Dynamics of Cropping Pattern in Kerala-A Cluster Analysis Approach

Dynamics of cropping pattern in Kerala was examined for a period of 10 years from 2000–2009, dividing the entire period into two sub periods. A cluster analysis employed separately for two different periods and temporal changes in acreage of major crops was observed. The major shift witnessed from food crops to highly remunerative crops and like rubber, plantation crops spices etc. Dendrogram depicted the position of each crop in both the periods and the difference grouping pattern pointed the shift of particular crops from one cluster to another, as the change in area from period I to Period II. The major shift was observed in the crops of rubber, paddy and vegetables in the two periods whereas coconut maintained the same position in both the periods.