CHAPTER
V
CROPPING PATTERN
Cropping pattern indicates the area under various crops in a place a particular point
of time. Cropping pattern is a dynamic concept as it changes over space and time. The
cropping pattern of a region reflects the geoclimatic, sociocultural, economic, historical and
political conditions of a region. Cropping pattern in a region is influenced by mainly
physical factors like soil, climate, water, water bodies etc. of a region, Man and his
sociocultural behavior, political decisions of the govt. are the major factors responsible for
change or transformation of cropping pattern. Datta (1983, 1985), Das and Das (1989),
Bhagabati (1990) analyzed the cropping intensity patterns in Assam and established their
relations with population structure, density, irrigation facilities and physical bases etc. For
the analysis of the cropping patterns agricultural census data from 1985-86 to 2005-06 in
Nagaon district have been taken.
5.1 Distribution of Major Crops
The cropping pattern of Nagaon district of Assam is highly unbalanced. In the district
as a whole the cropping pattern shows predominance of food crops which normally
dominate the agricultural land to a large extent. Food crop distribution generally adjusts to
the physical environment and food habits of the peasant community. Rice (Oryza Sativa L)
is the principal food-grain crop as it is the staple food of the people in the region.
Performance of the different crops indicates sharp variation. An observation from the table
5.1 and figure 5.1 clearly reveal that rice is the dominant crop of the district. It occupies
highest proportion of the total cropped area of the district. It clearly reveals that in 1985-86
rice is cultivated in 1,94,449.74 hectares of land, but in 1990-91 and 1995-96 the rice area
come down. However, in 2000-01 the rice area increased to 1,89,599.64 hectares. It
occupied 2,12,279.54 hectares area of the total cropped of the district in 2005-06. This
clearly shows that in comparison to the base year 1985-86 the rice crop registered a positive
trend. This is mainly due to monsoon climate and clay loam soil condition of the district
which is much favourable for rice cultivation. On the other hand, wheat (Triticum aestivum)
occupies lowest proportion of the cultivated area. It is very insignificant in district level
mainly because wheat is a winter crop and proper irrigation facilities are not available in
the district to cultivate the crop during the winter season.
The table 5.1 reveals that rice accounts for the largest proportion of total cropped
area in Nagaon district. This is mainly due to the fact that the climate and soil condition of
the district is much favourable for rice cultivation and rice is the principal food item of all
the population of the district. On the contrary, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, horticultural crops
and jute constitute only a small percentage of the total cropped area.
Pulses occupies a small portion of the area of the district’s total cropped area.
Among the pulses, gram, tur (arhar) and rabi pulses such as lentil (Masur), blackgram
(Matikalai), greengram (moong), pea (Matar) etc. are important. The areas under all pulses
shows significance from five years gap period. In district level pulses shows a fluctuating
trend from 1985-86 to 2005-06. In 1985-86 it occupied only 12,070.48 hectare of the
cropped area. From 1990-91 to 1995-96 the trend was negative as it showed a decrease
from 11,337.81 hectares in 1990-91 to 8,359.76 hectares in 1995-96. However, from the
year 1995 onward the pulses recorded a positive trend. In 2000-01 it occupied 11,573.01
hectares while in 2005-06 pulses occupied 14,225.87 hectares of land as shown in table 5.1
and figure 5.1.
The oilseeds occupy a small area of the total cropped area of the district. Oilseeds,
viz. rape (Brassica juncea.L), mustard (Brassica campestris), sesamum (sesamum indicum),
linseed (Linus usitatissimum) and castor (Richnus Communis L) occupy a sizable portion of
the crop area in the district. The oil extracted from oilseeds forms an important item of the
diet. Among these rape and mustard alone occupies more than 90% of area under oilseeds.
The table 5.1 and figure 5.1 reveal that the area under oilseeds in 1985-86 was 11,332.53
hectares, after 5 years gap, i.e. in 1990-91 the area has slightly decreased to 10,281.24
hectares. However, from 1995-96 to 2005-06 the area under oilseeds increased to 14,258.61
hectares.
AREA UNDER MAJOR CROPS IN NAGAON DISTRICT, 1985-86 -- 2005-06
Rice
Area in Hectares
250000
200000
150000
100000
Rice
50000
0
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
2000-01
2005-06
Area in Hectares
Year
Wheat
5000
4000
3000
2000
Wheat
1000
0
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
2000-01
2005-06
Year
Pulses
Area in
Hectares
15000
10000
5000
Pulses
0
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
Year
2000-01
2005-06
Area in Hectares
Oilseed
15000
10000
Oilseed
5000
0
Area in Hectares
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
2000-01
Year
2005-06
Sugarcane
6000
5000
4000
3000
Sugarcane
2000
1000
0
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
2000-01
2005-06
Area in Hectares
Year
Jute
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
Jute
4000
2000
0
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
Year
Figure 5.1
2000-01
2005-06
Table 5.1: Area under Major Crops of Nagaon District, Assam, 1985-86--2005-06
(Area in Hectares)
YEAR
RICE
1985-86 1,94,449.74
WHEAT
4,490.21
PULSES
12,070.48
OILSEEDS SUGARCANE
11,332.53
4,094.62
JUTE
12,643.3
1990-91 1,80,174.71
4,229.6
11,337.81
10,281.24
4,722.73
844.97
1995-96 1,74,692.96
4,079.82
8,359.76
11,300.62
4,644.6
10,823.22
2000-01 1,89,599.64
2,392.7
11,573.01
11,863.29
4,354.32
10,759.97
2005-06 2,12,279.54
2,905.03
14,225.87
14,258.61
4,947.14
10,141.73
Source: Directorate of Economic and Statistics, Guwahati, Government of Assam.
NAGAON DISTRICT
AREA UNDER MAJOR CROPS
250000
200000
150000
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
100000
2000-01
2005-06
50000
0
CROPS
Figure 5.2
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarium) is an important cash crop which is cultivated
almost in all parts of the district, but it occupies only a small proportion of the total cropped
area. The Nagaon district recorded a substantial decrease in area under sugarcane
cultivation during 1985-86 to 2005-06. However, when compared with the base year, i.e.,
from 1985-86 to 2005-06 the sugarcane registered almost equal trend. In 1985-86 it
occupied 4,094.62 hectares, and in 1990-91 the area slightly increased to 4,722.73 hectares.
But, the interesting fact is that from 1995-96 the oilseeds area has slightly decreased to
4,644.6 hectares and again it decreased to 4,354.32 hectares in 2000-01. It is very clear that
in 2005-06 the sugarcane area again increased to 4,947.14 hectares of the district’s total
cropped area as shown in table 5.1 and figure 5.1.
Jute (Corchorus Species) is another important cash crop of the district in terms of
hectare strength. It occupies more than 1 percent of the total hectarege under all principal
crops. Among the cash crops, jute is the most important crop in respect of its contribution
to the agricultural economy of Nagaon district as well as Assam. Extension of jute
cultivation in the district was a direct impact of the large scale flow of land hungry Muslim
immigrants who came from neighbouring overcrowded districts of the East Bengal mainly
Mymensingh, Pabna and Rangpur district now in Bangladesh. When compared with the
base year i.e., from 1985-86 to 2005-06 the jute area has showed a decline. The table 5.1
and figure 5.1 clearly reveal that in 1985-86 the jute occupied 12,643.3 hectares of
cultivated land. It is very important to note that in the year 1990-91 the jute area occupied
only 844.97 hectares in Nagaon district recording a decline in trend. This was due to low
market price of jute. It is remarkable that in 1995-96 the jute area again increased recording
10,823.22 hectares. However, during 2000-01 to 2005-06 the jute area again declined
10,759.97 hectares to 10,141.73 hectares respectively. As a whole, within 20 years period
of time the trend of jute area has recorded a decline of jute area in Nagaon district.
During 1985-86 to 2005-06 it clearly reveals that the crops area may fluctuate. In
the case of rice, the area under rice has recorded 1,94,449.74 hectares in 1985-86 while in
2005-06 it increased to 2,12,279.54 hectares. The ingeneous Hindu people are interested to
cultivate rice. In the case of wheat, the area has recorded only 4,490.21 hectares in 1985-86
while it decreased to 2,905.03 hectares in 2005-06. It is important to note that actually
climate is not suitable for wheat cultivation. On the other hand, pulses area has recorded
only 12,070.48 hectares in 1985-86 which increased to 14,225.87 hectares in 2005-06,
while oilseeds area has recorded 11,332.53 hectares in 1985-86 and it increased to
14,258.61 hectares in 2005-06, because peasants are interested to cultivate oilseeds in the
study area. The sugarcane area has occupied 4,094.62 hectares in 1985-86 while it
increased to 4,947.14 hectares in 2005-06. The jute area has recorded 12,643.3 hectares in
1985-86 and it increased to 10,141.73 hectares in 2005-06 as shown in table 5.1 and figure
5.2. The farmers are interested to cultivate sugarcane and jute on commercial basis in the
study area.
5.2 Crop-Combination Analysis
The study of crop-combination analysis is an important aspect of agricultural
geography. It is useful in many different ways. Firstly, it provides sufficient understanding
of an individual crops. Secondly, it helps us in interpreting some aspects of social and
economic environment of the region. It further indicates the problems and basis for
agricultural planning.
J. C. Weaver (1954) was the first to develop the crop –combination technique based
on the formula of standard deviation. Among the other geographers who have either
modified the Weaver’s techniques or derived new techniques, the names of Doi and
Rafiullah may be worth mentioning. Pownwall devised a method for functional
classification of towns in Newzealand on the basis of importance of functions and their
combination. An improvement on Pownwall’s method was made by Nelson, which may be
adopted to analyze the crop-combination in a particular regional unit. Das (1984) has
applied the Nelson’s method to find out crop-combination regions of Assam, However, in
the present work, only two methods have been used, viz. Ranking method and Nelson’s
method. Nelson’s method is considered to be suitable because, unlike the other methods it
considers regional mean value, which is the right indicator for assigning a revenue circle,
its true character of cropping. The method is applied here to know the status of different
crops in respect of its hectareage strength in the individual revenue circle.
Crop-Combination analyzed by Ranking Method
In ranking method, all crops occupying more than 1 percent of total cropped area in each of
the revenue circles are ranked in order of hectareage strength on the basis of percentage of
total cropped land occupied by each crop from a revenue circles of the district. The
principal crops are rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, oilseeds, fibre, spices and
sugarcane.
The table 5.2 reveals that rice was the most dominant crop in the district. It
occupied first ranked in all revenue circles of the district. It is interesting to note that
according to ranking method, rice is the dominant crop all over the district. However, all
three varieties of rice (summer rice, winter rice and autumn rice) are important because it
occupies highest area of the total cropped area of the district. So far second ranking crop
concerned, there was a regional variation. Nuts is found in one revenue circle i.e. Kaliabor,
oilseeds recorded in three revenue circles, viz. Samaguri, Dhing and Nagaon Sadar. Fibre
recorded in four revenue circles, viz. Rupahi, Raha, Kampur and Hojai. Pulses in Lanka
revenue circle and vegetables in one revenue circle, i.e. Doboka in the year 2005-06.
Fruits, nuts, vegetables, fibre and pulses occupied the third rank in respect of agricultural
occupance in 2005-06. Nuts occupied third rank in three revenue circles, viz. Samaguri,
Nagaon Sadar and Lanka. On the other hand, vegetables occupied third rank in three
revenue circles, viz. Rupahi, Raha and Kampur. The table 5.2 further reveals that
vegetables, pulses, sugarcane, nuts, oilseeds and fruits occupied fourth rank during
2005-06. However, it may be mentioned that sugarcane was a less important crop in the
district. So far fifth ranking crop is concerned, pulses, spices, vegetables, oilseeds,
sugarcane and fruits are significant. There is also regional variation because pulses
occupied fifth rank in three revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor, Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar, while
spices and vegetables ranked fifth in one revenue circle each, i.e. Rupahi and Dhing
respectively. Interestingly oilseeds occupied fifth rank found in two revenue circles, viz.
Raha and Hojai respectively.
Table 5.2: Crop-Combination According to Ranking Method in Nagaon District, Assam, 2005-06
Revenue
Circles
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Total No. of
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Ranking
Crops in the
Combination
1.Kaliabor
R
N
F
V
P
Fi
Oi
S
-
8
2.Samaguri
R
Oi
N
V
P
Fi
F
S
-
8
3.Rupahi
R
Fi
V
P
S
Oi
-
-
-
6
4.Dhing
R
Oi
Fi
P
V
S
-
-
-
6
5.Nagaon
Sadar
R
Oi
N
Su
P
V
Fi
S
F
9
6.Raha
R
Fi
V
N
Oi
P
Su
F
S
9
7.Kampur
R
Fi
V
Oi
Su
N
-
-
_
6
8.Hojai
R
Fi
P
V
Oi
F
S
-
_
7
9.Lanka
R
P
N
Su
F
V
Oi
FI
S
9
10.Doboka
R
V
P
F
Oi
N
Fi
-
-
7
Abbreviation: R=Rice, P=Pulses, F=Fruits, V=Vegetables, N=Nuts, Oi=Oilseeds, Fi=Fibre, S=Spices, Su=Sugarcane.
Sugarcane also occupied fifth rank in only one revenue circle, i.e. Kampur while spices
occupied fifth rank found only Rupahi revenue circle. Spices, vegetables, pulses, nuts,
fruits etc. also ranked six in different revenue circles. However, there was a regional
variation in cropping pattern. Fibre crops cultivated in the district includes jute and mesta,
cotton and tobacco. Fibre was found to be ranked as second and third and sixth ranking
crop. It may be mentioned here that jute is most important cash crop in the district. The
dominance of jute in the central, northern and north-western parts of the district gives a
clear evidence of the fact that the geographical conditions have favoured its cultivation in
the summer season.
So far seventh ranking crop was concerned, oilseeds occupied seventh rank in two
revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor and Lanka. Fruits claimed recorded seventh rank in Samaguri
revenue circle, fibre crops found in two revenue circles namely, Nagaon Sadar and Doboka,
sugarcane is recorded found in only Raha revenue circle and spices found in only Hojai
revenue circle of the district in 2005-06. Interestingly only three crops in the district
occupied eight rank. Spices, fruits and fibre crops were eight ranking crops. Spices are
found in three revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor, Samaguri and Nagaon Sadar. On the other
hand, fruits are found in only Raha revenue circle while fibre crops found in Lanka revenue
circles. Moreover, fruits, spices were occupying the nine ranking crops found only in three
revenue circles, viz. Nagaon Sadar, Raha and Lanka respectively.
It is worth mentioning that the number of crops in the combination differs from
revenue circle to revenue circle. Three revenue circles, viz. Nagaon Sadar, Raha and Lanka
had as high as nine crops in the combination in 2005-06, while the two revenue circles
north-east, i.e. Kaliabor and Samaguri had eight crops in the combination and another seven
crop in the combination were recorded by Hojai and Doboka revenue circles. While another
there revenue circles, viz. Rupahi, Dhing and Kampur were recorded six crops combination
region. It is noticed that diversification is more in the central part, north-eastern and southeastern parts and less in the north-western part of the district.
Crop-Combination Analysis by Nelson’s Method
According to this method, only regional mean value (
(
) and Standard deviation
) of crop hectareage are considered. Here crop hectareage with a value more than the
mean is included in the combination. The crops having hectareage more than
+2
are ranked first against the revenue circles those having hectareage between
+
and
+2
+
are ranked third. All the values of mean and standard deviation results are
are ranked second, and those having hectareage between
and
presented in table 5.3.
Using the Nelson’s crop-combination method no first ranking crops have been
found in six revenue circles. In four revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor (fruit and nuts),
Samaguri (oilseeds) Rupahi (fibre) and Lanka (pulses) have first ranking crops. Though
rice is the principal crop in all the revenue circles, the area under this crop is most equal.
Therefore, rice is not recorded as first ranking crop in any of the revenue circle. Rice is the
second ranking crop in the three revenue circles, viz. Rupahi, Kampur and Doboka, it
ranked third in two revenue circles, viz. Nagaon Sadar, and Hojai. pulses, vegetables, nuts,
oilseeds, spices etc. ranked as third ranking crop in seven revenue circles as shown in the
table 5.9 and figure 5.3.
So far total crops in the combination are concerned, three revenue circles, viz.
Samaguri, Raha and Kampur recorded as mono-crop area with oilseeds as single crop in the
combination in Samaguri revenue circle. In the other two revenue circles rice is the single
crop in the combination. The table 5.6 reveals that the three crop combination is recorded
by three revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor, Nagaon Sadar and Doboka. Fruits, nuts and
vegetables are the three crops in combination in Kaliabor revenue circle. Rice, nuts and
oilseeds are the crops in the combination in Nagaon Sadar and rice, vegetables and pulses
are the three crops in the combination in Doboka revenue circle. Four crops in the
combination is recorded by the two revenue circles, viz. Rupahi and Dhing. In Rupahi,
fruits, vegetables, spices and pulses are the four crops in the combination while in Dhing
fruits, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds are the crops in the combination. The main finding in
this analysis is that in spite of the importance of rice and considerable areal coverage under
rice it never ranked first in any one of the revenue circles. The analysis thus reveals a
serious lack in the intensiveness of agriculture. On the other hand, Hojai and Lanka which
are dominated by Muslim peasants of immigrant origin have six crop combinations. In
Hojai revenue circle rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds and spices are in the
combination while Lanka revenue circle pulses, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, nuts and
spices are the crops in the combination. As a result, the south-eastern side of the district has
multiple cropping patterns. It is a good indicator for development of agriculture in the
district.
On the basis of Nelson’s method of crop-combination region, it is very clear that
there is a regional diversification in different revenue circles. Samaguri, Raha and Kampur
revenue circles appear to be mono-crop region because Raha, Samaguri and Kampur areas
are flood affected areas, while Kaliabor, Nagaon Sadar and Doboka are three crop
combination regions. Crop diversification is common in these areas because of suitable
geo-environmental condition. Rupahi and Dhing revenue circles are four crop-combination
regions where jute, pulses and vegetables are extensively cultivated and these three crops
i.e. fibre crops, jute and vegetables are recorded in the combinations. Winter vegetables are
common crop cultivated by Muslim of immigrant origin. On the other hand, Hojai and
Lanka have six crop-combination regions which are dominated by Muslim peasants of
immigrant origin as shown in the table 5.9. As a result in the south-eastern side of the
district has produced multiple cropping. It is a good sign for development of agriculture in
Nagaon district. Thus it may be said that crops in the combination in any area reflect the
ecological as well as socio economic characteristics of an area.
Table 5.3: Crop-Combination in Nagaon District, Assam, 2005-06
(Area in Hectares)
Revenue
Circles
Rice
Pulses
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Oilseeds
Fibre
Spices
Sugarcane
1.Kaliabor
13649.08
995.89
2378.1
1034.41
2417
820.29
822.24
411.64
184.36
Total
Cropped
Area
22713.01
2.Samaguri
19968.77
1130.94
766.58
1437.95
1446
10400.7
1001.7
504.5
63.50
36720.64
3.Rupahi
15418.42
1104.77
233.11
1781.9
109.35
899.51
3551.28
997.9
160.20
24256.44
4.Dhing
24760.95
2326.02
266.3
1618.8
183.4
4263.6
3897.1
491.3
140.20
37947.67
5.Nagaon
Sadar
6.Raha
23870.8
733
482
707
1690
2520.31
638
492.1
850.00
31983.21
20863.68
420
323.8
605
597
555
772
297
345.00
24778.48
7.Kampur
23394.84
254.25
127.8
728.5
265.2
379.1
811.6
151.3
352.50
26465.09
8.Hojai
24966.17
1783.08
1420.22
1698.96
275.06
1552.2
2292.31
738.34
235.41
34961.75
9.Lanka
24097.59
4835.95
1962.62
1872.2
2620.45
1775.45
1620.2
815.5
2440.52
42040.48
10.Doboka
21289.24
641.97
512.33
1527.49
445.72
452.45
335.30
220.95
175.45
25600.9
5120.53
4947.14
307467.67
NAGAON
212279.54 14225.87 8472.86 13012.21
DISTRICT
Source: Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Assam.
10049.18 23618.61 15741.73
Table 5.4 : Nelson’s Crop-Combination in Nagaon District, Assam, 2005-06
( Percentage of area under different crops)
Revenue
Circles
Rice
Pulses
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Oilseeds
Fibre
Spices
Sugarcane
1.Kaliabor
60.89
4.39
10.47
4.56
10.64
3.61
3.62
1.81
-
2.Samaguri
54.38
3.08
2.09
3.92
3.94
28.32
2.73
1.37
-
3.Rupahi
63.56
4.6
-
7.35
-
3.71
14.64
4.11
-
4.Dhing
65.25
6.13
-
4.28
-
11.24
10.27
1.29
-
5.Nagaon
Sadar
6.Raha
74.64
2.29
1.51
2.21
5.28
7.88
1.99
1.54
2.66
84.20
1.69
1.31
2.44
2.41
2.24
3.12
1.20
1.39
7.Kampur
88.40
-
-
2.75
1.00
1.43
3.07
-
1.33
8.Hojai
71.41
5.10
4.06
4.86
-
4.44
6.56
2.11
-
9.Lanka
57.32
11.50
4.67
4.45
6.23
4.22
3.86
1.94
5.81
10.Doboka
83.16
2.51
2.00
5.97
1.74
1.76
1.31
-
-
NAGAON
DISTRICT
69.04
4.63
2.75
4.23
3.27
7.68
5.12
1.67
1.61
Source : Computer by the Researcher.
Table 5.5: Mean, Standard Deviation and Ranking Values of Major Crops in Nagaon District, Assam
Major
Mean (
Crops
)
Standard
+
+2
>
+2 + to
+2
to
+
Deviation()
Rice
70.24
11.42
81.66
93.08
>93.08
81.66-93.08
70.24-81.66
Pulses
4.58
2.88
7.46
10.34
>10.34
7.46-10.34
4.58-7.46
Fruits
3.73
2.99
6.72
9.71
>9.71
6.72-9.71
3.73-6.72
Vegetables
4.28
1.54
5.82
7.36
>7.36
5.82-7.36
4.28-5.82
Nuts
4.46
3.07
7.53
10.6
>10.6
7.53-10.6
4.46-7.53
Oilseeds
6.89
7.69
14.58
22.27
>22.27
14.58-22.27
6.89-14.58
Fibre
5.18
4.02
9.2
13.22
>13.22
9.2-13.22
5.18-9.2
Spices
1.92
1.13
3.05
4.18
>4.18
3.05-4.18
1.92-3.05
Sugarcane
2.87
1.76
4.63
6.39
>6.39
4.63-6.39
2.87-4.63
Source: Computer by the Researcher.
Table 5.6: Crop-Combination of Nagaon District, Assam (According to Nelson’s Ranking Method)
Revenue Circles
First Ranking
1. Kaliabor
Fruits, Nuts
2.Samaguri
Oilseeds
3.Rupahi
Second Ranking
Third Ranking
Vegetables
Fibre
4.Dhing
Total No. of
Crops
in the
Combination
3
Crop Combination
Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables
1
Oilseeds
Vegetables,
Spices
Pulses
4
Fibre, Vegetables, Spices,
Pulses.
Fibre
Pulses, Vegetables,
Oilseeds
4
Fibre, Pulses, Vegetables,
Oilseeds
Rice, Nuts, Oilseeds
3
Rice, Nuts, Oilseeds
5.Nagaon Sadar
6.Raha
Rice
1
Rice
7.Kampur
Rice
1
Rice
6
Rice, Pulses, Fruits,
Vegetables, Oilseeds, Spices
6
Pulses, Sugarcane, Fruits,
Vegetables, Nuts, spices
Rice, Vegetables, Pulses.
8.Hojai
9.Lanka
10.Doboka
Pulses
Sugarcane
Rice, Vegetables
Source : Computed by the Researcher.
Rice, Pulses, Fruits,
Vegetables, Oilseeds,
Spices
Fruits, Vegetables,
Nuts, Spices
Pulses
3
Table 5 .7: Crop-Combination of Nagaon District, Assam (According to Nelson’s Method)
Revenue Circles
First Rank
Second Rank
Third Rank
Crop Combination
V
Total No. of Crops
in the Combination
3
1.Kaliabor
F, N
-
2.Samaguri
Oi
-
-
1
Oi
3.Rupahi
F
V, S
P
4
F, V, S, P
4.Dhing
-
F
P, V, Oi
4
F, P, V, O
5.Nagaon Sadar
-
-
R, N, Oi
3
R, N, O
6.Raha
-
R
-
1
R
7.Kampur
-
R
-
1
R
8.Hojai
-
-
R, P, F, V, Oi, S
6
R, P, F, V, O, S
9.Lanka
P
Su
F, V, N, S
6
P, Su, F, V, N, S
10.Doboka
-
R, V
P
3
R, V, P
Abbreviations:
R=Rice
P=Pulses,
F=Fruits,
V=Vegetables,
Oi=Oilseeds, Fi=Fibre,
S=Spices,
Su=Sugarcane
Source : Computed by the Researcher.
N=Nuts,
F, N, V
Table 5.8: Crop-Combination Regions of Nagaon District, Assam (According to Nelson’s Method)
Nos. of Crops combination
Revenue Circles
Crop in the Combination
3 Crop Combination
1.Kaliabor
F, N, V
1 Crop Combination
2.Samaguri
Oi
4 Crop Combination
3.Rupahi
F, V, S, P
4 Crop Combination
4.Dhing
F, P, V, Oi
3 Crop Combination
5.Nagaon Sadar
R, N, Oi
1 Crop Combination
6.Raha
R
1 Crop Combination
7.Kampur
R
6 Crop Combination
8.Hojai
R, P, F, V, Oi, S
6 Crop Combination
9.Lanka
P, Su, F, V, N, S
3 Crop Combination
10.Doboka
R, V, P
Source : Computed by the Researcher.
Figure 5.3
Table 5.9: Crop-Combination Regions According to Nelson’s Method in Nagaon
District, Assam, 2005-06
Region
Group
Revenue Circles
Crop-Combination
Six- Crop
D
Hojai
(6a) R, P, F, V, Oi, S
Lanka
(6b) P, Su, F, V, N, S
Rupahi
(4a) F, V, S, P
Dhing
(4b) F, P, V, Oi
Kaliabor
(3a) F, N, V
Nagaon Sadar
(3b) R, N, Oi
Doboka
(3c) R, V, P
Samaguri
(1a) Oi
Raha
(1b) R
Kampur
(1c) R
Combination
Four- Crop
C
Combination
Three- Crop
B
Combination
Mono-Crop
A
Combination
Abbreviations-
R= Rice,
Oi= Oilseeds
P= Pulses,
Fi= Fibre
F= Fruits,
S= Spices
V= Vegetables
Su= Sugarcane
N= Nuts
Source: Computed by the Researcher.
It is very clear that from all considerations, Nelson’s technique of crop-combination
is a suitable method for deriving crop-combination regions in Nagaon district in order to
analyze regional cropping pattern of the district. In this regard, Weaver, Doi and Rafiullah
are mentionable but their method of crop-combination are not suitable because these three
methods are based on the standard deviation formula applied to a particular district without
any relation to other district or to the state’s aggregate. But, the Nelson’s method considers
‘regional’ mean value, which is the right indicator for assigning a revenue circle in its true
character of cropping. The hectareage strength of a particular crop in crop-combination of a
district is determined not in isolation but in relation to the regional mean strength of all the
districts. Therefore, Nelson’s crop-combination method is suitable for this study.
5.3 Intensity of Cropping
The concept of intensity of cropping implies reuse of land during an agricultural
year for production of crops. It shows the extent to which the productive capacity of land is
being utilized by enhancing it through modern techniques. It further provides an index of
agricultural prosperity of a region. The study of intensity of cropping in any region reflects
the different physical and socio-economic factors influencing agriculture and helps in a
particular area in agricultural planning. Moreover, with the increase of population density,
there is need for expansion of land to use for agricultural purposes. As there is little scope
for expansion of agricultural land, the only way to enhance production through proper
intensive use of land.
The total cropped area as a percentage of the net sown area gives a measure of land
use efficiency or intensity of cropping which also refers to the number of crops raised on a
field during an agricultural year. Thus, when the index of intensity of cropping is 100
percent, it indicates that only a single crop is cultivated. Bhatia clearly explained that the
index of intensity of cropping less than 130 percent is termed as weaker areas in
agricultural economy.
In Nagaon district major cultivated areas are plain and soil is fertile, therefore, large
volume of production can be achieved through intensity of cropping. The changing pattern
of intensity of cropping of different revenue circle in Nagaon district has been discussed for
a period of twenty years from 1985-86 to 2005-06 considering ten years interval in the
present study. It is observed from the table 5.10 that there is only one revenue circle i.e.
Raha recorded an increase in the intensity of cropping. The revenue circles Kaliabor,
Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar and Kampur show a fluctuating pattern. Some of the revenue
circles recorded a decreasing trend from 1985-86 to 1995-96 while they also recorded
increasing rate to 2005-06 as shown in figure 5.4, figure 5.5 and figure 5.6. Further it is
noticed that the intensity of cropping decreased during the last twenty years in Dhing, Hojai
and Rupahi revenue circles. This is mainly due to the occurrence of heavy flood of the river
Brahmaputra. It is believed that flood plays an important role in the intensity of cropping.
Higher the frequency of flood occurrence lower is the cropping intensity because of fear for
damage of crops, the peasants generally avoid the summer season for cultivation of crops.
It is informed that intensity has been increasing year by year in these revenue circles due to
breach of embankment. Unfortunately a major area of agricultural land has been eroded by
the river. In some of the revenue circles there has been change in the type of agriculture for
which these areas recorded a negative change in the intensity of cropping. In Kaliabor
revenue circle the intensity of cropping was 119.02 percent in 1985-86 which came down
to 109.54 percent in 1990-91. However, the intensity again showed a very low growth rate
in 1995-96 recording only 109.99 percent, which again decreased to 104.22 percent in
2000-01. The intensity of cropping again recorded a slight positive growth recording
110.48 percent in 2005-06. It may be noted here that a major rice area is presently used for
plantation agriculture especially banana, patchouli, citronella and lemon grass which
recorded monoculture area.
Table 5.10: Intensity of Cropping of at Revenue Circle Level of Nagaon District,
Assam, 1985-86 --2005-06
Revenue
Index of Revenue
Circles
Intensity Circles
1985-86
Index of Intensity of Cropping
1990-91
1995-96
2000-01
2005-06
1.Kaliabor
119.02
1.Kaliabor
109.54
109.99
104.22
110.48
2.Samaguri
121.64
2.Samaguri
114.79
117.03
118.80
117.44
3.Dhing
150.02
3.Rupahi
125.85
137.69
143.59
110.85
4.Nagaon
135.80
4.Dhing
110.06
136.75
142.94
131.52
109.76
5.Nagaon
119.90
117.55
119.39
123.46
Sadar
6.Raha
Sadar
7.Kampur
110.06
6.Raha
107.14
112.35
112.48
112.67
8.Hojai
115.17
7.Kampur
109.22
108.55
110.84
111.61
144.77
8.Hojai
111.35
111.60
132.05
111.07
9.Lanka
116.85
117.04
117.05
116.94
-
-
-
110.95
113.78
117.70
120.95
115.99
10.Doboka
NAGAON
125.94
DISTRICT
Source: Computed by the Researcher based on the data collected from Revenue Circle
offices of the District.
Figure 5.4
Figure 5.5
Figure 5.6
The Samaguri revenue circle has also recorded a decrease in the cropping intensity from
121.64 percent in 1985-86 to 114.79 percent in 1990-91. It further increased to 117.03
percent in 1995-96 and 118.80 percent in 2000-01. Thereafter the cropping intensity
declines at a low rate in 2005-06 i.e. 117.44 percent. The main cause of such decline is
same as Kaliabor revenue circle. The Dhing revenue circle the intensity of cropping
recorded a fluctuation in different years. It was 150.02 percent in1985-86 which decline to
110.06 percent in 1990-91. A significant increase is recorded by Dhing revenue circle
136.75 percent in 1995-96 and then to 142.94 percent in 2000-01. Thereafter, the intensity
of cropping declines to 131.52 percent in 2005-06. The main cause of such fluctuation is
the severe flood of the Brahmaputra river. In Raha the intensity of cropping was 109.76
percent in 1985-86 which declined to 107.14 percent in 1990-91. Thereafter, the Raha
revenue circle showed a slight increasing trend in cropping intensity. Raha is inhabited
mostly by general and tribal indigenous population who have not take interest in the
development of agriculture. The intensity increased to 112.35 percent in 1995-96 and
112.48 percent in 2000-01 and 112.67 percent in 2005-06. This rate of growth can be
considered almost negligible. In Hojai revenue circle the intensity of cropping is fluctuating
in nature. It decreased from 115.17 percent in 1985-86 to 111.35 percent in 1990-91 again
slightly rose to111.60 percent and recorded a moderate growth to 132.05 percent in
2000-01. Interestingly it showed a declining trend after 2000-01 recording only 112.67
percent in 2005-06. As regards to Lanka revenue circle the intensity of cropping started
with a declining trend from 144.77 percent in 1985-86 to 116.85 percent in 1990-91 and
which slightly rose to 117.04 percent in 1995-96 and 117.05 percent in 2000-01 and then
recorded a negative growth to 116.94 percent. Both the revenue circles recoded a declined
trend mainly because of major cultivated areas are mono-cropped areas especially rice.
The above analysis indicates that the intensity of cropping is low in all the revenue
circles except Nagaon Sadar revenue circle in 2005-06 recording intensity of cropping less
than 130. In 2000-01 the Kaliabor, Samaguri, Raha, Kampur and Lanka revenue circles
have recorded a weak situation in respect of intensity of cropping. In 1995-96, the intensity
of cropping was less than 130 percent except Dhing and Rupahi revenue circles and in
1990-91 all the revenue circles recorded a low cropping intensity indicating weak situation
in respect of agricultural landuse. In 1985-86 the cropping intensities in revenue circles of
Nagaon Sadar, Dhing and Lanka were better as shown in the table 5.10.
The analysis further reveals that there has been a drastic negative change in the
intensity of cropping in Dhing revenue circle. This is primarily due to introduction of
banana plantation in the rice fields at comparatively elevated ground. Moreover, brick
industry is also set up in some agricultural fields of Kaliabor revenue circle. Mono cropping
of sunflower, patchouli, citronella, lemon grass are cultivated by the young educated youths
in some places of Nagaon district. This is also one of the causes of decline in the intensity
of cropping. Few years back, the farmers concentrated in sunflower cultivation for
extracting oil in Kaliabor area. They earn more money from sunflower cultivation. But,
from the field study it is clear that the farmers of Kaliabor revenue circle they do not give
interest to cultivate sunflower at present, because some areas of agricultural field converted
to brick industry area.
In order to find out the influencing factors in the growth of cropping intensity,
bi-variate correlation analysis was done considering intensity of cropping as dependent
variable (Y) and considering a number of varieties as independent variable (X). The series
of independent variables were rural population density, percentage of literacy rate,
percentage of area under irrigation, percentage of area under cash crops etc. The analysis
results in the correlation co-efficient ( r ) value of cropping intensity with rural population
density in the year 2001 appears as ( r = + 0.90 ) which indicates that there is a strong
positive correlation as shown in figure 5.7. It is obvious that with the increase of rural
population the intensity of cropping also increases because of increasing demand of
agricultural products.
INTENSITY OF CROPPING (Y)
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RURAL
POPULATION DENSITY AND INTENSITY OF
CROPPING IN NAGAON DISTRICT, 2001
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
y =99.86+ 0.03x
♦ Observed
Linear
0
500
1000
1500
2000
RURAL POPULATION DENSITY Persons / sq. km (X)
Figure 5.7
The negative realationship ( r = - 0.21 ) between the literacy rate and the intensity of
cropping is again an unusual findings as shown in figure 5.8. It is in fact, found that the
intensity of cropping is higher in a large number of area occupied by the immigrant
population among whom literacy is low. They are illiterate workers and they bear a
tradition of intensive cultivation, irrespective of literacy.
Figure 5.8
The relationship between area under irrigation and the intensity of crooping also
appears to be negative correlation ( r = -0.33 ) as shown in figure 5.9. This is apparently
contradictory relationship obtained due to the fact that in the region, irrigation is not use for
intensive cultivation of crop, but used only in areas where there is relative scarcity of water.
The occurrence of such situation led to a negative relationship, although there is a
significant area under irrigation. Moreover, the relationship is calculated considering the
average value of irrigation and intensity of cropping in the revenue circles and not the
villages. Therefore, analysis is not significant. If it is calculated at village level the positive
relationship would be found.
INTENSITY OF CROPPING (Y)
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AREA UNDER
IRRIGATION AND INTENSITY OF CROPPPING
IN NAGAON DISTRICT, 2005-06
135
130
125
♦ Observed
Linear
y =122.9-0.137x
120
115
110
105
0
20
40
60
80
PERCENTAGE OF IRRIGATED AREA TO TOTAL
CROPPED AREA (X)
Figure 5.9
The analysis shows that there exist a significant negative correlation ( r = -0.07 )
between the area under cash crops and intensity of cropping as shown in figure 5.10.
It indicates that cropping intensity is found to be higher where percentage of area under
cash crop is less. Moreover, cash crops include arecanut, betelnut, patchouli, citronella,
lemon grass, banana, small tea gardens, in which the question of increase in the intensity of
cropping does not arise. These crops occupy the agricultural field for the whole year.
However, jute the major cash crop found in the district occupy only 11.28 percent of the
area is cultivated along with rice in the built-up areas as well as active flood plain zone.
INTENSITY OF CROPPING (Y)
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AREA UNDER CASH CROPS
AND INTENSITY OF CROPPING IN NAGAON
DISTRICT, 2005-06
135
130
125
♦ Observed
Linear
y = 116.5-0.071x
120
115
110
105
0
10
20
30
PERCENTAGE OF AREA UNDER CASH CROP (X)
Figure 5.10
From the above analysis, it is clear that there is a considerable scope for increasing
area under double cropping, though there is physical limitation of cultivable land in Nagaon
district. In order to counterbalance the population pressure on agricultural resources, the
cultivators of the district are forced to intensify their agriculture in whatever way it is
possible with their own traditional methods of cultivation. In this sense, the Boserup’s
theory is found to be valid, for as high as ( r = + 0.90 ) percent of the variation in the
intensity of cropping in Nagaon district depends upon the variation in the density of rural
population. In spite of this finding the idea of the Boserup’s principle can not be accepted
for agricultural growth. Because, whatever produces are derived from land by multiple
cropping without any increase in yield per hectare per crop, will be consumed by the
additional increase of rural population, leaving no marketable surplus which is a
prerequisite for agricultural growth and development. The Boserup’s model hints that
over-population is a condition which complels people to think of technological
break-through in the field of agriculture for intensive use of land. Decreasing dependence
of intensity of cropping by rural population density would mean increasing yields per
hectare as well as per cultivator which are possible by the application of modern inputs, i.e.
irrigation, fertilizer, improved seeds, pesticides and insecticides. Thus there will be a real
development in agriculture if the intensification is achieved not by the force of population
pressure, but by a choice of scientific farming.
5.4. Crop Concentration
Crop Concentration means the variations in the proportion of any crop in a spatial
unit of a region at a given point of time. The concentration of a crop in an area largely
depends on its terrain, temperature, moisture and pedological conditions. Each crop
requires maximum, minimum and optimum temperature, moisture and pedological
condition along with the terrain condition. Within a broad geographical area there is a
tendency to have high concentration of any crop in an areas of ideal agro-climatic
conditions and the concentration declines as the geographical conditions become less
conducive. Delineation of crop concentration region helps in ascertaining the areas where a
particular crop grows well even with the helps of minimum inputs and thus has great
significance on agricultural development and planning.
For demarcation of crop concentration regions a number of statistical techniques
have been evolved. The percentage share of a crop in the total crop area and the
determination of relative proportion of crop area with the help of location quotient method
is one of the techniques that are frequently used for the demarcation of crop concentration
regions. In order to determine the crop concentration index of Nagaon district the location
quotient method has been used, which can clearly investigate the regional character of crop
distribution in the district.
To determine the regional concentration of crops, Bhatia (1965) used the following
Location Quotient (L.Q.) method:
L.Q. Value
Area of crop ‘a’ in the component areal unit
________________________________________ X 100
Area of all crops in the component areal unit
________________________________________________
Determining the index
of Concentration of crop ‘a’
=
Area of crop ‘a’ in the entire country
________________________________________ X 100
Area of all crops in the entire country
For spatial variation in the cropping pattern of the district can be best measured by
crop concentration and crop diversification method. The summarize and measurement in
crop concentration of six principal crops, i.e. rice, pulses, oilseeds, fibre, sugarcane and
vegetables in different revenue circles of Nagaon district in the year 2005-06 with the help
of location quotient method. These six crops are selected on the basis that they occupy
individually 1 percent or more of the crop land in the region. For concentration of rice,
location quotient method can be applied to find out the concentration index values for
different revenue circles of Nagaon district. The table 5.11 and figure 5.11 show the
location quotient values of rice in Nagaon district for the year 2005-06.
Table 5.11: Spatial Variation of Concentration of Rice in Nagaon District,Assam 2005-06
2005-06
Revenues Circles
Degree of Concentration
1.Kaliabor
Concentration Index
(Location Quotient Values)
0.68
2.Samaguri
0.96
Low
3.Rupahi
0.89
Low
4.Dhing
0.96
Low
5.Nagaon Sadar
1.05
Medium
6.Raha
1.21
Medium
7.Kampur
1.27
Medium
8.Hojai
1.04
Medium
9.Lanka
0.86
Low
10.Doboka
1.21
Medium
Low
Source: Data collected from Revenue Circle offices and L.Q. value computed by the Researcher.
The table 5.11 and figure 5.11 clearly indicate that two categories of rice
concentration regions of the district are found. Index values ranging between 1.00 to 1.50
has been assigned as the “medium” and 0.50 to 1.00 “low” concentration in respect of rice
cultivation. It is seen that five revenue circles namely, viz. Nagaon Sadar, Raha, Kampur,
Hojai and Doboka recorded “medium” degree of concentration. Rest five revenue circles,
viz. Kaliabor, Samaguri, Rupahi, Dhing and Lanka are characterized by “low” degree of
rice concentration
Table 5.12: Spatial Variation of Concentration of Pulses in Nagaon District,
Assam, 2005-06
Revenues Circles
Concentration Index
Degree of Concentration
(Location Quotient Values)
1.Kaliabor
0.75
Low
2.Samaguri
0.82
Low
3.Rupahi
0.96
Low
4.Dhing
1.35
Medium
5.Nagaon Sadar
0.48
Very Low
6.Raha
0.36
Very Low
7.Kampur
0.21
Very Low
8.Hojai
1.11
Medium
9.Lanka
2.48
Very High
10.Doboka
0.55
Low
Source: Data collected from Revenue Circle offices and L.Q. value computed by the Researcher
Figure 5.11
Figure 5.12
Pulses occupy 2.98 percent of the total cropped area of the district. Pulses likegram, peas, lentil, blackgram, greengram and arhar etc. are important food crops of Nagaon
district. The table 5.12 reveals that the concentration of pulses in the district is not uniform,
but there is distinct spatio-temporal variation in the concentration of pulses in the district.
The location quotient values for pulses of different revenues circles of the district have been
computed for the year 2005-06, and are shown in table 5.12 and figure 5.12. On the basis of
the location quotient values five categories of pulses concentration regions have been
demarcated. Index below 0.50 has been recorded by three revenue circles, viz. Nagaon
Sadar, Raha and Kampur. The concentration of pulses index between 0.50 to1.00 recorded
“low”. It is found in Kaliabor, Samaguri, Rupahi and Doboka revenue circles. The two
revenue circles namely, Dhing and Hojai have L.Q. values between 1.00 to 1.50 recorded
as “medium” degree of concentration. Only Lanka revenue circle has recorded L.Q. values
above 2.00 which indicates “very high’’ degree of concentration of pulses cultivation.
Table 5.13: Spatial Variation of Concentration of Oilseeds in Nagaon District,
Assam, 2005-06
Revenues Circles
Concentration Index
(Location Quotient Values)
0.61
0.75
0.78
2.48
1.66
0.48
0.31
0.96
0.91
0.38
Degree of Concentration
1.Kaliabor
Low
2.Samaguri
Low
3.Rupahi
Low
4.Dhing
Very High
5.Nagaon Sadar
High
6.Raha
Very Low
7.Kampur
Very Low
8.Hojai
Low
9.Lanka
Low
10.Doboka
Very Low
Source: Data collected from Revenue Circle offices and L.Q. value computed by the Researcher.
Oilseeds is another important crop of the district. Concentration of oilseeds is not
uniform in all revenue circles of the district. There is a distinct variation in the degree of
concentration of this crop. In order to explain the pattern of concentration of oilseeds the
location quotient values of oilseeds for different revenue circles of the district are computed
for the year 2005-06 which is presented in the table 5.13 and figure 5.13. On the basis of
the location quotient values five categories of oilseeds concentration regions have been
demarcated. Index values below 0.50 has been assigned as “very low” and it represents
three revenue circles, viz. Raha, Kampur and Doboka “very low” concentration of oilseeds.
L.Q. values between 0.50 to 1.00 are categorized as “low” concentration. The “low”
concentrations of oilseeds are found in five revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor, Samaguri,
Rupahi, Hojai and Lanka. The “medium” concentration is not found in the district though
“high” concentration of oilseeds are found only Nagaon Sadar revenue circle where the
L.Q. values are ranging from 1.50 to 2.00. The “very high” concentration is found only in
Dhing revenue circle, where L.Q. value is above 2.00 in the year 2005-06.
Table 5.14: Spatial Variation of Concentration of Fibre in Nagaon District, Assam,
2005-06
Revenues Circles
Concentration Index
Degree of Concentration
(Location Quotient Values)
1.Kaliabor
0.56
Low
2.Samaguri
0.66
Low
3.Rupahi
2.78
Very High
4.Dhing
2.05
Very High
5.Nagaon Sadar
0.38
Very Low
6.Raha
0.60
Low
7.Kampur
0.59
Low
8.Hojai
1.29
Medium
9.Lanka
0.75
Low
10.Doboka
0.26
Very Low
Source: Data collected from Revenue Circle offices and L.Q. value computed by the Researcher.
Figure 5.13
Figure 5.14
Fibre crops of the district mainly include jute and mesta, cotton etc. Such crops
occupy sizable portion of the total cropped area of the district. As fibre crops are not
equally grown in all revenue circles of the district, there is distinct spatio-temporal variation
in the concentration of fibre crops. Though market price is high for this fibre crops and
economically important because of edaphic condition and attitude of the peasants there has
been variations. With the help of location quotient method the concentration of fiber crops
is computed for the year 2005-06 is presented in table 5.14 and figure 5.14 which reveal
that the spatial concentration pattern of fibre varies from “very low” to “very high”
category in 2005-06. Nagaon Sadar and Doboka revenue circles recorded “very low”
concentration of fibre crops mainly because in Nagaon Sadar a small area is low-lying and
area for cultivation of fibre crops while major agricultural area of Doboka is devoted for
cultivation of food crops mainly rice. Rest of the eight revenue circles five revenue circles
namely, Kaliabor, Samaguri, Raha, Kampur and Lanka recorded “low” concentration of
fibre crops with L.Q. value between 0.50 to1.00. On the other hand, only one revenue circle
of Nagaon Sadar has recorded “medium” concentration of fibre crops with L.Q. value
ranging from 1.00 to 1.50. Interestingly no part of the district exhibits “high” concentration
of fibre crops in 2005-06. While remaining two revenue circles namely Rupahi and Dhing
are categorized as “very high” level of fibre concentration with L.Q. value more than 2.00.
A sizable area of Dhing and Rupahi revenue circles are low-lying especially along the river
Brahmaputra which is suitable for cultivation of jute. Moreover, the Muslim peasants of
immigrant origin prefer jute cultivation during summer months in the low-lying area of the
district.
Table 5.15: Spatial Variation of Concentration of Sugarcane in Nagaon District,
2005-06
Revenues Circles
Concentration Index
(Location Quotient Values)
0.50
0.17
0.50
0.29
2.02
1.08
1.03
0.53
2.66
0.54
Degree of Concentration
1.Kaliabor
Low
2.Samaguri
Very Low
3.Rupahi
Low
4.Dhing
Very Low
5.Nagaon Sadar
Very High
6.Raha
Medium
7.Kampur
Medium
8.Hojai
Low
9.Lanka
Very High
10.Doboka
Low
Source: Data collected from Revenue Circle offices and L.Q. value computed by the Researcher.
Sugarcane is cultivated in all the revenue circles of the Nagaon district, but with
varying degrees depending on the availability of suitable land. The concentration of this
crop varies largely from one part of the district to other. The location quotient values of
sugarcane for different revenue circles for 2005-06 is presented in table 5.15 and figure
5.15. On the basis of location quotient values five categories of sugarcane concentration
areas of the district are identified. Samaguri and Dhing revenue circles are recorded very
“low” concentration with L.Q. value 0.50 while, viz. Kaliabor, Rupahi, Hojai and Doboka
are in “low” concentration of sugarcane with L.Q. value 0.5 to 1.00 while “medium”
concentration of sugarcane is recorded by Raha and Kampur revenue circles. Interestingly,
“very high” concentration with L.Q. value above 2.00 category represents “very high”
concentration of sugarcane which is recorded in two revenue circles, viz. Nagaon Sadar and
Lanka in the year 2005-06 of the district. However, no revenue circle has recorded the L.Q.
value ranging from 1.5 to 2.00, i.e. comparatively high concentration of sugarcane.
Figure 5.15
Figure 5.16
Table 5.16: Spatial Variation of Concentration of Vegetables in Nagaon District,
Assam, 2005-06
Revenues Circles
Concentration Index
(Location Quotient Values)
0.85
0.14
1.69
1.03
0.51
0.57
0.65
1.16
1.05
1.42
Degree of Concentration
1.Kaliabor
Low
2.Samaguri
Medium
3.Rupahi
High
4.Dhing
Medium
5.Nagaon Sadar
Low
6.Raha
Low
7.Kampur
Low
8.Hojai
Medium
9.Lanka
Medium
10.Doboka
Medium
Source: Data collected from Revenue Circle offices and L.Q. value computed by the Researcher.
Vegetables are produced largely in Nagaon district especially in Brahmaputra char
area, i.e. potato (Solomum tuberosum) tomato (Lycopersion esculentum Mill), onion
(Alliumcepa), cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Varcapitata L), cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea
Van Botrytis L), cucumber, carrot (Daucas Carota), bringal (Solomum melongina), pumkin
(Cucurbita moschata) etc. which occupy 20 percent of the total cropped area in the district.
Although vegetables are grown in all revenue circles of the district there is distinct spatiotemporal variation in the concentration of vegetables. The location quotient values for
vegetables of different revenue circles of district have been computed in the year 2005-06.
The table 5.16 and figure 5.16 reveal that “low” concentration is recorded by Kaliabor,
Nagaon Sadar, Raha and Kampur revenue circles with L.Q. value ranging from 0.5 to 1.00.
Relatively “medium” concentration of vegetables is recorded by five revenue circles, viz.
Samaguri, Dhing, Hojai, Lanka and Doboka with L.Q. value between 1.00 and 1.50.
Remaining one revenue circle, i.e. Rupahi recorded “high” concentration of vegetables
which has L.Q. value above 1.50. It is important to note that there are no “very high”
concentrations of vegetables within the district in 2005-06.
5.5 Crop Diversification
Crop diversification is a concept which is opposite to crop specialization. For better
understanding of cropping pattern of a region, the interpretation of their diversification is
essential. Diversification of cropping is now almost a normal feature of stable agriculture in
most places of the world. The farmers in the developing countries try to grow variety of
crops in their holding in an agricultural year. The level of crop diversification largely
depends on the geoclimatic of the area socioeconomic conditions of the peasant and
technological development in a region. In fact, diversification of cropping has been made
possible by modern irrigation, use of fertilizers, high yielding varieties of seed with short
duration and mechanization of technologies. Besides, there are other factors behind crop
diversification, such as (i) Variation of weather compel the farmers to sow a varieties of
crops in their cropland, so as to get some return under adverse weather condition, (ii) Rural
life and orthodox/ self- subsistence farm practices compel them to obtain most of their day
to day requirements from their holdings and (iii) For meeting the internal market demand
some farmers cultivate variety of crops for achieving better financial return. From the
revenue circle level observation it reveals that the farmers of all revenue circles of the
district grow several crops in their holdings in an agricultural year.
Looking at the importance of diversification of cropping, many geographers have
developed techniques for the measurement of crop diversification and crop specialization.
In general, it is assumed that if the number of crops grown in a component areal unit is
large (say about 10), each crop occupying about 10 percent of the cropped area, it would
mean that the crop diversification is of a very high degree. Contrary to this, if a crop
occupies 100 percent of the gross cropped area, the diversification is least and it will be a
case of high degree of crop specialization.
For the measurement of crop diversification many geographers have adopted
Bhatia’s crop diversification technique. Bhatia (1965) has evolved a simple formula, by
taking into account the cropped area in order to make an objective measurement of crop
diversification. The formula is:
Index of Crop Diversification =
Percent of sown area under ‘X’ crops
------------------------------------------------------Number of ‘X ‘crops
Where ‘X’ crops are those crops that individually occupy 10 percent or more of the
cultivated area in a regional unit.
For the investigation of spatial patterns of crop diversification in Haryana, Jasbir
Singh, (1976), too used the above noted formula in a modified form as:
Percent of total harvested area under ‘n’ crops
Index of Crop Diversification =
------------------------------------------------------Number of ‘n’ crops
Where ‘n’ crops are those crops that individually occupy 5 percent or more of the total
harvest area.
In order to measure the spatial pattern of crop diversification in Nagaon district the
above noted method has been used in a modified form considering unique cropping pattern
of Nagaon district so that it can help in micro level analysis. The modified method is:
Index of Crop Diversification =
Percent of total sown area under ‘n’ crops
------------------------------------------------------Number of ‘n’ crops
Where ‘n’ crops are those crops that individually occupy 1 percent or more of the gross
cropped area.
The revenue circle level crop diversification indices are given in the table 5.17 and
table 5.18. The index of crop diversification for Nagaon district has been discussed for a
period of twenty years from 1985-86 to 2005-06 at ten years interval in the present study
and for 1985-86 is presented in table 5.17 and figure 5.17. For index of crop diversification,
below 10 has been taken as ‘high’ degree of diversification, between 10-15 as ‘medium’
and above 15 as ‘high’. In general higher the level of agricultural technology, lesser the
degree of diversification is observed. There is also spatial variation among the revenue
circles. From the indices of crop diversification in 1985-86 it is clear from the table 5.17
that only two categories of crop diversification regions are demarcated only as ‘high’ and
‘medium’ categories. It is observed that in 1985-86, there are only two revenue circles,
namely Kaliabor and Nagaon Sadar show ‘high’ degree of diversification. The remaining
six revenue circles, viz. Samaguri, Dhing, Raha, Kampur, Hojai and Lanka show only
‘medium’ degree of diversification.
Table 5.17: Index of Crop Diversification of Nagaon District, Assam, 1985-86
Revenue Circles
Index of Diversification
Degree of Diversification
1. Kaliabor
9.87
High
2.Samaguri
11.94
Medium
3.Dhing
12.77
Medium
4. Nagaon Sadar
9.03
High
5. Raha
11.57
Medium
6. Kampur
10.49
Medium
7.Hojai
12.72
Medium
8.Lanka
12.75
Medium
NAGAON DISTRICT
Source: Computed by the Researcher.
8.93
HIGH
Table 5.18:Index of Crop Diversification of Nagaon District, Assam,1995-96--2005-06
Revenue Circles
1995-96
Index of
Diversification
8.95
8.98
13.73
11.38
8.16
12.35
10.78
9.83
8.88
8.83
1.Kaliabor
2.Samaguri
3.Rupahi
4.Dhing
5.Nagaon Sadar
6. Raha
7.Kampur
8.Hojai
9.Lanka
10.Doboka
NAGAON
DISTRICT
Source: Computed by the Researcher.
Degree of
Diversification
High
High
Medium
Medium
High
Medium
Medium
High
High
HIGH
2005-06
Index of
Degree of
Diversification Diversification
9.79
High
9.91
High
12.12
Medium
16.33
Low
8.96
High
8.92
High
15.85
Low
13.80
Medium
9.07
High
13.82
Medium
9.75
HIGH
Figure 5.17
Figure 5.18
Figure 5.19
After 10 years, i.e. in 1995-96, the number of crops includes in the crop
combination increase and as such five revenue circles of the district emerge with significant
diversification such as Kaliabor, Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar, Hojai and Lanka recorded ‘high’
degree of diversification. Other four revenue circles of the district namely, Rupahi, Dhing,
Raha and Kampur recorded ‘medium’ degree of diversification as shown in table 5.18.
In 2005-06, it is observed that three categories of crop diversification regions are
identified, i.e. ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘low’ etc. Out of 10 revenue circles five revenue
circles show ‘high’ degree of diversification, viz. Kaliabor, Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar, Raha
and Lanka another three revenue circles show ‘medium’ degree of diversification, viz.
Rupahi, Hojai and Doboka. Besides, the another two revenue circles show ‘low’ degree of
diversification namely Dhing and Kampur. If compaired the data from 1995-96 to 2005-06,
i.e. after 10 years gap it is very clear that the Kaliabor, Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar and Lanka
remain same which recorded ‘high’ degree of diversification. The ‘medium’ degrees of
diversification also remain same in Ruaphi revenue circle in both the years. It is
mentionable that Dhing and Kampur revenue circles recorded ‘medium’ degree of
diversification in 1995-96 but after 10 years gap it recorded ‘low’ degree of diversification.
Raha revenue circle recorded ‘medium’ degree of diversification in 1995-96 and after 10
years gap, i.e. 2005-06 it shows ‘high’ degree of diversification as shown in table 5.18,
figure 5.18 and figure 5.19. Thus, the above analysis indicates that almost all parts of the
district of Nagaon became diversified in respect of crop grown. The indices of crop
diversification derived are mapped, and this exhibits a very significant spatial pattern of
crop diversification in Nagaon District.
5.6 Introduction of Commercial Crops
It is mentioned earlier that growth of population creates excessive population
pressure on land. Thus, there is need of more areas for agriculture to mitigate the demand
of the growing population and agricultural landuse has been also changing with
introduction of cash crops, plantation crops and some other commercial crops. In addition
to this HYV of rice is cultivated in almost all parts of the district in order to get
more production to mitigate the demand of the farmers. Some of the forest areas are
also converted to agricultural land and new crop like banana plantation, tea plantation etc.
is introduced on commercial basis in the north-eastern part of the district. This has changed
the agricultural landscape of the study area since the eighties of the last century. A section
of educated youths in the last part of twentieth century have started small tea gardens,
banana plantation and new commercial crops like patchouli, lemon grass, citronella
plantation are planted in the north-eastern part especially as commercial crops to get more
profit from small plot of land. It is important to note that there has been a slight
improvement in the agricultural sector since the sixties of the last century after the
implementation of “Benor Plan” and improvement of the economic condition of the
people in the rural areas since the early nineties due to implementation of various
programmes of Panchyat and Rural development. But inspite of all these, the overall
development in the economic front is negligible in comparison to the need of the
growing population in the district. Therefore, pressure on agricultural land has remained
unchanged. It has been observed during field study that important HYV rice varieties are,
viz. Ranjit, Rongjuli, Rong duli, Suagmoni, Bahadur, Harkona, China, Basmati, Pankaj,
Purabenu, Jaya, Krishna, Pussa etc. are extensively cultivated in the study area. During
field study, one important aspect is observed that cultivation of certain crops other
than HYV rice which were quite unknown to the region even in the eighties of the
twentieth century but recently these are introduced by the educated unemployed youths
to engage themselves in agricultural activities. This is also a good sign as regards to
agricultural development in the district. Especially plantation crops like tea and banana
in small plots are cultivated by indigenous people. Even small tea gardening are found
in Kaliabor area and some parts of Kathatoli and Rengbeng areas of the district.
Introduction of vegetable gardening on commercial basis on flood prone areas on the
bank of the Brahmaputra and south-eastern part of the district by the peasant of immigrant
origin who has contributed significantly to raise the economy in the district. Thus, the
Muslim peasants of immigrant origin as well as indigenous educated youths have
contributed to a significant change in agricultural landscape of Nagaon district. A major
section of Muslim peasants of immigrant origin are inhabitated in low-lying areas of Juria
and Dhing mauzas. These low-lying areas are suitable for cultivation of jute, rice and
vegetables. Especially during winter months, they have produced varieties of vegetables.
Interestingly they use to cultivate the land three times in a year using irrigation and
fertilizers. In addition to this mustard oil (Bressica Juncea) is also cultivated in the flood
affected charland areas as shown in the table 5.19.
A large variety of vegetables are also produced in Nagaon district especially in
Brahmaputra char areas i.e.potato (Solomum tuberosum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum
Mill), onion(Alliumcepa), cabbage (Brassica oleracea varcapitata L), cauliflower (Brassica
oleracea van Botrytis L), cucumber, carrot (Daucas Carota), bringal (Solomum melongia),
pumkin (Cucurbita moschata) etc. which occupy 20 percent of the total cropped area in the
district. These vegetables are mainly grown in northern side, i.e. bank of the Brahmaputra
river. The Muslim peasants of immigrant origin used to cultivated vegetables in char areas
of the Brahmaputra river during last three decades. Both rabi & kharif vegetables are
cultivated in the district as shown in table 5.19 and figure 5.20. Most of the vegetables of
the district are short duration crops, as a result of which two or three crops can be raised
from the same plot of land in an agricultural year. In addition to these main cash crops jute
(Chorchorus capsularis) is cultivated in Dhing and Rupahi revenue circles. Moreover,
other cash crops like mesta, cotton, tobacco and different spices like chilly, ginger,
turmaric, garlic etc. are also cultivated on commercial basis for earning money.
Table 5.19: Vegetables Production in Brahmaputra Char Areas of Nagaon District,
Assam, 2009-2010
Char Villages
Total
No.of
Vegetable
Vegetable
Households
Surveyed
(Area in Hectares)
Production
Households
(Kg/ Hect)
Bihdubi No.2
48
10
4.15
282.78
Borghuli No.3
421
82
52.81
806.59
Borghuli No.4
121
24
10.71
576.79
Mohkhuti
316
62
33.73
987.04
Mowamari
100
20
17.94
798.93
Source: Field survey carried out by the Researcher.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN CHAR VILLAGES OF NAGAON DISTRICT,
DISTRICT, 2009
2009-2010
2010
PRODUCTION (kg/ Hect)
ϭϬϬϬ
ϵϬϬ
ϴϬϬ
ϳϬϬ
ϲϬϬ
ϱϬϬ
Z
ϰϬϬ
WZKhd/KE
ϯϬϬ
ϮϬϬ
ϭϬϬ
Ϭ
ŝŚĚƵďŝ
EŽ͘Ϯ
ŽƌŐŚƵůŝ
EŽ͘ϯ
ŽƌŐŚƵůŝ
EŽ͘ϰ
DŽŚŬŚƵƚŝ
DŽǁĂŵĂƌŝ
CHAR VILLAGES
Figure 5.20
5.7 Crop Rotation and Interculture
Rotation of crops is a universal phenomenon which is
is practised by most of the
farmers of the tropical and temperate countries. The
The main objective of rotation of crops is to
obtain higher agricultural returns
returns on the one hand, and to maintain the soil fertility
fertility on the
other. In other words, the rotation of crops helps in making agriculture more sustainable.
The importance of crop rotation is more in the areas
areas where farmers grow two or more than
two crops in the same field in a year.
In Nagaon district it is found that the cropping pattern of the district has been
changing during the last twenty years. The three varieties of rice forming the staple of the
district occupied more than 70 percent of the total cropped area in 1985-86, generally it is
seen that any rotation in the field takes rice as one of the crops. A number of other crops are
also grown in rotation with rice. In spite of various efforts made for the Agricultural
Department, Govt. of Assam it is seen that the peasants of Nagaon have not given up the
traditional variety of winter rice, which occupies the land for about 6 months of a year and
as such hampers the increase in cropping intensity. Besides this, an important point is
observed in the field study that, due to lack of proper scientific knowledge on the part of the
peasants and non-fulfillment of the prerequisite care, there arise a large number of
complications in the growth of the crops and the yield turns out to be much lower than what
is expected. This naturally creates disincentive among the peasants affecting continuance of
crop rotation. Moreover, it is seen that the indigenous peasants have a general belief that
yield per hectare of winter rice is more, if the field remains fallow in the preceding season.
As such, many of the peasants cultivate only winter rice in their field in an agricultural
year. But according to an experiment, which was conducted in 1958 in the Assam
Agricultural College farm at Jorhat, the results are different. When the preceding crops was
capsularies jute, the yield per hectare of winter rice was 1,095.72 kg when it followed ahu
or summer rice, the yield was 1,036.38 kg when it followed green manuring crops, the yield
was 1,001.32 kg and when the field remain fallow, the yield was only 885.28 kg. The above
findings indicate that the yield efficiency of land is the highest when winter rice follows
capsularies jute, because its fallen leaves increase fertility. It is seen that the green
manuring crops increase the yield of the following winter rice by about 17 percent more
than when the crop is preceded by fallowing. But as most of the green manuring crops are
not productive themselves, and have only an indirect effect on the next crop, the peasants
generally do not want to take it in their crop rotation schedule. However, in case of the
agricultural fields, some green manuring crops are seen to be grown. Among them, the
most important the ‘Baga madelus’ (Tephresia candida) and ‘black gram’ are very suitable
green manuring crops in Nagaon district. The importance of blackgram is decreasing
perhaps because in the winter, the peasants want to keep the agricultural field fallow to use
for grazing, as most of the professional grazing reserves and villages grazing reserves are
under unauthorized occupation. Among the other crops, jute, pulses, mustared oil, other
oilseeds, potato, other vegetables and tobacco are grown in rotation with rice. It is only
sugarcane, which occupies land for almost whole of the year, does not come within purview
of rotation.
Interculture
Interculture is also practised in the district, especially in the fertile low-lying areas.
Lentil and some pulses are sown in the winter paddy fields in these areas in the months of
September and October, when the rice crops are still standing, and harvested in the later
part of January or early February after the harvest of rice in November and December.
Moreover, interculture of the bao variety of winter paddy and summer rice ahu is also
common in some areas of the central part of the district. From the field work it is very clear
that most of the farmers of the villages be practicing interculture with many crops of the
district. The seeds of blackgram or peas or lentil are sown in the winter paddy field in the
month of September or October when the rice crops are still standing. Moreover, along with
the potato, red gourd and radish are also grown. Mustared is grown along with lentil or
black gram. Such interculture or intercropping has been practised by the small peasants of
this village because of the small size of their holdings and because of the proximity of the
urban market to their homes. Intercropping may be practised in all other areas where such
physiographic condition prevails and economic factors are available. Mixed cropping is a
characteristic feature of agriculture in foothill regions of the district. Winter rice with
vegetables and summer rice with maize are the common combinations in the mixed
cropping system of the district.
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‘Pattern of Crop Concentration and Diversification in India’,
Economic Geography, Vol. 41, No.1, Worcester Mass, p.54.
Boserup, E. (1965):
The Conditions of Agricultural Growth, Aldine Publisher Co.,
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Das, M.M. (1984):
‘Crop–Combination regions of Assam’, published in Peasant
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Peasant Agriculture in Assam: A Structural Analysis, Inter-India
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Datta, L. (1983):
Agricultural Occupance of Nowgong District: A Spatio-Temporal
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‘The Industrial Structure of Japanese Prefecture’, Proceedings,
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