Dynamics of Crop Diversification in Midlands of Kerala, India

Aims: This study presents the extent of crop diversification as well as the reasons in the three districts of Kerala state; Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Kannur which falls in the midland region of Kerala.

Methodology: Secondary data on area under cultivation of various crops for the time period of 2005-06 to 2020-21 was subjected to analysis using Simpson Index, Modified Entropy Index and Markov chain analysis.

Results: Kannur was found to be highly diversified with high value of Simpson Index of around 0.79 followed by Thiruvananthapuram with SI of around 0.74. Transitional probability matrix of Thiruvananthapuram revealed that coconut, spices and condiments retained more area in the district followed by non-food crops with an area retention. Non-food crops retained highest area followed by coconut, spices and condiments in Kottayam. More area occupying crop in Kannur was found to be non-food crops followed by coconut, spices and condiments. However, overall scenario in midland region showed that more area was occupied by non-food crops followed by coconut, spices and condiments.

Conclusion: The period from 2005-06 to 2020-21 showed changing pattern of acreage distribution in the three selected districts of Kerala with a declining trend in total cropped area and shift from food crops to non-food crops.