Dyanamics of Land-use and Cropping Pattern and Growth Trends in Area, Production and Productivity of Major Crops in Pune District of Maharashtra

Using secondary data collected from socio-economic review and district statistical abstract of Pune district for the period 1980–81 to 2012–13, this study has attempted to many questions relating to land use, cropping pattern and growth trends in area production and productivity of major crops of the district. The study has revealed that area under forest declined by 15.52 per cent during the period under study in Pune district. The net sown area also decreased by 7.9 per cent. On the other hand, area sown more than once increased by 181.89 per cent and irrigated area increased from 130700 ha to 269900 ha over the period under study. The total cropped area also increased by 7.73 per cent. The growth rates of area, production and productivity of wheat, maize, gram and total oilseeds have been found positive and significant over the entire period under study. In total, the cereals production increased due to increase in productivity of almost all crops, except paddy, red gram, sunflower and sugarcane.