Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Millet Cultivation in Haryana: A District- Level Analysis of Bajra and Jowar (1966-2025)

Abstract

Bajra and Jowar are two of the most significant millets grown in India, the world’s largest producer of millets. Together, they occupied a substantial share of cultivated land in Haryana during the state’s early years. However, following the Green Revolution and other changes, Haryana’s agricultural landscape has undergone significant shifts. This study presents a spatio-temporal analysis of millet cultivation in Haryana from 1966 to 2025, focusing on Bajra and Jowar. The study investigates spatial and temporal trends in area and production, using secondary data from Statistical Abstract of Haryana (1966-67 to 2024-25) and Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) covering 1966–1967 to 2024–2025. The paper also examines the compound annual growth rates of Bajra and Jowar from 1966-2025 in the state of Haryana. The study adopts a quantitative approach. To analyse the spatial patterns of Bajra and Jowar crops, district-wise choropleth maps were prepared using ArcMap 10.8.2 GIS software. Linear regression was applied to examine trends in the area under and production of Bajra and Jowar. Following the onset of the Green Revolution in the 1960s, the cropping pattern of the state has undergone significant changes from crops such as Bajra and Jowar towards rice and wheat. The results show a substantial decline in cultivated area of both crops owing to the increase in water-intensive, high-yielding crops such as rice and wheat associated with agricultural policies and the expansion of tubewell irrigation. For Bajra, the results show a clear divergence between area and production, although cultivated area has declined (CAGR: -0.89%), the adoption of hybrid seeds has coincided with positive production growth (CAGR: +2.14%), with production concentrated in the arid south-western districts of Haryana (Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar and Bhiwani). In contrast, Jowar cultivation has declined sharply, with sharp reductions in total area and production (CAGR: -4.37% and -2.66%). The decline in coarse-grain cultivation is considered alongside groundwater depletion in Haryana. These findings highlight the potential role of agricultural policies and technological innovations in advancing millet farming, given the nutritional value and climatic resilience of millets and their potential contribution to food and nutritional security.