Agricultural variation in cropping and irrigation intensity in western part of Rajasthan

Abstract

Climate change adversely affects human health due to fluctuations in temperature, rainfall pattern and natural hazards etc. The impact of climate change is also on agriculture where food security is greatly affected by climate change. The present paper deals with change in cropping and irrigation intensity in western part of Rajasthan due to climate change. The study includes comparison of cropping intensity and irrigation intensity of 12 districts of Rajasthan and found that Jhunjhunu have the highest cropping intensity from 2006 to 2016 which means a higher portion of the net area is being cropped more than once during one agricultural year. While, Barmer recorded the lowest cropping intensity for both years 2006 and 2016. Sikar did not show change in cropping intensity in this duration while churu had a decline in cropping intensity from 2006 to 2016. Further, Sri Ganganagar district have an increase in cropping intensity in 2015-2016 as compared to 2006-2007. Jaisalmer and Hanumangarh recorded the highest irrigation intensity which increased from 2006 to 2016 and the lowest irrigation intensity was recorded in Pali and Jhunjhunu. Pali and Jalore district had not shown change in irrigation intensity form 2006 to 2016. While Barmer, Jhunjhunu and Sikar districts showed a decrease in irrigation intensity from 2006 to 2016. Henceforth, the study shows the scenario of cropping and irrigation intensity as well as variation due to climate change in western part of Rajasthan.