Impact of Rainfall Variability on Jawar Crop Yields: A Geographical Study of Solapur District

Abstract

Agriculture is India's fundamental occupation and the backbone of its economy, providing livelihoods for 47% of the population. Solapur district is the climatically drought prone region, where receives an annual average rainfall of 678 mm. The present study conducted from during the 2015-2020. This research aim to analyse the rainfall variability impacts on Jawar yields, because Jawar is the crucial crop in this region, which use daily in their diet. The research rainfall data conducted from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune, and Agriculture data (Jawar Yield) collected from Agriculture Department Government of Maharashtra. This data analyses by using various statistical techniques, such as standard deviation, coefficient of variation, Karl Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation. Additionally graphs and Choropleth Maps made by use the SPSS, MS-Excel and QGIS Software. This study founds significantly variation in rainfall pattern in Solapur District, during study period. Additionally, the yearly average yield of Jawar found variability throughout the study period.  There is a strong positive correlation between rainfall and Jawar yield, indicating that as rainfall increases, Jawar yield also increases. This scenario is observed in more than half of the tehsils in Solapur. Jawar in Solapur shows a moderate relationship to other tehsils. To stabilize production in these areas, effective water management and optimal agricultural practices are essential. This research indicates that rain patterns affect crop productivity.