Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Cropping Patterns and Intensity in Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The study examines changes in cropping patterns and cropping intensity across the agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh, by using cross sectional time series data for the year 2000-01 to 2022-23. The results were reported by applying the simple average, percentage, moving average and growth rate. The results found that the northern hill zone, rice area showed CGR a marginal rise 0.09%, maize increased substantially 1.17%, while millets -8.00%, horse gram -3.51%, and soybean-5.77% sharply declined, leading to reduced crop diversity. In the Chhattisgarh plain zone, rice 0.74%, soybean 6.08%, wheat 2.53%, and gram 3.45%, registered notable growth, but millets -10.75%, horse gram -6.14%, and linseed -18.32% declined drastically. The Bastar plateau showed strong expansion of maize 3.06% and wheat 5.92%, while millets -5.92%, green gram -6.91%, and linseed -15.54% declined heavily. At the state level, rice 0.60%, maize 1.89%, soybean 6.02%, wheat1.77%, and gram 3.60% CGR increased significantly, while most minor pulses and oilseeds declined. Cropping intensity improved from 113.11% to 123.16% which was 8.88% increase, reflecting more intensive land use. Overall, Chhattisgarh is shifting from minor crops to cereals, soybean, and gram, showing commercialization but reducing crop diversity. Balancing high-value crops with minor crops is vital for sustaining livelihoods and productivity.