Identification of efficient cropping zone for major field crops in different tahsils of northern part of MPKV jurisdiction

Abstract

A study was conducted at department of Agrometeorology, College of Agriculture Pune, to determine the efficient cropping zones for major field crops (Rice, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Groundnut, and Tur) across 54 tahsils in the northern region of MPKV jurisdiction, Maharashtra. Data on the area, production, and productivity of key field crops were obtained for the year 2020 from the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Pune. To assess crop efficiency the Relative Spread Index (RSI) and the Relative Yield Index (RYI) were calculated, which helped in identifying potential cropping tahsils. The Efficient Cropping Zone (ECZ) analysis revealed notable regional differences in yield potential and spread index. Akole and Sakri tahsils demonstrated both high yield potential (100) and extensive spread (100) for rice, categorizing them as Most Efficient Cropping Zones (MECZ). Furthermore, 7 tahsils were classified as efficient for rice, 21 for bajra and maize, 22 for tur and groundnut, and 14 for rabi jowar. These tahsils, despite having high yield potential (81.0 to 190.6), exhibited a lower spread (0.0 to 84.1), placing them in the ECZ category. Conversely, 7 to 30 tahsils were identified as Not Efficient Cropping Zones (NECZ) due to low RSI (0.0 to 44.7) and RYI (0.0 to 99.4) values. The classification of MECZ, ECZ, and NECZ underscores regional variations in crop suitability, influenced by climatic conditions and productivity levels.