneity. Kannur block shows a single-crop combination based on coconut, whereas Edakkad, Kuthuparamba, Panoor and Thalassery show eleven-crop combinations. Bhatia’s diversification index also varies across the district, with the highest value in Thaliparamba (27.9) and the lowest in Kannur (1.0). These findings indicate the presence of distinct agricultural regions shaped by physical setting, land-use characteristics, crop suitability and local farming practices. The study provides block-level evidence that may support agricultural planning, resource allocation and diversification strategies in Kannur District. It also highlights the relevance of integrating quantitative indices with geospatial presentation for agricultural regionalisation.