Land suitability analysis for ginger cultivation in Koraput district of Odisha using GIS applications

Abstract

Land suitability plays a crucial role in improving food production, particularly in the context of ginger cultivation. This research aims to assess the suitability of land for ginger farming by employing Geospatial and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The evaluation was based on five indicators, which were illustrated through GIS raster maps: topography (land elevation), slope, annual rainfall, flood risk, and soil type, specifically within the Koraput district of Odisha. A quantitative scoring system was utilized to categorize the indicator values, resulting in four classifications of land suitability: highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3) and not suitable (N). The results indicated that the study area contained three categories of land suitability: highly suitable (85.2%), moderately suitable (8.7%), and marginally suitable (6.1%). Generally, the characteristics of land elevation, slope, and rainfall were conducive to ginger cultivation. However, the acidic soil conditions presented challenges for successful ginger growth. Furthermore, areas with lower slopes and elevations faced significant flood risks that could jeopardize ginger crops. This study provides valuable insights for decision-makers aiming to optimize land use for ginger production, especially in tropical regions.