Exploring the dimensions and economic factors influencing crop diversification across different agro-climatic regions of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Given its diverse agro-climatic zones, Chhattisgarh has untapped potential for crop diversification, which could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices, enhanced economic resilience, and a reduction in environmental stresses. This study was done with a purpose of examining the status and pattern of crop diversification along different agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh state and to decipher the economic factors influencing crop diversification in the state. The study was conducted in the state of Chhattisgarh using secondary data over the period of 22 years (2001-02 to 2022-23). The Simpson’s Diversification Index (SID) has been estimated and it reveals varying patterns across the Rabi and Kharif seasons along three agro-climatic zones. The SDI for Rabi in Chhattisgarh Plains has been found to be 0.7337 and for Kharif 0.1410 with an overall of 0.4710. In Bastar Plateau the SDI ranged from 0.8348 in Rabi, 0.2695 in Kharif and an aggregate of 0.3030. In Northern Hills Rabi exhibited an SDI of 0.7387 and in Kharif 0.4297 and at aggregate level 0.5261.In Chhattisgarh state, in Rabi season the SDI was found to be 0.7651 and 0.2450 in Kharif and an overall of 0.4820.Crop diversification was influenced by several economic factors. The multiple linear regression analysis suggested that Rabi diversification benefits from higher per capita GSDP and pulse procurement prices, while Kharif diversification is negatively affected by MSP for rice and irrigation expansion. Fertilizer consumption significantly reduces diversification in both seasons, while market density, road length, and landholding size show mixed or insignificant effects. The insights of the study suggests that targeted policy interventions, such as revising MSP policies, promoting diverse cropping patterns, promoting incentives and crop insurances, assured procurement of pulses and oilseeds, identification and development of market and roads can encourage better diversification in the state.