Trends and Patterns of Crop Diversification across North-Eastern Agro-Climatic Zones of Karnataka, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the trends and patterns of crop diversification in the North Eastern Transition Zone (NETZ) and North Eastern Dry Zone (NEDZ) of Karnataka. The results revealed that the growth rate in area for Aurad taluk (rainfed) of NETZ was negative for cereals and millets, pulses and commercial crops over the years. Whereas, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables have registered positive growth, but instability was in a higher range. Similarly, Humnabad taluk (irrigated) of the same zone registered a negative growth in area for cereals and millets and commercial crops over the years. The growth in area for Sedam taluk (rainfed) of NETZ was found negative for cereals and millets, oilseeds and fruits. Whereas, pulses, vegetables and commercial crops have registered a positive growth over the years. The instability was higher in the case of pulses, vegetables and commercial crops. Similarly, Devdurga taluk (irrigated) of the same zone registered a negative growth in area for cereals and millets, oilseeds and fruits, whereas a positive trend was observed in the case of pulses, vegetables and commercial crops, with higher instability found in vegetables and commercial crops. Thus, the moderate extent of crop diversification in both zones was observed.