AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION IN TAMIL NADU INDIA

Abstract

The changes in the cropping pattern occur periodically depending upon the market forces and agro climatic conditions. It is assumed that both climatic and technological factors are crucial in determining the cropping pattern. Many regions of Tamil Nadu, specifically delta region, have changed the cropping pattern due to inadequate rainfall and heavy downpour. To improve the income, to provide gainful employment and to stabilize the income flow, diversification of crops emerges as a major strategy. This study on crop diversification was undertaken to analyse the extent of diversification and to find the factors influencing the crop diversification. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was adopted in this study. Diversification indices were calculated to find the extent if diversification. A linear regression model was also employed to examine the factors influencing crop diversification in the study area. The results imply that the sample households diversified their crop activities and it could be correlated with the crop diversification indices calculated for the study area. It is understood that the sample farmers cultivated a maximum of eight crops. On an average, each household maintained about three crops, which reveals the prevalence of crop diversification at the farm level also. From the above results, it is evident that there have been gradual shifts in the cropping pattern towards high value crops in the study area. This might be due to the availability of market, increased demand of products and export facilities.