THE GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY OF SPATIO-TEMPORAL CHANGE IN AGRICULTURAL PATTERN IN SANGLI DISTRICT

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Sangli district and an integral part of its socio-cultural fabric. Located in western Maharashtra, the district presents a unique geographical contrast – fertile irrigated western tehsils supported by the Krishna and Warna river basins and drought-prone eastern tehsils like Jat and Atpadi that rely on dryland agriculture. This study investigates the spatio-temporal transformations in agricultural practices in Sangli district from 1991 to 2021 with reference to the current situation (2023-24). Using primary and secondary data sources – census reports, district socio-economic summaries, agricultural records, field surveys and interviews – the analysis examines the growth and decline of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, cash crops and fruit cultivation. The results indicate a decisive shift from subsistence-oriented cereals and pulses to irrigation-supported cash crops and horticulture. Cereal production declined steadily (-0.56% average annual growth), while pulses production remained stable (0.028% growth). Oilseeds growth remained moderate but volatile (2.19% growth), while cash crops like sugarcane remained stable (3.70% growth). Irrigation, cooperative sugar factories and assured markets. The most notable trend was observed in fruit cultivation, which recorded an annual growth of 18.27%, supported by drip irrigation and international demand for grapes and pomegranates. Local disparities are evident - western tehsils like Miraj, Tasgaon and Walwa dominate commercial crops, while eastern tehsils like Jat and Atpadi still rely on cereals and pulses.