Dynamics of cropping pattern in Maharashtra: Markov chain approach

Abstract

The cropping pattern represents the agricultural economy of a region or area and is a key factor in determining the level of agricultural production. The present study was conducted to know the changes in the cropping pattern of Maharashtra using Markov chain analysis. Time series data on the area under different crops grown from the period 2001-02 to 2020-21 were collected and analyzed for four regions of Maharashtra. The results revealed that in the Vidarbha region, during the period 2001-02 to 2010-11 Kharif Jowar observed that the most stable crop and retained 88% of its previous area and among the selected crops soybean was observed as the most stable crop and retained 76% of its previous area during the period 2011-12 to 2020-21. In Marathwada region, during the period 2001-02 to 2010-11 and 2011-12 to 2020-21 cotton was observed as the most stable crop and retained 92% and 51% of its previous share in area. While, in Western Maharashtra region, during the period of study i.e. 2001-02 to 2010-11 and 2011-12 to 2020-21 among the selected crops of the study Kharif maize was comparatively stable crop over other crops. In Konkan region, during the period of study i.e. 2001-02 to 2010-1, Kharif paddy retained 96% of its pervious share in area and in 2011-12 to 2020-21 it was retained 65% of its pervious share in area.