DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjavs.2022.v09i12.004

Pages: 232-236

The study examines the spatio-temporal changes in cropping patterns in Haryana from 1980–82 to 2010–12, with a focus on variations across four agro-climatic zones northern, central, southern, and western Haryana. Using secondary data from the Statistical Abstract of Haryana, the analysis is based on triennial averages of area under major crops and their percentage share in total cropped area. The findings reveal a significant shift in cropping patterns, primarily driven by changes in crop area rather than expansion of total cultivated land. The rice–wheat cropping system has emerged as dominant across the state, with substantial increases in the share of rice (from 9.15% to 19.04%) and wheat (from 27.46% to 38.89%). In contrast, traditional crops such as bajra, jowar, maize, barley, and pulses have experienced a consistent decline, with pulses showing the sharpest reduction due to technological stagnation and expansion of irrigation favoring wheat cultivation. Regional analysis highlights that the northern zone remains strongly dominated by the rice–wheat system due to favorable irrigation and infrastructure, while the central and western zones have witnessed the most dramatic shifts towards wheat and rice. The southern zone shows diversification towards oilseeds alongside wheat expansion. Overall, the study indicates that infrastructural development, irrigation expansion, and economic incentives have significantly influenced cropping decisions, leading to increased monoculture tendencies. However, this shift has raised concerns regarding sustainability, particularly groundwater depletion and rising input intensity. The study suggests the need for policy interventions to promote crop diversification, especially towards less water-intensive crops, oilseeds, and coarse cereals, ensuring both environmental sustainability and nutritional security.