Region wise decadal analysis of area of major cereal crops in Maharashtra

Abstract

The present article describes the region wise changes in area of five major cereals (Rice, Kharip Jowar, Rabbi Jowar, Bajara and Wheat) in four decades (1960-1970, 1970-1980, 1980-1990 and 1990-2000). The changes in area are investigated by using Fisher-Pry model. Study of changes in area is useful to understand cropping pattern. Brief literature review: In this section some of the selected references are cited. Saini, G.R. (1963) studied the cropping pattern of western region of Uttar Pradesh and noted high increase in the area of wheat, rice, maize and bajara whereas the area of other cereals decreased significantly. Singh and Kaur (1990) studied the cropping pattern in Punjab using the data for the period 1960-61 to 1994-95 and concluded that in Punjab area from cash crop is shifting towards cereals. The area of cereals during the study period rose from 45.65% to 73.46%. Out of the cereal class area of rice and wheat is significantly increased. Thomas, K.J. and et. (1990) applied exponential regression to the data on area of 16 crops during 1973-74 to 1986-87 in Kerala and concluded that annual compound growth rate of cereals is decreasing and that of cash crops is increasing. Moni and Jose (1997) used the data for the period 1975-76 to 1995-1996 in Kerala to conclude that in liberalization the area of cereal crops is being getting shifted to cash crops. Vivekananda and Satyapriya (1994) on the basis of data of 1955-56 to 1990-91 had studied the cropping pattern of Karnataka state. Study concludes that during the study period area of cereals from 55% drop down to 47%. The area of maize increased from 0.10% to 2.10%. Cash crops like oil seeds seems to be prominent leaders in Karnataka. Apart from these references many researchers came to the conclusion that in general area of cereals is declining in many parts of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the changes in area of major cereals in Maharashtra. The present article is a research attempt to investigate the changes in major cereals in Maharashtra. The scope of the study on different aspects is mentioned in table-1.