134
CHAPTER 5
CROPPING PATTERNS AND CHANGES THEREIN
Cropping pattern express the share of different crops in farmer's total
cultivated area in an agricultural year. It is an important indicator of farmer's
decision-making ability which witnesses dynamism over space and time in
response to the change in physical and socio-economic factors.
Cropping pattern refers to the proportionate area under different crops
during a agricultural year. It means the series of crops at a point of time.
Cropping pattern must ensure the greatest efficiency of man, fertilizers,
irrigation and other inputs. It is dynamic concept as no cropping pattern can
be suitable for all times to come. A successful cropping pattern implies the
most efficient use of arable land, consequent upon application of water
resources, bio-chemical inputs and the like. In addition, it must offer the
cultivators the possibility to maximize agricultural productivity per unit area per
unit of time. A cropping pattern is determined by the interaction of physical
and socio-economic factors over a period of time. No cropping pattern can be
good for all times to come. But there is often a tendency for the cropping
pattern to stabilize over a period of time in different agro-climatically
homogeneous farming area (Singh and Sharma, 1985).
Krishna (1972) in his studies has also stressed that cropping pattern of
the country should logically being with the study of its climatic and soil
conditions which constitute the regional and subterranean environment of
crop plants. In most of the situations, the physical environment reduces the
135
choice of enterprise, either by prohibiting the growing of certain crops
altogether or by reducing their level of output to an unprofitable degree
(Morgan and Munton, 1971). The cropping pattern of the study region is
discussed under three heads. These are as follow:
A. Cropping pattern: 1965-66
B. Cropping pattern: 1985-86
C. Cropping pattern: 2005-06
A. CROPPING PATTERN: 1965-66 (Fig. 5.1 & Table 5.1)
During 1965-66, Punjab-Haryana plains had a diversified overall
cropping pattern which was having 15 crops namely wheat, rice, fodder,
maize, bajra, cotton, oilseeds, grams, pulses, sugarcane, vegetables, fruits,
spices, barley, and jower. Among these crops, wheat was predominant crop
with 22.98 percent area under its cultivation. Fodder came next with 20.15
percent followed by third crop pulses with 17.84 percent area under its
cultivation. Fourth important crop from areal point of view was bajra which had
11.39 percent area under its cultivation. Maize, rice and cotton were recorded
three important crops of kharif season with an area of 5.18 percent, 5.74
percent and 7.20 percent respectively. From areal strength, oilseeds were
also enjoying a comfortable position with 5.19 percent area. The next crops in
importance were sugarcane, vegetables with 1.85 and 0.90 of the total
cropped area respectively. Crops like jower spices, barley etc were
combinedly had 1.59 percent of the total cropped area and placed in the
category of other crops. Thus, from the above discussion, the present
researcher has found that wheat and pulses were the leading crops of rabi
season as well as in respect of the overall cropping pattern of the study
136
region. While fodder was considered as important crop in both Rabi and kharif
seasons which was due to the significant role of the live stock in farmer‘s
economy. It is also found that rice, maize, bajra and cotton were the leading
crops of kharif seasons. From table 5.1, it is evident that in overall cropping
pattern, rabi crops were predominant and having more area under their
cultivation as compare to kharif crops which shows the pitiable socio-
economic conditions and development of water resources.
After discussing the overall cropping pattern of the study region, now it
is pertinent to discuss in detail the spatial variations in area under individual
crops and reasons responsible for their uneven distribution in the study
region. These crops are discussed as follow.
Table 5.1 Overall Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains, 1965-66
Sr. No. Crop Per Cent Area 1. Wheat 22.98 2. Rice 5.74 3. Fodder 20.15 4. Maize 5.18 5. Bajra 11.39 6. Pulses 17.84 7. Cotton 7.20 8. Oilseeds 5.19 9. Sugarcane 1.85
10. Vegetables 0.90 11. Others 1.59
Source: 1. Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana, 1966 I. WHEAT (Triticum Sativum)
Wheat is an important and major food crop which is grown in almost
major parts of the world. It is of two types i.e. spring wheat and winter wheat.
In study region, winter wheat is cultivated. It is a staple crop, whereas its
Overall Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains, 1965-66
Cotton, 7.20%
Oilseeds, 5.19%
Sugarcane, 1.85% Vegetables, 0.90%
Others, 1.59%
Pulses, 17.84%
Bajra, 11.39%
Maize, 5.18%
Fodder, 20.15%
Rice, 5.74%
Wheat, 22.98%
Fig. 5.1
137
straw is used as dry fodder for feeding livestock. It is believed that domestic
wheat originated in the Middle East and south west Asia between 800-600
B.C. and from here it spread to rest of the world (Hussain, 1986). In terms of
area and production, it ranks first in the cropping pattern of the study area
because large area of net area sown is devoted to wheat cultivation. It also
plays a very important part in region's trade and commerce. Wheat crop has
its own set of environmental conditions under which it grows more effectively.
As a general rule, its cultivation is not profitable unless it is adapted to the
area in which it is raised (Singh, 1976).
Wheat being a Rabi crop is sown in the months of October to
November when the mean temperature ranges between 18ºC to 20ºC. It
grows well and reaches its maturity during December to March and harvesting
is done in the month of April, when the mean temperature ranges between
25ºC to 28ºC. Though wheat is grown in a variety of soils, yet loamy and clay
loamy soils are more suitable for its cultivation. Wheat crop can be grown
successfully in low rainfall areas with less than 800 mm can be successfully
grown if the irrigation facilities are adequately developed because normally in
semi-arid areas this crop required 5 to 7 watering for its successful cultivation.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.2)
During 1965-66, wheat was the most important food grain crop of the
study area. It was cultivated almost in all the districts of the study region. But
its distribution was not uniform. The highest area under wheat cultivation was
found in Gurdaspur district with 33.90 per cent of total cropped area. Whereas
the minimum share was found in Bhiwani district i.e. 1.16 per cent of total
cropped area. It shows its cultivation was uneven in space owing to variation
138
in physical, socio-economic, technological and organizational factors. To
make an in depth study of wheat cultivation, the help is taken from fig. 5.2 and
table 5.2 which show the following three categories.
1. High share of wheat cultivation (>30 per cent)
In the overall cropping pattern of 1965-66, eleven out of thirty eight
districts were included in this category namely Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur Tarn
Taran, Amritsar Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Patiala and
Fatehgarh Sahib. In all these districts, the proportion was above 30 per cent.
These were traditionally wheat growing districts. The use of improved seeds of
HYV’S, availability for irrigation, flat terrain with fertile soils were the major
reasons accounted for high share of wheat cultivation in these districts. Here,
farmers had preferred wheat to grams cultivation because it gives maximum and
assured returns than grams and moreover, it in a main food crop of the study
region.
2. Moderate share of wheat cultivation (15-30per cent)
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa Rupnagar,
S.A.S. Nagar, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal,
Panipat, Jind, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts
comprised the of moderate share of wheat cultivation. Maximum share of wheat
cultivation was found in Jalandhar district i.e. 29.8 per cent of total cropped area
while it is recorded lowest of 15.50 per cent in Faridabad district. In rabi season
wheat crop was facing competition with other crops such as fodder crops, pulses
in Rohtak Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Panipat, Jind, Bathinda and Mansa
districts. Owing to have sufficient area, under fodder and pulses crops, the per
cent share of wheat was recorded moderate in these areas during 1965-66.
139
Table 5.2 Punjab-Haryana Plains: Per Cent Area under Different Crops to Total Cropped Area 1965-66
District
Total Cropped Area (000 hectares)
Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Vegetables Others Fodder
Gurdaspur 498.00 33.90 12.09 11.75 0.04 0.14 3.10 6.49 4.00 0.57 0.56 27.37
Amritsar 426.00 32.40 13.89 7.26 0.25 3.88 3.30 8.92 3.21 0.18 0.58 26.13
Tarn Taran 400.00 32.90 11.13 8.39 0.70 4.78 4.30 9.20 3.29 0.40 0.50 24.41
Kapurthala 271.00 29.60 7.49 12.40 0.20 0.69 1.90 13.18 3.16 1.36 0.52 29.50
Jalandhar 426.00 29.80 9.70 15.00 0.10 0.86 2.70 12.50 3.60 1.83 0.82 23.09
Nawanshahr 175.00 28.10 5.90 18.60 0.50 0.40 8.20 8.60 3.50 1.70 0.95 23.55
Hoshiarpur 357.00 33.00 4.80 18.80 0.80 0.04 6.10 11.30 3.56 1.72 0.23 19.65
Rupnagar 140.00 23.90 3.96 21.60 0.21 0.78 6.70 10.40 7.50 1.63 0.40 22.92
S.A.S. Nagar 127.00 25.90 5.75 19.40 0.70 0.40 4.30 12.60 6.50 1.81 0.52 22.12
Ludhiana 600.00 30.50 8.30 11.60 0.98 1.78 2.80 13.30 5.00 1.83 0.60 23.31
Firozpur 858.00 31.00 8.60 2.60 3.53 26.00 2.30 11.19 2.10 0.08 1.50 11.10
Faridkot 253.00 30.40 1.80 1.50 3.10 21.63 2.10 10.80 1.50 1.34 1.65 24.18
Muktsar 445.00 31.60 0.50 1.20 3.00 25.60 4.40 10.60 1.20 0.29 1.07 20.54
Moga 368.00 29.00 3.00 1.14 2.30 26.80 2.40 13.50 0.20 1.50 1.30 18.86
Bathinda 555.00 20.50 0.60 1.26 3.20 9.35 5.60 28.70 0.70 0.59 0.90 28.60
Mansa 362.00 19.80 0.92 1.90 8.90 7.01 4.70 29.80 1.50 0.69 0.81 23.97
Sangrur 877.00 32.00 3.80 6.60 6.30 5.43 3.70 19.40 0.40 0.74 1.30 20.33
Patiala 539.00 31.60 10.40 7.40 0.95 1.44 2.70 18.20 4.20 2.29 1.40 19.42
Fatehgarh Sahib 191.00 30.20 8.10 9.90 0.09 1.32 3.50 16.15 5.40 2.18 1.70 21.46
Ambala 202.00 20.50 14.80 11.90 1.93 0.20 4.40 19.70 0.80 1.14 2.30 21.66
Panchkula 44.00 19.90 10.20 13.70 1.13 0.10 4.60 18.09 0.90 1.36 2.00 23.27
Yamunanagar 203.00 18.40 9.09 14.40 0.92 0.37 4.20 19.48 0.20 0.90 2.10 29.94
Kurukshetra 277.00 28.00 15.32 5.04 3.04 2.20 1.65 16.54 0.60 1.55 3.12 22.94
Contd.........
140
District Total Cropped
Area (000 hectares)
Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Vegetables Others Fodder
Kaithal 377.00 26.70 14.11 6.08 4.92 2.13 1.80 15.16 0.50 1.27 3.45 23.88
Karnal 388.00 27.50 16.40 6.07 4.30 1.08 2.00 16.35 0.70 0.70 3.00 21.90
Panipat 186.00 25.00 12.20 0.10 11.80 2.70 1.30 18.32 0.30 0.80 2.60 24.88
Sonipat 278.00 26.40 14.30 0.22 10.60 1.79 1.50 19.52 0.20 2.61 2.25 20.61
Rohtak 222.00 24.00 1.08 0.47 19.47 0.19 6.90 24.81 0.90 0.54 1.90 19.74
Jhajjar 234.00 22.46 1.02 0.43 15.96 1.81 6.47 25.13 0.12 0.17 1.21 25.22
Faridabad 270.00 15.50 2.59 0.22 23.07 0.17 6.22 22.52 0.20 2.30 1.54 25.67
Gurgaon 288.00 15.97 0.04 0.36 23.61 0.36 7.30 26.47 0.31 1.10 1.80 22.68
Rewari 191.00 2.84 0.02 0.26 50.90 1.72 8.80 20.37 0.11 0.30 1.30 13.38
Mahendragarh 248.00 2.01 0.01 0.60 51.70 1.45 10.70 20.70 0.55 0.40 1.73 10.15
Bhiwani 814.00 1.16 0.12 0.20 48.11 8.60 6.46 21.99 0.35 0.03 1.91 11.07
Jind 466.00 16.52 0.51 0.10 22.70 6.05 2.20 17.99 0.84 0.30 2.32 30.47
Hisar 618.00 9.73 0.06 0.24 24.63 11.54 14.70 22.74 1.50 0.60 2.53 11.73
Fatehabad 422.00 9.47 0.59 0.06 23.55 11.71 8.30 28.80 1.90 0.51 2.63 12.46
Sirsa 697.00 8.00 0.03 0.02 21.85 12.52 15.80 27.66 1.88 0.26 2.91 9.07
REGION 14,293.00 22.98 5.74 5.18 11.39 7.20 5.19 17.84 1.85 0.90 1.59 20.22
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana – 1966
Per Cent of TCA
> 30
15-30
< 15
Region's Average = 22.98
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
1965-66
Wheat CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.2
0 40
Kms
141
3. Low share of wheat cultivation (< 15 per cent)
Rests of the six districts were included in the category of low wheat
cultivation. These were Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari
and Sirsa districts. Topographically, these districts were not friendly for the
cultivation of wheat. While in the districts of Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari
and Gurgaon, the presences of rocky surface, deep inadequate aquifers of
sub-soil water, presence of sand dunes, low extent irrigation, low rainfall,
predominance of pulses and fodder crops were responsible for low share of
wheat cultivation in this category.
Thus, it shows that the areas with fertile soil, flat land, moderately
irrigational facilities, comparatively high amount of rainfall had experienced
high per cent share of wheat cultivation, whereas the presence of sand dunes
and rocky structure, merely absence of irrigational facilities, low rainfall, far
away from the urban centre and major transport network, dominance of
pulses and fodder area under wheat cultivation was low. It is also found that in
areas where staple food was wheat, were having high share under its
cultivation. While were people had bajra and jowar were as staple food had
also recorded low wheat cultivation.
II. RICE (Oryza Sativa)
Rice is a grass "autogame" a crop that is grown more easily in tropics.
In the beginning, rice was grown wild but today it is cultivated in most of the
countries. Cultivate varieties of rice belongs to the oryza sativa which has
around twenty different species is grown in many countries. The archeological
evidence suggests that rice was cultivated in India between 1500 B.C. to 1000
B.C. (Rai, 2004). Rice is the world's most consumed cereal after wheat. It
142
provides more than 50 per cent of daily calories ingested by more than half of
the world population. Rice being Kharif crop is grown in the month of June to
July. It grows faster in more wet and warm conditions. A temperature varying
between 20ºC to 37ºC is ideal for rice. Clay-loam and clayey soils are best
suited for its cultivation, because these soils have good water retentive
capacity. It needs lot of water during its growing period. It grows well if water
stands in the field particularly at the time of sowing and growing, but not at the
time of harvesting. Due its early maturity two to three crops are possible in
one agricultural year, but in Punjab-Haryana Plains, it was only grown once in
summer months.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.3)
Rice was the 6th ranking food grain crop in overall cropping pattern of
Punjab-Haryana Plains during 1965-66. Its proportion varied from 0.01 per
cent in Mahendragarh district to 16.4 per cent in Karnal district of the study
region. Great variations are noted in rice cultivation. These variations are
shown in fig. 5.3 and table 5.2 which yield four categories. These are as
follow:
1. High share of rice cultivation (>10 per cent)
This category covered north-western and eastern parts of the study
area. Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Patiala, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra,
Ambala, Panchkula, Sonipat and Panipat districts formed this category of high
proportion of rice cultivation. In all these districts the size of land holdings was
large. The farmers in these districts had grown generally fine variety of rice
because of the availability of water from canals and secondly, these were all
low lying areas owing to nearness to rivers where during rainy season a great
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
5-10
1-5
< 1
Region's Average = 5.74
> 10
1965-66
Rice CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.3
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
143
part of these districts come under the water sheet owing to floods in the rivers.
Thus farmers had preferred rice cultivation to maize cultivation in these areas.
Migrants’ farmers from Pakistan who were well versed with rice cultivation in
their lands of origin had started growing rice in these areas and as a result in
this category the proportion of rice cultivation is recorded high.
2. Moderate share of rice cultivation (5-10 per cent)
It covered Firozpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Nawanshahr,
Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar and Yamunanagar districts. In these districts,
the proportion varied from 5 to 10 per cent of the total cropped area. In these
districts, rice crop was facing competition with other Kharif crops such as
fodder, vegetables, pulses, oilseeds, etc. These were the major reasons for
moderate proportion of rice cultivation.
3. Low share of rice cultivation (1-5 per cent)
It comprised eight districts of the study region namely Faridkot, Moga,
Sangrur, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, Rohtak, Faridabad and Jhajjar. The reason
for low proportion of rice cultivation in case of Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar
districts were the presence of Shiwaliks, piedmont plain, undulating and
dissected topography and comparatively low rainfall. All these factors were
suitable for maize cultivation rather for rice cultivation. Rice was being
cultivated in low lands where during summer season water was accumulated
and farmers use this water for rice cultivation which resulted into low
proportion of rice cultivation. Whereas in case of rest of the districts, the
rainfall was comparatively low, sols was not suitable for rice cultivation and as
a result farmers used to sow rice along the canal areas which were having
seepage and that water was used for rice cultivation but the agro-climatic
144
conditions were suitable for cotton cultivation in Punjab Plains and bajra
cultivation in Haryana Plains. All these resulted into low proportion of rice
cultivation.
4. Very low share of rice cultivation (< 1 Percent)
It was found in the southern and western parts of the study region
including Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani,
Mahendragarh, Rewari and Gurgaon districts. In all these areas, the soils
were mostly sandy, presence of sand dunes, rocky surface in Mahendragarh,
Rewari and Gurgaon, less developed irrigation, low rainfall and predominance
of cotton, jowar, bajra and pulses, etc. All these factors had led to negligible
area under rice cultivation, because the above mentioned factors were
unfriendly to rice cropping.
III. FODDER
Fodder refers to the crops which are used for feeding of livestock. It is
grown in both kharif and rabi cropping season. Bajra (pennisetum typhoides),
jowar (Sorghum Vulgare), Guara (Clutser Bean) and maize were the major
Kharif fodder crops while barsin (Egytain clouer) and seinji were the major
rabi fodder crops of the study area.
Spatial Distribution (Fig.5.4)
Fodder crops were enjoying the second rank in overall cropping pattern
of the study region. It had 20.15 per cent to the total cropped area, but this
average figure was not uniform in all parts of the study region. It varied
between 9.07 per cent in Sirsa district to 29.94 per cent in Yamunanagar
district. Several factors were responsible for this uneven distribution like area
under permanent grazing and pastures lands, number of live stocks heads,
< 12
12-24
Region's Average = 20.15
Per Cent of TCA
> 24
1965-66
Fodder CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.4
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms
145
irrigational facilities, nature of soils, number of urban centers or nearness to
urban centers, etc. Fig. 5.4 and table 5.2 portray the following categories.
1. High share of fodder crops (>24 per cent)
This category was found in scattered patches. It included the districts
of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Panipat,
Jhajjar, Faridabad, Jind, Yamunanagar and Panchkula. In all these districts
the per cent share of fodder crops was found high and maximum of 29.94 per
cent was recorded in Yamunanagar district while minimum of 24.41 per cent
of the total cropped was recorded in Tarn Taran district. Here the fodder crops
were grown for domestic as well as for commercial purposes. The demand by
dairy farms was the main reason for high share of fodder crops in this part of
the study region.
2. Moderate share of fodder crops (12-24 per cent)
This category covered a large part of the study region including
Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Moga, Mansa,
Muktsar, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S., Ambala, Kurukshetra,
Kaithal, Karnal, Sonipat, Rohtak, Fatehabad, Rewari and Gurgaon districts.
Fodder faced competition with other crops like pulses oilseed, bajra in
Sonipat, Rohtak, Rewari and Gurgaon districts. But it faced competition with
cotton in Muktsar, Mansa, Moga and Sangrur districts. Whereas Maize was
predominant in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar,
Hoshiarpur and Ambala districts which had led to moderate share of fodder
crops. While rice and wheat were dominant crops in Patiala, Kaithal,
Kurukshetra and Karnal districts. Owing to these reasons, the moderate share
of fodder crops was found in above mentioned districts.
146
3. Low share of fodder crops (<12 per cent)
Firozpur, Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani and Mahendragarh districts formed this
category of low share of fodder crops. These were agriculturally backward
areas where inadequate irrigational facilities, unfriendly topography as well as
the climatic factors especially low amount of rainfall, etc. were found. Owing to
these reasons, most of the land was left unsown and as a result farmers
preferred grazing to stall feeding the live stock. These were the determining
factors responsible for low share of fodder cultivation.
IV. MAIZE (zea mays)
Maize is an important cereal crop in the world. Its use is made as food
for human and feed for animals. It is originated in Mexico and Central
America. It requires temperature ranging between 21ºC to 27ºC and rainfall
between 100 cm to 125 cm in old alluvium, well drained soils with good water
holding capacity are best for maize crop. It performs poorly under low
humidity and high temperature. Though Maize requires excess water and
moisture stress yet water should not stand in the maize fields. In low rainfall
areas 3 to 5 watering are required for successful maize cultivation. For high
yield, it requires heavy manures.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.5)
Maize was very important crop in overall cropping pattern during 1965-
66. It needs relatively high temperature for its optimum growth. In the study
region, about 5.18 per cent of the total cropped area was under maize
cultivation. Its proportion varied from 0.02 per cent to 21.60 per cent in Sirsa
and Rupnagar districts respectively of the study region. It shows that the
distribution of maize cultivation was uneven. Some area had high proportion
Fig. 5.5
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Maize Cultivation1965-66
> 10
Region's Average = 11.39
< 1
1-5
5-10
Per Cent of TCA
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms5.18
147
of maize cultivation while some were having negligible share of maize
cultivation. Fig. 5.5 and table 5.2 are prepared to show the following
categories of maize cultivation.
1. High share of maize cultivation (>10 per cent)
This category was spread in north-eastern parts of the study region
which included Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S.
Nagar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala Ludhiana Ambala, Yamunanagar and
Panchkula districts. In these districts, the moisture and temperature conditions
were favourable for maize cultivation i.e. why these areas are having high
share of maize cultivation.
2. Moderate share of maize cultivation (5-10 per cent)
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Karnal,
Kaithal, and Kurukshetra districts formed this category of moderate maize
cultivation. In these districts, maize was used as fodder crop as well as food
grain also. In these districts, maize crop was facing competition with other
Kharif crops such as cotton, pulses, oilseeds, etc. Due to the cultivation of all
these crops, the area under maize cultivation was noted moderate.
3. Low share of maize cultivation (1-5per cent)
This category comprised western parts of the study region including
Firozpur, Moga, Faridkot, Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa districts.
Predominance of cotton and bajra cultivation in these districts were
responsible for low share of maize cultivation.
4. Very low share of maize cultivation (<1 per cent)
Rests of the districts were included in this category namely Sirsa,
Fatehabad, Jind, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Hisar, Bhiwani, Jhajjar,
148
Mahendragarh, Rewari Gurgaon and Faridabad. Land devoted under maize
cultivation in above mentioned districts was less than I percent. These areas
were traditionally bajra growing areas due to arid climatic conditions. Thus
maize crop is facing a very strong competition from Bajra which was the
dominant crop in these districts. Owing to these seasons the share of maize
was recorded very low.
V. BAJRA (Pennisetum typnoides)
Bajra is most important millet crop. Popular names of bajra are pearl
millet, bulrush millet or spiked millet. Bajra is used for food by human beings
and it is also used as fodder purpose. Bajra is protein rich crop. It is not very
popular food and has little market. It is quick growing crop successfully grown
in warm areas with low rainfall. 300 mm to 400 mm rainfall is ideal for the
crop. Light shower, bright sunshine, low humidity and high temperature are
required for its cultivation. Sandy soils and shallow well-drained light loamy
soils are good for bajra cultivation.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.6)
Bajra was important millet crop in the study region during 1965-66. It
comprised 11.39 per cent of the total cropped area. It was the 1st ranking crop
among the millets and third ranking crop among the food grains. The
proportion varied from 0.04 per cent in Gurdaspur district to 51.70 per cent in
Mahendragarh district. These variations are shown in fig. 5.6 and table 5.2
having the following categories.
1. High share of bajra cultivation (>15 per cent)
This category was found in the southern and southwestern part of the
study region. It included Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani, Rohtak,
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
5-15
1-5
< 1
Region's Average = 11.39
> 15
1965-66
Bajra CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.6
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
149
Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Faridabad and Gurgaon districts. Because
bajra was responded good to even poor sandy soils, required low rainfall and
warm temperature for its proper growth. These factors were present in the
above mentioned districts and as a result high share of bajra cultivation was
found during 1965-66 in this category.
2. Moderate share of bajra cultivation (5-15 per cent)
It covered, the districts of Mansa, Sangrur, Sonipat, and, Panipat,
districts of the study region. In these districts, the proportion varied from 5 per
cent to 15 per cent of the total cropped area. Due to the availability of canal
irrigation and comparatively more rainfall as compare to the districts falling in
the high category, farmers preferred other crops to bajra in kharif season and
as a result its proportion was found moderate.
3. Low share of bajra cultivation (1-5 per cent)
It contained Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda, Ambala,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, and Panchkula districts. During kharif season
maize was predominant crop in case of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal
and Panchkula. While cotton crop was predominant in Firozpur, Muktsar,
Bathinda, Faridkot and Moga districts. These were the important reasons
responsible for low share of bajra cultivation in this category.
4. Very low share of bajra cultivation (<1 per cent)
Districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar,
Ludhiana, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Patiala,
Fatehgarh Sahib and Yamunanagar comprised this category. Less than one
per cent of total cropped area was devoted to bajra cultivation in these
districts. Bajra cultivation was facing competition from rice, maize in Amritsar,
150
Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur districts. Whereas Maize cultivation in Rupnagar,
Nawanshahr, S.A.S. Nagar, Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts. Moreover,
these districts also received high rainfall which was not good for bajra
cultivation. These were the major reasons for low share of bajra cultivation.
VI. PULSES
Pulses are essential component of our daily diet because they provide
protein and other nutrients. Pulses are leguminous crops and are useful for
soils because it maintains soils fertility. Pulses are grown in both rabi and
kharif season. Important kharif pulses are arhar, urd, moong, etc. Whereas
grams, masur (lentil), mooth are grown in rabi season. Pulses are generally
grown in areas of low rainfall. These are required less rainfall. In the study
region, pulses are grown in combination with food grains and are also grown
separately.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.7)
Pulses had significant place with 17.84 per cent in overall cropping
pattern of Punjab-Haryana plains in 1965-66. Its proportion varied from 6.49
per cent in Gurdaspur district to 29.80 per cent in Mansa district of the study
area. The following 3 categories are mapped fig. 5.7 and table 5.2 to show the
spatial variations in pulses cultivation.
1. High share of pulses cultivation (>20 per cent)
High share of pulses cultivation during 1965-66 was found in Bathinda,
Sirsa, Mansa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Mahendragarh,
Rewari, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts. The varieties of pulses were grown
during Rabi and Kharif seasons in these districts. Moong, moth, arhar and
soyabean were main pulses grown in these districts. Suitable soils and
Per Cent of TCA
>20
10-20
< 10
Region's Average = 17.84
1965-66
Pulses CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.7
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms
151
favourable moisture conditions were the main reasons which encouraged the
farmers for cultivation of pulses.
2. Moderate share of pulses cultivation (10-20 per cent)
This category covered large parts of the study region including
Ludhiana, Firozpur, Faridkot, Moga, Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur
Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ambala,
Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Sonipat, Panipat, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal and
Kurukshetra districts. In these districts, pulses were facing competition with
other Kharif and Rabi crops especially with cereal crops, because of flat land,
fertile soils, etc. This was the main reason due to which the proportion of
pulses crop was moderate.
3. Low share of pulses cultivation (<10 per cent)
This category covered only four districts of the study area. Gurdaspur,
Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Nawanshahr were the districts comprised this
category. In these districts, the area under pulses cultivation was less than 10
per cent. In these districts, the area under pulses cultivation was low because
of the dominance of rice and wheat during Kharif and Rabi season
respectively. Fodder crops and oilseeds were restricted the area under pulses
cultivation. During this study period farmers also preferred to grow food grain
crops as compare to pulses. This was the basic reason which was
responsible for low share of pulses cultivation in above mentioned districts of
the study region.
VII. COTTON (Gossypium Species)
Cotton is important fiber crop and is very sensitive plant also. It is sown
in month of April and harvested in the month of November. An average
152
temperature of 24ºC to 27ºC is ideal for it. Rainfall ranging between 600 mm
to 850 mm is good for its cultivation. Bright days and dry climatic conditions
are required during its growing and picking times. Loamy soils having good
moisture holding capacity are good for its cultivation; it needs lot of labour
force for thinning, hoeing and picking.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.8)
Cotton was one of the most important fiber crop grown in the study
area. It was an important cash crop for farmers. About 7.20 per cent of total
cropped area was under cotton cultivation in the study region in 1965-66. Its
proportion varied from 26.80 per cent of total cropped area in Moga district to
0.04 per cent in Hoshiarpur district of the study area. To know the factors
responsible for in-depth study is made in the following pages. The derived
percentages are mapped in fig. 5.8. Thus, this yield the following three
categories.
1. High share of cotton cultivation (>10 per cent)
It was confined to the south-western parts of the study region and
comprised the districts of Faridkot, Moga, Muktsar, Firozpur, Sirsa, Fatehabad
and Hisar. Here its proportion varied between 11.54 per cent in Hisar district
to 26.80 per cent in Moga district. These areas were having sand loam to
sandy soils, low rainfall, irrigation facilities, traditional cotton growing areas,
etc. Due to these reasons this category had experienced high proportion of
cotton cultivation.
2. Moderate share of cotton cultivation (5-10 per cent)
Mansa, Bathinda, Sangrur, Jind and Bhiwani were the districts
accounted in this category. In these districts, the area under cotton cultivation
Per Cent of TCA
5-10
1-5
< 1
Region's Average = 7.20
> 10
1965-66
Cotton CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.8
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms
153
was recorded between 5-10 per cent. In these districts, cotton crop was facing
competition from bajra, pulses and fodder in Kharif season. From physical
point of view, these areas were having dry climatic conditions, sandy soil,
presence of sand dunes, etc. And from socio-economic point of view, these
areas were good for cotton cultivation, but moreover the cultivation of other
crops during kharif season which were mentioned above the proportion of
cotton cultivation was noted moderate.
3. Low share of cotton cultivation (1-5 per cent)
This category covered Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh
Sahib, Patiala, Kaithal, Panipat, Sonipat, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Jhajjar, Rewari
and Mahendragarh districts. Rice, sugarcane, oilseeds and vegetables were
the dominant crops in above mentioned districts during 1965-66. Due to the
cultivation of these crops, the share of cotton cultivation was low. The socio-
economic conditions were not fully developed and as a result farmers prefer
to grow several crops from securing point of view. All these factors had led to
low proportion under cotton crops.
4. Very low share of cotton cultivation (< 1 Percent)
It was spread over northern and north-eastern parts of the study area
including Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr,
Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Rohtak, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Panchkula, Ambala
and Yamunanagar districts. Almost all these districts except Kapurthala and
Jalandhar were lying in the foothill zone of Shiwaliks. So topography of these
districts was not favourable for cotton cultivation. These areas were also
receiving comparatively high rainfall i.e. over 100 cms during summer months
and as a result farmers preferred either maize or rice crop to cotton during
154
kharif season. But in case of Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts owing to
heavy flood which was caused by rivers, Beas and Satluj during summer
months did not allow the farmers to cultivate cotton crop. Thus, farmers did
cultivate rice and maize crop and only at high lands where some loamy sand
or sandy loam soils exist, they cultivated cotton crop and as a result the share
of cotton cultivation was very low or negligible.
To sum up, it observed that cotton cultivation was very favourate
among the farmers particularly in southern and south-western part of study
region where pedeological and climatic conditions were highly suitable for its
cultivation supplemented by canal irrigation. Whereas in areas of high rainfall,
undulating and dissected topography, clay soils, comparatively developed
irrigation, the proportion of cotton cultivation was recorded low to very low.
And in the remaining areas, the proportion of cotton cultivation was noted
moderate.
VIII. OILSEEDS
Oilseeds are the seeds of different plants from which oil is extracted.
Principal oilseeds sown in study area during rabi season are Toria (Brassica
Campestris, Indian rape), Taramira (Eruca Sativa) and Sarson (Brassica
Compestris). Whereas Groundnut (Arachis py pogdea), Sesamum (Sesamum
indicum, Till) and Caster are oilseeds of Kharif season. Oilseeds are industrial
crops. Oil cakes are form from the residue after the extraction of oil, it is also
used as cattle feed as well as fertilizes for the soil. Different oilseeds required
different sets of climate and soils conditions. Mostly oilseeds are grown in dry
conditions and on variety of soils.
155
Spatial Distributions (Fig. 5.9)
In overall cropping pattern, oilseeds cultivation occupied 5.19 per cent
of the total cropped area. Its proportion varied from 1.30 per cent in Panipat
district to 15.80 per cent in Sirsa district of the total cropped area. These
variations are shown in fig. 5.9 and table 5.2 which depict the following
categories.
1. High share of oilseeds cultivation (>6 per cent)
This category was found two different belts; one was lying along the
north-eastern parts of the study area. It included the districts of Hoshiarpur,
Rupnagar and Nawanshahr. Second belt of oilseeds was found in the south
and southwestern parts of the region. This belt contained Fatehabad, Hisar,
Rothak, Mahendragarh, Faridabad, Sirsa, Bhiwani, Rewari, Jhajjar, and
Gurgaon. Here the land devoted under oilseeds cultivation was high due to
the presence of sandy soils, rugged terrain, low amount of rainfall, lack of
adequate irrigation. Because in such conditions, the cultivation of other crops
were not suitable and as a result farmers preferred to grow oilseeds and
consequently it led to high proportion of oilseeds in this category.
2. Moderate share of oilseeds cultivation (3-6 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S.
Nagar, Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda, Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar
districts formed the category of moderate share of oilseeds. In these districts,
their proportion varied from 3.1 per cent in Gurdaspur district to 5.6 per cent in
Bathinda district of the total cropped area. Main reasons of moderate share of
oilseeds cultivation in these districts were that these areas were having
comparatively high rainfall, fertile soils, irrigational facilities, etc. which
Per Cent of TCA
3-6
< 3
Region's Average = 5.19
> 6
1965-66
Oilseeds CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.9
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms
156
enthused the farmer to grow other crops than oil seeds, because oilseeds
fetched low economic returns as compare to wheat, maize, pulses, etc. All
this led to moderate proportion of area under oilseeds cultivation.
3. Low share of oilseeds cultivation (<3 per cent)
Rest of the thirteen districts comprised this category namely Firozpur,
Moga, Ludhiana, Jalandhar Faridkot Kapurthala, Patiala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal,
Karnal, Jind, Sonipat and Panipat districts. All these areas were good for
cultivation of wheat, pulses, bajra and maize Crops. Thus farmers had a little
preference for oilseed cultivation.
IX. SUGARCANE (saccharcum officinarum)
Sugarcane grows well in tropical rainforest climatic conditions. It
requires high temperature that is over 30°C and high rainfall that is more than
1500 mm which should be well distributed throughout the year. But it requires
more water/rainfall during growing period. Rich soils are ideal for its
cultivation. Thus sucrose content of sugarcane depends upon climatic
conditions of an area. It yields ratoon crop also. Best suitable areas for
sugarcane cultivation are Hawaii islands and Cuba where one can take 20 to
25 ratoon crops from one sowing. Thus, from pedeological and climatic
conditions parts of veiw, Punjab-Haryana plains is not highly suitable for its
cultivation.
Spatial Distribution (Fig. 5.10)
Sugarcane occupied 1.85 per cent of the total cropped area in overall
cropping pattern. Its proportion varied from 0.11 per cent in Rewari district to
7.50 per cent in Rupnagar district. These figures had shown great variations
in sugarcane cultivation. Sugarcane was very important crop in north-eastern
Per Cent of TCA
1-3
< 1
Region's Average = 1.85
> 3
1965-66
Sugarcane CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.10
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms
157
districts of the study region. The variations regarding sugarcane cultivation
are shown in fig. 5.10 and table 5.2.
1. High share of sugarcane cultivation (> 3 per cent)
Districts of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S.
Nagar, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Amritsar
and Tarn Taran formed this category. Sugarcane required a lot of water and
sunshine for its proper growth. In these districts, the annual rainfall is very
high which is helpful to meet the water requirements of sugarcane plant.
Secondly, the soil type is also appropriate for sugarcane cultivation. These
were the reasons responsible for high sugarcane cultivation in above
mentioned districts of the study region.
2. Moderate share of sugarcane cultivation (1-3 per cent)
This category stretched from west to south direction of the study region
and covered Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar
districts. These areas were having sandy soils, comparatively low rainfall,
predominance of wheat-rice and cotton, lack of sugar mills etc. These were
the reasons for moderate proportion of sugar cane cultivation in this ctegory.
3. Low share of sugarcane cultivation (<1 per cent)
This category covered large parts of the study region. It contained the
districts of Sangrur, Moga, Bathinda, Jind, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari,
Gurgaon, Faridabad, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kaithal,
Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Panchkula and Ambala. The major reasons for
low proportion of sugarcane cultivation were lack of sugar mills, lack of
irrigation facilities, etc. In such climatic conditions farmers preferred to grow
158
wheat-gram mix in rabi season and maize, bajra, etc. during kharif season.
Thus, all this led to low proportion of sugarcane cultivation in this category.
X. VEGETABLES
Though vegetables can be grown in a variety of soils but well drained
loamy and loamy clay soils are best for their cultivation. Frost, hails, strong
winds and dryness are harmful for vegetables cultivation. These can be grown
well in areas where irrigation is developed because these requires high doses
of manure, chemical fertilizers, weedicide, pesticides, etc. which requires lot
of water. Thus adequate well developed irrigation is ideal for vegetables
farming, because these require watering at different stages of its growth.
Spatial Distributions (Fig. 5.11)
Vegetables occupied 0.90 per cent of the total cropped area in 1965-
66. The minimum share of 0.03 per cent of total cropped area was found in
Bhiwani district and maximum share of 2.61 per cent of the total cropped area
was found in Sonipat district of the study region. These variations are shown
in fig. 5.11 and table 5.2 which depict the following categories.
1. High share of vegetables cultivation (> 1 per cent)
This category included Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Ludhiana,
S.A.S. Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Moga, Kapurthala,
Faridkot, Kaithal, Panchkula, Sonipat, Kurukshetra, Faridabad, Ambala and
Gurgaon districts. Prescribe of major urban centers in this category which
requires lot of vegetables and as a result farmer had grown vegetables in
large areas to meet the urban demand which consequently led to high share
of vegetables in this category.
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
> 1
< 1
Region's Average = 0.90
Fig. 5.11
1965-66Vegetables Cultivation
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
159
2. Low share of vegetables cultivation (< 1 per cent)
Districts covered by this category were Yamunanagar, Panipat,
Sangrur, Karnal, Mansa, Hisar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Rohtak, Fatehabad,
Tarn Taran, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jind, Muktsar, Sirsa, Amritsar, Jhajjar,
Firozpur and Bhiwani. In these districts, the size of urban centers was
comparatively moderate as compare to the category of high share of
vegetables cultivation and thus the demand was also low. Secondly, these
districts were far away from major urban centers of the study area, the size of
urban population in these districts was small. Socio-economic backward ness
areas, lack of irrigation facilities etc. had compelled the farmers not to grow
vegetables on large area. Because of low demand of vegetables farmers had
grown food grains and fodder crops on large scale.
From the above discussion, it is found that the areas where the number
of urban centers and their size were large had created high demand for
vegetables and consequently the share of area under vegetables were
recorded high. But in the districts which were having few urban centers and
those were also contained small urban population had recorded low
proportion of vegetables. It was also observed that those areas which were
blessed with irrigational facilities had also recorded low to high proportion of
vegetables cultivation.
XI. OTHER CROPS
Crops included in this category were spices, fruits, barley, jower, etc.
These crops combinedly occupied 1.59 per cent of the total cropped area
during 1965-66. Maximum area of 3.4 per cent under other crops was
recorded in Kaithal district, while the minimum area of 0.23 per cent was
Region's Average = 1.59
< 1
> 1
Per Cent of TCA
Fig. 5.12
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Other Crops Cultivation1965-66
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1966
0 40
Kms
160
found in Hoshiarpur district. These variations are mapped in figure 5.12 and
table 5.2 which yield the following three categories.
Districts of Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal,
Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rewari,
Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa had recorded more
than one per cent of the total cropped area under the cultivation of other
crops. Plantation and cultivation of spices in above mentioned districts
resulted in area i.e. above 1 per cent under other crops.
Rest of the districts had experienced negligible area under other crops.
These were the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Ludhiana,
Bathinda and Mansa. During 1965-66 in the above mentioned districts the
other crops had faced competition from wheat, Pulses, oilseeds, fodder and
maize. Owing to these reasons, the area under other crops was recorded
below 1 per cent of the total cropped area.
Conclusion
It is concluded from the above discussion that there were 13 crops
grown in the study region in 1965-66. The differences among the proportion of
individual crops were very low. Except sugarcane, vegetables and other
crops, the share under individual crop was more than 5 per cent of total
cropped area which shows the cropping pattern was highly diversified. It is
also observed that this diversification of cropping pattern was largely resulted
of less developed agricultural infrastructure. Thus in such atmosphere,
farmers had grown several crops from security point of view because if one
161
crop were failed at least they could reap other crops, so that they can stay in
the business. From the study of individual crop, the present researcher has
found that wheat was first ranking crop with 22.98 per cent of the total
cropped area. It varied between 1.16 per cent in Bhiwani district to 33.90 per
cent in Gurdaspur district. The low share of wheat in Bhiwani district was
owing to high area under bajra and pulses cultivation which was 51.70 per
cent and 20.70 per cent under bajra and pulses respectively, where as area
under pulses in Gurdaspur district was 6.49 per cent and under bajra 0.01 per
cent. Second crop in importance during 1965-66 in study area was recorded
fodder cultivation. It varied between 9.10 per cent in Sirsa district to 29.50 per
cent in Kapurthala district. It shows that most of the farmer had shown fodder
crops to feed their animals. Pulses ranked third with an area of 17.84 per
cent. Pulses mostly contained grams which were sown by the farmers in dry
climatic condition without irrigational facilities. Consequently the share of
pulses was recorded high. It varied between 6.49 per cent in Gurdaspur
district to 29.80 per cent in Mansa district. The western and southern parts of
the study area had high percentage of area under its cultivation as compare to
northern and eastern parts. Bajra was the next crop in order from areal
strength in the study region. It had 11.39 per cent of the total cultivated area
under its cultivation. Its percentage had varied very greatly. It was only 0.04
per cent in Gurdaspur district whereas; it was noted 51.70 per cent in
Mahendragarh, 51.70 per cent in Bhiwani and 50.90 per cent in Rewari
district. These figures had shown that in Rewari, Mahendragarh and Bhiwani,
bajra was enjoying the position of a monoculture especially in kharif season.
Again it is true that bajra cultivation was significant in western and southern
162
parts of Punjab-Haryana Plains, where-as in northern parts and eastern parts,
its proportion was negligible i.e. less than 2 per cent in most of the districts. It
had also throw light about the poor irrigational facilities and under developed
agricultural infrastructure. After bajra the next crop in importance in the study
region was recorded maize with 5.18 per cent. It is recorded that maize
cultivation was confined to northern districts and along the Shiwaliks, because
these areas were having comparatively high rainfall during summers and
favourable topography, where water did not stand in the fields. These
conditions are ideal for maize cultivation. But western and southern parts of
the study region were having low rainfall, frequent occurrence of sand dune,
lack of irrigational facilities, etc. which were not favourable for maize
cultivation and as a result farmers preferred bajra to maize which
consequently lead to low share of maize cultivation in these district of the
study region. Rice with 5.74 per cent of total cropped area had sixth rank in
the overall cropping pattern. It had ranged between 0.01 per cent in
Mahendragarh district to 16.40 per cent in Karnal district. The districts of north
and eastern parts were having high share of rice cultivation owing to
irrigational facilities and high rainfall. Whereas unfavourable climatic
conditions infertile soil, frequent occurrence of sand dunes, lack of irrigation,
etc. were responsible for low share of rice cultivation in southern and western
parts of the study region. It is also noted that cotton was the important crop in
the districts of Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur,
Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. All these districts were having low
rainfall, sandy soils, supplemented by canal irrigation. Whereas, its per cent
share was recorded low along Shiwaliks and northern districts and extreme
163
south-western districts of the study region. In case of northern and eastern
districts, its share was low owing to high rainfall. But in southeastern districts,
absence of irrigation and climatic conditions were not favourable for its
cultivation. Oilseeds were also having 5 per cent of total cropped area. It was
well distributed in the study region but its per cent share was recorded high
only in the districts of Mahendragarh, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. Mostly
oilseeds were grown during rabi season because rape and mustered can
grown well in dry climatic conditions. Sugarcane is a commercial crop which
had 1.85 per cent of total cropped area. It is found that though all districts had
grown sugarcane, yet its per cent was high along the Shiwalik foot hill zone
due to high rainfall, presence of sugar mills, etc. In the remaining districts, its
share was found negligible which was less than the region’s average was. In
case of vegetables, it is found that its share in overall cropping pattern was
0.90 per cent. It varied between 0.03 per cent in Bhiwani district and 2.40 per
cent in Sonipat district. It is observed that, it is mostly grown for domestic
purpose, but some of its share was being marketed also. Area under other
crops was observed 1.59 per cent which varied between 0.40 per cent in
Rupnagar district and 3.40 per cent in Kaithal district. These are minor crops
which were having some regional significance. It is also found that farmers
use to grow these crops for their domestic consumption. Overall, it is
concluded that the cropping pattern of 1965-66 was highly diversified.
164
B. CROPPING PATTERN: 1985-86
The overall cropping pattern of Punjab-Haryana plains in 1985-86 was
highly diversified which contributed large number of crops. The overall
cropping pattern in 1985-86 indicated that wheat had contributed 36.90 per
cent, rice 15.30 per cent, fodder 14.61 per cent, cotton 6.04 per cent,
oilseeds, 4.34 per cent, bajra 6.81 per cent, sugarcane 1.52 per cent, maize
3.10 per cent, pulses 8.43 per cent, vegetables 1.45 per cent and other crops
1.58 per cent of the total cropped area respectively.
Table 5.3 Overall Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains, 1985-86
Sr. No. Crop Per Cent Area 1. Wheat 36.90 2. Rice 15.30 3. Fodder 14.61 4. Maize 3.01 5. Bajra 6.81 6. Pulses 8.43 7. Cotton 6.04 8. Oilseeds 4.34 9. Sugarcane 1.52
10. Vegetables 1.45 11. Other Crops 1.58
Source: 1. Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana, 1986. I. Spatial Distribution of Wheat Cultivation (Fig. 5.14)
Wheat was the dominant cereal crop of the study region. In the overall
cropping pattern, wheat accounted for 36.90 per cent of the total cropped area
in 1985-86. Its proportion varied from 8.50 per cent in Bhiwani district to 48.02
per cent in Patiala district. It shows great variations in wheat cultivation.
Patterns of wheat cultivation were divided into three following categories.
These categories are mapped in fig. 5.14 which are discussed below.
1. High share of wheat cultivation (>40 per cent)
Overall Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains, 1985-86
Oilseeds, 4.34
Sugarcane, 1.52
Vegetables, 1.45Other Crops, 1.58
Pulses, 8.43
Cotton, 6.04
Bajra, 6.81
Maize, 3.01
Fodder, 14.61Rice, 15.3
Wheat, 36.9
Fig. 5.13
165
This category covered a large part of the study region. It included
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Moga,
Muktsar, Faridkot, Firozpur, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and Kurukshetra
districts. The high share of wheat in these districts was due to the presence of
gentle gradient of land, availability of irrigational facilities, well developed
agricultural infrastructure, etc.
2. Moderate share of wheat cultivation (30-40 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar,
S.A.S. Nagar, Bathinda, Mansa, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Jind,
Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts formed the category of
moderate wheat cultivation. Northern parts of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur,
Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts were
lying in the Shiwalik hills and piedmont plains. Here rugged physiography,
infertile soils, less irrigation facilities, presence of seasonal torrents, etc. were
the main reasons for moderate share of wheat. But the districts of Bathinda,
Mansa, Jind, Gurgaon and Faridabad were having either sand dunes or rocky
surface, lack of adequate irrigation facilities, predominance of gram cultivation
in rabi season, etc. were responsible for minimising the share of wheat
cultivation in this part of the study region which had resulted into moderate
share of its cultivation.
166
Table 5.4 Punjab-Haryana Plains: Per Cent Area under Different Crops to Total Cropped Area 1985-86
District
Total Cropped Area (000 hectares)
Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Vegetables Others Fodder
Gurdaspur 498.00 38.50 20.52 8.82 0.02 0.03 2.20 1.88 3.30 1.06 0.54 23.12 Amritsar 426.00 40.00 21.75 6.17 0.19 0.72 4.50 0.53 0.60 1.10 2.30 22.14 Tarn Taran 400.00 39.98 20.02 6.25 0.15 0.77 4.80 0.57 0.75 1.05 1.03 24.63 Kapurthala 271.00 40.22 16.26 7.21 - - 4.80 1.40 0.70 1.03 1.39 26.99 Jalandhar 426.00 41.25 12.11 5.51 - - 4.90 1.60 2.05 1.02 3.49 28.07 Nawanshahr 175.00 37.14 10.71 15.50 - - 2.80 1.50 3.43 1.05 3.72 24.15 Hoshiarpur 357.00 39.90 10.05 22.41 - - 1.90 2.83 1.73 2.01 7.30 11.87 Rupnagar 140.00 37.86 10.20 19.29 - - 2.10 7.10 1.43 1.50 2.50 18.02 S.A.S. Nagar 127.00 39.37 18.11 7.09 - - 2.20 7.80 3.77 1.60 2.75 17.31 Ludhiana 600.00 43.25 30.33 8.00 - 0.76 1.80 3.20 0.50 1.95 1.38 8.83 Firozpur 858.00 44.52 24.71 0.46 - 10.40 3.40 3.10 0.23 1.46 1.14 10.58 Faridkot 253.00 42.44 17.60 0.58 0.32 10.30 2.00 11.80 0.40 1.50 3.12 9.94 Muktsar 445.00 46.21 15.50 0.89 0.83 11.60 1.10 7.20 0.22 1.57 2.14 12.74 Moga 368.00 44.55 18.05 0.81 1.68 10.90 1.30 6.00 0.60 1.10 3.26 11.75 Bathinda 555.00 36.94 5.50 0.36 1.11 28.60 4.50 11.00 0.76 1.40 2.43 7.40 Mansa 362.00 40.00 8.50 0.28 1.71 16.50 4.90 18.90 0.28 1.70 0.46 6.77 Sangrur 877.00 42.19 26.30 1.73 1.10 10.60 3.10 2.70 0.17 1.19 0.99 9.93 Patiala 539.00 48.02 30.20 2.59 - 0.56 2.40 2.50 0.37 1.82 2.06 9.48 Fatehgarh Sahib 191.00 47.12 31.40 2.61 - 0.52 2.00 4.30 0.40 1.80 2.00 7.85 Ambala 202.00 38.90 19.00 6.70 - - 3.20 5.20 9.25 1.62 2.09 14.04 Panchkula 44.00 37.50 15.98 7.00 - - 4.70 4.55 7.95 1.93 2.93 16.52 Yamunanagar 203.00 31.53 19.99 6.50 0.74 - 3.20 4.92 8.96 1.61 3.38 18.99 Kurukshetra 277.00 45.48 31.80 1.00 1.60 0.80 1.60 0.70 2.40 1.74 1.36 11.52
Contd.........
167
District Total Cropped
Area (000 hectares)
Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Vegetables Others Fodder
Kaithal 377.00 42.96 31.50 1.67 1.92 0.63 1.10 0.58 1.80 1.02 1.11 13.22 Karnal 388.00 42.15 32.20 1.64 1.54 0.51 0.70 1.28 2.80 1.92 3.88 11.38 Panipat 186.00 43.60 23.60 0.20 3.22 0.80 2.80 4.30 6.60 1.85 0.56 12.47 Sonipat 278.00 45.27 16.83 0.86 14.30 0.53 2.80 2.90 6.10 1.12 0.58 8.71 Rohtak 222.00 39.95 1.10 - 22.27 1.26 6.00 12.60 4.20 1.20 0.46 10.96 Jhajjar 234.00 39.79 2.35 - 20.38 0.48 6.70 11.90 4.00 1.35 1.89 11.16 Faridabad 270.00 38.00 4.41 0.50 20.96 0.14 6.60 5.80 2.89 1.27 1.75 17.68 Gurgaon 288.00 31.90 0.30 0.30 22.09 0.07 10.90 10.70 1.07 1.39 1.23 20.05 Rewari 191.00 24.20 0.15 - 32.90 0.62 6.02 21.40 0.50 1.20 0.67 12.34 Mahendragarh 248.00 18.39 0.10 - 34.31 0.48 6.01 16.90 0.20 1.10 0.55 22.27 Bhiwani 814.00 8.50 0.15 - 36.40 3.83 6.17 30.20 0.36 1.21 0.24 12.94 Jind 466.00 35.00 9.70 - 15.10 0.38 11.58 10.10 2.55 1.90 0.88 12.81 Hisar 618.00 24.75 3.24 0.20 12.10 17.31 10.35 14.70 0.48 1.85 0.17 14.85 Fatehabad 422.00 26.25 4.90 0.07 9.50 20.03 9.95 15.50 0.90 1.50 0.25 11.15 Sirsa 697.00 24.96 4.70 - 3.52 19.39 7.70 23.20 0.04 1.61 0.28 14.60 REGION 14,293.00 36.90 15.30 3.01 6.81 6.04 4.34 8.43 1.52 1.45 1.58 14.61
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
> 40
30-40
< 30
Region's Average = 36.90
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-86
Wheat CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.14
168
3. Low share of wheat cultivation (<30 per cent)
Low per cent share of wheat was found in the southern parts of the study
region including the districts of Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh
and Rewari. The presence of rocky and sandy surface, rugged terrain, low
rainfall, underdeveloped irrigational facilities, etc. were limited the area under
wheat cultivation in above mentioned districts, because the conditions were not
favourable for wheat, thus farmer prefer to grow grams, pulses, oilseeds, etc.
during rabi season which resulted to low share of wheat cultivation.
II. Spatial Distribution of Rice Cultivation (Fig. 5.15)
The second leading cereal crop of the study region was rice which
covered 15.30 per cent of the total cropped area. It was recorded highest of
32.20 per cent in Karnal district and lowest of 0.10 per cent in Mahendragarh
district. This great variation in rice cultivation was the result of variations in
physical and socio-economic parameters. Thus to make an in-depth study of
these variation in rice cultivation the following three categories are discussed
below fig. 5.15.
1. High proportion of rice cultivation (>30 per cent)
This category comprised the districts of Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib,
Patiala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Karnal districts of the study region. The area
under rice cultivation was high in these districts due to the availability of
favourable relief, developed sources of irrigation, well network of transport,
developed agricultural infrastructure, rice mills, etc.
2. Moderate proportion of rice cultivation (10-30 per cent)
Districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur,
Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Faridkot, Moga, Sangrur, Firozpur,
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
10-30
< 10
> 30
Region's Average = 15.30
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-86
Rice CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.15
169
Muktsar, Jalandhar, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Panipat and Sonipat
formed this category. Rice crop was facing tough competition with other crops
such as maize and fodder crops in case of Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar,
Yamunanagar and Jalandhar districts, while it was facing competition from
cotton crop in case of Firozpur, Muktsar, and Moga districts. Due to all these
reasons, share of rice cultivation was noted moderate in this category.
3. Low proportion of rice cultivation (<10 per cent)
Low share of rice cultivation was found in the southern parts of the study
region which covered Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, Rohtak, Jhajjar,
Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon, Fatehabad, Jind and Faridabad districts.
Presence of sand dunes, low rainfall, lack of adequate irrigational facilities,
saline and alkaline sub-soil water, non-traditional, rice growing areas, etc. were
the reasons for low proportion of rice cultivation in this category.
III. Spatial Distribution of Fodder Crops (Fig. 5.16)
From areal point of view fodder was an important crop in the study
region during 1985-86. It covered 14.61 per cent of the total cropped area. But
this average was not uniform throughout the study region. Its percentage
varied from 28.07 per cent in Jalandhar district to 6.77 per cent in Mansa
district. It shows that the fodder crop was not uniformly spread. The share of
its cultivation was ruled by both physical and socio-economic environments.
These variations are shown in fig. 5.16 and table 5.4 which highlights the
following three categories.
1. High proportion of fodder cultivation (>15 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, S.A.S. Nagar,
Rupnagar, Nawanshahr, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Mahendragarh, Gurgaon
0 40
Kms
< 10
10-15
Region's Average = 14.61
Per Cent of TCA
> 15
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-86
Fodder CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.16
170
and Faridabad districts were included in this category. The northern parts of
Gurdaspur, S.A.S. Nagar and parts of Yamunanagar districts were having
undulating and dissected topography comparatively high rainfall, etc. as a
result farmers grew fodder crop which was suitable in these conditions. While
the districts of Mahendragarh, Gurgaon and Faridabad were having sand
dunes and rugged topography, low amount of rainfall, less developed
irrigational facilities, etc. Thus farmers had grown fodder crops for domestic
as well as for market. Owing to all these factors fodder crops were grown as
main crop particularly during kharif season. Due to all these reasons, the
above mentioned districts had high concentration of fodder crops.
2. Moderate proportion of fodder cultivation (10-15 per cent)
17 out of 38 districts were included in the category of moderate
proportion of fodder crops namely Hoshiarpur, Firozpur, Muktsar, Moga,
Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Panipat, Jind, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Hisar,
Bhiwani, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Rewari districts. In case of Hoshiarpur district
the proportion of fodder crops was low owing to the availability of natural
pasture, hilly surface which provided free grazing to animals, predominance of
maize crop during kharif season. While in other districts fodder crop was
facing competition with other crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, pulses,
oilseeds, etc. which was the main reason for moderate share of fodder crops.
3. Low share of fodder cultivation (<10 per cent)
Only eight districts were included in this category. These districts were
Ludhiana, Faridkot, Bathinda, Sangrur, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and
Sonipat. In all these districts the shares of fodder crops were less than 10 per
cent. Where as in case of others districts the proportion of fodder cultivation
171
was low owing to the developed infrastructure which enable the farmers to
grow hybrids variety of fodder which yield ratoon crops also and as a result,
area under fodder was recorded low. It was further supplemented by stiff
competition from cereal crops, cotton, etc. as a result farmer had grown
fodder crops on small fields.
IV. Spatial Distribution of Maize Cultivation (Fig. 5.17)
3.01 per cent of the total cropped area was devoted under maize
cultivation in the study region. The proportion varied from 0.07 per cent in
Fatehabad district to 22.41 per cent in Hoshiarpur district. To know the spatial
variations of maize cultivation help is taken from fig. 5.17 and table 5.4 is
prepared which has shown the following categories.
1. High share of maize cultivation (>5 per cent)
The category of high share of maize cultivation was confined in a
narrow belt which ran along the Shiwalik hills. The districts included in this belt
were Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur,
Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Panchkula, Ambala and
Yamunanagar. Except Ludhiana district, most parts of these districts were
hilly and choes infested which provided a favourable environment for maize
cultivation. Relatively high rainfall, well drained soils, high temperature
conditions during summers, etc. were favourable for maize crop in these
districts. Under such conditions, maize was the important crop in Kharif
season. Due to all these reasons, maize had accounted for a considerable
share in the cropping pattern of these districts.
0 40
Kms
Fig. 5.17
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Maize Cultivation1985-86
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986Source:
> 5
Region's Average = 3.01
> 1
1-5
Per Cent of TCA
No Maize
172
2. Moderate share of maize cultivation (1-5 per cent)
This category included six districts namely Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur,
Patiala, Kaithal, Kurukshetra and Karnal. In these areas, maize crop was
facing a stiff competition from rice crop during Kharif season. Farmers
preferred rice to maize cultivation in kharif season, because a rice yield
maximum and assured economic return which was mainly responsible for
moderate share of maize cultivation.
3. Low share of maize cultivation (<1 per cent)
This category was spread in the districts of Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot,
Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Sonipat, Panipat, Gurgaon and
Faridabad. In these districts, share of maize cultivation was recorded below
1.0 per cent. In Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda, Fatehabad and
Hisar districts cotton was dominant which minimised the share of maize
cultivation. On the other hand in Sonipat, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts
bajra, pulses and fodder crops had captured a considerable area in the overall
cropping pattern in 1985-86 because of suitable physical and climatic
conditions. Moreover, when one moves away from the Shiwaliks the amount
of rainfall starts decreasing which is not good for maize cultivation. But dry
climatic conditions are highly suitable for cotton, bajra, pulses, etc. and as a
result maize had low areas under its cultivation in this category.
4. Area without maize cultivation
Seven districts were included in this category of no maize cultivation
namely Sirsa, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar, Rohtak and Jind. Due
to the presence of arid and semi-arid climatic conditions, and presence of
sandy or rocky surface, the maize crop was practically absent in all these
173
districts, because such condition are more favourable during kharif season for
pulses, oilseed, bajra, etc.
V. Spatial Distribution of Bajra Cultivation (Fig. 5.18)
Bajra was grown on 6.81 per cent of the total cropped area in the study
region. It varied from 0.04 per cent in Gurdaspur district to 36.40 per cent in
Bhiwani district of the study region. Fig. 5.18 and table 5.4 illustrated the
following categories of bajra cultivation.
1. High proportion of bajra cultivation (>10 per cent)
High proportion of bajra cultivation covered the southern parts of the
study region. 26.30 per cent of the total occurrences covered this category.
The districts which formed this category were Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh,
Rewari, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rohtak, Sonipat, Jind and Jhajjar districts.
These districts were having low rainfall with high temperature and sandy to
sandy loam soils, etc. These conditions were favourable for the growing of
bajra crop during Kharif season, as compare to cotton, rice, etc. And as a
result these areas had high percent share of bajra cultivation.
2. Moderate proportion of bajra cultivation (1-10 per cent)
Moga, Sangrur, Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Kurukshetra,
Karnal and Panipat districts included in the category of moderate proportion of
Bajra cultivation. In these districts wheat, rice, cotton, fodder etc snatched area
from bajra crop which resulted in Moderate proportion of bajra cultivation.
3. Low share of bajra cultivation (<1 per cent)
This category was found in scattered patches in the study region. It
included Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Muktsar, Panchkula and
Yamunanagar districts of the study region. Most of the districts were
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
> 10
1-10
< 1
Region's Average = 6.81
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-86
Bajra CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.18
< 1
No Bajra
174
agriculturally developed districts. In this category, bajra crop was under
competition from maize and rice in Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Tarn Taran,
whereas in case of Faridkot and Muktsar from cotton and rice, in the remaining
districts from maize and rice during kharif season, because the agricultural
infrastructure and climatic conditions were favourable for above mentioned crops
and not for bajra cultivation. Moreover, bajra fetched poor economic return as
compare to other crops. Thus, farmers had given little importance to bajra
cultivation which resulted into its low proportion to total cropped area.
4. Area without bajra cultivation
This category covered Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Firozpur,
Ludhiana, Nawanshahr, S.A.S. Nagar, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala
and Ambala districts. These districts were agriculturally advanced with
developed agricultural infrastructure and had adopted green revolution
technology. Thus, in such conditions farmers choice had fallen on maize, rice,
etc. as compare to bajra from economic point of view. Therefore area under
bajra cultivation was recorded nil.
VI. Spatial Distribution of Pulses (Fig. 5.19)
The cultivation of pulses was found over 8.43 per cent of the total
cropped area. The proportion of pulses was recorded minimum of 0.53 per
cent in Amritsar district and 30.20 per cent in Bhiwani district of the study
region. The spatial distribution of pulses is shown in fig. 5.19 and table 5.4
which depict three categories.
1. High proportion of pulses cultivation (>10 per cent)
This belt run from north to south direction in the western parts of the
study region and included Faridkot, Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Jind,
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
> 10
5-10
< 5
Region's Average = 8.43
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-86
Pulses CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.19
175
Hisar, Bhiwani, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Rewari and Gurgaon districts.
In above mentioned districts, suitable agro-climatic conditions were
responsible for high share of pulses cultivation.
2. Moderate share of pulses cultivation (5-10 per cent)
Moderate share of pulses cultivation was found in Muktsar, Moga,
Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Ambala and Faridabad districts. Predominance of
crops like maize, bajra, wheat, rice and cotton in different districts of this belt,
the per cent share of pulses was recorded moderate because in these areas,
irrigational facilities were developed. Due to all these reasons the proportion
of maize cultivation in these districts was moderate.
3. Low share of pulses cultivation (<5 per cent)
About 50 per cent of the total occurrence formed this category which
covered the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur,
Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib,
Sangrur, Patiala, Kaithal, Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra,
Yamunanagar and Panchkula districts. Well developed agricultural
infrastructure, excellent irrigational facilities, fertile soils, flat topography,
wheat-rice crop rotation, etc. were responsible for low concentration of pulses
in the above mentioned districts.
VII. Spatial Distribution of Cotton (Fig. 5.20)
Cotton was an important industrial crop of the study area. It covered
6.04 per cent of the total cropped area. The proportion of cotton was uneven
in its spatial distribution in the study region. Some areas had very high share
and some had negligible share of cotton cultivation. Its proportion varied from
0.07 per cent in Gurgaon district to 28.60 per cent in Bathinda district.
176
Physical environment such as soil, rainfall, relief were the ruling factors for its
cultivation. Because of high rainfall, arid and clayey soil, rocky surface, etc. its
cultivation was not feasible. To know the patterns of cotton cultivation and
factors responsible, for it Fig. 5.20 is made which depicts the following
categories.
1. High proportion of cotton cultivation (>10 per cent)
This category covered western parts of the study region. Ten districts
were included in this category namely Sangrur, Moga, Firozpur, Faridkot,
Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar. The most determining
factor in cotton cultivation in these was owing to pedeological and climatic
conditions. Moreover, these were traditionally cotton growing areas.
2. Moderate share of cotton cultivation (1-10 per cent)
The areas having moderate share of cotton cultivation was found in the
southern parts of the study region namely Rohtak, and Bhiwani districts. Here,
proportion varied from 1.26 per cent in Rothak district to 3.83 per cent in
Bhiwani district. Though from climatic point of view these districts were able
for cultivation yet these were not traditional cotton growing areas and
secondly was facing stiff competition from bajra, pulses, oilseeds, etc.
3. Low proportion of cotton cultivation (<1 per cent)
44.73 per cent of the total occurrences were included in this category
of low share of cotton cultivation. These were the districts of Gurdaspur
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Kurukshetra,
Kaithal, Jind, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Rewari,
Gurgaon and Faridabad. Well developed agricultural infrastructure with flat
land, fertile soils, well developed irrigational facilities etc. in Gurdaspur,
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-96
Cotton CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.20
Region's Average = 6.04
> 10
< 1
1-10
Per Cent of TCA
No Cotton0 40
Kms
177
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Kurukshetra,
Karnal, Sonipat, Panipat, and Jind districts had encouraged the farmers to
cultivate rice during kharif season. Whereas in case of Jhajjar, Mahendragarh,
Rewari, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts the share of cotton cultivation was
negligible owing to the unfriendly physical as well the socio-economic
environment. Here farmers were grown bajra, pulses and oilseeds which
fetched more economic returns to them as compare to cotton.
4. Area without cotton cultivation
This category was confined to the north-eastern parts of the study
region including Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar,
S.A.S. Nagar, Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts. all these areas
were having high rainfall during summers which is not suitable for cotton crop
either in its growing period nor in its picking period. Thus, farmers were to
grow maize and rice crops which were climatically highly suitable as compare
to cotton because cotton require dry climatic conditions particularly at the time
of picking and secondly required irrigation is also needed for cotton crop
during its growing period. Due to these reasons farmers prefer to grow maize
and rice in place of cotton.
VIII. Spatial Distribution of Oilseeds (Fig. 5.21)
A variety of oilseeds were grown in the study area in both Kharif and
Rabi seasons; mustard, linseed, sunflower, rape seeds are some important
oilseeds crops of the study region. Total area under oil seeds was 4.34 per
cent of the total cropped area. Its share was maximum of 11.58 per cent in
Jind district while minimum of 0.70 per cent in Karnal district. Fig. 5.21 and
table 5.4 portray the following categories.
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
3-6
< 3
Region's Average = 4.34
> 6
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986
1985-86
Oilseeds CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.21
178
1. High proportion of oilseeds cultivation (>6 per cent)
This category was found in south and western parts of the study area.
It included Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jind,
Rohtak, Jhajjar Faridabad and Gurgaon districts. Owing to hot and dry
climatic conditions and low extent of irrigation, the successful cultivation of
wheat during rabi season was risky and as a result farmers had grown
oilseeds. Moreover, oilseeds crops especially in Rabi season required less
moisture, and loamy sand soil. Thus owing to these reasons, high share of
oilseeds cultivation was recorded.
2. Moderate proportion of oilseeds cultivation (3-6 per cent)
11 out of 38 districts were covered in this category namely Amritsar,
Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Firozpur, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur,
Yamunanagar, Ambala, and Panchkula. Oilseeds were facing competition
from maize, grams, wheat, etc. in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar
Ambala, Yamunanagar, and Panchkula, while in Bathinda, Sangrur, Mansa,
Rewari, Faridkot and Muktsar oilseeds faced competition from crops like
cotton, bajra, grams, wheat, etc. All this had led to moderate proportion of
area under oilseeds.
3. Low proportion of oilseeds cultivation (<3 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Ludhiana, Moga, Faridkot, Muktsar,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat were the districts found
in the category of low share of oilseeds cultivation. In the districts of
Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Ludhiana, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat
and Sonipat farmers preferred to grow wheat and rice main crops and it
179
yielded maximum returns to the farmers. While in the districts of Moga,
Faridkot and Muktsar, wheat, rice and cotton were the first preference of
the farmers. Whereas in the districts of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal,
Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat wheat, maize, fodder and rice were mainly
grown in rabi and kharif season. Hence it resulted in low share of oilseeds
cultivation.
IX. Spatial Distributions of Sugarcane Cultivation (Fig. 5.22)
Sugarcane was having 1.52 per cent share in the total cropped area of
the study region. It varied from 0.20 per cent in Mahendragarh district to 9.25
per cent in Ambala district in the study region. It was showing great variations
sugarcane cultivation. These variations are explains with the help of fig. 5.22
and table 5.4.
1. High proportion of sugarcane cultivation (>4 per cent)
Two different belts of High per cent share of sugarcane cultivation
were found in the study region. First belt covered the districts of
northeastern parts of the study region namely Panchkula, Ambala, and
Yamunanagar, while the second belt covered the southeastern parts of
study area and complied Panipat, Sonipat and Rohtak districts. The
most determining factors responsible for sugarcane cultivation in these
districts were suitable geo-climatic conditions, presence of silty clay
soils along the Yamuna river, irrigational facilities, availability of
agricultural labourers and presence of large number sugar mills. These
were the favourable factors responsible for high proportion of area
under sugarcane cultivation.
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
1-4
< 1
Region's Average = 1.52
> 4
1985-86
Sugarcane CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.22
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986Source:
180
2. Moderate proportion of sugarcane cultivation (1-4 per cent)
It covered thirteen districts of the study area namely Gurdaspur,
Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Kurukshetra,
Kaithal, Karnal, Jind, Jhajjar, Gurgaon and Faridabad. The proportion of
sugarcane cultivation varied from 1.0 per cent to 4.0 per cent in these
districts. In case of Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Gurdaspur
districts, the topographical and socio-economic conditions were favourable for
sugarcane cultivation but stiff competition from cereals crops like wheat, rice,
maize, etc. were responsible for moderate proportion of sugarcane cultivation.
But in case of Jind, Jhajjar, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts other crops such
as oilseeds, bajra, wheat, pulses, etc. were more economically viable than
sugarcane, thus these were the reasons responsible for moderate share of
sugarcane cultivation.
3. Low proportion of sugarcane cultivation (<1 per cent)
Rest of the districts of the study region occurred in this category. These
were Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Firozpur, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda,
Muktsar, Mansa, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirsa,
Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts. In Amritsar,
Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Moga, Faridkot,
Muktsar and Firozpur districts, wheat and rice crop rotation was the main
reason, because sugarcane had faced a strong competition from these crops,
because farmers had fetched higher and assured economic returns from
these crop than sugarcane. In Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar
districts, sugarcane had faced competition from cotton and fodder crops,
these areas were lying far away from major sugar mills. In Bhiwani,
181
Mahendragarh and Rewari districts oilseeds, pulses and bajra were the
important crops because of rugged terrain, infertile soils, less developed
irrigational facilities, lack of sugar mills, poor agricultural infrastructure, etc.
These were the reasons accounted for low sugarcane cultivation.
X. Spatial Distribution of Vegetables Cultivation (Fig. 5.23)
During 1985-86 only 1.45 per cent of the total cropped area was under
other crops. High proportion of 2.02 per cent of total cropped area was found
in Hoshiarpur district and minimum of 1.02 per cent was found in Kaithal
district of the study region. These variations are shown in fig. 5.23 which is
exhibits the following categories.
1. High share of vegetables cultivation (>1.50 per cent)
High share of other crops was found in Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar,
Ludhiana, Mansa, Faridkot, Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, S.A.S. Nagar,
Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Jind, Hisar,
Fatehabad and Sirsa Districts. In all these districts, the cultivation of potato
was responsible for high share.
2. Low share of Vegetables cultivation (<1.50 per cent)
The category of low proportion of other crops covered Gurdaspur,
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Firozpur, Moga,
Sangrur, Bathinda, Kaithal, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Rewari,
Gurgaon, Faridabad and Mahendragarh districts. In these districts most of the
agricultural area was under food grains. And secondly non cultivation of
potatoes etc. these were the main reasons for low cultivation of vegetables in
this part of study region.
Per Cent of TCA
> 1.5
< 1.5
Region's Average = 1.45
Fig. 5.23
1985-86Vegetables Cultivation
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986Source:
0 40
Kms
182
XI. Spatial Distribution of Other Crops (Fig. 5.24)
Other crops occupied 1.58 per cent of the total cropped area in the
study region during study period. Its share varied from 0.17 per cent in Hisar
district to 7.30 per cent in Hoshiarpur district. These variations are shown in
fig. 5.24 and table 5.4 which depicted three categories as below.
1. High share of other crops (>2 per cent)
The high proportion of other crops were found in the districts of
Amritsar, Jalandhar, Moga, Faridkot, Bathinda, Muktsar, Patiala, Fatehgarh
Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar, Rupnagar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur Ambala,
Yamunanagar, Panchkula, and Karnal. Small size of land holding and more
area under fruits in Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar and Jalandhar
districts were responsible for high share of other crops, whereas in the
remaining districts, cultivation of spices and Jowar were responsible for high
share of other crops.
2. Low share of other crops (<2 per cent)
Rests of the districts were included in this category of low proportion of
other crops. These districts were Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Firozpur,
Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Sangrur Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jhajjar, Gurgaon
Faridabad, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Rohtak,
Sonipat, Panipat and Jind. In all these districts wheat and rice were grown as
principal crops which led to low proportion of other crops in these districts of
the study area.
Conclusion
From the above discussion of the cropping pattern of Punjab
Haryana Plain in 1985-86, the present researcher has observed that there
0 40
KmsRegion's Average = 1.58
< 2
> 2
Per Cent of TCA
Fig. 5.24
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Other Crops Cultivation1985-86
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 1986Source:
183
were eleven crops leaving aside the others category like spices, fruits, etc.
It is concluded that area under wheat cultivation was 36.90 per cent of
total cropped area and it had first rank in the overall cropping patter. It is
also observed that wheat cultivation was done in all the districts of the
study region, which shows the suitability of study region for the cultivation
of wheat crop. Its share was recorded lowest of 8.5 per cent in Bhiwani
district whereas Patiala district had highest share of 48.02 per cent of
wheat cultivation. Rice had emerged as the second ranking crop in the
overall cropping pattern with 15.30 per cent of area under its cultivation. It
is observed that rice was predominant in northern and eastern districts of
the study region whereas its proportion was very low in the southern and
western parts of the study area. It is also found that these patterns were
the result of unfavourable agro-climatic conditions in southern and western
parts which were dry areas with hardly irrigational facilities existed. But on
the other hand, the northern and eastern districts had high share under
rice cultivation. For instance Karnal district with 32.2 per cent was the
leading one in rice cultivation in the study region. Third ranking crop was
fodder with 14.61 per cent of total cropped area. Its share was recorded
highest of 24.44 per cent in Mahendragarh district and lowest of 7.70 per
cent in Sangrur district. The spatial variation in the district of fodder shows
that the proportion of fodder crops was low in agriculturally developed
districts comparatively to agriculturally lacking behind districts. It is also
found that livestock was a major component of agriculture in the study
region. The next crop in order of percentage strength was recorded pulses
with 7.66 per cent of total cropped area. Pulses had recorded as fourth
184
rank crop in the study region. Its percentage was highest of 30.2 per cent
in Bhiwani district, whereas it was recorded lowest of 0.53 per cent in
Amritsar district. Again it is found that pulses cultivation was predominant
in dry areas with low irrigational facilities. But in those districts, where
agricultural infrastructure was well developed, the per cent share of pulses
was recorded low because farmer preferred the cultivation of wheat and
rice to pulses. And as a result, the percentage of pulses were recorded
low in agriculturally developed districts. Bajra had enjoyed fifth rank with
6.81 per cent of total cropped area in the study region. Its cultivation was
nearly absent in the districts where rice, maize and cotton crops were
predominant in 1985-86, because farmers fetched high return from rice,
maize and cotton as compare to bajra. But in case of southern and
western districts the share under bajra cultivation was very predominant
owing to infertile soil, lack of irrigation, low rainfall, etc. which were ideal
for bajra cultivation. The sixth ranking crop in the study region was
recorded cotton cultivation with 6.04 per cent of total cropped area. It is
also noted that out of 38 districts 9 districts, did not have any cotton
cultivation which was largely the result of relief, soil, climatic conditions,
predominance of rice and maize cultivation. Its percentage was found
highest of 28.6 per cent in Bathinda district. It is also noted that the
southwestern parts of Punjab and neighbouring districts of Haryana state
were having comfortable area under cotton cultivation because these
areas were highly favourable for agro-climatic and pedological conditions
for cotton cultivation. It is also recorded that oilseeds were having 4.34 of
total cropped area. Though oilseeds were grown in all parts of the study
185
region, yet these were predominance only in the southern and western
parts of study region where mainly low rainfall and less developed
irrigation, compelled the farmers to grow oilseeds. Maize was having 3.01
per cent of total cropped area in 1985-86. Its cultivation was mainly
confined to the northern parts of the study region and along the Shiwaliks.
All these areas have received comparatively more rainfall during summer
months supplemented by the moderate steep gradient of the land which
had created excellent condition for maize cultivation. The next rank in
overall cropping pattern of the study region was sugarcane with 1.52 per
cent area under its cultivation. It is also observed that sugarcane
cultivation was predominant along Shiwalik foothills, piedmont plains,
developed irrigation, presence of sugar mills, etc. The districts with all
these facilities were having high share of sugarcane cultivation. It is also
observed that in all districts of the study region farmers had grown
sugarcane though its proportion varied greatly. Other crops like spices,
fruits, barley, etc. were discussed under the head Other Crops. In case of
other crops, 1.58 per cent of total cropped area was under its cultivation.
Though these were grown every where yet its share was recorded high
with 7.30 per cent in Hoshiarpur district and lowest of 0.17 per cent in
Hisar district. It is also found that other crops were having individual areal
significance. It is found that Vegetables covered 1.42 per cent of total
cropped area. Vegetables were found lowest of 1.02 per cent in Jalandhar
district and highest of 2.01 per cent in Hoshiarpur district.
186
C. CROPPING PATTERN: 2005-06
It is judicious to discuss the overall cropping pattern of the study region
before proceeding to explain the cropping pattern of individual crops. Wheat is
enjoying first rank with 40.21 per cent of the total cropped area which shows
the suitability of physical and socio-economic conditions for its cultivation. The
next crop is rice which holds 25.34 per cent of total cropped area. The third
crop of significance in study area is fodder which has 11.33 per cent under its
cultivation of total cropped area. Cotton is recorded fourth ranking in the
overall cropping pattern with 7.07 per cent of total cropped area. Oilseeds with
5.58 per cent of total cropped area and are recorded fifth ranking crop in the
study region. Whereas, bajra with 3.99 per cent of total cropped area is
having sixth position. Area under sugarcane cultivation is 1.52 per cent of total
cropped area and is enjoying seventh position. While 1.48 per cent of the total
cropped area is recorded under pulses cultivation which has eighth rank in
overall cropping pattern. Maize has tenth position in overall cropping pattern
with 1.14 per cent of total cropped area. Vegetables cover 1.27 per cent of
total cropped area and having ninth rank in the overall cropping pattern of the
study area. Other crops cover 1.07 per cent of total cropped area with
eleventh position in the cropping pattern of the study region. From the above
discussion, it is observed that wheat, rice and fodder are major crops of
Punjab-Haryana plains during 2005-06. It is useful to discuss the overall
cropping patterns of Punjab-Haryana plains for the year 2005-06 before
revealing the individual crop patterns. Thus, overall cropping pattern of
Punjab-Haryana plains during 2005-06 is shown in fig. 5.25 and table 5.5.
187
Table 5.5 Overall Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains, 2005-06
Sr. No. Crop Per Cent Area 1 Wheat 40.21 2 Rice 25.34 3 Fodder 11.33 4 Maize 1.14 5 Bajra 3.99 6 Pulses 1.48 7 Cotton 7.07 8 Oilseeds 5.58 9 Sugarcane 1.52
10 Vegetables 1.27 11 Other Crops 1.07
Source: 1. Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana, 2006.
Now it would be of imperative to reveal the spatial patterns of individual
crops of the study area, so that one can understand the regional significance
of all the individual crops grown in the study area. These are discussed in the
following sequence.
I. Spatial Patterns of Wheat Cultivation (Fig.5.26)
Total area under wheat cultivation in the study region is
57,84,000 hectares. It comprises 40.47 per cent of the total cropped
area. It varies between 15.60 per cent in Bhiwani district to 47.84 per
cent in Sonipat district. These figures show very high variations in
wheat cultivation in the study area. These variations are the largely the
results of physical and non-physical environment. The derive results
are shown in figure 5.26 which portrays 3 categories. These categories
are as below:
Overall Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains, 2005-06
Sugarcane, 1.52
Vegetables, 1.27
Other Crops, 1.07
Oilseeds, 5.58
Cotton, 7.07
Pulses, 1.48
Bajra, 3.99
Maize, 1.14
Fodder, 11.33Rice, 25.34
Wheat, 40.21
Fig. 5.25
188
1. High share of wheat cultivation (>45 per cent)
This category comprises 11 districts namely Faridabad, Panipat,
Sonipat, Kaithal, Faridkot, Patiala, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Moga, Sangrur
and Mansa. In these districts, the share of wheat cultivation varies between
45.03 per cent in Mansa district to 47.84 per cent in Sonipat district. The main
reasons for high share in these districts of the study area are developed
agricultural infrastructure, well developed irrigational facilities, fertile soil, high
yielding varieties of seeds and the adoption of the advance farm technology
by farmers all these factors have contributed for high wheat cultivation in
these districts. Wheat is facing less competition from other Rabi crops like
barley, grams, oilseeds pulses etc. is another major factor for high share of
wheat cultivation because wheat is more economical and assured crop than
others.
2. Moderate share of wheat cultivation (30-45 per cent)
Thirty-four districts of the study region fall in this category, which
comprises about 60.5 per cent of the total occurrences. The districts which fall
in this category are Firozpur, Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bathinda, Amritsar,
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Rupnagar,
S.A.S. Nagar, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Gurgaon, Rohtak,
Panchkula, Jhajjar, Sirsa, Jind, Karnal, Yamunanagar and Hisar. These
are all traditionally wheat growing areas, but during Rabi cropping season
fodder and other crops are also having competitive share with wheat which
lead to moderate share of it. These are the major reasons for moderate per
cent share of wheat crop.
189
Table 5.6 Punjab-Haryana Plains: Per Cent Area under Different Crops to Total Cropped Area 2005-06
District Total Cropped
Area (000 hectares)
Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Vegetables Others Fodder
Gurdaspur 498.00 45.58 38.15 2.61 0.01 - 1.00 0.50 4.22 0.32 0.04 7.57 Amritsar 426.00 44.43 42.02 - - - 0.80 0.82 1.17 0.94 0.23 9.58 Tarn Taran 400.00 46.50 41.50 0.75 - 0.25 1.00 1.48 0.25 0.43 0.13 7.73 Kapurthala 271.00 40.96 39.85 1.11 - - 1.48 0.04 1.48 5.17 4.43 5.50 Jalandhar 426.00 39.91 35.45 2.82 - - 2.11 0.35 2.58 5.52 4.93 6.34 Nawanshahr 175.00 41.14 28.00 9.71 - - 1.71 1.26 4.00 1.94 1.14 11.09 Hoshiarpur 357.00 40.62 17.09 18.49 - - 2.80 0.25 5.88 3.50 2.24 9.13 Rupnagar 140.00 42.14 26.43 15.00 - - 1.43 0.57 2.14 0.71 0.71 10.86 S.A.S. Nagar 127.00 37.80 23.62 6.30 - - 0.79 1.10 1.57 1.73 0.79 26.30 Ludhiana 600.00 42.63 41.67 0.33 - 0.17 0.83 0.58 0.33 2.76 1.33 9.37 Firozpur 858.00 43.69 26.11 - - 16.32 1.75 0.21 0.12 0.62 2.40 8.79 Faridkot 253.00 45.85 33.99 - - 10.28 0.40 0.36 0.40 0.48 0.05 8.21 Muktsar 445.00 44.34 17.30 - - 25.27 0.67 0.27 0.22 0.47 1.60 9.85 Moga 368.00 45.02 43.00 - - 1.90 0.27 0.52 - 2.25 0.40 6.63 Bathinda 555.00 43.78 17.12 - 0.18 26.41 1.26 0.29 - 2.94 0.80 7.22 Mansa 362.00 45.03 19.04 - 0.28 24.74 1.10 0.22 - 0.34 0.70 8.54 Sangrur 877.00 45.15 41.05 0.11 0.23 2.51 0.34 0.47 0.11 0.89 0.80 8.34 Patiala 539.00 45.04 42.11 0.37 - 0.19 0.37 0.11 0.19 2.04 0.60 8.99 Fatehgarh Sahib 191.00 43.68 42.50 - - - 0.52 0.21 1.05 2.57 0.30 9.17 Ambala 202.00 40.59 36.63 1.49 - - 1.83 1.39 6.29 1.93 2.02 7.83 Panchkula 44.00 38.64 15.99 20.86 - - 3.41 3.21 1.82 3.40 0.50 12.18 Yamunanagar 203.00 35.07 29.06 0.94 0.49 - 1.63 1.43 18.92 1.53 1.00 9.94 Kurukshetra 277.00 40.49 41.87 0.07 0.04 - 1.01 0.25 4.26 2.31 0.30 9.40 Kaithal 377.00 46.05 40.58 0.03 2.86 0.69 0.27 0.13 0.61 0.29 0.10 8.39
Contd.........
190
District Total Cropped
Area (000 hectares)
Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Vegetables Others Fodder
Karnal 388.00 44.07 41.48 0.05 1.92 0.03 0.21 0.34 2.73 0.93 3.00 5.65 Panipat 186.00 45.16 37.91 - 0.38 0.05 0.38 0.27 3.49 1.43 1.90 9.03 Sonipat 278.00 47.84 23.74 0.18 2.48 0.72 1.98 2.48 5.61 0.46 0.80 13.71 Rohtak 222.00 39.19 6.76 0.05 6.26 5.86 12.16 5.45 6.89 0.41 1.06 15.92 Jhajjar 234.00 35.90 5.56 0.04 10.85 2.26 23.76 2.69 1.03 0.62 0.12 17.17 Faridabad 270.00 47.37 10.37 0.01 3.81 0.07 2.04 2.67 2.15 1.48 0.20 29.83 Gurgaon 288.00 40.28 2.08 - 17.99 0.06 22.50 0.97 0.03 0.17 0.40 15.52 Rewari 191.00 23.56 0.21 - 26.39 4.08 37.70 0.21 - 0.42 0.05 7.38 Mahendragarh 248.00 16.53 0.11 - 34.00 0.60 40.32 2.30 - 0.40 0.10 5.63 Bhiwani 814.00 15.60 1.35 - 22.31 8.97 22.53 9.75 0.17 0.23 0.60 18.48 Jind 466.00 44.42 21.40 - 9.83 10.71 2.77 0.30 1.22 0.52 0.50 8.33 Hisar 618.00 32.69 4.53 0.02 10.02 24.00 11.68 4.51 0.40 0.24 0.90 11.01 Fatehabad 422.00 41.94 15.40 - 2.82 23.26 4.05 0.52 0.21 0.86 0.70 10.23 Sirsa 697.00 35.58 6.60 - 0.83 28.49 12.12 1.97 0.03 0.22 0.90 13.26 REGION 14,293.00 40.21 25.34 1.14 3.99 7.07 5.58 1.48 1.52 1.27 1.07 11.33
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab & Haryana - 2006
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
> 45
30-45
< 30
Region's Average = 40.21
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Wheat CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.26
191
3. Low share of wheat cultivation (<30 per cent)
Three districts namely Rewari, Mahendragarh and Bhiwani comprise
this category and covering about 8 per cent of the total occurrences. Here, the
proportion varies between 15.60 per cent in Bhiwani district to 23.56 per cent
in Rewari district. The main reasons of low cultivation of wheat are largely
owing to rough topography, inadequate irrigational facilities, less developed
agricultural infrastructure, popularity of oilseeds and pulses in such prevailing
conditions etc. The crop is partially rain fed. Topography of these areas is
rugged and undulated which is not highly suitable for its cultivation. Due to
this type of topography, the irrigation facilities are also lacking behind in these
areas because topography is not suitable for digging of tubewell, canals, etc.
Moreover, these districts have sandy, loamy sand and sandy soft loam type of
soils which is also major reason of low wheat share in these areas. Due to all
these factors farmers prefer to grow pulses, oil seeds, in place of wheat.
II. Spatial Patterns of Rice Cultivation (Fig. 5.27)
Rice crop is having 25.34 per cent share in the total cropped area of
the study region. Its percentage is highly variable which ranges between 0.12
per cent in Mahendragarh district to 43.00 per cent in Moga district. It shows
that its cultivation ranges between negligible shares to very high proportion in
the study region. The study area is non-traditional rice growing area, but with
ushering of green revolution technology in mid 60's, rice picked up its
cultivation and now this region is main supplier of rice to the central pool. Its
cultivation depends upon terrain of land, amount of rainfall, type of soils,
degree of irrigation facilities, etc. To know the spatial variations of rice
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
20-30
< 20
> 30
Region's Average = 25.34
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Rice CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.27
192
cultivation in depth fig. 5.27 and table 5.6 are prepared which depict four
categories. These are:
1. High share of rice cultivation (>30 per cent)
This category contains 16 out of 38 districts which comprise 38 per
cent of the total occurrences. These districts are Moga, Faridkot, Jalandhar
Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Amritsar, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran,
Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, and Panipat.
Faridkot district of the study area has experienced lowest share of 33.99 per
cent while Moga district has recorded highest share of 43.00 per cent in this
category. These areas are having flat land; fertile soils, well developed
agricultural infrastructure and developed irrigational facilities which are
responsible factors for high proportion of rice crop in the study area.
2. Moderate share of rice cultivation (20-30 per cent)
Seven out of 38 districts namely Nawanshahr, Firozpur, Rupnagar,
S.A.S. Nagar, Yamunanagar, Sonipat and Jind comprise this category. These
districts are having mix blessings of physical and man-made environment.
Rice cultivation is largely confined to low lying areas where water during rainy
season is easily available. Secondly agricultural infrastructure is also
developed and thirdly rice crop is facing competition with maize, sugarcane
and oilseeds except Jind district where rice facing competition from cotton and
oilseeds. Due to these factors, these areas experienced moderate share of
rice cultivation.
3. Low share of rice cultivation (< 20 per cent)
This category has 15 districts namely Mansa, Muktsar, Bathinda,
Hoshiarpur, Panchkula, Fatehabad, Faridabad, Rohtak, Sirsa, Jhajjar, Hisar,
193
Gurgaon, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari. These are non-traditionally
rice growing areas. In case of Hoshiarpur and Panchkula, the main reason for
low rice cultivation are presences of Shiwaliks, piedmont plains, deep sub-soil
water, poor irrigation facilities, etc, whereas in case of Bathinda, Hisar,
Gurgaon, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Mansa districts,
presence of sandy soil, sand dunes, saline and alkaline sub-soil water, low
rainfall, competition from cotton crop etc. are responsible for minimising area
under rice. All these factors have compelled the farmers for cultivation of
other remunerative crops like cotton, fodder and bajra crops in place of rice
during Kharif season which consequently resulted into low proportion of rice
cultivation. But in case of Jhajjar and Faridabad districts, poor irrigational
facilities are and popularity of oil seeds, pulses, fodder, etc. are major regions
for low share of rice cultivation. In addition to the above factors, undeveloped
irrigation and low rainfall are also hampering the rice cultivation.
III. Spatial Patterns of Fodder Cultivation (Fig. 28)
Fodder is having 11.33 per cent share in the total cropped area of
study region. It varies from 5.43 per cent in Mahendragarh district to 29.83 per
cent in Faridabad district. These spatial patterns of fodder crop are divided
into the followings 3 categories which are mapped in figure 5.28 and it shows
the following categories.
1. High share of fodder cultivation (>15 per cent)
This category contains the districts of S.A.S. Nagar, Bhiwani,
Faridabad, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Gurgaon. Large numbers of dairy farms
around S.A.S. Nagar, Gurgaon and Faridabad demand large amount of
fodder for their livestock. It is dry region with low rainfall and rugged
0 40
Kms
< 10
10-15
Region's Average = 11.33
Per Cent of TCA
> 15
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Fodder CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.28
194
topography with lack of developed irrigation and consequently are not
highly suitable for cereal crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, etc.
which require frequent watering. Due to this reason, farmers prefer to
grow fodder crops for their domestic as well as commercial purposes
which has resulted into high share of fodder crops to the total cropped
area.
2. Moderate share of fodder cultivation (10-15 per cent)
Eight districts of the study region fall in this category namely
Sonipat, Sirsa, Hisar, Panchkula, Rupnagar, Nawanshahr and Fatehabad.
Here proportion of fodder crops varies between 10 to 15 per cent. In these
districts more land is being put under food grains and other cash crops
which are main reasons for moderate cultivation of fodder crops in these
districts.
3. Low share of fodder cultivation (<10 per cent)
This category covers the large part of the study area. Twenty four
districts form this category namely Ambala, Yamunanagar, Jind, Kaithal,
Karnal, Rewari, Panipat, Mahendragarh, Kurukshetra, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana,
Muktsar, Mansa, Firozpur, Sangrur, Faridkot, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur,
Amritsar, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and
Moga. Most of the above mentioned districts are having favourable
topography, well developed agricultural infrastructure, fertile soils, developed
irrigation facilities etc. In these areas farmers prefer to grow wheat, rice,
cotton and sugarcane crops because of their higher economic returns from
these crops. Owing to these reasons, these districts are having low fodder
cultivation.
195
IV. Spatial Distribution of Maize Cultivation (Fig. 5.29)
Maize crops having 1.14 per cent share in the total cropped area of the
study region which varies between 0.01 per cent in Faridabad district to 20.86
per cent in Panchkula district. These figures show great variations in maize
cultivation in the study region. To study the spatial variations of maize
cultivation, fig. 5.29 is prepared which shows the following four categories:
1. High share of maize cultivation (>10 per cent)
This category is found in a compact belt, which contains only three
districts namely Panchkula, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar. These districts are
having Shiwalik hills, piedmont plain, relatively high rainfall, well drained
loamy and loamy sand soil, steep gradient, and dissected topography which
do not allow the water to stand in the field which is the prerequisite conditions
for maize cultivation. In such conditions rice can not be cultivated
successfully. Thus in such suitable physical environment, farmers give more
preference to maize cultivation then rice or bajra. In addition to above factors,
these districts do not have adequate irrigational facilities and well developed
agricultural infrastructure which also contribute for the choice of maize
cultivation. Owing to all this, in these districts, maize is emerging very high
proportion of the total cropped area under it.
2. Moderate share of maize cultivation (1-10 per cent)
Out of 38 districts six districts of the study region namely, Nawanshahr,
S.A.S. Nagar, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Ambala and Kapurthala fall in this
category. In these parts of the study region, proportion of maize crop ranges
between 1 to 10 per cent. In these areas, maize crop is facing competition
mainly from rice crop because these are traditionally rice growing areas.
0 40
Kms
Fig. 5.29
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Maize Cultivation2005-06
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006Source:
> 10
Region's Average = 1.14
> 1
1-10
Per Cent of TCA
No Maize
196
Farmers prefer rice to maize cultivation during Kharif season because of its
high and assured economic returns. Consequently all this leads to moderate
share of maize cultivation.
3. Low share of maize cultivation (<1 per cent)
The districts which fall in this category are Tarn Taran, Patiala,
Ludhiana, Sonipat, Sangrur, Faridabad, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Karnal,
Rohtak, Jhajjar, Kaithal and Hisar districts. Maize crop has faced strong
competition mainly with rice during Kharif season in Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar
districts. Bajra and oilseeds cultivation is done in rest of the above mentioned
districts; as a result proportion of maize cultivation is recorded low.
4. Areas without maize cultivation
This category includes sixteen districts namely Moga, Amritsar,
Faridkot, Bathinda, Muktsar, Mansa, Firozpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jind,
Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Sirsa, Panipat, Gurgaon, Fatehabad and Rewari.
Due to the predominance of bajra, pulses, oilseeds and cotton in these areas,
the share of maize cultivation is negligible. Here sandy soil, low rainfall, less
developed irrigation facilities, etc. are the main obstacle in maize cultivation
because these conditions are suitable for the cultivation of bajra, cotton,
oilseeds, etc.
V. Spatial Distribution of Bajra Cultivation (Fig. 5.30)
Total area under bajra cultivation in the study region is 3.99 per cent. It
varies from 0.04 per cent in Kurukshetra district to 34.31 per cent in
Mahendragarh district of the study region. Fig. 5.31 and table 5.6 are
0 40
Kms
< 10
Per Cent of TCA
> 20
10-20
No Bajra
Region's Average = 3.99
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Bajra CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.30
197
prepared to show the spatial variations of bajra cultivation in the study area.
The study region is divided into following five categories:
1. High share of bajra cultivation (>20 per cent)
Only three districts namely Mahendragarh, Rewari and Bhiwani fall in
this category. Bajra's maximum proportion is found in Mahendragarh district
i.e. 34.31 per cent and minimum of 22.31 per cent in Bhiwani district. In these
districts bajra is dominant because of suitable climatic conditions for its
cultivation. Here annual rainfall is less than 20 cm which is ideal for its
cultivation. Arid type of climate is found in these districts which is again best
suited to bajra cultivation. The high share of bajra in these districts is because
of sandy soils, irregular topography with structural hills of Aravallis. The
physical environment of these districts is not suitable for other Kharif crops
like rice, maize, etc.. Due to all these factors, bajra is dominant crop in these
districts.
2. Moderate share of bajra cultivation (10-20 per cent)
The category of moderate cultivation contains three districts of the
study area namely Gurgaon, Jhajjar and Hisar. Its maximum share of 17.99
per cent is found in Gurgaon district and minimum of 10.02 per cent is
recorded in Hisar district. Oilseeds cultivation is more important in Gurgaon,
Jhajjar and Hisar districts which minimise the share of bajra crop.
3. Low share of bajra cultivation (< 10 per cent)
Fifteen districts of the study area, namely Mansa, Bathinda, Sangrur,
Gurdaspur, Yamunanagar, Sirsa, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Karnal, Ambala,
Fatehabad, Jind, Kaithal, Sonipat, Rohtak, Faridabad and Panchkula fall
in this category. The districts of Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Karnal, Panipat,
198
Sonipat and Kaithal have well developed irrigation facilities, well
developed agriculture infrastructure, fertile soils, etc. All these factors
promote the cultivation of rice, oilseeds, pulses and cotton cultivation in
Kharif season which minimise the share of bajra. While the main reason of
low bajra cultivation in Sirsa, Bathinda and Mansa is the predominance of
cotton cultivation in Kharif season. Here the climatic conditions, soil type and
other socio-economic conditions are well suited to cotton cultivation. As a
result, share of Bajra is noted low in this category.
4. Areas without bajra cultivation
It covers the large part of the study area and include 15 districts
namely Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Firozpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Rupnagar,
Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Amritsar, S.A.S. Nagar, Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib,
Faridkot, Patiala, Moga, Ambala and Panchkula. These are rice growing
districts except Rupnagar and Nawanshahr which is the main reason for
negligible share of bajra cultivation. In Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur and
Nawanshahr maize and cultivation is predominant during kharif season and
consequently the negligible share of bajra crop is noted. Due to well
developed agricultural infrastructure especially the irrigational facilities,
farmers of these districts prefer other remunerative crops like rice, maize, etc.
in Kharif season.
VI. Spatial Pattern of Pulses (Fig. 5.31)
Pulses share 1.48 per cent of the total cropped area of the study
region. It varies between 0.04 per cent in Kapurthala district to 9.75 per cent
in Bhiwani district. These spatial variations are shown in fig. 5.30 and table
5.6 which depict the following categories:
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
> 2
1-2
< 1
Region's Average = 1.48
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Pulses CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.31
199
1. High share of pulses cultivation (>2 per cent)
This category includes eight districts namely Bhiwani, Rohtak, Hisar,
Panchkula, Jhajjar, Faridabad, Sonipat and Mahendragarh. The major factors
responsible for high share of pulses cultivation are low fertility of sandy soils,
low moisture content, low extent of irrigation, high temperature, rugged relief
particularly in Mahendragarh district. In such conditions are highly ideal for
pulses cultivation.
2. Moderate share of pulses cultivation (1-2 per cent)
Sirsa, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Nawanshahr, Tarn Taran and S.A.S.
Nagar districts form this category. In Ambala, Yamunanagar, Nawanshahr,
S.A.S. Nagar and Tarn Taran districts, irrigational facilities are well developed,
developed agricultural infrastructure, comparatively high rainfall, fertile soils,
etc. are more suitable for wheat and rice cultivation in rabi and kharif seasons
respectively. Thus farmers give preference to pulses cultivation. But in case of
Sirsa district, conditions are favourable for bajra, oilseeds, cotton, wheat, etc.
than pulses. Thus due to these reasons, these districts are having moderate
share of pulses cultivation.
3. Low share of pulses cultivation (<1 per cent)
It covers large parts of the study area including Amritsar, Ludhiana,
Rupnagar, Mansa, Firozpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Fatehabad, Moga,
Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Faridkot, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Karnal, Bathinda,
Muktsar, Jind, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Rewari, Kaithal, Gurgaon and
Kapurthala districts. These areas are having flat topography, fertile soils and
well developed agricultural infrastructure. Due to all these factors, farmers
prefer to grow wheat, rice and cotton in both agricultural periods which give
200
them maximum returns except Rewari district where due to high proportion of
oil seeds area under pulses is low. These are the responsible factors which
minimise the share of pulses cultivation in the above mentioned districts.
VII. Spatial Distribution of Cotton Cultivation (Fig. 5.32)
Cotton is having 7.07 per cent share in the total cropped area of the
study region. It varies from 0.03 to 28.49 per cent in Karnal and Sirsa district
respectively. It shows high variation in cotton cultivation in the study region.
The derived results are shown in fig. 5.32 which depicts in the following four
categories.
1. High share of cotton cultivation (>15 per cent)
It includes seven districts of the study region. These districts are Sirsa,
Hisar, Fatehabad, Bathinda, Muktsar, Mansa, and Firozpur. The vital and
determining factor in cotton cultivation in these districts is climate. Here the
rainfall is low and temperature is high during its growing period and warm dry
weather at the time of picking which are the favourable factors for its
cultivation. Thus physical and non-physical factors are not highly suitable for
other Kharif cereal crop such as rice, maize etc. Owing to these reasons,
these districts are having high proportion of cotton cultivation.
2. Moderate share of cotton cultivation (5-15 per cent)
Four districts of the study region fall in this category namely, Jind,
Faridkot, Bhiwani and Rohtak. The main reason of moderate proportion of
cotton cultivation is due to popularity of oilseeds, pulses and bajra crops in
Bhiwani, Jind and Rohtak districts because of the presence of unfriendly
topography, unfertile soil and low rainfall, all this supports bajra and pulses
cultivation in these districts. Thus in these districts cotton crop face strong
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Cotton CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.32
> 15
Region's Average = 7.07
< 5
5-15
Per Cent of TCA
No Cotton
201
competition with bajra, pulses and oilseeds. While well-developed agriculture
infrastructure, adequate irrigation facilities and flat topography support the rice
cultivation in Faridkot district which lead to moderate proportion of cotton
cultivation.
3. Low share of cotton cultivation (<5 per cent)
This category include Sangrur, Moga, Tarn Taran, Patiala,
Ludhiana, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Jhajjar Faridabad, Gurgaon, Panipat,
Sonipat, Kaithal, and Karnal districts of the study region. The districts of
Tarn Taran, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Kaithal and Sonipat have
flat land, fertile soils and well developed agricultural infrastructure which
are the major reasons for the low proportion of cotton cultivation and
farmers of these districts also prefer to grow rice than cotton.
Environmentally these districts are ideally suitable for rice crop during
Kharif season. In Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon and Faridabad
districts the share of cotton cultivation is low because of the
underdeveloped source of irrigation, unfavourable topography infertile
soils, low rainfall, underdeveloped agricultural infrastructure, etc. are the
factors suitable for the cultivation of bajra, fodder, oilseeds, pulses, etc. All
these resulted into low share of cotton cultivation.
4. Area without cotton cultivation
It comprises Yamunanagar, Ambala, Panchkula, S.A.S. Nagar,
Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kurukshetra,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts of the study region. In
these districts, food grain crops occupy major proportion of the area during
Kharif season. Rice is the principal crop which occupies large area of the
202
total cropped area. In case of Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr,
Panchkula and Rupnagar districts, most of the cultivated area is devoted
to Maize and sugarcane crops. Here the physical environment is main
reason for low cotton cultivation. Sugarcane is an important crop occupies
large area during Kharif season in Gurdaspur, Ambala and Kurukshetra
districts of the study area. There are some other factors also which are
responsible for the negligible share of cotton cultivation in this part of the
study region such as flat topography, irrigation facilities, well developed
agricultural infrastructure, etc.
VIII. Spatial Distribution of Oilseeds Cultivation (Fig. 5.33)
5.58 per cent of total cropped area of the study region is devoted to
oilseeds. The maximum share under oilseeds cultivation is observed in
Mahendragarh district that is 40.32 per cent and the minimum of 0.21 per
cent in Karnal district of the study region and shows striking variations in
oilseeds cultivation. To know the spatial variations, the study area is divided
into following three categories. These categories are shown in figure 5.33
and table 5.6.
1. High share of oilseeds cultivation (>15 per cent)
This category includes five districts namely Mahendragarh, Rewari,
Jhajjar, Bhiwani and Gurgaon. Here, the high share is recorded in Rewari
district i.e. 37.70 per cent and lowest share of 22.50 per cent is noted in
Gurgaon district. In this category, oilseed crops hold a significant position in
the cropping pattern. The main reasons responsible for the cultivation of
oilseeds are presence of loamy sand soil, occurrence of sand dunes, less
developed agricultural infrastructure, etc. Here the climatic conditions which
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
5-15
< 5
Region's Average = 5.58
> 15
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006
2005-06
Oilseeds CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.33
203
are hot and dry also favourable for oilseeds cultivation. Topographically, these
areas are not homogenous but marked with rocky surface. In this type of
topography rice, wheat, sugarcane, etc. crop can not be grown successfully,
but oilseeds respond well. Thus the proportion of oilseeds is high.
2. Moderate share of oilseeds cultivation (5-15 per cent)
Only three districts namely Rohtak, Sirsa and Hisar form this category.
Toria, Taramira and sarson are grown in Rabi season and Til (sesamum) are
grown in Kharif season in these districts. Here Groundnut is of very little
importance in Kharif season but bajra and cotton are more important crops.
Mainly, these are wheat and gram growing areas in rabi season and area
under oilseeds is low. Owing to these reasons share of oilseeds is noted
moderate.
3. Low share of oilseeds cultivation (<5 per cent)
This category comprises Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, Moga, Firozpur, Faridkot,
Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Ambala,
Fatehabad, Faridabad, Jind, Sonipat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and
Karnal districts. Here flat topography, developed agricultural infrastructure,
adequate availability of irrigation facilities and fertile soils, etc. support
wheat and rice cultivation during rabi and kharif seasons respectively
except districts of Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot, Fatehabad, Jind
and Southern Firozpur, because in these wheat during Rabi and cotton
and rice during kharif are predominant. As a result in this category low
share of oil seeds in noted.
204
IX. Spatial Distribution of Sugarcane Cultivation (Fig. 5.34)
Sugarcane is having 1.52 per cent share in the total cropped area of
the study region. It varies from 0.03 per cent in Gurgaon district to 18.92 per
cent in Yamunanagar district. It shows very high variation in sugarcane
cultivation. To know the spatial variations of sugarcane cultivation fig. 5.34 is
prepared which shows the following four categories:
1. High share of sugarcane cultivation (>4 per cent)
This category comprises seven districts namely, Yamunanagar,
Rohtak, Ambala, Hoshiarpur, Sonipat, Kurukshetra and Gurdaspur. Flat
topography, well developed agricultural infrastructure, adequate irrigation
facilities, sugar mills etc are the main factors responsible for high proportion of
sugarcane cultivation in these districts.
2. Moderate share of sugarcane cultivation (2-4 per cent)
This category includes six districts of the study region namely,
Nawanshahr, Panipat, Karnal, Jalandhar, Faridabad and Rupnagar. In the
districts of Panipat, Karnal and Jalandhar rice cultivation is done during Kharif
cropping season. Thus in these districts sugarcane's share is moderate. But in
Rupnagar and Nawanshahr districts, maize cultivation and in case of
Faridabad fodder cultivation are responsible for moderate proposition of
sugarcane crop. These are the main reasons responsible for moderate share
of sugarcane cultivation in this category.
3. Low share of sugarcane cultivation (<2 per cent)
It includes Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, S.A.S. Nagar, Ludhiana,
Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Jhajjar,
Kaithal, Hisar, Jind, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Gurgaon, Sirsa and Panchkula,
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
2-4
< 2
Region's Average = 1.52
> 4
2005-06
Sugarcane CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Fig. 5.34
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006Source:
No Sugarcane
205
districts of the study region. In these districts, agro-climatic and socio-
economic conditions are not in favour of sugarcane cultivation. Rice is
predominate crop in Firozpur, Faridkot, Moga, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur,
Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Tarn Taran and S.A.S. Nagar. On the other hand,
oilseeds, bajra, cotton are predominating crop in Bhiwani, Jhajjar and
Gurgaon districts and cotton in case of Sirsa, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Muktsar
districts.
4. Negligible share of sugarcane cultivation
Five districts namely, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Mansa, Bathinda and
Moga fall in this category. Rewari and Mahendragarh have sandy soil,
presence of structural hills of Aravallies, undeveloped irrigational facilities and
irregular topography etc. All these conditions are not suitable for sugarcane
cultivation. In case of Mansa, Moga and Bathinda districts predominance of
wheat rice and cotton, lack of sugar mills etc. are responsible for negligible
share of sugarcane in these districts.
X. Spatial Distribution of Vegetables Cultivation (Fig. 5.35)
Vegetable crops are having 1.27 per cent share in total cropped area of
study region. It varies from 0.22 per cent in Sirsa district to 5.52 per cent in
Jalandhar district. These figures show a little variation in vegetables
cultivation. The following categories are made to understand the spatial
variation in vegetables cultivation. Fig. 5.35 and table 5.6 show the following
categories:
1. High share of vegetables cultivation (>2 per cent)
This category includes the Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur,
Ludhiana, Moga, Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Kurukshetra, and
0 40
Kms
Per Cent of TCA
1-2
< 1
Region's Average = 1.27
Fig. 5.35
2005-06Vegetables Cultivation
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006Source:
> 2
206
Panchkula districts of the study region. Both Rabi and Kharif vegetables are
grown here. The geo-climatic conditions are well suited to Rabi and Kharif
seasons for vegetables cultivation. Secondly, all the districts have large urban
centers and most of the population in these areas is urban which raises the
demand for vegetables. Road network and marketing facilities are more
relevant for vegetable cultivation in these districts.
2. Moderate share of vegetables cultivation (1-2 per cent)
This category comprises districts of Nawanshahr, S.A.S. Nagar,
Ambala, Yamunanagar, Panipat and Faridabad. Socio-economic conditions
and heavy pressure on arable land for food-grains are obstacles in vegetable
cultivation in these districts.
3. Low share of vegetables cultivation (<1 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, Firozpur, Faridkot,
Muktsar, Mansa, Sangrur, Karnal, Kaithal, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Jind, Rewari,
Rohtak, Mahendragarh, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Sirsa, Hisar and Gurgaon
districts fall in this category. Mostly, these districts have low share of urban
population, which is mainly responsible for low proposition of area under
vegetable.
XI. Spatial Distribution of Other Crops Cultivation
Other crops cover 1.07 per cent of total cropped area in overall
cropping pattern. The maximum cultivation of other crops is found in
Jalandhar district, which occupied 4.93 per cent of the total cropped area. The
minimum share of 0.04 per cent is noted to total cropped area in Gurdaspur,
district of the study region. The following categories are mapped in fig. 5.36.
0 40
KmsRegion's Average = 1.07
< 1
> 1
Per Cent of TCA
Fig. 5.36
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Other Crops Cultivation2005-06
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana: 2006Source:
207
Districts of Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana,
Firozpur, Muktsar, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, and Rohtak are
having above 1.00 per cent of the total cropped area under other crops.
The districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, S.A.S.
Nagar, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib,
Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Faridabad, Gurgaon,
Rewari, Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa are having
less than 1.00 per cent of the total cropped area under other crops.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the food grain crops are again dominant crops in
the overall cropping pattern during 2005-06 in the study area. The cultivation
of different crops in the study area is mainly the outcome of physical
environment and socio-economic factors. Different crops are grown in the
study region. Among these crops, wheat ranks first in overall cropping pattern
with 40.21 per cent area under wheat cultivation. It is found highest of 47.84
per cent in Sonipat district and minimum share of 15.60 per cent of wheat
cultivation is found in Bhiwani district. Among the food grain crops, rice
occupies 25.34 per cent of total cropped area. Its proportion varies from 43.00
per cent in Moga district to 0.21 per cent in Rewari district of the study region.
Fodder crops are also important in areas where agro-climatic conditions are
not suitable for growing of food grains. It covers 11.33 per cent of the total
cropped area. Cotton is also an important crop in overall cropping pattern
during 2005-06 with 7.07 per cent of the total cropped area under its
cultivation. Its proportion is also highly variable. It is also observed that some
areas have high concentration of cotton while some areas are without cotton
208
cultivation. The maximum percentage of cultivated area under cotton is 28.49
per cent in Sirsa district and the minimum percentage of 0.03 per cent is
recorded in Karnal district. At the same time, oilseeds also occupy a
significant place in overall cropping pattern during 2005-06. 5.58 per cent of
the total cropped area is under oilseeds cultivation, while bajra occupies 3.99
per cent of the total cropped area. Sugarcane and pulses cover 1.52 per cent
and 1.48 per cent of the total cropped area in overall cropping pattern
respectively. Among the cereal crops maize is least cultivated crop, there is
only 1.14 per cent of total cropped area under if. Vegetables have 1.27
percent of total cropped area under its cultivation in overall cropping pattern.
Its proportion varies from 0.17 per cent in Gurgaon district to 5.52 per cent in
Jalandhar district. Lastly, other crops have 1.07 per cent of the total cropped
area under its cultivation. High proportion of other crops is recorded in
Jalandhar district with 4.73 per cent area and minimum proportion of 0.02 per
cent is recorded in Muktsar district. Thus it is noted that a variety of crops are
grown in the study region in 2005-06. Among all the crops, wheat, rice and
fodder are most important ones from areal point of view.
209
CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERNS IN PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Ushering of modern technology in agriculture started with the beginning
of Kharif crop of 1966, which coincide the beginning period of present study
i.e. 1965-66 and shows widely impart on agricultural land scope particularly in
the cropping pattern of Punjab-Haryana plains. Thus, with the introduction of
modern techniques like use of machinery for instance sinking of tubewells,
density of tractors, HYVs seeds, agro-chemicals, irrigation, marketing, fixing
of minimum support price for the major crops, establishment of Food
Corporation of India, Agricultural Price Commission, opening of agricultural
research institutes, agricultural universities, agricultural research and
extension programs, regulated and assured rural marketing, rural
electrification, village link roads, the cropping pattern of the study area has
affected very decisively. At the beginning of the study period, several crops
with comfortable area under their cultivation were grown which depicted the
highly diversified nature of cropping pattern. But the adoption of new
agricultural technology and other developed infrastructure have led to a highly
specialized and commercialized cropping pattern in the study region. During
this pace, some crops have disappeared from agricultural landscapes,
whereas some minor crops have emerged very significantly on agricultural
scenario in Punjab-Haryana Plains, For instance, the main gainer crop is
recorded rice which has captured the second overall ranking in the cropping
pattern of the study region, While major looser crop is noted grams cultivation.
The last area from grams is gained by wheat cultivation in rabi season. Wheat
has also captured area under rabi season form barley, fodder, oilseeds,
210
pulses, etc. It is also found that rice has become the first ranking crop of kharif
season of the study area and it has encroached area from maize, bajra,
fodder, cotton, oilseeds, pulses etc. during kharif season and consequently all
other crops like cotton, bajra, fodder, maize, etc. become secondary. In north
eastern and central parts of the study region, wheat-rice crop rotation is
predominant and combinedly these two crops covering about 80 per cent area
under their cultivation. Presently the percentage of wheat and rice crops
combinedly in the whole study region is 65.86 per cent, whereas in 1965-66
wheat and rice combinedly covered only 28 per cent of total cropped area.
Thus an overall positive volume of change of 37.83 per cent is recorded
during 1965-66 to 2005-06. But in western and south-western parts of the
study reason, area under wheat and rice is comparatively low but area under
bajra, cotton and fodder is more predominant. All these significant changes in
the cropping pattern during the study period are largely the result of
development of agricultural infrastructure adoption of new agricultural
technology by the farmers, government policies, people’s participation etc.
Thus to know the changes in cropping pattern under individual crops and to
know the reasons responsible for these changes each crop is discussed
individually for three time periods and for this figures of changes of all
individual crops are made. These time periods are:
A. Changes in cropping pattern: 1965-66 to 1985-86
B. Changes in cropping pattern: 1985-86 to 2005-06
C. Changes in cropping pattern: 1965-66 to 2005-06
211
A. CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERN: 1965-66 TO 1985-86
During this period agriculture of the study region has gone through
revolutionary changes with the adoption of green revolution technology. As a
result significant changes had noticed in the cropping pattern of the study
region. These changes in the overall cropping pattern in Punjab-Haryana
plains had shown in fig. 5.37 table 5.7. An in-depth study of the table and
figure had revealed that there were only three crops which had experienced
positive changes namely wheat, rice and vegetables. Among these wheat and
rice crop had recorded significant increase in area under their cultivation.
Changes in vegetables cultivation were normal. While the rest of the crops
like fodder, maize, cotton, sugarcane, bajra, oilseeds, total pulses and grams
had experienced negative volume of change.
The major gainer crops were wheat and rice and major looser crops
were grams, pulses, bajra and fodder. Thus fig. 5.38 reveal that area under
wheat cultivation had increased from 22.98 per cent in 1965-66 to 36.90 per
cent in 1985-86 and as a result recorded positive volume of change of 13.92
per cent. Whereas, area under rice cultivation which had only 5.74 per cent
in 1965-66 had increased to 15.30 per cent in 1985-86. Thus a total positive
volume of change of 9.56 per cent during the study period was recorded. In
case of fodder crops, a negative volume of change of 5.54 per cent was
recorded, because its cultivation had 20.15 per cent and 14.61 per cent of
the total cropped area during 1965-66 and 1985-86 respectively. The
reasons for negative volume of change were decline in drought livestock and
emergence of wheat and rice crops in the agricultural scenario. The major
looser food grain crop was gram cultivation. In 1965-66 pulses had occupied
212
a very significant place with about 17.84 per cent of the total cropped area,
but with the adoption of HYV of wheat seeds and development of irrigation
pulses had declined to 8.43 per cent and consequently a negative volume of
change of 9.41 per cent had noted. Bajra cultivation had also recorded
negative volume of change. Its cultivation had declined from 11.39 per cent
to 6.81 per cent during 1965-66 to 1985-86 respectively. This decline was
largely the result of more area devoted to cotton and rice cultivation
particularly in Haryana state of the study region. Maize crop had also lost
area under its cultivation from 5.18 per cent to 3.01 per cent and recorded a
negative volume of change of 2.17 per cent. This change was largely the
result of emergence of rice crop in Punjab of the study region. Cotton
cultivation had declined from 7.20 per cent to 6.04 per cent in 1965-66 and
1985-86 respectively and had experienced 1.16 per cent of negative volume
of change. Sugarcane cultivation had experienced a minor negative change
of 0.33 per cent during the study period. Area under its cultivation was 1.85
per cent in 1965-66 and 1.52 per cent in 1985-86. Oilseeds cultivation had
5.19 per cent in 1965-66 and 4.34 per cent in 1985-86 respectively and it led
to a positive volume of change of 0.85 per cent. Other crops which include
spices, fruits, barley, etc. had combinedly cover 1.59 per cent in 1965-66,
which had declined to 1.07 per cent in 1985-86 and had recorded a negative
volume of change of 0.48 per cent. Thus, one can conclude that the major
gainer crops during this period were wheat and rice and major looser crops
were grams, bajra, pulses and fodder. All this was the result of the adoption
of new agricultural technology.
213
Table 5.7 Overall Changes in Cropping Pattern in Punjab-Haryana Plains
1965-66 to 1985-86 Per cent of Total
Cropped Area Sr. No.
Crop
1965-66 1985-86
Per cent Change 1965-66
to 1985-86
1 Wheat 22.98 36.90 13.92 2 Rice 5.74 15.30 9.56 3 Fodder 20.15 14.61 -5.54 4 Maize 5.18 3.01 -2.17 5 Bajra 11.39 6.81 -4.58 6 Pulses 17.84 8.43 -9.41 7 Cotton 7.2 6.04 -1.16 8 Oilseeds 5.19 4.34 -0.85 9 Sugarcane 1.85 1.52 -0.33
10 Vegetables 0.9 1.45 0.55 11 Others 1.59 1.58 -0.01
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana, 1966 and1986 I. Changes in Wheat Cultivation (Fig. 5.38)
Wheat cultivation has experienced positive volume of change of 13.92
per cent in the overall cropping pattern of study region. In 1965-66, the area
under wheat was 22.98 per cent which had increased to 36.90 per cent in
1985-86. But this average was uneven in space. Thus to know the variations
in changes and reasons responsible for them an in-depth study is made with
the help of fig. 5.38 which depicts the following three categories:
1. High positive volume of change (>15 per cent)
High positive volume of change of more than 15 per cent was recorded
in Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Panchkula, Ambala,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Hisar, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak,
Jhajjar, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rewari and Mahendragarh districts. In all these
districts, the area under wheat cultivation was marked a considerable change
under its cultivation. The development of irrigational facilities, use of HYV
Overall Changes in Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains 1965-66 to 1985-86
Cotton, -1.16
Oilseeds, -0.85
Sugarcane, -0.33
Vegetables, 0.55
Others, -0.01
Wheat, 13.92
Rice, 9.56
Fodder, -5.54
Maize, -2.17
Bajra, -4.58
Pulses, -9.41
Fig. 5.37
214
seeds, use of chemical fertilizers, low per cent share of wheat in 1965-66, etc.
resulted in expansion of area under wheat cultivation in above mentioned
districts during the study period.
2. Moderate positive volume of change (10-15 per cent)
This category comprised Kapurthala, Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot,
Sangrur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Yamunanagar and
Karnal districts. Most of the above mentioned districts were traditionally wheat
growing areas and had a considerable area under wheat cultivation during
1965-66. But with the ushering of Green Revolution during 60's, the further
expansion in farm technology, irrigational network, advanced agricultural
infrastructure etc. were the favourable conditions for expansion in area under
wheat crop. Owing to all these reasons, this category noted a moderate
positive volume of change under wheat cultivation.
3. Low positive volume of change (<10 per cent)
Rests of the six districts comprised this category. These districts were
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Bhiwani. In
case of Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr districts the main reasons for low
positive volume of change in area under wheat cultivation in case of Bhiwani
district was the predominance of gram cultivation, whereas in rest of the
districts, the area proportion under wheat was more in 1965-66. Gurdaspur,
Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts were traditionally wheat growing areas.
Owing to above mentioned factors, the low positive volume of change was
recorded in this category.
215
Table 5.8 Changes in Area Under Different Crops: 1965-66 to 1985-86
Districts Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Other Vegetabl
es Fodder
Gurdaspur 4.60 8.43 -2.93 -0.02 -0.11 -0.90 -4.61 -0.70 -0.02 0.49 -4.32
Amritsar 7.60 7.86 -1.09 -0.06 -3.16 1.20 -8.39 -2.61 1.72 0.92 -3.99
Tarn Taran 7.08 8.89 -2.14 -0.55 -4.01 0.50 -8.63 -2.54 0.53 0.65 0.22
Kapurthala 10.62 8.77 -5.19 -0.20 -0.69 2.90 -11.78 -2.46 0.87 -0.33 -2.51
Jalandhar 11.45 2.41 -9.49 -0.10 -0.86 2.20 -10.90 -1.55 2.67 -0.81 4.98
Nawanshahr 9.04 4.81 -3.10 -0.50 -0.40 -5.40 -7.10 -0.07 2.77 -0.65 0.60
Hoshiarpur 6.90 5.25 3.61 -0.80 -0.04 -4.20 -8.47 -1.83 7.07 0.29 -7.78
Rupnagar 13.96 6.24 -2.31 -0.21 -0.78 -4.60 -3.30 -6.07 2.10 -0.13 -4.90
S.A.S. Nagar 13.47 12.36 -12.31 -0.70 -0.40 -2.10 -4.80 -2.73 2.23 -0.21 -4.81
Ludhiana 12.75 22.03 -3.60 -1.12 -1.02 -1.00 -10.10 -4.50 0.78 0.12 -14.34
Firozpur 13.52 16.11 -2.14 -3.53 -15.60 1.10 -8.09 -1.87 -0.36 1.38 -0.52
Faridkot 12.04 15.80 -0.92 -2.78 -11.33 -0.10 1.00 -1.10 1.47 0.16 -14.24
Muktsar 14.61 15.00 -0.31 -2.17 -14.00 -3.30 -3.40 -0.98 1.07 1.28 -7.80
Moga 15.55 15.05 -0.33 -0.62 -15.90 -1.10 -7.50 0.40 1.96 -0.40 -7.11
Bathinda 16.44 4.90 -0.90 -2.09 19.25 -1.10 -17.70 0.06 1.53 0.81 -21.20
Mansa 20.20 7.58 -1.62 -7.19 9.49 0.20 -10.90 -1.22 -0.35 1.01 -17.20
Sangrur 10.19 22.50 -4.87 -5.20 5.17 -0.60 -16.70 -0.23 -0.31 0.45 -10.40
Patiala 16.42 19.80 -4.81 -1.30 -0.88 -0.30 -15.70 -3.83 0.66 -0.47 -9.59 Fatehgarh Sahib 16.92 23.30 -7.29 -0.09 -0.80 -1.50 -11.85 -5.00 0.30 -0.38 -13.61
Ambala 18.40 4.20 -5.20 -1.93 -0.20 -1.20 -14.50 8.45 -0.21 0.48 -8.09
Panchkula 17.60 5.79 -6.70 -1.13 -0.10 0.10 -13.54 7.05 0.93 0.57 -10.36
Yamunanagar 13.13 10.90 -7.90 -0.18 -0.37 -1.00 -14.56 8.76 1.28 0.71 -11.13
Kurukshetra 17.48 16.48 -4.04 -1.44 -1.40 -0.05 -15.84 1.80 -1.76 0.19 -11.42
Kaithal 18.76 17.39 -4.41 -3.00 -1.50 -0.70 -14.58 1.30 -2.34 -0.25 -11.26
Karnal 14.65 15.80 -4.43 -2.76 -0.57 -1.30 -15.07 2.10 0.88 1.22 -10.52
Panipat 18.60 11.40 0.10 -8.58 -1.90 1.50 -14.02 6.30 -2.04 1.05 -12.41
Sonipat 18.87 2.53 0.64 3.70 -1.26 1.30 -16.62 5.90 -1.67 -1.49 -11.90
Rohtak 15.95 0.02 -0.47 2.80 1.07 -0.90 -12.21 3.30 -1.44 0.66 -8.76
Jhajjar 17.33 1.33 -0.43 4.42 -1.33 0.23 -13.23 3.88 0.68 1.18 -12.73
Faridabad 22.50 1.72 0.28 -2.11 -0.03 0.38 -16.72 2.69 0.21 -1.03 -6.17
Gurgaon 15.93 0.26 -0.06 -1.52 -0.29 3.60 -15.77 0.76 -0.57 0.29 -2.63
Rewari 21.36 0.13 -0.26 -18.00 -1.10 -2.78 1.03 0.39 -0.63 0.90 -1.04
Mahendragarh 16.38 0.09 -0.60 -17.39 -0.97 -4.69 -3.80 -0.35 -1.18 0.70 12.12
Bhiwani 7.34 0.03 -0.20 -11.71 -4.77 -0.29 8.21 0.01 -1.67 1.18 1.93
Jind 18.48 9.19 -0.10 -7.60 -5.67 9.38 -7.89 1.71 -1.44 1.60 -17.66
Hisar 15.02 3.18 -0.04 -12.53 5.77 -4.35 -8.04 -1.02 -2.36 1.25 3.12
Fatehabad 16.78 4.31 0.01 -14.05 8.32 1.65 -13.30 -0.99 -2.38 0.99 -1.32
Sirsa 16.96 4.67 -0.02 -18.33 6.87 -8.10 -4.46 -1.84 -2.63 1.35 5.53
REGION 13.92 9.56 -2.17 -4.58 -1.16 -0.85 -9.41 -0.33 -0.01 0.55 -5.54
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana -1966 & 1985.
0 40
Kms
Changes in Wheat CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
1965-66 to 1985-86
Per Cent
Region's Average = 13.92
Fig. 5.38
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986Source:
< 10
10-15
> 15
216
II. Changes in Rice Cultivation (Fig. 5.39)
A positive volume of change of 9.56 per cent was recorded under rice
cultivation from 1965-66 to 1985-86. These changes were marked due to
increase in irrigational facilities, use of chemical fertilizers, use HYV's, etc.
These changes had found not homogenous in all the districts of the study
region. In areas where irrigation was more developed that fertile loamy soil,
comparatively high rainfall etc, had high volume of change. Whereas in areas
with frequent occurrence of sand dunes, low rainfall and less developed
tubewells and canal irrigation, were ideal conditions for bajra and cotton
cultivation etc. i.e. there had experienced moderate to low volume of change.
1. High positive volume of change (>10 per cent)
The districts in this category were Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga,
Ludhiana, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat districts. The techno-economic
changes which had occurred during this period were responsible for high
positive volume of change in rice cultivation in these districts.
2. Moderate positive volume of change (5-10 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Mansa,
Rupnagar, Panchkula and Jind districts comprised this category. Here the
change in area under rice cultivation ranged between 5 to 10 per cent.
Gurdaspur Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts were traditionally rice growing
areas supplemented by developed agricultural infrastructure had experienced
moderate positive volume of change. Whereas in Rupnagar Hoshiarpur and
Panchkula districts during kharif season, maize was predominant crop but due
to introduction of green revolution technology some areas from maize and
0 40
Kms
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986Source:
Fig. 5.39
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Rice Cultivation
> 5
Region's Average = 9.56
5-10
> 10
Per Cent
217
fodder had come under rice cultivation and as a result the change was
moderate. Whereas in Kapurthala district, groundnut and maize were also in
competition with rice. Thus in bet areas, farmer had rice cultivation and in
dona areas groundnut was predominant crop during this period. Thus, all
these led to moderate positive volume of change in these areas.
3. Low positive volume of change (< 5 per cent)
This category were well scattered in the study region including the
districts of Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Bathinda, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar,
Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon, Sonipat, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Rohtak
Jhajjar, and Ambala except Jalandhar and Nawanshahr districts, the soils
were sandy, low rainfall, low extent of irrigation, traditionally cotton growing
areas were the hindrance in the expansion of rice cultivation. All this led to low
change in these districts. But in case of Nawanshahr and Jalandhar districts
the maize and fodder crops were more predominant, were the reasons for low
change in rice cultivation.
III. Changes in Fodder Cultivation (Fig. 5.40)
Fodder occupied 20.15 per cent of the total cropped area in 1965-66
and 14.61 per cent of the total cropped area in 1985-86. Thus, a negative
volume of change of 5.54 per cent was recorded during the study period. But
there were some areas which had experienced increase in area under fodder
crops and some other areas had experienced decrease in fodder crops.
These changes are shown in fig. 5.40 and table 5.8 which depict three
categories:
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.40
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Fodder Cultivation
<5
Region's Average = -5.54
- ve+ ve
5-10
> 10
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
218
1. High negative volume of change (>10 per cent)
The category of high negative volume of change of more than 10 per
cent was covered districts fifteen namely Mansa, Bathinda, Sangrur, Faridkot,
Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal,
Karnal, Jind, Panipat, Sonipat, and Jhajjar. In case of Mansa, Sangrur and
Bathinda districts cotton and wheat crops had snatched area from fodder
crops. While in rest of the districts, increase in area under rabi and kharif
cereal crops gave a strong competition to fodder crops. Thus, area under
fodder crops had decreased which resulted in high negative volume of change
in this category.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (5-10 per cent)
Eight out of thirty-eight districts were included in the category of
moderate negative volume of change. These were Muktsar, Moga, Patiala,
Hoshiarpur, Ambala, Faridabad and Rohtak districts. Main reasons for
moderate negative change were the decline in number of livestock, leads shift
in area to paddy, cotton, wheat, etc. in respective districts.
3. Low negative volume of change (<5 per cent)
In this category increase in area under other crops in kharif and Rabi
season after green revolution was the main reason for decrease in area under
fodder crops which comprised the districts of Firozpur, Amritsar, Ludhiana,
Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Fatehabad, Gurgaon and
Rewari.
4. High positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
This category covered the districts of Jalandhar, Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani
and Mahendragarh. In Jalandhar district area under fodder crop increased
219
owing to demand from dairy owners of Jalandhar Cantt and city as well as
demand of milk in these cities also enthuse the farmer to grow more fodder for
milk animal. In rest of districts the increase of fodder crop due to emergence
of cotton which reduce the area under bajra cultivation because farmers used
straw of bajra as fodder. They had to grow more fodder for meeting their
demand and as a result fodder cult had experienced over 1 per cent positive
volume of change.
5. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category of Low positive volume of change covered the districts of
Tarn Taran and Nawanshahr. The increasing demand for milk products in
urban as well as in rural locality encouraged the farmers to demote more area
under fodder crops. Secondly the increases in dairy farms were also
responsible reason for low positive volume of change under fodder cultivation.
IV. Changes in Maize Cultivation (Fig. 5.41)
Study region had witnessed decline in area under Maize cultivation
which is evident from fig. 5.41 and table 5.8. A negative volume of change of
2.17 per cent was recorded from 1965-66 to 1985-86. Fig. 5.4 and table 5.8
show the spatial changes in maize cultivation in the study region.
1. High negative volume of change (>4 per cent)
This category covered Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib,
Sangrur, Patiala, S.A.S. Nagar, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Karnal districts of the study region with the
introduction of green revolution technology, farmers of these areas had
adopted HYV's of rice with good yield and as a result, rice fetched higher and
assured economic return as compare to maize. Thus farmers had preferred
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.41
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Maize Cultivation
< 2
Region's Average = -2.17
- ve+ ve
2-4
> 4
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
220
rice to maize which led to high negative volume of change in maize
cultivation.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (2-4 per cent)
It was found scattered in the study area. It includes the districts of
Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, Ludhiana, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar. In
these districts, the negative volume of change was ranged between 2 to 4 per
cent. In Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar districts, expansion
of irrigational facilities, improvements in agricultural infrastructure etc. led to
increase in rice cultivation. Whereas in districts of Firozpur district area under
cotton cultivation had increased during Kharif season. These were the
responsible factors for moderate negative change in area under maize
cultivation.
3. Low negative volume of change (<2 per cent)
This category comprised 36.84 per cent of the total occurrences.
Districts of Amritsar, Moga, Faridkot, Mansa, Muktsar, Bathinda, Sirsa, Hisar,
Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon, Jhajjar, Rohtak, and Jind formed
this category. The share of maize cultivation was low in 1965-66 as well as in
1985-86 which yield low negative volume of change. Moreover, except
Amritsar and Moga districts, these were not traditionally maize growing areas.
In rest of the districts, farmers preferred to grow oilseeds and pulses at place
of maize because oilseeds and pulses were economically more beneficial
than maize.
4. High positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
It is found that there was only one district in the study region namely
Hoshiarpur which had experienced positive volume of change over 1 per cent.
221
The increase was 3.61 per cent. Hoshiarpur was the major maize producing
district of the study region during 1965-66 as well as 1985-86. Here, the
proportion of area under maize was 18.8 per cent in 1965-66 and 22.41 per
cent in 1985-86. The main reasons for high per cent share and high positive
volume of change under maize cultivation was dissected topography with
steep gradient, high rainfall, lack of irrigational facilities, traditionally maize
growing area, etc. Due to lack of irrigation and rough topography, rice could
not make a niche in maize cultivation. Thus, owing to these conditions farmer
continued with maize cultivation which consequently led to high positive
volume of change.
5. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category had comprised the districts of Fatehabad, Faridabad,
Sonipat and Panipat. These were the areas where share of maize cultivation
to total cropped area was negligible which is being evident from table 5.8
because its share was less than 1 per cent. In Fatehabad the area under
maize had increased from 0.06 to 0.07, Faridabad 0.22 to 0.50, Sonipat 0.22
to 0.86 and Panipat 0.10 to 0.20 per cent. Thus, maize was grown only for
domestic purposes, because traditionally these districts were bajra growing
areas.
V. Changes in Bajra Cultivation (Fig. 5.42)
Bajra cultivation comprised 11.39 per cent in 1965-66 and 6.81 per
cent in 1985-86 of the total cropped area and recorded negative volume of
change of 4.58 per cent. The derived volume of changes are shown in fig.
5.44 and table 5.8 which depicts the following three categories:
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.42
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Bajra Cultivation
< 1
Region's Average = -4.58
- ve+ ve
1-5
> 5> 5
Per Cent
222
1. High negative volume of change (>5 per cent)
Ten out of thirty-eight districts were included in this category namely,
Sangrur, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Panipat, Bhiwani, Hisar, Jind,
Mahendragarh and Rewari. In Sangrur, Mansa, Jind and Panipat districts.
Owing to development of irrigation and adoption of HYV of seeds of rice,
farmers had preferred rice to bajra and as a result bajra had replaced by rice
crop because of its maximum and assured economic returns. But in the rest of
the districts, farmers replaced the area from bajra cultivation to either cotton
or fodder. These were the main factors for high negative volume of change in
bajra cultivation.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (1-5 per cent)
Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Patiala, Panchkula,
Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Faridabad and Gurgaon were the
districts covered by this category. Bajra was used both food grain and fodder
crop. With the expansion of irrigation, agricultural infrastructure and diffusion
of innovations, farmers had left bajra cultivation and devoted most of its area
to rice crop which resulted into moderate volume of negative change in bajra
cultivation.
3. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category covered those areas where rice, maize and sugarcane
were the dominant crops. These areas were agriculturally developed with
developed irrigational facilities, fertile soils, etc. Bajra was not an important
crop during 1965-66 and during 1985-86. Very small area was devoted under
bajra in the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Moga, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib,
223
S.A.S. Nagar and Yamunanagar. Basically, these were not traditionally bajra
growing areas but these were maize growing area.
4. Positive volume of change (<5 per cent)
This category was found in the south-eastern parts of the study region
including Sonipat, Rohtak and Jhajjar districts. In these districts, during 1965-
66, a major part of bajra crop was used as fodder. Whereas 1985-86, the
whole area under bajra crop is taken as millet crop that is the major reason for
recording positive volumes of change in these three districts.
VI. Changes in Pulses Cultivation (Fig. 5.43)
Pulses occupied 17.84 per cent of total cropped area in 1965-66 which
was decreased to 8.43 per cent in 1985-86. And consequently a negative
volume of change of 9.41 per cent was recorded there. The changes
regarding pulses cultivation are shown with the help of fig. 5.43 and table 5.8.
1. High negative volume of change (>10 per cent)
A negative volume of change of above 10 per cent was experienced by
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, Mansa, Patiala,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal,
Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Fatehabad
districts. Most of these areas were agriculturally developed areas with well
developed irrigational facilities, new agricultural technology and developed
agricultural infrastructure, fertile soils, developed socio-economic conditions,
etc. which encouraged the farmers to grow wheat and rice in place of pulses.
Consequently the area under pulses cultivation had recorded high negative
volume of change from 1965-66 to 1985-86.
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.43
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Pulses Cultivation
< 5
Region's Average = -9.41
- ve+ ve
5-10
> 10> 1
Per Cent
224
2. Moderate negative volume of change (5-10 per cent)
One belt and two different patches of this category were found in the
study region. The first belt was found in northwestern parts of the study region
including the Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Moga and Firozpur districts. Amritsar and
Tarn Taran districts were traditionally wheat and rice growing areas whereas
wheat and cotton crops were dominant in Firozpur and Moga districts during
1965-66. But with introduction of Green Revolution technology, the cultivated
area under wheat and rice had increased significantly in the above mentioned
districts which resulted into moderate negative volume of change in area
under pulses cultivation. First patch was found in northeastern parts of the
study region comprising Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur districts. Here, the
moderate negative volume of change in pulses was recorded due to increase
in area under wheat, rice and maize cultivation. The second patch comprised
the Hisar and Jind districts. From 1965-66 to 1985-86 increase in area under
wheat and rice in Jind district and wheat, cotton and fodder in Hisar district
were responsible for decline in pulses cultivation which resulted into moderate
negative volume of change.
3. Low negative volume of change (<5 per cent)
The main factor responsible for low negative volume of change in this
category was increase in area under rice and wheat, etc. in the districts of
Gurdaspur, Muktsar, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Sirsa, while in Mahendragarh
increase in area under wheat and fodder.
4. Positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
Rests of the three districts were included in this category namely,
Faridkot, Bhiwani and Rewari. In these districts areas under pulses was
225
recorded high in 1965-66, which remain almost same in 1985-86, also and it
resulted in low positive change pulses cultivation.
VII. Changes in Cotton Cultivation (Fig. 5.44)
Area under cotton cultivation had declined from 1965-66 to 1985-86. A
negative volume of change of 1.16 per cent was recorded in the study region,
because during 1965-66, area devoted to cotton cultivation was 7.20 per cent.
While in 1985-86, area under cotton cultivation was noted 6.04 per cent of
total cropped area. Though overall negative change of 1.16 per cent is noted,
yet this negative change was not uniform in the whole region. Some areas
had experienced positive change while others had noted negative change.
Thus, these negative and positive changes are shown in fig. 5.44 and table
3.8 which comprise the following four categories.
1. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
This category was found in the districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, Ludhiana, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind,
Panipat, Sonipat, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and Rewari. In the districts of Amritsar,
Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Faridkot, Moga, Muktsar, Sangrur, Kurukshetra,
Kaithal, Panipat, and Sonipat districts. The area under rice cultivation during
Kharif had increased and consequently it led to high negative volume of
change in this category.
2. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
Districts of Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar,
Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Ambala,
Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Gurgaon and Faridabad
districts comprised this category. These areas were not traditionally cotton
0 40
Kms
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986Source:
Region's Average = -1.16
- ve+ ve
< 1
> 1> 1
Per Cent
Fig. 5.44
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Cotton Cultivation
226
growing areas. Emergence of rice crop except in Gurgaon and Faridabad
resulted in low negative volume of change in cotton cultivation. Where in case
of other districts the main region for low negative volume of change was that
these were not traditionally cotton growing areas and a little of cultivated area
was under cotton cultivation in 1965-66 as well as 1985-86
3. Positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
In Bathinda, Sangrur, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar and Rohtak
districts, the area under cotton cultivation had increased more than 1 per cent
of the total cropped area. The climatic conditions of these areas were much
suitable for cotton cultivation due to low rainfall and high temperature. It has
further supplemented by the introduction of American Cotton, irrigation
facilities, etc. which had led to positive volume of change.
VIII. Changes in Oilseeds Cultivation (Fig. 5.45)
From 1965-66 to 1985-86, a negative volume of change of 0.85 per
cent was recorded under oilseeds cultivation. In 1965-66, area under oilseeds
was 5.19 per cent which was decreased to 4.34 per cent in 1985-86. The
study region had noted overall negative volume of change. But there were
some areas which had experienced positive volume of change. Whereas
other had negative volume of change. These changes are mapped in fig. 5.45
and table 5.8. From fig. 5.45 and table 5.8, the following three categories
emerge:
1. High negative volume of change (>4 per cent)
Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Sirsa, Hisar and Mahendragarh
districts were included in this category. With the introduction of Green
Revolution technology, expansion of irrigational facilities, HYV's of wheat and
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.45
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Oilseeds Cultivation
< 1
Region's Average = -0.85
- ve+ ve
1-4
> 4
< 4
> 4
Per Cent
227
rice, etc. had encouraged the farmers to grow wheat and rice crops than other
crops like oilseeds, because the economic return from wheat and rice were
higher and assured as compare to oilseeds. Thus, area from oilseed had
been shifted to the cultivation of wheat and rice and as a result area under oil
seeds declined which had led to high negative volume of change in these
districts.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (1-4 per cent)
The category of moderate negative volume of change was recorded in
the districts of Muktsar, Bathinda, Moga, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S.
Nagar, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Karnal and Rewari. In case of Rewari district
increase in area under pulses and fodder crops was responsible for decrease
in area under oilseeds cultivation. In rest of the districts a considerable
increase in the area under wheat and rice crops had recorded due to the
suitability of physical environment, well developed irrigational facilities, fertile
soils and developed agricultural infrastructure and all this had resulted into
moderate negative volume of change under oilseeds cultivation from 1965-66
to 1985-86.
3. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
Districts of Gurdaspur, Faridkot, Sangrur, Patiala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal,
Rohtak and Bhiwani had experienced low negative volume change of less
than one per cent. In these areas, rice, wheat, sugarcane and cotton were
responsible for low change in oilseeds. Moreover, oilseeds were cultivated for
only domestic use. Cultivation of rice and wheat were more economically
beneficial in this districts than oilseeds, thus farmers had preferred to grow
these crops than oilseeds.
228
4. High positive volume of change (>4 per cent)
Only Jind district had experienced a positive volume of change of
above 4 per cent in oilseeds cultivation. The physical and climatic conditions
were highly suitable for oilseeds. Here, the oilseeds cultivation was done for
domestic as well as for commercial purposes. These were the major factor
responsible for high positive increase in oilseeds cultivation.
5. Low positive volume of change (<4 per cent)
This category was well scattered in small Patches and covered the
districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, Mansa,
Fatehabad, Gurgaon, Panipat, Sonipat, Jhajjar and Panchkula. These districts
had grown oilseeds earlier also, which is mainly responsible for low positive
volume of change.
IX. Changes in Sugarcane Cultivation (Fig. 5.42)
Sugarcane covered 1.85 per cent of total cropped area in 1965-66 and
1.52 per cent of the total cropped area in 1985-86. Therefore negative volume
of change of 0.33 per cent was recorded in the study region. Though an
overall decrease in sugarcane cultivation had noted yet there were some
areas which had experienced increase in area under sugarcane cultivation.
To know these changes, the following categories are shown in fig. 5.46 and
table 5.8.
1. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
This category covered Firozpur, Faridkot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Rupnagar, S.A.S.
Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar districts. In these
districts, increase in extent of irrigation, stiff competition from wheat and rice,
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.46
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Sugarcane Cultivation
Region's Average = -0.33
- ve+ ve
< 1
> 1
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
229
lack of sugar mills, unfriendly Government policies, etc. were responsible for
high negative volume change in area under sugarcane cultivation.
2. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
Only Six districts namely Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Muktsar, Sangrur,
Fatehabad and Mahendragarh formed this category. Here the increase was
less than one percent. In case of Gurdaspur, Muktsar, Nawanshahr and
Sangrur districts, the area under wheat and rice cultivation had increased
during 1965-66 to 1985-86. But at the same time in Mahendragarh district, the
cultivated area under wheat and fodder crops had increased which resulted in
low negative volume of change under sugarcane cultivation.
3. High positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
The category of high positive volume of change was confined to north
eastern and southeastern parts of the study reason including Panchkula,
Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat,
Rohtak, Jhajjar and Faridabad districts. Increase in extent of irrigation, fertile
soils, installation of new sugar mills in both private and cooperative sectors,
etc. had encouraged the farmers to devote more area to sugarcane
cultivation. Thus as a result, these areas had experienced high positive
volume of change.
4. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
Districts of Moga, Bathinda, Bhiwani, Rewari and Gurgaon comprised
this category. These areas were not suitable for sugarcane cultivation and
consequently small per cent area was under its cultivation in 1965-66, but
there was little increase in its cultivation which had registered positive volume
of change.
230
X. Changes in Vegetables Cultivation (Fig. 5.47)
Vegetables covered 0.90 per cent of total cropped area in overall
cropping pattern during 1965-66 and 1.45 per cent of total cropped area in
1985-86. A positive volume of change of 0.55 per cent was recorded in area
under vegetables from 1965-66 to 1985-86. These changes were not uniform
in all districts of the study region Fig. 5.47 and Table 5.8 show the following
categories:
Positive volume of change
The districts of Firozpur, Mansa, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Ambala, Panchkula,
Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Rewari, Gurgaon, Mahendragarh, Sirsa,
Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani, Panipat, Karnal, Jhajjar and Rohtak formed this category.
The demand of vegetables in rural as well as in urban centers, availability of
proper markets, etc. were the factors responsible for increase in area under
vegetables cultivation which led to positive volume of change.
Negative volume of change
This category comprised Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, Nawanshahr,
Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Faridabad, Sonipat, and
Kaithal. These districts were traditionally wheat and rice growing areas which
was responsible for low negative volume of change under vegetable
cultivation.
X. Changes in Other Crops (Fig. 5.48)
Overall negative volume of change of 0.01 per cent of the total cropped
area was recorded in study region. 1.59 per cent and 1.58 per cent of the total
cropped area was recorded under other crops in 1965-66 to 1985-86
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986
Fig. 5.47
1965-66 to 1985-86
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Vegetables Cultivation
< 2
Region's Average = 0.55
- ve+ ve
< 2
Per Cent
231
respectively. Though overall a negative volume of changes recorded in the
study region yet some areas had also experienced positive volume of change.
These variations are shown with the help of figure 5.48 and table 5.8 which
depict the following categories.
Negative volume of change
This category covered the districts of Gurdaspur, Firozpur, Sangrur,
Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rohtak, Sonipat,
Panipat, Jind, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Rewari and Gurgaon. The
increase in area under wheat, rice, cotton, fodder etc. were responsible for
bringing negative volume of change in area under other crops.
Positive volume of change
Positive volume of change was recorded in the districts of Hoshiarpur,
Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Muktsar, and S.A.S. Nagar, Amritsar,
Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Faridkot, Bathinda, Moga, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh
Sahib, Patiala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Jhajjar, Faridabad and Karnal. The
districts of Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar and S.A.S. Nagar, Panchkula
and Yamunanagar were lying in the foot hill zone of Shiwaliks and having
dissected and undulating topography with seasonal torrents, which caused
heavy soil erosion during rainy season. In such conditions other crops
especially fruit plantation, gained a little increase in area under their
cultivation.
Conclusion
The preceeding discussion of the cropping pattern yields some points
which can be termed as deductions. The present researcher has found that
the overall changes in cropping pattern during 1965-66 to 1985-86 was
0 40
Kms
Changes in Other Crops CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
1965-66 to 1985-86
Fig. 5.48
Source:
Per Cent
< 3
+ ve - ve
Region's Average = -0.01
< 3
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 1986Source:
232
remarkable. These striking changes in area under different crops were the
result of improvement in physical environment as well as the development of
socio-economic, technological and organizational factors. The undulating and
dissected topography along the Shiwaliks was mostly levelled, drain out of
waterlogging area was done, sand dunes in the south western and southern
parts were levelled, drastic increase in extent of irrigation, increase in
mechanization particularly increase in number of tubewells, tractors and
harvest combines, use of chemical fertilizers, use of plant protection
measures, increase in intensity of cropping, well developed network of
marketing and roads, favourable government policy, adoption of HYVs of
seeds of wheat and rice, agricultural research and extension services, etc.
supplement by the dynamic and progressive farming community, etc. had
brought revolutionary changes in the cropping pattern of the study region
during 1965-66 to 1985-86. As a result of above mentioned factors, wheat
crop had experienced a positive volume of change of 13.92 per cent. The
major areas where it had made remarkable increase under its cultivation are
the central parts of the study region where it had over 40 per cent area in
1985-86 whereas in most of the districts in central parts of the study region
had less than 30 per cent of cultivated area under wheat cultivation. The
second crop which had experienced significant changes is rice. Rice had only
5.74 per cent area in 1965-66 which had increased to 15.30 per cent in 1985-
86 and registered 9.56 per cent overall positive volume of change. It is also
worth mentioning that Punjab had experienced high positive volume of
change of 13.04 per cent than Haryana with 5.32 per cent. In Haryana, the
significant change in rice crop was only confined to the districts of
233
Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat, where it was more
than 10 per cent. Fodder cultivation had experienced negative volume of
change of 5.54 per cent area under it had decline from 20.15 per cent in
1965-66 to 14.61 per cent in 1985-86. The main reasons for decline in fodder
cultivation was the reduction in number of livestock due to agricultural
mechanization, adoption of HYV s of Kharif fodder, irrigational facilities, etc. It
is also observed that the study region had experienced negative volume of
change in cotton cultivation. It had declined from 7.20 per cent to 6.04 per
cent during 1965-66 to 1985-86. The decline of 1.16 per cent was registered
in Punjab whereas Haryana had experienced positive volume of change of
0.42 per cent. The major reason for decline in cotton cultivation in Punjab was
the adoption of rice crop in cotton belt. The next crop is maize of the kharif
season which had also registered decline in area under its cultivation and
responsible factors for decline in maize cultivation was the emergence of rice
in kharif season. It is also found that bajra cultivation which had a significant
place in the cropping pattern of the 1965-66 in study region in general and
Haryana in particular had experienced decline under its area. In Punjab it had
declined from 2.40 per cent to 0.44 per cent but in case of Haryana it had
decline from 22.40 per cent to 14.61 per cent. It is also concluded that bajra
cultivation was predominant in the southern parts of the study area, whereas
maize crop was predominant in the north eastern parts of the study region.
Oilseeds production had also declined from 5.19 per cent to 4.34 per cent and
recorded -0.85 per cent volume of change. It is also found that oilseeds are
growing throughout the study region during 1965-66 and 1985-86, but
dominant areas of oilseeds were found in southern parts of the study region.
234
The researcher has also deduced that pulses were very important crop in the
whole study region in 1965-66. But with the emergence of wheat, rice and
cotton cultivation pulses had lost its area significantly i.e. -9.40 per cent
volume of change. But in 1985-86 pulses were still important crop in southern
and south-western districts of the study region. The reasons for changes in
pulses were identified that increase in irrigation facilities, adoption of HYVs of
wheat, rice and cotton, etc. In respect of vegetables, it is found that their
cultivation had increased in area which had increased from 0.90 per cent,
1.49 per cent during 1965-66 to 1985-86. It is also found that no significant
belt was occurring in any part of the study region which means slight
variations under their cultivation in all the districts. Sugarcane cultivation had
also declined from 1.58 per cent to 1.52 per cent. Again it is of great interest
that its cultivation had declined from 2.69 per cent to 0.89 per cent, whereas
in Haryana, it had increased from 0.81 per cent to 2.82 per cent. The major
reasons found for these variations were installation of more sugar mills in
Haryana as well as comparatively favourable government policies for
sugarcane crop. It is also found that other crops like fruits, species barley etc.
had recorded very insignificant negative volume of change i.e. of 0.1 per cent,
But in Punjab, area under other crops had increase from 0.97 to 2.05 per cent
whereas in Haryana their share had declined from 2.35 per cent to 1.0 per
cent. Thus the overall cropping pattern and changes in individual crops had
recorded revolutionary changes during 1965-66 to 1986-86. It is observed that
wheat and rice were the major gainer crops, whereas other crops except
vegetables had recorded negative changes.
235
B. CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERN: 1985-86 to 2005-06
The cropping pattern has undergone drastic changes during
1985-86 to 2005-06 through the introduction of various newly
developed techniques in agro-sciences such as crop and water
management. During this time period, the area under wheat, rice,
cotton and oilseeds, has increased. At the same time, maize,
sugarcane, bajra, pulses, vegetables and fodder cultivation have
experienced decline in area. A positive volume of change of 3.31 per
cent, 10.04 per cent and 1.03 per cent and 1.24 percent was recorded
under wheat, rice, cotton and oilseeds cultivation respectively during
1985-86 to 2005-06 whereas negative volume of change of 1.87 per
cent, 2.82 per cent, 6.95 per cent 0.18 per cent, 3.28 per cent and 0.51
per cent was observed under maize, Bajra, Pulses, vegetable, fodder
and other crops respectively. But no change was recorded under
sugarcane cultivation during study period. These observed changes
are result of increase in net sown area, increase in the application of
agro-chemical high degree of mechanization, agricultural research and
extension services, agricultural universities, land reforms, favourable
government policies, strengthening the marketing system, developed
road network particularly village linked roads, rural electrification etc.
Thus due to these factors the changes which have noted in the
cropping pattern are discussed below of each defined individual crop
and derived results of each crop were mapped in figures 5.50 to 5.60.
These crops are discussed as below.
236
Table 5.9 Overall Changes in Cropping Pattern in Punjab-Haryana Plains
1985-86 to 2005-06 Per cent of Total
Cropped Area Sr. No.
Crop
1985-86 2005-06
Per cent Change 1985-86
to 2005-06
1 Wheat 36.90 40.21 3.31 2 Rice 15.30 25.34 10.04 3 Fodder 14.61 11.33 -3.28 4 Maize 3.01 1.14 -1.87 5 Bajra 6.81 3.99 -2.82 6 Pulses 8.43 1.48 -6.95 7 Cotton 6.04 7.07 1.03 8 Oilseeds 4.34 5.58 1.24 9 Sugarcane 1.52 1.52 0.00
10 Vegetables 1.45 1.27 -0.18 11 Others 1.58 1.07 -0.51
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana, 1986 and 2006
I. Changes in Wheat Cultivation (Fig. 5.50)
Wheat has experienced positive volume of change of 3.31 per cent
during the study period. In 1985-86, the total percent area under wheat
cultivation was 36.90 per cent of the total cropped area and it has increased
to 40.21 per cent of the total cropped area in 2005-06. Therefore, an overall
positive volume of change of 3.31 per cent in the study area has experienced.
But the whole study area has not noted uniform pattern of change. Some
districts have experienced positive changes whereas others have recorded
negative changes. The volume of change varies from -0.64 in Rewari district
to +15.69 per cent in Fatehabad district. These changes are the result of
variations in Physical, socio-economic, technological and organisational
Overall Changes in Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains 1985-86 to 2005-06
1.03
1.24
0
-0.18
-0.51
Fodder, -3.28
Maize, -1.87
Bajra, -2.82
Pulses, -6.95
Wheat, 3.31
Rice, 10.04
Fig. 5.49
237
factors. Thus, to know the reasons for the changes in-depth, fig.5.50 is
mapped which portrays the following categories. These are:
1. High positive volume of change (>5 per cent)
This category covers Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa,
Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani, Gurgaon and Faridabad districts. During this
time period, a lot of developmental works have take place with the innovation
of new farm techniques, expansion in irrigational facilities, marketing
networks, etc. Thus the area under wheat cultivation is increased in these
districts.
2. Moderate positive volume of change (1-5 per cent)
Amritsar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Faridkot, Sangrur, Ambala, Karnal,
Panipat, Sonipat, Panchkula and Yamunanagar districts form this category.
Most of the districts of this category are traditionally wheat growing. In
Amritsar, Faridkot, Sangrur, Ambala, Panipat, and Sonipat, the area under
wheat cultivation was high in 1985-86. But during 2005-06, a little expansion
in area under wheat cultivation is noted in these districts. In other districts,
such as Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Panchkula, and Yamunanagar, government
policies encouraged the farmers to bring more area under wheat from grams
which resulted into moderate positive volume of change. Moreover, during this
period, government provides subsidy on high yielding variety of seeds,
chemical fertilizers, etc. and also provide agricultural loan on easy installment
to the farmers. All these reasons are helpful for increase in area under wheat
cultivation.
238
Table 5.10 Changes in Area Under Different Crops: 1985-86 to 2005-06
Districts Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oilseeds Pulses Sugarcane Other Vegetabl
es Fodder
Gurdaspur 7.08 17.63 -6.21 -0.01 -0.03 -1.20 -1.38 0.92 -0.50 -0.74 -15.55
Amritsar 4.43 20.27 -6.17 -0.19 -0.72 -3.70 0.29 0.57 -2.07 -0.16 -12.56
Tarn Taran 6.52 21.48 -5.50 -0.15 -0.52 -3.80 0.91 -0.50 -0.91 -0.63 -16.91
Kapurthala 0.74 23.59 -6.10 0.00 0.00 -3.32 -1.36 0.78 3.04 4.14 -21.50
Jalandhar -1.34 23.34 -2.69 0.00 0.00 -2.79 -1.25 0.53 1.44 4.50 -21.73
Nawanshahr 4.00 17.29 -5.79 0.00 0.00 -1.09 -0.24 0.57 -2.58 0.89 -13.07
Hoshiarpur 0.72 7.04 -3.92 0.00 0.00 0.90 -2.58 4.15 -5.06 1.49 -2.74
Rupnagar 4.28 16.23 -4.29 0.00 0.00 -0.67 -6.53 0.71 -1.79 -0.79 -7.16
S.A.S. Nagar -1.57 5.51 -0.79 0.00 0.00 -1.41 -6.70 -2.20 -1.96 0.13 8.99
Ludhiana -0.63 11.34 -7.67 0.00 -0.59 -0.97 -2.62 -0.17 -0.05 0.81 0.54
Firozpur -0.83 1.40 -0.46 0.00 5.92 -1.65 -2.89 -0.11 1.26 -0.84 -1.79
Faridkot 3.41 16.39 -0.58 -0.32 -0.02 -1.60 -11.44 0.00 -3.07 -1.02 -1.73
Muktsar -1.87 1.80 -0.89 -0.83 13.67 -0.43 -6.93 0.00 -0.54 -1.10 -2.89
Moga 0.47 24.95 -0.81 -1.68 -9.00 -1.03 -5.48 -0.60 -2.86 1.15 -5.12
Bathinda 6.84 11.62 -0.36 -0.93 -2.19 -3.24 -10.71 -0.76 -1.63 1.54 -0.18
Mansa 5.03 10.54 -0.28 -1.43 8.24 -3.80 -18.68 -0.28 0.24 -1.36 1.77
Sangrur 2.96 14.75 -1.62 -0.87 -8.09 -2.76 -2.23 -0.06 -0.19 -0.30 -1.59
Patiala -2.98 11.91 -2.22 0.00 -0.37 -2.03 -2.39 -0.18 -1.46 0.22 -0.49 Fatehgarh Sahib -3.44 11.10 -2.61 0.00 -0.52 -1.48 -4.09 0.65 -1.70 0.77 1.32
Ambala 1.69 17.63 -5.21 0.00 0.00 -1.37 -3.81 -2.96 -0.07 0.31 -6.41
Panchkula 1.14 0.01 13.86 0.00 0.00 -1.29 -1.34 -6.13 -2.43 1.47 -5.41
Yamunanagar 3.54 9.07 -5.56 -0.25 0.00 -1.57 -3.49 9.96 -2.38 -0.08 -9.05
Kurukshetra -4.99 10.07 -0.93 -1.56 -0.80 -0.59 -0.45 1.86 -1.06 0.57 -2.12
Kaithal 0.59 9.98 -1.64 0.00 0.06 -0.83 -0.45 -1.19 -1.01 -0.73 -4.23
Karnal 1.92 10.54 -1.59 -1.28 -0.48 -0.49 -0.94 -0.07 -0.88 -0.99 -5.73
Panipat 1.56 14.31 -0.20 -2.84 -0.75 -2.42 -4.03 -3.11 1.34 -0.42 -3.44
Sonipat 2.57 6.91 -0.68 -11.82 0.19 -0.82 -0.42 -0.49 0.22 -0.66 5.00
Rohtak -0.76 5.66 0.05 -16.01 4.60 6.16 -7.15 2.69 0.60 -0.79 4.96
Jhajjar -3.89 3.21 0.04 -9.53 1.78 17.06 -9.21 -2.97 -1.77 -0.73 6.01
Faridabad 9.37 5.96 -0.49 -17.15 -0.07 -4.56 -3.13 -0.74 -1.55 0.21 12.15
Gurgaon 8.38 1.78 -0.30 -4.10 -0.01 11.60 -9.73 -1.04 -0.83 -1.22 -4.53
Rewari -0.64 0.06 0.00 -6.51 3.46 31.68 -21.19 -0.50 -0.62 -0.78 -4.96
Mahendragarh -1.86 0.01 0.00 -0.31 0.12 34.31 -14.60 -0.20 -0.45 -0.70 -16.37
Bhiwani 7.10 1.23 0.00 -14.09 5.14 16.36 -20.45 -0.19 0.36 -0.98 5.51
Jind 9.42 11.70 0.00 -5.27 10.33 -8.81 -9.80 -1.33 -0.38 -1.38 -4.48
Hisar 7.94 1.29 -0.18 -2.08 6.69 1.33 -10.19 -0.08 0.73 -1.61 -3.84
Fatehabad 15.69 10.50 -0.07 -6.68 3.23 -5.90 -14.98 -0.69 0.45 -0.64 -0.91
Sirsa 10.62 1.90 0.00 -2.69 9.10 4.42 -21.23 -0.01 0.62 -1.39 -1.34
REGION 3.31 10.04 -1.87 -2.82 1.03 1.24 -6.95 0.00 -0.50 -0.18 -3.28 Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana 1986 and 2006.
0 40
Kms
Changes in Wheat CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
1985-86 to 2005-06
Fig. 5.50
Per Cent
+ ve - ve
< 1
Source:
Region's Average = 3.31
- ve+ ve
Per Cent
> 1
< 1
1-5
> 5
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
239
3. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category comprises four districts of the study region namely
Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Moga and Kaithal. In these districts positive volume
of change of less than 1 per cent is recorded under wheat cultivation. In these
districts maximum proportion of land is under wheat cultivation in 1985-86 i.e.
over 40 per cent. Thus, high per cent share of wheat during 1985-86 has led
to low positive volume of change in wheat, because there was limited further
scope for increase of wheat cultivation.
4. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
Muktsar, Mahendragarh, Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Patiala, Fatehgarh
Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar and Jalandhar are the main districts fall in this category.
The major causes for high negative volume of change in wheat cultivation in
these areas is the high share of wheat cultivation in 1985-86 and secondly
due to the expansion of rice cultivation farmers started taking more than one
crop on same piece of land and in this way total cropped area has increased
in 2005-06 and when the per cent of wheat is derived with increased total
cropped area, its per cent share has declined and as a result negative volume
of change is recorded. Though there is positive absolute change in these
areas during study period.
5. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
Rests of the districts form this category namely Ludhiana, Firozpur,
Rohtak and Rewari of low negative volume of change. In these areas the
negative volume of change is the result of increase in area under oilseeds
cultivation in Rewari and Rohtak districts and in Ludhiana and Firozpur
districts, increase in area under vegetables and other crops are the
240
responsible reasons for low negative volume of change in area under wheat
cultivation.
The preceding discussion shows that the district in which the area
under other crops is increased has experienced a negative volume of change.
On the other hand, the areas in which farmer adopted the new farm
techniques, use HYV's, chemical fertilizers and make full use of government
policies etc. have experienced positive volume of change in area under wheat
cultivation during 1985-86 to 2005-06.
II. Changes in Rice Cultivation (Fig. 5.51)
The remarkable expansion in area under rice cultivation is recorded in
the study region. From 1985-86 to 2005-06, the study region has experienced
a positive volume of change of 10.04 per cent under rice crop. In 1985-86, it
covered 15.30 per cent of the total cropped area which increased to 25.34 per
cent of the total cropped area in 2005-06. This positive volume of change in
rice cultivation is the combined result of reclamation of land, extension of
irrigation, higher and assured economic returns as compare to maize, bajra,
cotton, kharif oilseeds, etc.
1. High positive volume of change (>15 per cent)
This category comprises 36.31 per cent of the total occurrences. Here
the positive volume of change varies between 16.23 in Rupnagar to 24.95 per
cent in Moga district. During study period, the price and demand for rice goes
high which encourages the farmers to increase area under this crop.
Secondly, owing to the adoption of HYV's of rice, use of chemical fertilizers
and willingness of farmers for increase in area under rice crop, etc. have
resulted into high positive volume of change in rice cultivation. Gurdaspur,
0 40
Kms
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006Source:
Fig. 5.51
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Rice Cultivation
< 10
Region's Average = 10.04
10-15
> 15
Per Cent
241
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, Nawanshahr, Moga,
Faridkot, and Ambala are the districts falls in this category.
2. Moderate high positive volume of change (10-15 percent)
Moderate high positive volume of change is recorded in the districts of
Ludhiana, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Kurukshetra,
Karnal, Panipat, Jind and Fatehabad. During 1985-86, in Ludhiana, Sangrur,
Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Kurukshetra, Karnal and Panipat had a
considerable area under rice cultivation. With the further expansion in
agricultural infrastructure, the area under rice cultivation is increased in these
districts. In rest of the districts such as Bathinda, Mansa, Jind and Fatehabad
the increase in area under rice cultivation is the result of Green revolution
technology. Thus, these are the reasons for moderate volume of change in
rice cultivation in this category.
3. Low positive volume of change (<10 per cent)
This category is well scattered in the study region and comprises
Muktsar, Firozpur, Hoshiarpur, S.A.S. Nagar, Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, Rohtak,
Jhajjar, Rewari, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonipat, Yamunanagar, Kaithal,
Mahendragarh and Panchkula districts. The positive volume of change of less
than 10 per cent is recorded in these districts. These are not traditionally rice
growing areas but with the development agricultural infrastructure, availability
of irrigation, chemical fertilizers, etc. farmers started rice cultivation and they
brought area under its cultivation from cotton and fallow land, because the
economic returns were far better than cotton.
Thus it is observed that assured higher economic returns play a very
important role for change in area under rice cultivation in the study region.
242
With the expansion of irrigation, roads, marketing facilities, etc. the study
region has experienced positive volume of change.
III. Changes in Fodder Cultivation (Fig. 5.52)
Fodder occupied 14.61 per cent of the total cropped area in 1985-86
which has declined to 11.33 per cent of the total cropped area in 2005-06 and
as a result a negative volume of change of 3.28 per cent is recorded in the
study region from 1985-86 to 2005-06. These changes are the result of socio-
economic and technological factors. These changes are mapped in fig. 5.52
which shows the following categories:
1. High negative volume of change (>5 per cent)
This category comprises 39.47 percent of the total occurrences.
Thirteen out of thirty-eight districts fall in this category. These districts are
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr,
Rupnagar, Moga, Panchkula, Mahendragarh, Karnal, Yamunanagar, and
Ambala. The main reason for decline in fodder crop is increase in area under
rice and wheat cultivation in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar,
Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Moga, Karnal and Yamunanagar
districts which is further supplemented by HYV’s of khrif fodder which resulted
low area. All this has resulted in high negative volume of change under fodder
cultivation. While in the district of Mahendragarh, the high negative volume of
change under fodder cultivation is recorded owing to increase in area under
oilseeds cultivation. Thus, all these factors are responsible for high negative
volume of change under fodder crops in this category.
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.52
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Fodder Cultivation
Region's Average = -3.28
- ve+ ve
< 5
> 5
Per Cent
> 5
< 5
243
2. Low negative volume of change (<5 per cent)
This category covers the districts of Hoshiarpur, Firozpur, Faridkot,
Muktsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Panipat, Gurgaon,
Rewari, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. In all these districts, during 1985-86
farmers grow fodder crops only for domestic consumption and area under
these crops was comparatively low whereas in 2005-06 with the change of
agricultural methods, the drought live stock has almost disappeared and now
only the milch live stock is there and secondly due to developed irrigation
farmers have adopted HYV’s of kharif fodder crops which is ratoon crops and
yield high and require less area. It is also one of the reasons for low change in
the fodder crops due to the above mentioned reasons. All these districts have
experienced low negative volume change from 1985-86 to 2005-06.
3. High positive volume of change (>5 per cent)
Only five districts are covered by this category namely S.A.S Nagar,
Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Sonipat and Faridabad. The main reasons for increase in
area under fodder crops are the demand of fodder crops in big dairy farms in
the surrounding areas of Chandigarh and Mohali in case of S.A.S. Nagar and
towns of Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad in respect of Faridabad district.
4. Low positive volume of change (<5 per cent)
Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mansa and Rohtak districts comprise this
category. In these districts, the increase in area under fodder is less than 5
per cent. During this time period, government is actively supporting dairy
sector by implementing various schemes. Government also launched a new
scheme called Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana with a massive investment of
25000 crores to promote agriculture and allied sector. So the farmers of these
244
districts make full use of the government policies which is a major reason for
increase in area under fodder crops in these districts.
Thus it is observed that during this time period many districts have
experienced a negative volume of change because of the fodder crops
replacing of by wheat and rice. The decline in area is noted particular in the
districts where wheat-rice crop rotation has emerged. At the same time
demand of fodder for dairy farms also play very important role.
IV. Changes in Maize Cultivation (Fig. 5.53)
Maize is used as food grain as well as fodder in the study region. It
occupied 3.01 per cent of the total cropped area in 1985-86 which has
declined to 1.14 per cent of the total cropped area during 2005-06. Thus,
negative volume of change of 1.87 per cent is recorded in area under maize
cultivation during the study period. These changes are shown in fig. 5.53 and
table 5.10. Fig. 5.53 portrays the following three categories:
1. High negative volume of change (>4 per cent)
Nine out of thirty-eight districts form this category. These are
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar,
Ludhiana, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts. With the innovation of new
farm technology, HYV's of seeds of rice, etc. encouraged the farmers to shift
more area from maize to rice crop during Kharif season. Owing to all this, the
area under maize cultivation has declined which resulted into high negative
volume of change.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (1-4 percent)
Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Kaithal and
Karnal districts comprise this category. Moderate negative volume of change
0 40
Kms
Source: Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.53
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Maize Cultivation
< 1
Region's Average = -1.87
- ve+ ve
1-4
> 4
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
NoChange
245
under maize cultivation is recorded from 1985-86 to 2005-06, because of
increase in area under rice cultivation in above mentioned districts during the
study period. But in case of Hoshiarpur district, the change was moderate
owing to high per cent share in 1985-86. But in other districts, maize was not
important crop whereas in 2005-06 area under maize in also in significant i.e.
moderate negative volume of change has experienced.
3. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, S.A.S. Nagar, Bathinda, Mansa,
Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Hisar, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonipat and Panipat
districts are included in the category of low negative volume of change. In
these districts, maize is still cultivated on subsistence scale. In S.A.S. Nagar,
it is still enjoying 6.30 per cent area under its cultivation other districts were
not traditionally maze growing area.
4. High positive volume of change (>1 percent)
Only Panchkula district form this category. Panchkula is traditionally a
maize growing area of the study region. Here, the geo-climatic conditions are
suitable for maize cultivation. Here maize is still used as staple food and as
well as fodder crop. All these reasons are responsible for High positive
volume of change in maize crop.
5. Low Positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
Two districts fall in this category namely Rohtak and Jhajjar. In these
districts maize is cultivated as fodder and as well as food crop. Due to all this,
the area under maize cultivation has increased.
246
6. Areas without change
Rests of the districts are included in this category namely, Sirsa,
Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari and Jind. In these districts, maize cultivation
is replaced by oilseeds, rice and pulses. There was no land under maize
cultivation during 1985-86 to 2005-06 in these districts. It is one of the major
factors for no change in area under maize cultivation in this part of the study
area.
The present researcher has concluded that maize crop in the whole
study region has never been an important crop, but it regional significance.
Though during 1985-86, area under maize cultivation was 3.01 which has
declined to 1.14 per cent in 2005-06 and recorded a negative volume of
change of 1.87 per cent. But if one look at the table 5.10, one will observe that
it was very important crop in the districts of Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr,
Rupnagar and S.A.S. Nagar where it has over 10 per cent area under its
cultivation not only in 1985-86 but in 2005-06 also. The second finding about
this crop is that the significance in respect of area and change starts decline
when one moves away from the Shiwalik foothills towards the south and
southwest owing to geo-climatic conditions. As a result there is variations in
volume of change in the study region.
V. Changes in Bajra Cultivation (Fig. 5.54)
Bajra cultivation has experienced negative volume of change of 2.82
percent in the study region during 1985-86 to 2005-06. In 1985-86, it covered
6.87 percent of the total cropped area and in 2005-06, the area under bajra
cultivation has decreased to 3.99 percent of the total cropped area. Fig. 5.54
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.54
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Bajra Cultivation
< 1
Region's Average = -2.82
- ve
1-4
> 4
Per Cent
No Change
247
and table 5.10 are prepared to show the spatial pattern of changes in area
under bajra cultivation which depict four categories.
1. High negative volume of change (>4 per cent)
This category covers the southern parts of the study region including
Fatehabad, Jind, Sonipat, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Rewari, Gurgaon and
Faridabad districts. Though, these were traditionally bajra growing areas of
the study region but with the ushering of green revolution technology,
expansion in irrigational facilities etc. resulted into increase in area under rice
cultivation in Fatehabad, Jind, Rohtak, Sonipat and Faridabad districts. Due to
these reasons, the area under bajra cultivation has experienced high negative
volume of change from 1985-86 to 2005-06. While at the same time in
Bhiwani and Rewari districts, increase in area under oilseeds cultivation is
responsible for high negative volume of change in this category.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (1-4 percent)
Six out of thirty eight districts form the category of Moderate negative
volume of change namely Moga, Mansa, Sirsa, Hisar, Kurukshetra, Karnal
and Panipat districts. The districts of Moga, Mansa, Kurukshetra, Karnal and
Panipat are not traditionally Bajra growing areas. But in these districts, a small
area of cultivated land is devoted to Bajra cultivation during 1985-86. But in
2005-06 rice crop has snatched this area from bajra cultivation which lead to
moderate negative volume of change. In the districts of Hisar and Sirsa, bajra
crop faces strong competition from cotton and oilseeds which resulted in
moderate negative volume of change.
248
3. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category is well scattered in the study region. The districts of
Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Muktsar, Sangrur, Bathinda,
Mahendragarh and Yamunanagar comprise this category. The economic
returns from bajra crop are far less than rice crop, thus when agricultural
infrastructure has developed then farmers become choosy and they have
selected rice cultivation in place of bajra in the districts of Amritsar, Tarn
Taran, Sangrur and Yamunanagar. Whereas cotton crop has taken area from
bajra in the districts of Faridkot, Muktsar and Bathinda. All these reasons
consequently lead to low negative volume of change.
4. Areas without change
Thirteen districts fall in this category namely Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Firozpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar,
Rupnagar, Patiala, Panchkula, Ambala and Kaithal. No area was under bajra
cultivation during 1985-86 and 2005-06 except Panchkula, Kaithal these
districts of because, of the geo-climatic conditions which are not suitable for
its cultivation. Owing to these factors, the above mentioned districts have
experienced no change under bajra cultivation. But bajra is important millet
crop in areas having rugged topography, hot and dry climatic conditions, less
developed agricultural infrastructure, infertile soil, etc. Secondly, the demand
and price also play an important role in the cultivation of bajra. But farmers of
areas with flat land, fertile soil and developed agricultural infrastructure prefer
rice to bajra cultivation because of its maximum economic returns from the
former.
249
VI. Changes in Pulses Cultivation (Fig. 5.55)
Pulses cultivation have experienced negative volume of change of 6.95
per cent in the study region. 8.43 per cent of the total cropped area was under
pulses cultivation during 1985-86 which has decreased to 1.48 per cent in
2005-06. The spatial changes of pulses cultivation in the study area are
shown with in fig. 5.55 and table 5.10.
1. High negative volume of change (>10 per cent)
This category is confined to the western and south-western parts of the
study region including Faridkot, Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar,
Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts of the study region. These areas
are traditionally pulses growing areas of the study region, but with the
introduction of Green Revolution technology, the area under wheat has
increased in Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar and Bhiwani the increase in area under
wheat and rice cultivation in Mansa and Faridkot districts resulted in high
negative volume of change in area under pulses cultivation.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (5-10 per cent)
Moderate negative volume of change is recorded in the districts of
Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Muktsar, Moga, Jind, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Gurgaon.
Increase in area under rice cultivation in Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Jind,
Rohtak snatched area from pulses cultivation. At the same time increases in
area under oilseeds cultivation resulted in moderate negative volume of
change pulses cultivation.
3. Low negative volume of change (<5 per cent)
Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Firozpur, Sangrur,
Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Nawanshahr, Panchkula, Ambala,
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.55
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Pulses Cultivation
< 5
Region's Average = -6.95
- ve+ ve
5-10
> 10< 1
Per Cent
250
Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and Faridabad
districts covered by this category. Tremendous increase in the price of rice
crop and its easy marketing has encouraged the farmers to devote maximum
area under rice cultivation in the above mentioned districts. Owing to this
reason the area under pulses cultivation has experienced a low negative
volume of change.
4. Positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
Only two districts namely Amritsar and Tarn Taran are included in this
category. Increase in pulses cultivation is due to the low area under 1985-86
under their cultivation is mainly responsible for positive change.
VII. Changes in Cotton Cultivation (Fig. 5.56)
Cotton is very important fiber crop in the study region. It occupied 6.04
per cent of the total cropped area in 1985-86 and has increased to 7.07
percent of the total cropped area in 2005-06. As a result positive volume of
change of 1.03 per cent is recorded in the study region. The following
categories are shown in fig. 5.56 and table 5.10.
1. High positive volume of change (>2 per cent)
This category covers the western and southern parts of the study
region including Firozpur, Muktsar, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani,
Rewari, Rohtak and Jind districts. These are traditionally cotton growing
areas. The main reasons which support cotton cultivation are climate, soils,
etc. Here rainfall is less than 40 cms. The soil is also sandy loam which is
infertile. Sub-soil water is saline and alkaline, which is not encouraging for rice
in kharif season. Due to all these reasons, cotton cultivation has experienced
high positive volume of change.
0 40
Kms
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006Source:
Region's Average = 1.03
- ve+ ve
< 1
> 1> 2
Per Cent
Fig. 5.56
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Cotton Cultivation
< 2
No Change
251
2. Low positive volume of change (<2 per cent)
It covers the districts of Sonipat, Kaithal, Jhajjar and Mahendragarh.
The major reason for low positive volume of change in Sonipat districts is the
emergence of rice crop which has restricted the expansion of area under
cotton cultivation. While in Jhajjar and Mahendragarh, the successful
cultivation of oilseeds during kharif season is responsible for low positive
volume of change in cotton cultivation.
3. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
Moga, Bathinda and Sangrur districts fall in the category of negative
volume of change of above 1 percent. These are not traditionally cotton
growing areas but owing to less developed irrigational facilities, farmer sow
cotton crop during kharif season particularly for their domestic use and if
some cotton is surplus they use to sell in the market. But with the
development of irrigational facilities, agricultural infrastructure and HYV of
rice, farmer prefer rice cultivation in place of cotton. All these developments
lead to high negative volume of change in cotton cultivation.
4. Low Negative volume of change (<1 percent)
Eleven out of 38 districts form this category, namely Gurdaspur,
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala,
Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Gurgaon and Faridabad. Due to the predominance
of rice crop in above mentioned districts, the area under cotton crop has
experienced low negative volume of change from 1985-86 to 2005-06.
5. Areas without change
Rests of the nine districts are included in this category namely,
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar,
252
Ambala, Panchkula and Yamunanagar. Firstly these districts are not
traditionally cotton growing areas, secondly there was no land devoted under
cotton cultivation during 1985-86 and 2005-06, and thirdly in these districts,
cotton faces strong competition with rice, pulses, maize and oilseeds.
From the above discussion, one comes to know that climate and soils
play very important role for the cultivation of cotton. The areas with hot and
dry climate and sandy loam soils have experienced positive volume of change
in area under cotton cultivation whereas the areas with comparative high
rainfall, loamy to clayey soils, developed irrigation, etc. have recorded
negative volume of change or no change in cotton cultivation.
VIII. Changes in Oilseeds Cultivation (Fig. 5.57)
Oilseeds occupy 4.34 percent of the total cropped are during 1985-86
and 2005-06. It has increased to 5.58 per cent of the total cropped area. Thus
positive volume of change of 1.24 per cent is recorded during the study
period. Overall, study region has recorded positive volume of change, but
some areas have experienced negative volume of change and others have
positive volume change. Therefore to make a comparative study of the
changes in oilseeds cultivation, the derived changes are mapped in fig. 5.57
and table 5.10 which illustrate the following categories:
1. High positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
Eight, out of thirty-eight districts are included in this category. This
category comprises the southern districts of the study area. Topographically,
these areas are suitable for oilseeds, because of rugged topography with
sandy soil cover. Moreover, here the average annual rainfall in these areas is
also low as compared to other districts. Thus, in these conditions the
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.57
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Oilseeds Cultivation
Region's Average = 1.24
- ve+ ve
< 1
> 1
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
253
cultivation of other crop is a difficult task. But, oilseeds crops respond well
even in these conditions. Due to these reasons the area under oilseeds
cultivation has increased in the districts of Gurgaon, Rewari, Mahendragarh,
Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Rohtak, Hisar and Sirsa of this category.
2. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
Only Hoshiarpur district form the category of low positive volume of
change. During this time period, the price of edible oils has increased very
high; its demand is also increased. Thus the cultivation of oilseeds is
beneficial for the farmers; owing to this reason, Hoshiarpur district has
experienced positive volume of change. Here irrigation is not well developed,
some farmers also cultivate sunflower. Due to the popularity of sunflower the
area under oilseeds has increased.
3. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
This category comprises 52.63 per cent of the total occurrences. It
covers Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, Faridkot, Bathinda, Mansa,
Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar, Nawanshahr, Jalandhar,
Kapurthala, Moga, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Fatehabad, Jind,
Panipat and Faridabad districts of the study region. In these districts, oilseeds
are replaced by vegetables, wheat and rice which have minimised the area
under oilseeds cultivation and consequently high negative volume of changes
in oilseeds is noted.
4. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
A negative volume of change of less than one per cent is recorded in
the districts of Muktsar, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal and
Sonipat. Firstly, these districts are not traditionally oilseeds growing areas and
254
secondly, oilseeds face strong competition with other crops especially from
wheat, rice and cotton. Owing to these reasons, the area under oilseeds
cultivation is declined.
From the above discussion, one comes to know that oilseeds
cultivation is important in the southern parts of the study region. In these
areas, cultivation of other crops is not successful as oilseeds because of
physical and climatic conditions are more favourable for oilseeds Cultivation.
On the other hand, the districts with flat land, fertile soils, and developed
irrigation facilities have experienced negative volume of change.
IX. Changes in Sugarcane Cultivation (Fig. 5.58)
In sugarcane cultivation, no overall change is recorded during 1985-86
to 2005-06, which evident from data that area under sugarcane has remained
1.52 per cent of the total cropped area for 1985-86 as well as 2005-06.
Though no overall change is noticed in sugarcane cultivation yet on district
level some positive and negative changes have experienced. Thus the spatial
pattern of volume of change of sugarcane cultivation are shown in fig 5.58
and table 5.10 which depict the following categories:
1. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
Only eight districts namely S.A.S. Nagar, Ambala, Panchkula, Kaithal,
Jind, Panipat, Jhajjar and Gurgaon form this category. These districts have
experienced high negative volume of change due to stiff competition from
wheat and rice and poor marketing for sugarcane by sugar mills. But in case
of Jhajjar and Gurgaon districts, predominance of oilseeds as reason for
negative volume of change in sugarcane cultivation
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.58
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Sugarcane Cultivation
Region's Average = No Change
- ve+ ve
< 1
> 1
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
No Change
255
2. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category comprises 44.73 percent of the total occurrences and
covers a large part of the study region. Districts of Tarn Taran, Firozpur,
Moga, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar,
Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Faridabad, Sonipat and Karnal form in this
category. In the districts of Tarn Taran, Moga, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana,
Sangrur, Mansa, Sonipat and Karnal, the sugarcane crop faces strong
competition with other crops particularly wheat and rice because these areas
have flat land with fertile soils and developed agricultural infrastructure. While
in the districts of Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari, increase in oilseeds
cultivation is responsible for low negative volume of change in area under
sugarcane cultivation. Increase in area under cotton cultivation due to suitable
agro-climatic conditions in Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar districts is responsible
for low negative volume of change in area under sugarcane. Owing to all
these reasons a negative volume of change is recorded in area under
sugarcane cultivation.
3. High positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
This category comprises the districts of Hoshiarpur, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra and Rohtak. Increases in area under sugarcane cultivation has
registered in these districts because of the physiographic conditions of the
area which are suitable for sugar cultivation.
4. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
Seven out of thirty-eight districts cover this category namely,
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar and
Fatehgarh Sahib. The agro-climatic and socio-economic conditions are
256
favourable for sugarcane cultivation in these districts, which is one of the most
important reasons for positive volume of change.
5. Areas without change
Faridkot and Muktsar are the only districts comprise this category. In
these districts, a smaller part of cultivated land devoted under sugarcane
cultivation during 1985-86 and 2005-06. Only 0.22 per cent and 0.40 per cent
of the total cropped area is under sugarcane cultivation in Muktsar and
Faridkot respectively during 1985-86 and 2005-06. Thus no increase in area
under sugarcane cultivation is recorded during study period. This is the main
reason for no change.
It is concluded that the cultivation of sugarcane is declined in study
area. The area under sugarcane is increased in the districts lying along the
foothills zone where the physical conditions are suitable for its cultivation. But
the area under sugarcane cultivation is declined in the districts with flat land,
well developed agricultural infrastructure, etc. In these districts, sugarcane
crop face tough competition particularly from rice.
X. Changes in Vegetables Cultivation (Fig. 5.59)
Vegetables cultivation has experienced overall negative volume of
change of 0.18 per cent during the study period. In 1985-86, area under its
cultivation was 1.45 per cent of the total cropped area which has declined to
1.27 per cent of the total cropped area in 2005-06. Though pulses have
experienced overall negative volume of change in the study region. Yet in
some districts vegetables cultivation has increased and in others have
decreased. Thus, the volume of change in vegetables is not uniform. These
changes are shown in fig. 5.59 and table 5.10.
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.59
1985-86 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Vegetables Cultivation
< 2
Region's Average = -0.18
- ve+ ve
< 5
Per Cent
257
The study of fig. 5.59 shows that 24 out of 38 districts have
experienced a negative volume of change under vegetables cultivation which
vary between -0.08 per cent in Yamunanagar to -1.61 per cent in Hisar
district. This belt comprises 63.15 per cent of the total occurrences. Negative
volume of change has experienced in the districts where area under wheat,
rice, cotton and oilseeds has increased. Secondly, the districts with less
numbers of urban centres, lacking in proper market facilities or far away from
the cities have experienced negative volume of change. The districts of
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar,
Mansa, Sangrur, Yamunanagar, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak,
Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad
and Sirsa have experienced negative volume of change in area under
vegetables cultivation from 1985-86 to 2005-06.
The areas with favourable geo-climatic condition, proper marketing
facilities, demand of vegetables in rural and urban localities have experienced
positive volume of change. It includes districts of Kapurthala, Jalandhar,
Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, S.A.S. Nagar, Ludhiana, Moga, Bathinda, Patiala,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Ambala, Panchkula, Faridabad and Kurukshetra.
XI. Changes in Other Crops Cultivation (Fig. 5.60)
Other crops have very less area under its cultivation in the study region
during 1985-86 and 2005-06. Only 1.58 per cent of the total cropped area was
under other crops in 1985-86 which has declined to 1.97 per cent in 2005-06.
Thus a negative volume of change of 0.51 per cent is recorded under the
cultivation of other crops. Overall negative volume of change is recorded in
the study region in other crops cultivation, but some districts have
0 40
Kms
Changes in Other Crops CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
1985-86 to 2005-06
Fig. 5.60
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986& 2006Source:
Per Cent
< 6
+ ve - ve
Region's Average = -0.50
< 4
Source:
-0.52
258
experienced a positive volume of change also. The derived results are shown
in fig. 5.60 and table 5.10.
The areas in which wheat rice and cotton crops are predominant have
experienced negative volume of change in other crops. Negative volume of
change is found in the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Ludhiana, Faridkot,
Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ambala,
Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Jhajjar, Faridabad,
Gurgaon, Rewari, Mahendragarh and Jind.
Whereas positive volume of change have experienced in the districts
where fruits and spices cultivation are well placed in the overall cropping
patterns because of suitability of physical environment and climatic conditions.
The districts of Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Firozpur, Mansa, Panipat, Sonipat,
Rohtak, Bhiwani, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa have experienced positive
volume of change in area under other crops.
Conclusion
The green revolution technology which was introduced during 1965-66
had almost completed its first phase but had not prevailed in all parts of the
study region and neither could achieve the climax. During 1985-86, it is
observed that expansion in irrigation, adoption of HYV of wheat and rice,
American cotton, etc was continuing. It is also concluded that increase in use
of agro-chemicals, agricultural machinery, development of agricultural
infrastructure is still increasing. Thus the changes in agricultural infrastructure,
HYVs of seeds, introduction of Kandi area development programme, etc. have
positive bearing on the cropping pattern of the study region. The followings
259
are the deduction in the cropping pattern of the study region. Owing to the
above mentioned factors, first of all it is found that cropping pattern has
witnessed a significant change and as a result wheat and rice crops have
emerged in the overall study region, but from regional point of view, it is
observed that along the Shiwaliks there is emergence of wheat, rice, maize
and fodder crops. In southwestern parts, wheat, cotton, rice and fodder crops
have emerged on the agricultural landscape, whereas the southern parts of
study region have wheat, bajra, oilseeds and fodder dominant cropping
pattern, while the central parts of the study region having gentle gradient,
fertile soil, well developed irrigation, well developed agricultural infrastructure,
etc and are having wheat and rice crop dominant cropping pattern. Wheat
cultivation during 1985-86 has increased from 36.90 per cent to 40.21 per
cent in 2005-06 and registered a positive volume of change of 3.31 per cent.
Thus, if one compared the changes with 1965-66 to 1985-86, will find that
changes in wheat cultivation was 13.92 per cent as compare to 1985-86 to
2005-06 change of 3.31 per cent which shows that the study region had
experienced significant change in wheat cultivation during 1965-66 to 1985-86
as compare to 1985-86 to 2005-06. Thus, in post green revolution period
wheat has experienced little change because; it had already achieved
remarkable percentage under its cultivation. Rice crop during 1985-86 to
2005-06 has increased its acreage from 15.30 per cent to 25.34 per cent.
Here also the Punjab’s share of rice crop has experienced higher change than
Haryana. In case of Punjab, it is 13.39 per cent whereas in Haryana it is 5.92.
It is also observed that the central parts of the study region have more than 40
per cent of the total cropped area under rice cultivation whereas the southern
260
parts are having less than 10 per cent in most of the districts. It is also
observed in case of rice cultivation that areas with fertile soils and well
developed irrigation have experienced high percentage under their cultivation
as well as high positive volume of change. In case of maize it is observed that
it has experienced positive volume of change of -1.87 per cent. Secondly, it is
also observed that this crop was having comfortable area in the northern parts
of the study region in 1985-86 but presently it is only confined to the districts
along the Shiwaliks because areas along the Shiwalik receive high rainfall as
compare to southern and central parts. But with the invasion of rice in maize
dominant area, rice has captured acreage from maize cultivation because of
the higher economic return in case of former. Bajra cultivation has lost area
during 1985-86 to 2005-06. It is also observed that bajra cultivation is mainly
confined to the southern parts of study region where it is still enjoying a
comfortable position but with increase in irrigational facilities, rice is making
advances in southern parts of the study region also and as a result bajra
cultivation is loosing area under its cultivation. Incase of cotton it is deduced
that during 1985-86 to 2005-06 its area has concentrated in western districts
of the study region including Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa,
Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. In all these districts, still its per cent share is over
20. It is also found that area under oilseeds cultivation has experienced 1.24 per
cent positive volume of change in the study region except the districts of Rohtak,
Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Rewari, Mahendragarh and Hisar. Where oilseeds have
experienced negative volume of change. These above mentioned districts have
experienced positive volume of change owing to geo-climatic conditions and lack
of adequate irrigational facilities. In case of pulses, it is concluded that these
261
had recorded negative volume of change in all districts of the study region.
Overall area under their cultivation has declined from 8.43 per cent to 1.48 per
cent. The major reasons for decline of area under pulses are increase in
irrigational facilities except southern parts, emergence of rice and wheat in
northern and central parts where as oilseeds in southern parts because the
economic return from oilseeds are higher than pulses. It is found that though
no change is recorded in sugarcane cultivation in 1985-86 to 2005-06, yet
small positive and negative changes are found in its cultivation in all the
districts. The major reason for static position of sugarcane cultivation is the
uncertainty of its marketing. During 1985-86 to 2005-06 the area under
vegetables has declined from 1.45 per cent to 1.27 per cent. In respect of
fodder cultivation, it has also declined from 14.61 per cent to 11.33 per cent
and registered a negative volume of change of 3.28 per cent. In case of other
crops, the area has also witnessed decline from 1.58 per cent to 1.07 per cent
in 1985-86 and 2005-06 respectively. It is concluded that only wheat and rice
crop have recorded positive volume of change and among wheat and rice,
rice is leading crop which has witnessed high changes under its cultivation,
the trend of rice is towards capturing more areas from other kharif crops
whereas wheat crop has achieved its climax. One can say that all these
changes in the cropping pattern in the study region are due to the developed
agricultural infrastructure awakened and progressive farmer, favourable
government polities, etc.
262
C. CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERN: 1965-66 to 2005-06
During mid sixties Green Revolution technology had introduced in
Punjab-Haryana plains with the adoption of HYVs of wheat and rice. The
adoption and acclimatization of HYVs of wheat and rice required adequate
developed source of irrigation, heavy doses of chemical fertilizer and plant
protection measures. These were provided by the government with passage
of time. Process of green revaluation was further followed by tractorization,
sinking of tubewells and pumping sets, harvest combines consolidation of
land holding, land reforms, rural electrification, agricultural research and
extension services, well network of marketing system, price supporting policy
of some crops, liberal credit facilities, etc. All these introductions in agricultural
sector had helped the farmers to increase cultivated area, net sown area,
area sown more than once, changes in cropping pattern etc. Moreover the
short duration varieties of seeds of wheat and rice also have helped the
farmers to increase area under crops. Hence all these developments has
taken place in agricultural sector, which had become instrument made
farmers to cultivate those crops which fetch assured and higher economic
returns and easy marketing. But they had left those crops with uncertain and
low economic returns. In such scenario their choice fell on wheat during rabi
season and rice during kharif season. All this led to great ups and downs in
area under individual crops in the cropping pattern of the study region. These
ups and downs under individual crops are shown in table 5.9 which depict
changes in overall cropping pattern of Punjab-Haryana Plains during 1965-66
to 2005-06.
263
An in depth study of fig. 5.60 and table 5.9 show that the highest gainer
crop in respect of area under its cultivation is rice which has increased from
only 5.74 per cent of 25.34 per cent of the total cropped area and registered a
positive volume of change of 19.60 per cent. The second gainer crop in order
is wheat. It has increased from 22.98 per cent for 40.21 per cent of the total
cropped area during study period and has recorded positive volume of change
of 17.23 per cent. The looser crop of the study region is pulses which has
declined from 17.84 per cent to merely 1.48 per cent during 1965-66 to 2005-
06 and registered a negative volume of change of 16.34 per cent. It is very
interesting to note that the area from pulses has been snatched by wheat
cultivation, because major part of pulses was gram and its cultivation is done
during rabi season. The next crop in order which has experienced negative
volume of change is fodder. It had cultivated on 20.15 per cent of total
cropped area in 1965-66 but it comprised only 11.33 per cent of the total
cropped area in 2005-06 and recorded a negative volume of change 8.82 per
cent.
Bajra crop has also experienced significant negative volume of change
of 7.40 per cent. Decline in area under maize cultivation has also recorded
during 1965-66 to 1985-86. It had 5.18 per cent in 1965-66 and has 1.14 per
cent in 2005-06. Hence, it has experienced negative volume of change of 4.04
per cent. Leaving aside these crops there are other crops, in the study region
like cotton, sugarcane and other crops which have also recorded negative
volume of change, which is less than 1 per cent and is not of any significance.
Vegetables and oilseeds are other two crops which have experienced
insignificant positive volume of change that is less than 1 per cent. Thus, from
the preceeding discussion, it is observed that wheat and rice were the main
264
gainer crops whereas the pulses fodder, maize and bajra were the major
looser crop in the overall cropping pattern.
Hence, after discussing the changes in overall cropping pattern of the
study region, now it becomes imperative to discuss the changes and factors
responsible for changes in individual crops. These are discussion the
following pages.
Table 5. 11 Overall Changes in Cropping Pattern in Punjab-Haryana Plains
1965-66 to 2005-06 Per cent of TCA Sr.
No. Crop
1965-66 2005-06
Per Cent Change
1 Wheat 22.98 40.21 17.23 2 Rice 5.74 25.34 19.60 3 Fodder 20.15 11.33 -8.82 4 Maize 5.18 1.14 -4.04 5 Bajra 11.39 3.99 -7.40 6 Pulses 17.84 1.48 -16.34 7 Cotton 7.20 7.07 -0.13 8 Oilseeds 5.19 5.58 0.39 9 Sugarcane 1.85 1.52 -0.33
10 Vegetables 0.90 1.27 0.37 11 Others 1.59 1.07 -0.52
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana, 1966 and 2006
I. Changes in Wheat Cultivation (Fig. 5.62)
Wheat is a first ranking food grain crop of the study region. The area
under wheat cultivation has changed significantly from 1965-66 to 2005-06. A
positive volume of change of 17.23 per cent is recorded in area under wheat
cultivation from 1965-66 to 2005-06. 22.98 percent of the total cropped area
was under wheat cultivation in 1965-66 which is increased to 40.21 percent in
2005-06. These changes are shown in fig. 5.62 and table 5.12.
Overall Changes in Cropping Patterns in Punjab-Haryana Plains 1965-66 to 2005-06
Pulses, -16.34
Rice, 19.6
Wheat, 17.23
Others, -0.52
Vegetables, 0.37
Cotton, -0.13
Oilseeds, 0.39
Sugarcane, -0.33
Fodder, -8.82
Maize, -4.04
Bajra, -7.4
Fig. 5.61
265
Table 5.12 Changes in Area Under Different Crops: 1965-66 to 2005-06
Districts Wheat Rice Maize Bajra Cotton Oil- seeds Pulses Sugar-
cane Other Vegetables Fodder
Gurdaspur 11.68 26.06 -9.14 -0.03 -0.14 -2.10 -5.99 0.22 -0.52 -0.25 -19.87
Amritsar 12.03 28.13 -7.26 -0.25 -3.88 -2.50 -8.10 -2.04 -0.35 0.76 -16.55
Tarn Taran 13.60 30.37 -7.64 -0.70 -4.53 -3.30 -7.73 -3.04 -0.38 0.03 -16.69
Kapurthala 11.36 32.36 -11.29 -0.20 -0.69 -0.42 -13.14 -1.68 3.91 3.81 -24.00
Jalandhar 10.11 25.75 -12.18 -0.10 -0.86 -0.59 -12.15 -1.02 4.11 3.69 -16.75
Nawanshahr 13.04 22.10 -8.89 -0.50 -0.40 -6.49 -7.34 0.50 0.19 0.24 -12.46
Hoshiarpur 7.62 12.29 -0.31 -0.80 -0.04 -3.30 -11.05 2.32 2.01 1.78 -10.52
Rupnagar 18.24 22.47 -6.60 -0.21 -0.78 -5.27 -9.83 -5.36 0.31 -0.92 -12.06
S.A.S. Nagar 11.90 17.87 -13.10 -0.70 -0.40 -3.51 -11.50 -4.93 0.27 -0.08 4.18
Ludhiana 12.13 33.37 -11.27 -1.12 -1.61 -1.97 -12.72 -4.67 0.73 0.93 -13.80
Firozpur 12.69 17.51 -2.60 -3.53 -9.68 -0.55 -10.98 -1.98 0.90 0.54 -2.31
Faridkot 15.45 32.19 -1.50 -3.10 -11.35 -1.70 -10.44 -1.10 -1.60 -0.86 -15.97
Muktsar 12.74 16.80 -1.20 -3.00 -0.33 -3.73 -10.33 -0.98 0.53 0.18 -10.69
Moga 16.02 40.00 -1.14 -2.30 -24.90 -2.13 -12.98 -0.20 -0.90 0.75 -12.23
Bathinda 23.28 16.52 -1.26 -3.02 17.06 -4.34 -28.41 -0.70 -0.10 2.35 -21.38
Mansa 25.23 18.12 -1.90 -8.62 17.73 -3.60 -29.58 -1.50 -0.11 -0.35 -15.43
Sangrur 13.15 37.25 -6.49 -6.07 -2.92 -3.36 -18.93 -0.29 -0.50 0.15 -11.99
Patiala 13.44 31.71 -7.03 -1.30 -1.25 -2.33 -18.09 -4.01 -0.80 -0.25 -10.08 Fatehgarh Sahib 13.48 34.40 -9.90 -0.09 -1.32 -2.98 -15.94 -4.35 -1.40 0.39 -12.29
Ambala 20.09 21.83 -10.41 -1.93 -0.20 -2.57 -18.31 5.49 -0.28 0.79 -14.50
Panchkula 18.74 5.71 7.16 -1.13 -0.10 -1.19 -14.88 0.92 -1.50 2.04 -15.76
Yamunanagar 16.67 19.97 -13.46 -0.43 -0.37 -2.57 -18.05 18.72 -1.10 0.63 -20.18
Kurukshetra 12.49 26.55 -4.97 -3.00 -2.20 -0.64 -16.29 3.66 -2.82 0.76 -13.54
Kaithal 19.35 27.37 -6.05 -3.00 -1.44 -1.53 -15.03 0.11 -3.35 -0.98 -15.49
Karnal 16.57 26.34 -6.02 -4.04 -1.05 -1.79 -16.01 2.03 0.00 0.23 -16.25
Panipat 20.16 25.71 -0.10 -11.42 -2.65 -0.92 -18.05 3.19 -0.70 0.63 -15.85
Sonipat 21.44 9.44 -0.04 -8.12 -1.07 0.48 -17.04 5.41 -1.45 -2.15 -6.90
Rohtak 15.19 5.66 -0.42 -13.21 5.67 5.26 -19.36 5.99 -0.84 -0.13 -3.80
Jhajjar 13.44 3.21 -0.39 -5.11 0.45 17.29 -22.44 0.91 -1.09 0.45 -6.72
Faridabad 31.87 5.96 -0.21 -19.26 -0.10 -4.18 -19.85 1.95 -1.34 -0.82 5.98
Gurgaon 24.31 2.04 -0.36 -5.62 -0.30 15.20 -25.50 -0.28 -1.40 -0.93 -7.16
Rewari 20.72 0.19 -0.26 -24.51 2.36 28.90 -20.16 -0.11 -1.25 0.12 -6.00
Mahendragarh 14.52 0.10 -0.60 -17.70 -0.85 29.62 -18.40 -0.55 -1.63 0.00 -4.72
Bhiwani 14.44 1.20 -0.20 -25.80 0.37 16.07 -12.24 -0.18 -1.31 0.20 7.44
Jind 27.90 20.89 -0.10 -12.87 4.66 0.57 -17.69 0.38 -1.82 0.22 -22.14
Hisar 22.96 4.47 -0.22 -14.61 12.46 -3.02 -18.23 -1.10 -1.63 -0.36 -0.72
Fatehabad 32.47 14.81 -0.07 -20.73 11.55 -4.25 -28.28 -1.69 -1.93 0.35 -2.24
Sirsa 27.58 6.57 -0.02 -21.02 15.97 -3.68 -25.69 -1.85 -2.01 -0.04 4.19
REGION 17.23 19.60 -4.04 -7.40 -0.13 0.39 -16.36 -0.33 -0.52 0.37 -8.82 Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana – 1966 & 2006.
0 40
Kms
Changes in Wheat CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
1965-66 to 2005-06
Fig. 5.62
Per Cent
Source:
Region's Average = 17.23
< 15
15-20
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006
> 20
266
1. High positive volume of change (>20 per cent)
Twelve out of thirty-eight districts are fall in this category namely
Bathinda, Mansa, Ambala, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Panipat, Sonipat,
Rewari, Gurgaon and Faridabad. With the innovation of new farm techniques,
adoption of HYV's, use of agro-chemical, expansion in irrigational network etc.
and government has also introduced many policies in favour of farmers to
encourage them to devote maximum area under wheat cultivation.
2. Moderate positive volume of change (15-20 per cent)
Districts of Rupnagar, Faridkot, Moga, Panchkula, Yamunanagar,
Kaithal, Karnal and Rohtak form in this category. In the districts of Rupnagar,
Panchkula, Yamunanagar and Rohtak, physical factor such as hilly and
dissected topography choes infested area, sandy soils, etc. are the main
obstacles for the implementation of new farm technology. Owing to the
peculiar nature of its terrain, the change in area under wheat cultivation is
noted moderate in above mentioned districts. But in Karnal, Kaithal, Faridkot
and Moga, Predominance of wheat crop in 1965-66 is responsible for
moderate change in area under wheat cultivation.
3. Low positive volume of change (<15 per cent)
This category comprise the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn
Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, S.A.S. Nagar,
Ludhiana, Firozpur, Muktsar, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Kurukshetra,
Jhajjar, Mahendragarh and Bhiwani. Most of the districts falls in this category
are traditionally wheat growing areas except, Mahendragarh and Bhiwani
districts. Wheat is one the most important crop during 1965-66 to 2005-06
because of the suitable physical and agro-climatic conditions. While,
267
Mahendragarh and Bhiwani districts are not traditionally wheat growing areas.
During 1965-66 very small part of cultivated area was under wheat cultivation
i.e. 2.01 percent and 1.16 percent of the total cropped area in Mahendragarh
and Bhiwani districts respectively. Unfavourable geo-climatic conditions are
the responsible for low positive volume of change in area under wheat
cultivation in Mahendragarh and Rewari districts.
II. Changes in Rice Cultivation (Fig. 5.63)
Rice is now an important crop of study area. But in southern parts of
the study region rice cultivation is of less important as compared to rest of the
districts. It occupies 5.74 per cent and 25.34 per cent of the total cropped area
during 1965-66 and 2005-06 respectively. Thus, positive volume of change of
19.60 per cent is recorded. Table 5.12 is mapped with the following categories
to highlight the spatial changes in rice cultivation (fig. 5. 63).
1. High positive volume of change (>25 per cent)
It includes districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur,
Jalandhar, Moga, Faridkot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat. The factors which are mainly
responsible for the prominent increase in area under rice cultivation is the
reclamation of by water logging land in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts. Rice is grown in rest of the districts
because of increase in irrigational facilities, development of irrigation
developed infrastructure, adoption of new high yielding variety of seeds of
rice, etc. Owing to all these reasons, above mentioned districts has registered
high positive volume of change in area under rice cultivation.
0 40
Kms
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006Source:
Fig. 5.63
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Rice Cultivation
< 15
Region's Average = 19.60
15-25
> 25
Per Cent
268
2. Moderate positive volume of change (15-25 per cent)
Ten out of thirty eight districts comprise this category. These are
Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Firozpur, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa,
Ambala, Yamunanagar and Jind districts. The above mentioned districts are
not traditionally rice growing areas. In case of Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S.
Nagar, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts the physical environment is not
more suitable for rice cultivation and secondly competition maize which crop
during 1965-66 in these district because of suitable geo-climatic condition for
its cultivation. In Firozpur, Bathinda, Mansa and Muktsar districts the
predominance of cotton crop is responsible for moderate positive volume of
change under rice cultivation while in Jind district, predominance of bajra
cultivation is responsible for moderate positive volume of change under rice
cultivation from 1965-66 to 2005-06 in this category.
3. Low positive volume of change (<15 per cent)
This category covers the western southern and northeastern parts of
the study region. The districts of Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Rewari,
Mahendragarh, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panchkula and
Hoshiarpur are included in this category. During 1965-66, in Sirsa, Fatehabad,
Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Rewari, and Gurgaon districts the area
under rice cultivation was less than two percent of the total cropped area,
because the unfriendly physical environment for rice cultivation in these
districts. But In case of Sonipat and Panchkula districts, the area under rice
cultivation has registered low positive volume of change, because during
1965-66, 10.20 percent and 14.30 percent of the total cropped area was
under rice cultivation in Panchkula and Sonipat districts respectively. But with
269
the introduction of green revolution technology, expansion in irrigational
facilities, use of HYV seeds of rice and a little increase in area under rice is
found in 2005-06. All these reasons are responsible for low positive volume of
change in this category.
III. Changes in Fodder Cultivation (Fig. 5.64)
In overall cropping pattern, fodder was very important crop which had
ranked third. In 1965-66, it covered 20.15 per cent of the total cropped area.
But it has decreased to 11.33 per cent in 2005-06. Negative volume of change
of 8.82 per cent is recorded in the study region. Fig. 5.64 and table 5.12
illustrate the spatial changes in fodder cultivation. These changes are grouped
in three categories.
1. High negative volume of change (>14 per cent)
This category covers Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Faridkot, Bathinda, Mansa, Jind, Karnal, Panipat, Kaithal, Ambala,
Yamunanagar and Panchkula districts. During 1965-66, fodder was very
important crop and had a considerable area under its cultivation in the above
mentioned districts. The introduction of Green Revolution Technology and
development of agricultural infrastructure has resulted in to increase in area
under wheat and rice cultivation in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Faridkot, Panipat, Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala,
Yamunanagar and Panchkula districts. Owing to this, fodder cultivation has
experienced high negative volume of change, while in the districts of
Bathinda, Mansa and Jind increase in area under wheat, rice and cotton
cultivation is responsible for high negative volume change under fodder crops.
Moreover, developed irrigation has also helped to reduce area of fodder in
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006
Fig. 5.64
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Fodder Cultivation
< 8
Region's Average = -8.82
- ve+ ve
8-14
> 14> 2
Per Cent
270
kharif season owing to improved seeds of jowar and fodder which yield high.
Secondly due to tractorization, draught live stocks has reduced. All this help to
reduce area under fodder cultivation.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (8-14 per cent)
The districts of Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Ludhiana,
Muktsar, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Kurukshetra are
included in this category. Increase in area under rice and wheat cultivation in
the above mentioned districts due to suitability of geo-climatic conditions are
the main reasons for moderate negative volume of change.
3. Low negative volume of change (< 8 per cent)
This category contains Fatehabad, Hisar, Mahendragarh, Rewari,
Gurgaon, Jhajjar, Rohtak Sonipat and Firozpur districts of the study region.
Thus, high per cent share under fodder cultivation was noted in 1965-66.
Though some developments have taken place in agricultural infrastructure,
yet area under fodder cultivation is quite high, because in these areas, rice
could not capture more area from fodder cultivation. Though area has
increased under oilseeds in some districts and cotton in others yet fodder
crops enjoying a comfortable position in these districts. Thus a negative
volume of change less than 8 per cent is recorded in the districts of
Fatehabad, Hisar, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar and Rohtak. While in
Sonipat district wheat and rice cultivation has increased from 1965-66 to
2005-06. Due to all these reasons fodder cultivation has experienced a
negative volume of change.
271
4. Positive volume of change (> 2 percent)
S.A.S. Nagar, Sirsa, Bhiwani and Faridabad are the districts which
have experienced positive volume of change in fodder cultivations. During this
time period, milk plants are established in S.A.S. Nagar and Faridabad
districts. The demand of milk in urban centers has also encouraged the
farmers to increase area under fodder crops. Thus demand for fodder by dairy
owner is the major factor accounted for positive volume of change. The main
reason for positive volume of change in Sirsa and Bhiwani districts is the low
per cent share of fodder crops in 1965-66. To meet the needs of fodder,
farmers grow more fodder which resulted into positive volume of change.
IV. Changes in Maize Cultivation (Fig. 5.65)
Maize is one of the important food grain crops of the study region. It is
used both as food for human diet and as a fodder for animals. Its cultivation
had 5.18 per cent in 1965-66 which has declined to 1.14 per cent of the total
cropped area and registered 4.04 per cent negative volume of change. Fig.
5.65 and table 5.12 portray the following categories of change in maize
cultivation. This change was not uniform in all the districts. It was recorded
lowest of 0.02 per cent in case of Sirsa district and highest of 13.46 per cent in
Yamunanagar district. Basically, these changes are the result of expansion in
irrigation facilities, HYV’s of rice, etc. Leaving aside these factors, maize was
predominant crop of northern and north-eastern parts of the study region,
because in these areas the topography, soils, climatic conditions, etc were
suitable for its cultivation. Whereas in rest of the study region there were not
ideal growing condition for its cultivation, because these areas were hot and dry
sandy loam to sandy sails etc. Thus more negative changes are experienced in
0 40
Kms
Fig. 5.65
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Maize Cultivation
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006Source:
< 1
Region's Average = -4.04
- ve+ ve
1-5
> 5> 1
Per Cent
272
northern and north-eastern parts, where its proportion was quite high. Thus to
study the spatial patterns of change in maize cultivation and factors responsible
for them a detailed analysis is made with the help of fig. 5.58 and table 5.12
which grouped the whole study region in to three categories.
1. High negative volume of change (>5 per cent)
High negative volume change is experienced by Gurdaspur, Amritsar,
Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala,
Sangrur, Nawanshahr, S.A.S. Nagar, Rupnagar, Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and
Yamunanagar districts. During this time period, there is marked increase in
irrigation, adoption of HYV’s of rice, levelling of land etc. In such situation,
farmers prefer rice to maze because rice fetches assured and high economic
return as compare to maize and as a result this category has experienced
high negative volume of change.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (1-5 per cent)
Moderate negative volume change is found in the western parts of the
study region including the districts of Firozpur, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda,
Mansa Muktsar and Kurukshetra. These districts are not traditionally maize
growing areas of the study region. During 1965-66, small proportion of total
cropped area was under its cultivation. In 2005-06 maize replaced by rice due
to development of irrigational facilities.
3. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category comprises the districts of Mahendragarh, Rohtak, Jhajjar,
Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rewari, Hisar, Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Jind, Sirsa, Panipat,
Sonipat and Hoshiarpur. All the districts falling in this category except
Hoshiarpur do not have favourable physical environment for maize cultivation
273
and secondly due to the emergence of rice in case of Panipat, Sonipat and
Jind, districts, Cotton cultivation in Sirsa, Kaithal, Fatehgarh, oilseeds in
Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts etc. are responsible for
low negative volume of change, secondly, for low negative volume of change
in all these districts, area under maize cultivation was less than 1 per cent in
1965-66 and again in 2005-06, these districts are having less than 1 per cent
which consequently led to low negative volume of change. Whereas in
respect of Hoshiarpur district, though the socio-economic development has
taken place yet still farmers preferred maize cultivation because most of the
land has either steep gradient or slightly steep gradient of land which is
suitable for maize cultivation supplement by comparatively high rainfall during
summer months i.e. in 1965-66 area under maize was 18.80 per cent which
remained 18.49 in 2005-06 also and registered a low negative volume of
change of 0.31 per cent.
4. Positive volume of change (>5 per cent)
There is only one district in the study region named Panchkula which
has experienced positive volume of change. Area under its cultivation was
13.70 per cent which has increased to 20.86 per cent in 2005-06 and
registered a positive volume of change of 7.16 per cent. The reason for
positive change in Panchkula district are hilly and piedmont topography, high
rainfall, demand of maize for poultry and animal feed, low extent of irrigation,
etc. unsuitable geo-climatic conditions for rice cultivation has also encouraged
the farmers to increase area under maize cultivation. Due to all these
reasons, Panchkula has experienced 7.16 per cent volume of change during
1965-66 to 2005-06.
274
V. Changes in Bajra Cultivation (Fig. 5.66)
Bajra cultivation was an important crop of kharif season of the study
region. 11.39 per cent of the total cropped area was under its cultivation in
1965-66 when it has declined to 3.99 per cent in 2005-06 and recorded
negative volume of change of 7.40 per cent from 1965-66 to 2005-06. Figure
5.66 is mapped to highlight the changes in bajra cultivation which exhibits the
following three categories.
1. High negative volume of change (>10 per cent)
This category is found in the western and southern parts of the study
region including Sirsa, Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh,
Rewari, Faridabad, Rohtak and Panipat districts. Though, these districts were
traditionally bajra growing areas of the study region, but from 1965-66 to
2005-06 significant changes observed in the cropping pattern of these districts
owing to the introduction of Green Revolution technology, development of
agricultural infrastructure, etc. Due to all these reasons, area under bajra
cultivation has shifted to cotton in Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar districts; and to
oilseeds in Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts; and to rice and
cotton cultivation in Jind district. Due to all this, high negative volume of
change is noted in area under bajra cultivation in this category.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (5-10 per cent)
Only five districts namely Sangrur, Mansa, Sonipat, Jhajjar and
Gurgaon districts comprise the category of moderate negative volume of
change. Increase in area under rice cultivation, because of its assured higher
economic returns in the districts of Sangrur and Mansa minimise the area
under bajra cultivation. But in case of Sonipat district, increases in area under
0 40
Kms
Fig. 5.66
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Bajra Cultivation
Per Cent
> 10
5-10
- ve
Region's Average = -7.40
< 5
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006
275
rice and sugarcane cultivation are responsible for moderate negative volume
of change in bajra. While in Jhajjar and Gurgaon districts, bajra is replaced by
oilseeds cultivation because in these two districts irrigation could not
developed and farmers only have shifted oilseeds which require less water
and not rice or cotton whose water requirement are high. Due to all this, the
category has witnessed moderate negative volume of change.
3. Low negative volume of change (<5 per cent)
This category covers large part of the study region. The districts of
Bathinda, Muktsar, Firozpur, Faridkot, Moga, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Tarn
Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh
Sahib, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Patiala, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Karnal from this category. The districts included in
this category are not traditionally bajra growing areas, because most of the
districts have flat land, well developed agricultural infrastructure with fertile
soils, developed irrigational network, etc. Thus, a very small proportion of
arable land was under bajra cultivation in 1965-66, which is replaced by rice
cultivation in 2005-06. It is also observed that there is no area under bajra
cultivation in the districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Ludhiana,
Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib during 2005-
06. Due to all these reasons, the area under bajra cultivation has experienced
low negative volume of change.
VI. Changes in Pulses Cultivation (Fig. 5.67)
Pulses were very important crop in the overall cropping pattern of
Punjab Haryana Plains during 1965-66. It occupied 17.84 per cent of the total
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1986 & 2006
Fig. 5.67
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Pulses Cultivation
< 14
Region's Average = -16.36
- ve
14-20
> 20
Per Cent
276
cropped area in 1965-66 which had declined to 1.48 per cent of the total
cropped area in 2005-06. A negative volume of change of 16.36 per cent is
recorded in the study region. The changes in pulses cultivation are shown in
fig. 5.67 and table 5.12 which highlight the following categories.
1. High negative volume of change (>20 per cent)
Two different belts of this category of high negative volume of change
are found in the study region. First belt is lying in the western parts of the
study region including the districts of Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa and Fatehabad.
In these districts, increase in area under wheat, rice and cotton cultivation due
to the development of agricultural infrastructure, expansion in irrigational
facilities etc. are responsible for negative volume of change in pulses
cultivation. The second belt covers the southern parts of the study region
including Jhajjar, Rewari and Gurgaon districts. The increase in area under
wheat and oilseeds cultivation in above mentioned districts are responsible for
decline in area under pulses in this belt.
2. Moderate negative volume of change (14-20 per cent)
Sixteen out of thirty-eight districts are included in this category namely,
Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Kaithal, Rohtak, Mahendragarh, Hisar,
Jind and Faridabad. Due to development in agricultural infrastructure with the
ushering of green revolution technology, the area under wheat, rice and
sugarcane has increased at the cost of pulses which bring a moderate
negative volume of change in area under pulses cultivation in the above
mentioned districts.
277
3. Low negative volume of change (<14 per cent)
This category covers large parts of the study region and contains, the
districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur Ludhiana Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Firozpur, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, S.A.S.
Nagar and Bhiwani. Pulses are facing lot of competition with other crops in
rabi and kharif season. Farmers also prefer to grow wheat in rabi season and
rice, oilseeds and cotton in kharif season in place of pulses.
VII. Changes in Cotton Cultivation (Fig. 5.68)
During the study period cotton registered negative volume of change of
0.13 per cent in the study region in 1965-66, the area under cotton cultivation
was 7.20percent of the total cropped area which has declined to 7.07 percent
of the total cropped area in 2005-06. Overall it is a negative change but there
are some districts which have experienced positive volume of change else.
Thus, to highlight the spatial pattern of changes in cotton, fig. 5.68 and table
5.12 are prepared which illustrate the following categories.
1. High positive volume of change (>5 per cent)
Only six districts are included in this category namely, Bathinda, Mansa
Hisar, Rohtak, Sirsa and Fatehabad. Traditionally, these are cotton growing
areas because of hot and dry climatic condition and loamy sand soils. Rice is
not responding well in such conditions during Kharif season as cotton. Good
climatic conditions supplemented by developed irrigation are the main
reasons for high positive change in cotton cultivation.
2. Low positive volume of change (<5 per cent)
The category of low positive volume of change contains Jind, Jhajjar,
Rewari and Bhiwani districts of the study region. These areas have dry and
0 40
Kms
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006Source:
Region's Average = -0.13
+ ve
> 5
Per Cent
Fig. 5.68
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Cotton Cultivation
< 5
< 1
- ve
1-5
> 5
278
hot climatic condition, sandy loam soil, supplemented with low irrigational
facilities, etc. In these conditions cotton crop respond well and consequently
farmers prefer to grow cotton. In such above mentioned conditions, oilseeds
also respond well and all this resulted in low positive volume of change under
cotton cultivation.
3. High negative volume of change (>5 per cent)
High negative volume of change is recorded in Firozpur, Faridkot and
Moga districts. In these districts most of the area is devoted under rice
cultivation. Due to development of agricultural infrastructure and rise in sub-
soil water table, excessive canal irrigation, adoption of HYV’s of rice which
yield high economic return as compare to cotton. Because of these reasons,
cotton cultivation has suffered setback and lost area to rice. Thus resulted to
decline in area and experienced high negative volume of change during the
study period.
4. Moderate negative volume of change (1-5 per cent)
Moderate volume of negative change is observed in the districts of
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat. These are not traditionally
cotton growing areas. Its cultivation suffered with the ushering of Green
Revolution because rice has snatched area from cotton cultivation. These are
the main reasons for moderate negative volume of change in this category.
5. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
Rests of the districts have experienced low negative volume of change
in area under cotton cultivation. These are the districts of Gurdaspur,
Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Nawanshahr, Jalandhar, Muktsar,
279
Kapurthala Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Gurgaon and
Mahendragarh. In these districts except Muktsar, cotton was cultivated for
domestic use and a little area was covered by this crop in 1965-66. Secondly,
rice has emerged as major kharif crop except Gurgaon, Faridabad and
Mahendragarh districts. In case of Muktsar District, the emergence of rice and
secondly, the high per cent share under cotton in 1965-66 are responsible for
low negative volume of change in area under cotton cultivation. Thus low
negative volume of change is experienced in this category.
VIII. Changes in Oilseeds Cultivation (Fig. 5.69)
In the study region 5.19 per cent of the total cropped area was under
oilseeds in 1965-66 and 5.58 per cent of the total cropped area is under
oilseeds in 2005-06. A positive volume of change of 0.39 per cent is recorded
in the study area from 1965-66 to 2005-06. Fig. 5.69 and table 5.12 are
prepared which show the following categories.
1. High positive volume of change (>2 per cent)
Only Six districts are included in this category namely Bhiwani,
Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon, Rohtak and Jhajjar. In this category,
Mahendragarh district recorded highest change of 29.62 per cent of oilseeds
cultivation and minimum of 5.26 per cent in Rohtak district. From geo-climatic
and soils point of view, these districts are much suitable for oilseeds
cultivation. Most of the area is covered by sandy soils with low rainfall and
high temperature. In these conditions, oilseeds respond well as compare to
other crops. Thus, these reasons are responsible for high positive volume of
change in oilseeds cultivation.
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006
Fig. 5.69
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Oilseeds Cultivation
Region's Average = 0.39
- ve+ ve
< 2
> 2
< 2
> 2
Per Cent
280
2. Low positive volume of change (<2 per cent)
Only Jind and Sonipat districts fall in this category. These districts are
not traditionally oilseeds growing areas of the study region. During 1965-66,
area under oilseeds cultivation was 1.50 per cent in Sonipat district which has
increased to 1.98 per cent in 2005-06. While 2.20 per cent of the total cropped
area was under oilseeds cultivation in Jind district in 1965-66 which has
increased to 2.77 per cent in 2005-06. From these figures, it is evident that
oilseeds are not very important crop in above mentioned districts. Here, it is
cultivated for domestic purpose which is main reason for low positive volume
of change.
3. High negative volume of change (>2 per cent)
This category is found in two different belts. One comprises the districts
of Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Muktsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr,
Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, S.A.S. Nagar, Ambala and
Yamunanagar. Traditionally these are not oilseeds growing areas of the study
region. During 1965-66, wheat, rice, fodder and maize were the dominant
crops in these districts and some area was under oilseeds cultivation, but with
the ushering of Green Revolution to wheat and rice crops. Due to all these
reasons, high negative volume of change in area under oilseeds cultivation is
noted. Second belt contain the districts of Moga, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa,
Sangrur, Faridabad, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar. Here, oilseeds cultivation is
replaced by cotton and wheat in the districts of Bathinda, Mansa, Sirsa,
Fatehabad and Hisar, while in Moga, Sangrur and Muktsar districts, increase
in area under wheat and rice cultivation is responsible for high negative
volume of change in area under oilseeds cultivation.
281
4. Low negative volume of change (<2 per cent)
This category covers the districts of Firozpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar,
Ludhiana, Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat. Traditionally,
these districts are not oilseeds growing areas of the study region.
Predominance of cotton and wheat crops in Firozpur and Faridkot districts,
wheat, maize and fodder in Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Panchkula
districts, wheat and rice in Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat districts,
wheat are the main reasons responsible for low negative volume of change in
this category.
IX. Changes in Sugarcane Cultivation (Fig. 5.70)
Sugarcane cultivation has experienced overall negative volume of
change during the study period. It has declined from 1.85 per cent of total
cropped area in 1965-66 to 1.52 per cent of the total cropped area and in
2005-06 and noted negative volume of change of 0.33 per cent. Though,
sugar cane has recorded overall negative volume change under its cultivation,
yet some areas have experienced significant positive increase, whereas in
others, it has seen declined. All these changes are mapped in figure 5.70 for
knowing the spatial changes in its cultivation. This figure highlights the
following three categories
1. High negative volume of change (>1 per cent)
The districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, Faridkot, Kapurthala,
Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar, Rupnagar,
Mansa, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar form this category. Here sugarcane is
replaced by rice crop because the rice give higher and assured marketing
economic returns as compare to sugarcane crop. Secondly, sugarcane
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006
Fig. 5.70
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Sugarcane Cultivation
Region's Average = -0.33
- ve+ ve
< 1
> 1
< 1
> 1
Per Cent
282
crop needs more care as compare to rice. Thus, farmers of these areas
have increased a large proportion of cultivated land under rice cultivation
except Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar, where sugarcane is replaced by
cotton cultivation. Owing to all these reasons, this category has
experienced high negative volume of change.
2. Low negative volume of change (<1 per cent)
It is found in two separate belts. One covers southern parts of the
study region namely Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Rewari and Gurgaon
districts and other contains Muktsar, Bathinda, Moga and Sangrur
districts. In both belts, it is found that amount of rainfall is very low and
temperature is high, soils very from sandy to sandy loam, etc. Such
geographical conditions are not favourable for sugarcane crop, because,
it is mainly a crop of high temperature and high rainfall areas. All these
reasons are responsible for the small proportion of land under
sugarcane.
3. High positive volume of change (>1 per cent)
This category confined to north-eastern and south-eastern parts of
the study region. The districts of Hoshiarpur, Ambala, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Faridabad and Rohtak form this
category. The climatic conditions of these districts are highly suitable for
sugarcane cultivation. The average annual rainfall is also high to fulfill the
water requirement of sugarcane, silty-clay two loamy soils, sugarcane
mills etc. Owing to all these reasons, the positive volume of change is
experienced in these categories.
283
4. Low positive volume of change (<1 per cent)
This category is well scattered in the study region. The districts of
Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Panchkula, Kaithal, Jhajjar and Jind comprise this
category. These areas have good number of sugar mills and comparatively
favourable physical environment. In Jind and Kaithal districts developed
irrigation, availability of proper market, demand of sugar mills, etc; secondly,
sugarcane is cultivated for domestic purposes to make Jaggery. Owing to all
these factors this category has low positive volume of change.
X. Changes in Vegetables Cultivation (Fig. 5.71)
Vegetables covered 0.90 per cent of the total cropped area in 1965-66,
whereas area under its cultivation is 1.27 per cent of the total cropped area in
2005-06 which led to positive volume of change of 0.37 per cent in study
region. The derived results are shown in fig. 5.71 and table 5.12 which
highlight the following points.
Firstly, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Faridkot, Mansa, Patiala,
Sonipat, Kaithal, Rohtak, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Hisar and Sirsa districts have
experienced negative volume of change in area under vegetable cultivation.
Secondly, rest of the districts have experienced positive volume of
change in area under vegetable cultivation. These are Amritsar, Tarn Taran,
Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Firozpur,
Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ambala, Panchkula,
Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Jhajjar, Rewari, Bhiwani, Jind
and Fatehabad districts. Whereas area under vegetables in Mahendragarh
remain same in 1965-66 and 2005-06 which resulted in no change.
0 40
Kms
Source: Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006
Fig. 5.71
1965-66 to 2005-06
PUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
Changes in Vegetables Cultivation
< 4
Region's Average = 0.37
- ve+ ve
< 4
Per Cent
284
XI. Changes in Other Crops Cultivation (Fig. 5.72)
Other crops occupied 1.59 per cent of the total cropped area under its
cultivation in 1965-66 which has declined to 1.07 per cent in 2005-06. Thus,
negative volume of change of 0.52 per cent is recorded in the study region.
Other crops have witnessed overall negative volume of change in area under
their cultivation. But some areas have experienced positive volume of change,
whereas others negative volume of change. These changes are shown in fig.
5.72 and table 5.12 and are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa,
Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar,
Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Faridabad, Gurgaon,
Rewari, Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts
have experienced negative volume of change in area under other crops.
But districts of Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur,
Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar, Ludhiana, Firozpur and Muktsar have experienced
positive volume of change in area under cultivation in other crops. Here fruit
cultivation due to suitable agro-climatic conditions and socio-economic factors
are responsible for positive volume of change in area under other crops.
Districts of Karnal had 3 per cent of its total cropped area under other crops in
1965-66 which is remain same in 2005-06. Thus no change is recorded in
district Karnal in area under other crops.
Conclusion
Cropping pattern of Punjab-Haryana plains has been transformed from
highly subsistence, diversified, largely rainfed to highly commercialized,
specialized and largely irrigated. All this is the result of drastic changes in
0 40
Kms
Changes in Other Crops CultivationPUNJAB-HARYANA PLAINS
1985-86 to 2005-06
Fig. 5.72
Statistical Abstracts of Punjab and Haryana - 1966 & 2006Source:
Per Cent
< 4
+ ve - ve
Region's Average = -0.50
< 4
Source:
285
methods of cultivation, increase in extent of irrigation, adoption of HYV’s, use
of agro-chemicals, mechanization, development of village link roads, rural
electrification, liberal credit facilities to farmers, agricultural research and
extension education, minimum support price for selected crops, easy and
assured marketing, liberal government policies, etc. All these factors have
combinedly affected the cropping pattern. With the above mentioned
developments, farmers have become choosy in selecting a crop for its
cultivation, they have selected those crops which fetch higher and assured
economic returns for them but they have left those crops which did not fetch
assured and higher economic returns to them. As a result wheat and rice
have emerged as first and second ranking crops in the overall cropping
pattern, whereas wheat in rabi season and rice in kharif season are
enjoyment first ranking crops while pulses, fodder, bajra and maize are the
major looser crops. Wheat and rice have experienced 17.23 and 19.60 per
cent positive volume of change respectively. Whereas negative volume of
change of 16.35 per cent, 8.82 per cent, 7.40 per cent and 4.04 per cent in
pulses, fodder, bajra and maize respectively have registered. All these shows
that presently Punjab-Haryana plains are having a highly specialized cropping
pattern which is dominated by wheat and rice crops followed by fodder, cotton
and oilseeds, but oilseeds and cotton are having regional significance,
because these crops are not having comfortable position in all parts of the
study region except southern and western parts. A review of table 5.12
reveals that wheat has experienced positive volume of change in all the
districts of the study region and it ranges between 7.62 per cent in Hoshiarpur
district to 32.47 per cent in Fatehabad district. It is also found that except
286
Hoshiarpur district, all the districts of the study region have experienced more
than 10 per cent of positive volume of change in wheat cultivation which is
largely the result of HYV’s of wheat, use of chemical fertilizers and irrigational
facilities etc. As a result, farmers have left pulses cultivation especially in rabi
season where gram was predominant pulse crop. Though rice is having
second rank in the overall cropping pattern of the study region, yet it has
experienced highest positive volume of change of 19.60 per cent during 1965-
66 to 2005-06. It is also observed that rice cultivation has experienced more
than 20 per cent of positive volume of change in central parts of the study
region. Whereas its change is insignificant especially in southern parts where
irrigational facilities are not developed and rainfall is very low. It is also found
that pulses are the biggest looser in area under their cultivation with a
negative volume of change of 16.34 per cent. Pulses have experienced
negative volume of change in all districts of the study region. The southern
and western parts are the big losers as compare to northern parts of the study
region. A negative volume of change of 0.13 per cent is recorded in cotton
cultivation during the study period. The western parts have experienced
positive volume of change in cotton cultivation especially in districts of
Bathinda, Mansa, Rohtak, Hisar, Faridabad, Sirsa, Mahendragarh, whereas
the rest of the districts have witnessed negative volume of change. Cotton
cultivation has been concentrated in western parts of the study region
including the districts of Bathinda, Mansa, Faridabad, Hisar and Fatehabad. It
is also observed that maize cultivation has noted negative volume of change
of 4.04 per cent. Except Panchkula district all districts of the study region have
negative volume of change. Major looser districts are lying in northern and
287
eastern parts of the study region. In case of bajra cultivation study region was
recorded 7.40 per cent negative volume of change. The major affected areas
are lying in southern and western parts of the study region. Oilseeds
cultivation has registered a very insignificant increase of 0.39 per cent. It is
also noted that oilseeds have registered comfortable positive volume of
change in the district of Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Rewari and Bhiwani. In case of
sugarcane the study region has registered a negative volume of change of
0.33 per cent during the study period. Though some districts have registered
positive volume of change yet overall sugarcane has suffered loss in area
under its cultivation. A positive volume of change of 0.37 per cent is observed
in vegetables cultivation. It is also noted that the cultivation of other crops like
barley, spices, fruits, etc. have also lost area under their cultivation and
recorded negative volume of change of -0.52 per cent.
Thus, from the above facts the present researcher has concluded that
with the revolutionary changes in infrastructure and technology, the cropping
pattern in respect of overall as well as individual crops have undergone
drastic changes. As a result wheat and rice have emerged the
unchallengeable crops in the study region, whereas the pulses, bajra, maize
and fodder are major looser crops in respect of area. All these have led to the
transformation of the cropping pattern of the region from highly diversified to
highly specialized.
288
Conclusion of the Chapter
This chapter deals with spatio-temporal variations in cropping pattern
of 1965-66, 1985-86 and 2005-06. In 1965-66, it is recorded that wheat was
the leading crop with 22.98 per cent area followed by fodder crops, pulses,
bajra, maize, oilseeds, rice, sugarcane, others and vegetables with per cent
share of 20.15 per cent, 17.84 per cent, 11.39 per cent, 7.20 per cent, 5.74
per cent, 5.19 per cent, 5.18 per cent, 1.85 per cent, 1.59 per cent and 0.90
per cent respectively. But in 1985-86, the over all cropping pattern of the
Punjab- Haryana plain had wheat, rice and fodder as leading crops with 36.90
per cent 15.30 per cent and 14.61 per cent of the total cropped area
respectively. Next in order were pulses, bajra, cotton oil seeds, maize, others,
sugarcane and vegetable crops which had 8.43 per cent, 6.81 per cent, 6.04
per cent, 4.34 per cent, 3.01 per cent, 1.58 per cent, 1.52 per cent and 1.45
per cent of the total cropped area respectively. Where as the cropping pattern
in 2005 – 06 for the study region is having wheat of 40.21 per cent, rice of
25.34 per cent, fodder with 11.33 per cent, cotton with 7.07 per cent, oil seeds
with 5.58 per cent, bajra with 3.99 per cent, sugarcane with 1.52 per cent,
pulse with 1.48 per cent, vegetables with 0.27, maize with 1.14 per cent, and
others with 1.07 per cent. It is also observed that in 1965-66, the spatial
variation, in wheat cultivation was varying between 1.16 per cent in Bhiwani
district to 33.90 per cent in Gurdaspur district of the total cropped area. It
shows great variations in its distribution. It is also found that southern and
southwestern districts were having low proportion of wheat cultivation,
whereas northern and central districts were having high per cent share in
wheat cultivation in 1965-66. there were only ten districts in the study region
289
which had more than 10 per cent of the total cropped area under rice
cultivation. Again, it was negligible in southern and western parts of the study
area. High percent share in case of maize was observed along the Shiwalik
hills, whereas bajra was predominant in southern districts of the study region,
cotton was only significant in the western districts of the study region, oilseeds
were important in southern districts. Pulses were also having 17.84 per cent
of total cropped area under their cultivation, but their share was noted over 20
per cent in southern and western districts. Fodder was also an important crop
of the study region because majority of the district were having more than 20
per cent area under their cultivation. Sugarcane, vegetables, and other crops
were having less than 2 per cent area under their cultivation. It is also
observed that sugarcane was having more area under its cultivation in Punjab
than Haryana. Overall cropping pattern of 1965-66 was recorded highly
diversified. No crop had registered over 40 per cent area under its cultivation
in any district of the study region whereas during 1985-86 wheat crop had
captured overall 36.90 per cent of the total cropped area. But 18 districts had
recorded more than 40 per cent of the total cropped area. Whereas in
southern and south-western districts area under wheat cultivation was below
30 per cent. It was recorded lowest of 0.85 per cent in Bhiwani district. It was
very interesting to note that rice had emerged second ranking crop in overall
cropping pattern with 15.30 per cent of total cropped area. It was emerged as
a major kharif crop in central parts of the study region whereas in southern
and western parts, its share is less than 10 per cent. The third crop in ranking
order was recorded fodder with 14.61 per cent of total cropped area. Again, its
per cent strength was high that is over 15 per cent in Northern and Southern
290
parts, while central parts were having low fodder cultivation. Pulses were
ranked fourth with 8.43 per cent area under its cultivation. Its cultivation was
predominant in Southern and Western districts, where the geo-climatic
conditions were highly suitable for pulses cultivation. Bajra with 6.81 per cent
was largely confined to 10 districts, due to emergence of rice and
consequently area under its cultivation had reduced to 1 per cent. Oilseeds
were having 7th position in the overall cropping pattern with 4.34 per cent area
though oilseeds were grown throughout the study region yet their
predominance was confined to Southern districts. Sugarcane from spatial
point of view was a significant crop with over 3 per cent area in the districts of
Gurdaspur, S.A.S. Nagar, Ambala, Panchkula, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and
Jhajjar. In respect of vegetables it is found that their cultivation had reduced
ranging between 1.02 per cent in Jalandhar district and 2.01 per cent in
Hoshiarpur district which shows vegetables were not having a predominant
place in the cropping pattern of any district of the study region. Other crops,
which include barley, jower, fruits, etc., were having only 1.58 per cent of the
total cropped area. Their spatial distribution was also almost uniform from
areal strength. In 2005-06, wheat and rice crops have emerged as main crops
in majority districts of the study region. Expect 9 districts, wheat is having
more than 40 per cent of the total cropped area and has emerged undisputed
leading crop of the study region and follow by rice with 25 per cent. Rice has
also more than 40 per cent area in 10 districts of the study region. It is also
worth noting that rice cultivation is insignificant in southern and south-western
districts where its share is less than 10 per cent. Moreover, it is insignificant in
case of Gurgaon, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Hisar, Bhiwani and
291
Sirsa district with less than 7 per cent. Maize is only confined to the areas
lying along the Shiwalik hills which covers the district of Hoshiarpur,
Rupnagar, S.A.S. Nagar and Panchkula whereas bajra is predominant in
Southern and south-western districts like Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Rewari,
Mahendragarh, Bhiwani and Hisar. All these districts have more than 10 per
cent of the total cropped area. Cotton was significant crop in the districts of
Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mahendragarh, Faridabad, Jind, Hisar,
Fatehabad and Sirsa, whereas it ranges between 0.28 per cent in Faridkot
district to 28.49 per cent in Sirsa district. Oilseeds have registered their
predominance in districts of Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Rewari, Mahendragarh,
Bhiwani, Hisar and Sirsa where their share between 12.12 per cent in Sirsa
district to 40.23 per cent in Mahendragarh district, which shows that oilseeds
are favourate crop in arid parts of the study region where irrigation facilities
are inadequate. Pulses have recorded only 1.48 per cent of the total cropped
area. Their cultivation was only predominant in the districts of Rohtak and
Bhiwani where these are having more than 5 per cent area. Most of the
districts have recorded less than 1 per cent area under pulses, which shows
that in major parts of the study region, irrigation facilities are well developed.
Though Sugarcane has 1.52 per cent of the total cropped area under its
cultivation, yet it is very significant crop in the districts of Gurdaspur,
Hoshiarpur, Yamunanagar, Nawanshahr, Jind, Sonipat and Rohtak, where it
ranges between 4.0 per cent in Nawanshahr district to 18.92 per cent in
Yamunanagar district. In the remaining districts, the cultivation of sugarcane is
insignificant. Vegetables have emerged significant crop in case of Kapurthala
and Jalandhar districts where more than 5 per cent area under their cultivation
292
is recorded. More than 15 per cent of the total districts are having less than 1
per cent of area under its cultivation. All this shows that introduction of green
revolution technology and developments in agricultural infrastructure have led
to the cultivation of few crops by the farmers. In central parts of the study
region, the choice of farmers has fallen on wheat and rice while during rabi
and kharif season respectively cotton cultivation has confined to western
districts of the study region which has sandy soil, low rainfall, saline and
alkaline sub-soil water and developed canal irrigation. But maize is dominant
in comparatively high rainfall areas along the Shiwalik foothills. Whereas the
cultivation of bajra and oilseeds are having comfortable position in southern
part of the study region which is arid zone with less irrigational facilities and
less developed agricultural infrastructure.
Due to the adoption of Green Revolution technology in mid sixties,
development of agricultural infrastructure, organizational reforms, government
policy etc. have affected the changes in cropping pattern of the study region
during the present investigation period. It is observed that area under wheat
cultivation had increased drastically from 22.98 per cent in 1965-66 to 36.90
per cent in 1985-86 and has further increased to 40.21 per cent in 2005-06. In
case of rice cultivation, area under rice cultivation was 5.74 per cent, 15.30
per cent and 25.34 per cent in 1965-66, 1985-86 and 2005-06 respectively
and recorded positive volume of change of 9.56 per cent during 1965-66 to
1985-86 and 10.04 per cent during 1985-86 to 2005-06. In this way, rice has
experienced overall positive volume of change of 19.60 per cent during 1965-
66 to 2005-06. Fodder cultivation had 20.15 per cent area under its cultivation
in 1965-66 which had decreased to 14.61 per cent in 1985-86 and recorded a
293
negative volume of change of 5.54 percent. Further it has been decreased to
11.33 per cent in 2005-06 and registered negative volume of change of 3.28
per cent from 1985-86 to 2005-06. Whereas an overall negative volume of
change of 8.82 per cent is recorded during 1965-66 to 2005-06. While the
cotton cultivation had recorded declined from 7.20 percent to 6.04 per cent
during 1965-66 to 1985-86 and registered a negative volume of change of
1.16 percent. But cotton has experienced increase from 6.04 per cent to 7.07
percent from 1985-86 to 2005-06, and noted positive volume of change of
1.03 per cent. Overall negative volume of change of 0.13 percent is recorded
during 1965-66 to 2005-06. The cultivation of maize crop has also
experienced negative volume of change during the study period. It had
declined from 5.18 per cent in 1965-66 to 3.01 per cent in 1985-86 and
recorded 2.17 per cent of negative volume of change. It has further declined
from 3.01 per cent to 1.14 per cent during 1985-86 to 2005-06 and noted 1.87
per cent negative volume of change. But overall negative volume of change of
4.04 per cent has experienced during study period. Next crop is bajra which
had covered 11.39 per cent in 1965-66 and 6.81 per cent during 1985-86 and
recorded negative volume of change of 4.58 per cent. It has further declined
to 3.99 per cent in 2005-06. But it has experienced overall negative volume of
change of 7.40 per cent. Next significant decline from 17.54 per cent to 8.43
per cent during 1965-66 to 1985-86 was recorded under pulses cultivation
with negative volume of change of 9.11 per cent. While pulses have
experienced negative volume of change of 6.95 per cent during 1985-86 to
2005-06. Overall negative volume of change of 16.06 per cent is recorded.
Oilseeds had declined from 5.19 per cent to 4.34 per cent and noted negative
294
volume of change of 0.85 per cent during 1965-66 to 1985-86. Its cultivation
has experienced increase in 2005-06 and consequently positive volume of
change of 1.24 per cent is noted from 1985-86 to 2005-06. Whereas overall
positive volume of change of 0.39 per cent in oilseeds cultivation is recorded
during the 1965-66 to 2005-06. Sugarcane cultivation in the study region has
also experienced overall negative volume of change of 0.33 per cent, but
during 1965-66 to 1985-86 the decline was 0.33 per cent whereas no change
is noticed under its cultivation during 1985-86 to 2005-06. The area under
vegetables in the study region had increased from 0.90 per cent to 1.45 per
cent but further it has declined to 1.27 per cent during 1965-66 to 1985-86
and 1985-86 to 2005-06 respectively. Thus, an overall positive volume of
change of 0.37 per cent is recorded. Therefore, it is found that wheat and rice
crops are the major gainers where as bajra, pulse, maize and sugarcane are
the major looser crops.