An Analysis of Crop Diversification and Factor Affecting the Diversification in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Abstract

This study analyzed trends in crop diversification and factors affecting crop diversification in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of India. Time series data on various parameters were collected from secondary sources for 25 years (1969 to 2017). Crop diversification and entropy index were estimated to assess the crop diversification scenario, and also multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the factors affecting crop diversification in the IGP of India. The result showed diversification indices at the state level indicated a declining trend in diversification among different crops and food grain and non-food grain crops during 2005-06 to 2015-16. Farm size and distance from the market had negatively influenced the crop diversification and entropy index, whereas an increase in irrigation intensity, net income and family workers engaged in agriculture had a positive influence and significantly contributed towards crop diversification.