1. INTRODUCTION:

No doubt the agricultural land use is the product of the interaction between man and nature. Particularly some physical factors like relief, soil condition, and climatic condition are the important deciding factors of agricultural land use pattern.

Moreover, socio-cultural conditions, economic conditions, perception of farmers along with the technological application also play pivotal roles in deciding land use patterns particularly in this intensive subsistence zone. In simple rendition, agricultural land use implies the total gross crop used in crop cultivation during the agricultural season. This area can be identified as the total area the farmers select for agriculture according to the suitability of crops and other factors including Soil quality, Availability of water for irrigation, Agricultural labours which are helping agriculture. The physical features of the proposed agricultural land are not only the deciding factors but the precision and experience of the farmers play an important role in overcoming the deterrent physical factors of the land. The perception of local environment, related information helps the farmers to select their strategies of agriculture. They also follow the traditional approach where perhaps all these factors are more deciding than physical control.

The spatial and temporal variation in agricultural land use patterns have been the subject of research for the period 1995-96, 2005-06, 2015-2016. As to the crop diversification in West Bengal the trend during 1983-1984 should be referred or look back. During this period a nation-wide change or shift from cereals to cash crops was observed. But it is investing to notice that diversification towards horticulture only started in 1990 (Chand et al., 2008) and liberal tendencies of Govt to economy coincide in this period. Keeping mind, the importance of this transitional phase study period has been selected as 1995-96 to 2015-16. The present study is mode under the temporal variation of cropping pattern and the spatial distribution of variation of crops and to identify causes of existing pattern of cropland in the region.

2. DATA AND METHODOLOGY:

2.1 Data Source: The data’s termed as secondary data obtained from various Govt. offices in Bankura and West Bengal. The sources of data like different crops in different areas like cash crops, food crops etc. produced at different block level are obtained from govt. reports and abstracts of socio-economic reports, district Census Handbook, District Gazetteer and Agricultural Annual Plan published by agriculture departments. District Statistical Handbooks and Primary Census Abstract, Govt. of India provided with the data’s related to size of land holding at district level for the period from 1995 -96 and 2015-16

2.2. Methodology: The analysis aims to examine changes in cultivated area at the block level between 1995-96 (Period I) and 2015-16 (Period II) for key crop groups: cereals (Aus Paddy, Aman Paddy, Boro Paddy Wheat), pulses (Masur, Maskalai, Khesari), oil seeds (Mustard, Linseed, Til), cash crops (Potato, Jute), and others (various vegetables) (Table-4.4). For the analysis, the area under each crop group in Period I is set as the base year. The index for Period II is calculated using the formula: Index = (Area in Period II / Area in Period I) × 100. This allows for a straightforward comparison of changes in cultivated area across the different crop groups. Using the index value the dominance of crop groups on space ant its changing scenario has identified over the time. This analysis also aims to uncover potential reasons for these shifts and its changes in agricultural practices.

3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:

3.1. To identify the change of cropping pattern with respect to individual crops groups from 1995-96 to 2015-16 and its underlying factors.

4. Location Size and Boundaries:

Bankura, located in the Western part of Bardhaman (Burdwan) division in West Bengal, lies between the latitudes of 22°38' and 23°33' North and the longitudes of 86°36' and 87°46' East. Geographically, Bankura district resembles a triangular shape and covers a total area of 6,882 square kilometres. Bankura district is administratively divided into three Sub-Divisions, namely: Bankura (Sadar), Bishnupur and Khatra comprises with CD blocks (Map1.1)

Map No-1: Location Map of the Study Area.

Table 1.1: Changes in Cropping Pattern of Bankura District (Area in hectares)

Crops	1995-96	2005-06	2015-16	% Change in 1995-2006	% Change in 2006-2016	% Change in 1995-2016
Total Cereals	444175	393712	345273	-11.36	-12.30	-22.27
Total Pulses	1100	429	944	-61.00	120.05	-14.18
Total Oilseed	24590	25432	31541	3.42	24.02	28.27
Total Cash Crops	20870	28057	39670	34.44	41.39	90.08

Source: Calculated by the Author.

In Bankura I the cultivated area of cereals has decrease 1.97% in the study period. Whereas the cash crop cultivating areas decreased massively by 78.18%. Major growth in oil seed crops cultivation has grown immensely up to 122%.

In Bankura II, a slight decline in the pulse cultivation decreased at the rate of 3.66% and cash crop showed a massive down fall of 40.37% indicating a great shift away from pulse cultivation. However, Oilseed cultivation has been moderately increased up to 92.50%, strengthening the tendency of crop diversification.

Barjora Block also suffers a great downfall in cereal cultivation by 16.82% and pulses at 92.50% which indicates a great shift from pulse cultivation. The cultivation of cash crops increases greatly by 152% whereas great expand comes from oilseed cultivation at the rate of 290.93%.

Bishnupur witnessed a great decline of 24.20% in cereal cultivation and pulses suffered a massive decline of 89%. Moderate increase of 70.49% in cash crop and oilseeds 5.11% indicates the trend of crop diversification of crop.

In Chatna Block, cereal cultivation declined by 12.73%. The cultivation of pulses jumped to a drastic level by 98.33% indicating a great shift toward pulse cultivation. But cash crops suffered a decline of 100% that hints at the complete shift away from cash crop cultivation. The cultivation of Oilseed increased significantly by 141.67% showed the farming increase in such cultivation.

Gangajal Ghati suffered a setback on cereal cultivation by 47.61% and pulse cultivation by 90% which hint at the shift away from pulse and cereal cultivation. Similar trend has been observed in cash crop i.e decline by 94.80%. However, oilseed seemed to show immense growth of 204%.

The data from Hirbandh Block showed a significant decline in cereal cultivation 47.39% and pulses 80% hinting at the tendencies of shifting way from cereal and pulses cultivation. Same thing happened with the cash crops and oilseed which also dropped by 99.67% and 72.80% respectively.

Indpur Block registered a nominal downfall of 5.08% in cereal cultivation and dramatic fall in pulse cultivation by 98%. Whereas cash crops cultivation faced a 100% decrease. But oilseed experienced a moderate rise of 23.70%, showing the interests of farmers in the crop diversification.

Showing an opposite trend, Indas block show a subsequent increase in cereal cultivation by 27.65% which indicates farmers interest in cereal production and pulses also showed a great increase by 125.7%, Cash crops also show a moderate increase by 40% reflecting tendency of high value crop cultivation. Oilseed shows the tendencies moderate decrease by 7.33%.

As per the data from Joypur block, the cultivation of cereals decreased by 12.71%, indicating the partial shift from such crops. Hopeless results registered for pulse cultivation which dropped by 100 % and that indicated a compute giving up of pulse cultivation. The opposite results came as cash crop cultivation increased by 288.49 % and oil seed a moderate increase with 50.22%.

Khatra block registered a decrease in pulse by 98.33% and cereals 33.27% respectively, hinting a great shift from such cultivation. Oilseeds also showed come tendency of decrease 64.30%. However, cash crops cultivation increased by 57.50%, hinting at the farmers choice for diversification.

The data from Kotulpur block showed that, the cereal cultivation and pulses cultivation showed a moderate decrease by 24.67% and 45% respectively, showing a shift from such crops. Whereas cash crops and oilseed cultivation experienced a increase by 238.21% and 141.26% respectively.

Mejia Block register a likely similar change in cropping pattern. The cultivation of cereals suffers a downfall by 33.08% strengthening the trend of shift from cereal cultivation. Cash crops cultivation decrees 100% trend and oil seeds also suffer downfall 25.24%.

The Onda block data show a great shift from the cultivation of cereal (decreased by 87.99%) and pulses (decreased by 78.33%). Cash crops is seen to gain popularity with a huge increase by 146.95% whereas oilseed shows a moderate increase of 7.86% indicated clearly the shift toward high value cash crops.

In Pratasayer Block the cultivation of cereals posted a hike of 1.23% this shows the trend of gaining popularity of such cultivation whereas the cultivation of pulse shows similar tendency with 1.43% increase. Cash crop cultivation also increase by a slight margin of 12.80% clearly shows the growing importance of high value cash crop. However, oilseed cultivation seemed to decrease a slight by 3.72%.

Raipur block registered a decrease in cereal cultivation by 22.54% which indicating a shift from cereal cultivation. The cultivation of pulse showed a great forward by 730% indicating its gaining popularity. Oilseed cultivation also increased by 165.09%. Cash crop cultivation also increased moderately (13.65%).

In Ranibandh block the cereal cultivation registered a steady growth of 83.13%. But pulses showed a remarkable decrease of 90%, registering a strong shift from pulse cultivation. Some tendency came with cash crop cultivation with a decreasing by 100%. Oilseed cultivation also decreased by 49.39%. Saltora block showed the trend of decrease in cereal and pulse cultivation which decrease by 4.83% and 88.89% respectively. Cash crop cultivation also decreased significantly by 100% which clearly indicated a shift away from cash crop cultivation and oilseed cultivation is growing gradually increased. Oil seed was not cultivated in 1995-96 but in 2015-16 oil seed cultivation is increasing slowly.

In Sarenga Block show a notable cropping pattern. Cereal cultivation in this block decreased substantially by 66.36%, which is indicating the reduction in cereal production. Pulses experienced a glittering increase of 240.83%, that’s give a hint a strong shift towards pulse crops. Cash crop cultivation increased significantly by 93.05%, reflecting a focus on high-value cash crops. However, oilseeds witnessed a significant decrease of 47.20%.

In Simlapal Block show that the Cereal cultivation decreased substantially by 52.21%, showing the reduction in cereal production. Cash crop cultivation increased significantly by 140.24%, reflecting a focus on high-value cash crops. Oilseeds witnessed a significant decrease of 17.37%. This is an important observation related to Simlapal block. Pulses was not cultivated in 1995-96 but in 2015-16 oil seed cultivation is increasing gradually.

In Sonamukhi Block experienced changes in its cropping patterns. Cereal cultivation increased moderately by 1.08%. Pulses saw a decrease of 95.45%, showing a shift away from pulse crops. Cash crop cultivation increased moderately by 10.34%. Oilseeds also witnessed a moderate increase of 19.27%, indicating some diversification in crop choices.

In Taldangra Block a significant change in its cropping patterns has been shown. Cereal cultivation decreased by 17.12%. Cash crop cultivation decreased moderately by 16%, reflecting a reduction in cash crop production. Oilseeds witnessed a significant decrease of 51.24%, indicating reduced emphasis on oilseed crops. Pulses was not cultivated in 1995-96 but in 2015 - 16 oil seed cultivation is increasing gradually.

Table 1.2: Block wise changing cropping pattern of Bankura district (Gross cropped area in hectare).

Blocks	Area under Cereals in (hectare)			Area under Pulses in (hectare)			Area under Cash crops in (hectare)			Area under Oil seed in (hectare)
Blocks	1995 - 96	2015 - 16	% Change in 1995-2016	1995 - 96	2015 -16	% change in 1995-2016	1995 -96	2015 -16	% change in 1995-2016	1995 -96	2015 -16	% change in 1995-2016
Bankura- 1	11040	10822	-1.97	.	1		110	24	-78.18	150	333	122.00
Bankura- 2	12150	11705	-3.66	.	11		270	161	-40.37	200	385	92.50
Barjora	17865	14860	-16.82	40	3	-92.50	250	630	152.00	430	1681	290.93
Bishnupur	20850	15805	-24.20	100	11	-89.00	1840	3137	70.49	1350	1419	5.11
Chatna	29505	25748	-12.73	60	1	-98.33	110	0	-100.00	60	145	141.67
G.Ghati	27195	14247	-47.61	50	5	-90.00	250	13	-94.80	450	1368	204.00
Hirbandh	13790	7255	-47.39	40	8	-80.00	600	2	-99.67	250	68	-72.80
Indpur	20020	19002	-5.08	100	2	-98.00	530	0	-100.00	270	334	23.70
Indus	23870	30469	27.65	70	158	125.71	1050	1470	40.00	1800	1668	-7.33
Joypur	21510	18776	-12.71	20	0	-100.00	2190	8508	288.49	2250	3380	50.22
Khatra	13090	8735	-33.27	60	1	-98.33	40	63	57.50	790	282	-64.30
Kotulpur	28310	21326	-24.67	40	22	-45.00	4190	14171	238.21	2780	6707	141.26
Mejia	10815	7237	-33.08	0	12	-	560	0	-100.00	210	157	-25.24
Onda	34870	4189	-87.99	60	13	-78.33	820	2025	146.95	2810	3031	7.86
Patrasayer	26590	26916	1.23	70	71	1.43	3220	3632	12.80	2420	2330	-3.72
Raipur	22350	17312	-22.54	20	166	730.00	630	716	13.65	1060	2810	165.09
Ranibandh	10270	18807	83.13	50	5	-90.00	620	0	-100.00	660	334	-49.39
Saltora	17835	16974	-4.83	90	10	-88.89	120	0	-100.00	0	114	.
Sarenga	19970	6718	-66.36	120	409	240.83	590	1139	93.05	1500	792	-47.20
Simlapal	21860	10447	-52.21	0	11	.	850	2042	140.24	1560	1289	-17.37
Sonamukhi	24300	24562	1.08	110	5	-95.4545	880	971	10.34	1650	1968	19.27
Taldangra	16120	13361	-17.12	0	19	.	1150	966	-16.00	1940	946	-51.24

Source: Calculated by Researcher.

Table 1.4: Block-wise Index of area under crop groups for 1995-96 to 2015-16

Blocks	Cereals		Pulses		Cash Crops		Oilseeds
Blocks	Index	Cereals Scale	Index	Pulses Scale	Index	Cash Crops Scale	Index	Oilseeds Scale
Bankura - 1	1.97	1			78.18	2	122.00	3
Bankura - 2	3.66	1			40.37	1	92.50	2
Barjora	16.82	1	92.50	2	152.00	4	290.93	5
Bishnupur	24.20	1	89.00	2	70.49	2	5.11	1
Chatna	12.73	1	98.33	2	100.00	2	141.67	3
G.Ghati	47.61	1	90.00	2	94.80	2	204.00	5
Hirbandh	47.39	1	80.00	2	99.67	2	72.80	2
Indpur	5.08	1	98.00	2	100.00	2	23.70	1
Indus	27.65	1	125.71	3	40.00	1	7.33	1
Joypur	12.71	1	100.00	3	288.49	5	50.22	2
Khatra	33.27	1	98.33	2	57.50	2	64.30	2
Kotulpur	24.67	1	45.00	1	238.21	5	141.26	3
Mejia	33.08	1	.				25.24	1
Onda	87.99	2	78.33	2	146.95	3	7.86	1
Patrasayer	1.23	1	1.43	1	12.80	1	3.72	1
Raipur	22.54	1	730.00	5	13.65	1	165.09	4
Ranibandh	83.13	2	90.00	2			49.39	1
Saltora	4.83	1	88.89	2			.
Sarenga	66.36	2	240.83	5	93.05	2	47.20	1
Simlapal	52.21	2	.		140.24	3	17.37	1
Sonamukhi	1.08	1	95.45	2	10.34	1	19.27	1
Taldangra	17.12	1	.		16.00	1	51.24	2

Source: - Calculated by Author

While considering the block the changing cropping pattern of cereals scaled 1, 2, 3,4 and 5. Eighteen Blocks (Table 1.4) namely, Bankura1, Bankura 2, Barjora, Bishnupur, Chatna, G.Ghati, Hirbandh, Indpur, Indus, Joypur, Khatra, Kotulpur, Mejia, Patrasayer, Raipur, Saltora, Taldangra and Sonamukhi, ranked 1. Onda, Ranibandh, Sarenga and Simlapal ranked 2 for cereals.

For pulses, five Blocks (Table 1.4) (Bankura 1, Bankura 2, Mejia, Simlapal, Taldangra) the changing cropping pattern show no cultivation of pulses in Period-I. The changing cropping pattern of pulses scaled 2 for Barjora, Bishnupur, Chatna, G.Ghati, Hirbandh, Indpur,Khatra, Onda, Ranibandh ,Saltora., and Sonamukhi. Blocks like Indus, Joypur, have scale level 3 for Pulses, one notable point is that the region Raipur and Sarenga denote the scale as 5.Kotulpur and Patrasayer are a scale of 1 for Pulses, The changing cropping pattern of cash crops scaled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Six blocks (1.4) namely Bankura 2, Indus, Patrasayer, Raipur, Soonamukhi, and Taldangra are scaled 1. Eight blocks (Bankura1, Bishnupur, Chatna, G.Ghati, Hirbandh, Indpur,Sarenga.and Khatra). Three Blocks (Mejia, Ranibandh, Saltora) show no cultivation of cash crops in Period-II. Two blocks are scale 3 namely Onda and Simlapal, Barjora ranked 4. Two Blocks like Joypur and Kotulpur crops changing pattern scaled 5.

While considering the block the changing cropping pattern of oilseed scaled 1, 2, 3 and 4 and 5. Ten block (Table 1.4) namely Bishnupur, Indpur, Indas, Mejia, Onda, Patrasayer, Ranibandh, Sarenga, Simlapal, Sonamukhi are scaled 1. Five blocks (Bankura 2, Hirbandh, Joypur, Khatra and taldangra) are scale 2, Bankura 1, Hirbanndh and Khatra are scaled 3. Raipur is scale 4. Two blocks Barjora and G.Ghati are scaled 5 in crop changing pattern. Mejia shows no cultivation in period II.

The research clearly points to a trend of change in the agricultural landscape of Bankura District from the two decades of 1995-96 to 2015-16. The district was majorly focused on cereal cultivation, with various paddy varieties such as Aus, Aman, and Boro Paddy. However, in 2015-16, there was a marked decline in the area under cultivation with these traditional paddy varieties along with pulses. The coverage of cash crops and oilseed crops, mainly vegetables and potatoes, has been significantly increased during the period. This is due to a general trend towards diversification in agricultural activity, away from food crops towards more commercially viable foodstuffs, which indicates the emergence of a new pattern of land use on account of market demands and the changed agricultural practices, Several interrelated factors might be attributed to the cropping pattern changes. First, the introduction of improved irrigation facilities and new high-yielding varieties (HYVs) means that farmers can grow a wide variety of crops, which yields more and is more productive and profitable. This was a technological change that, in turn, encouraged an increase in cash crops more than traditional cereals, which are often less valuable. Second, the socio-economic environment, which involves market opportunities and government policies favouring cash crop production, has been critical in this change. Liberalization of the economy in the 1990s coincided with the beginning of diversification towards horticulture, indicating that economic policies have influenced farmer decisions. Besides, factors like soil quality and topography have also affected crop selection, while more fertile regions are seen with cash crops, while in the other regions with less favourable conditions, diversification is limited. Technological, economic, and environmental factors have all interacted to shape the changes that have been observed in the agricultural landscape of Bankura District.

6. CONCLUSION:

The district is primarily focused on cereal cultivation, with paddy being the main crop across all blocks. In 1995-96, Aus Paddy, Aman Paddy and Boro Paddy were the predominant paddy varieties, but by 2015-16, there has been a reduction in the area cultivated with Aus Paddy, Aman Paddy, and Boro Paddy. Additionally, there has been a decline in the area devoted to pulses. Conversely, the cultivation of cash crops and oilseed crops, including vegetables, has increased during the study period. Notably, cash crops like potatoes are becoming more significant in the district's agricultural landscape. The increase in cultivated area in certain blocks can be attributed to improved irrigation facilities and the introduction of new high-yielding varieties (HYVs), while the decrease is likely due to a shift towards other crops. Overall, this analysis supports the hypothesis that agricultural land use patterns have changed over the decades in the study area.

The decline in the area dedicated to pulses and oilseeds should be taken seriously by policymakers, as it contradicts the notion that agricultural modernization typically leads to increased multiple cropping, which in turn should boost the net sown area. Traditionally, one would expect farmers to reduce cereal cultivation to diversify into various crops.

The multifaceted approach for policymakers to undertake for the sustainable development of agriculture in Bankura District should be in line with these significant changes observed in the agricultural landscape. It is better to adopt an agricultural policy, promoting diversification along with sustainability of traditional crops. Easy loan and subsidies should be provided to farmers adopting environmentally friendly practices and diversifying crop portfolios. This will also empower farmers to transition into cash crops without jeopardizing food security through enhanced irrigation infrastructure and access to high-quality seeds. Training and meeting programs on market trends and sustainable farming techniques should also be provided to the farmers to mitigate the risks associated with crop diversification. A balanced agricultural ecosystem that values cash crops and traditional staples will allow policymakers to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and ensure food security for the region.

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Received on 07.11.2024 Revised on 20.11.2024

Accepted on 03.12.2024 Published on 05.12.2024

Available online on December 31, 2024

Res. J. of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2024;15(4):292-298.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2024.00045


(a)	(b)

(b)	(d)

Index Range	Scale
˂50	1
50-100	2
100-150	3
150-200	4
˃200	5