ABSTRACT
Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for over half of India's population. In Bihar, Kaimur district exemplifies this dependency, with its economy predominantly driven by agriculture. For sustainable agricultural planning and policy-making, it is essential to understand the patterns of crop concentration and diversification in the region. The primary objective of this study was to investigate crop concentration and diversification in Kaimur District for the period 2024–2025. The study employed Bhatia's method to evaluate the level of crop concentration and the Gibbs-Martin index to assess the extent of crop diversification. The study utilises secondary data obtained from the District Agriculture Department, Bhabua. Data is analysed using statistical software to compute indices and interpret the findings. Preliminary analysis indicates distinct spatial variations in crop concentration and diversification in the Kaimur district. Rice shows the highest concentration in Bhagwanpur (1.18) and the lowest in Nuaon (0.92) and Ramgarh (0.92). Wheat dominates in Kudra (1.17) and Bhabua (1.12), reflecting canal-fed cereal specialisation. Barley displays exceptional concentration in Nuaon (3.78) and Chainpur (1.63). Pulses and oilseeds show the highest concentrations in Adhaura (Gram-2.34, Lentil-4.50, Peas-3.61, Mustard-1.60, and Linseed-9.10), highlighting adaptive diversification in rainfed uplands. The spatial pattern of the Crop Diversification Index (CDI) ranges from 0.49 (Bhagwanpur) to 0.61 (Adhaura and Chand). Diversification appears limited, as evidenced by a low Gibbs-Martin index, suggesting a reliance on a narrow range of crops. The findings emphasise the need for strategies to encourage crop diversification in the Kaimur district. To enhance sustainability, policy interventions should target low CDI blocks (<0.55) by promoting pulses, oilseeds under integrated schemes. Recommendations include the introduction of high-value crops, improving irrigation infrastructure, and providing market linkages to encourage farmers to adopt diversified cropping systems. Such measures could enhance agricultural sustainability and economic resilience in the region.
AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS
Department of Geography, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya
CITATION
Singh S and Chaubey AK (2025) Spatial Pattern Analysis of Crop Concentration and Crop Diversification for Sustainable Agriculture in Kaimur District, Bihar, India. Environmental Science Archives 4(2): 840-850.
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