Changing Cropping Pattern in Gujarat – A Regional Analysis

The study on changing cropping pattern in Gujarat has reported a significant shift from area sown in rabi only to double/triple cropping area, suggesting that due to availability of irrigation, it has been possible to take more than one crop. The highest increase in multi-cropping area has been registered in the Saurashtra region, followed by Northern and Central regions. During the past five years ending 2010–11, there has been a change in cropping pattern favouring commercial crops. The main driver for such transformation has been the technology, supported by infrastructure like good roads, improved market accessibility, ensured power supply to farmers, higher productivity of commercial crops, better market price and thereby favourable farm economies. The study has revealed that Saurashtra region dominates in cultivation of oilseeds, commercial, spices and vegetable crops in the state. The southern region is front-runner in the cultivation of fruits and flowers. The northern region dominates in cultivation of cereal crops, whereas the central region has the highest area under cultivation for pulses.