Agricultural diversification in Tamil Nadu - An economic analysis

In comparison to other Indian states, Tamil Nadu has unique agro-climatic and cropping patterns, which have caused a lot of concern, both environmentally and in terms of food security. From 2001 to 2020, the study examines changes in land use and cropping patterns in Tamil Nadu. Secondary data on area under major crops was gathered from various sources. To assess the expansion of area under major crops over time, the compound growth rate was calculated (2001-2020). In cropping pattern, direction of changes was investigated using Markov chain analysis and for each year, crop diversification index was calculated. The results indicated that land classified as land put to non-agricultural uses and fallow land recorded positive expansion in area. The area under paddy, bajra, sugarcane, groundnut, and gingelly are growing at a negative rate, but maize, pulses, fruits, vegetables, coconut, and cotton are growing at a positive rate. It can be stated that net sown area in Tamil Nadu is declining, with shift in food crops being hurt worse than non-food crops. Based on Crop Diversification Index score, crop intensification has increased in the state over time, helping to reduce failure of crop and income loss while also creating jobs for rural people.

• Area under land put to non-agricultural use and fallow land has increased but net sown area decreased.

• Estimates of various crop diversification indices revealed increasing crop diversity of the state.