SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION IN SOLAPUR DISTRICT: A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

      The present paper has been attempted to study, ‘spatial distribution of crop diversification in Solapur district: A Geographical Analysis. The study of crop diversification illustrates that there are variations in the cropping practices of the villages. The area on the bank of river is practicing unique cropping pattern whereas in the dry region multiple crops are produced. The main objectives of the present research paper are to analyse the distribution of crop diversification and its importance of agricultural practices in study area.

       The crop diversification is numerous variations in the study region. The high crop divarication is recorded in Madha, North Solapur, Mangalwedha, South Solapur and Akkalkot tahsils. Because, these tahsils are located in dry area with away from river catchment area, medium to shallow soil, low rainfall as well as low expansion of irrigation facilities. The low diversification of crops is registered in Barshi, Pandharpur and Malshiras tahsils. Because there is high development of irrigation facilities, black fertile soil resulted as high proportion of sugarcane cultivation in Pandharpur and Malshiras tahsil while in Barshi tahsil there are very low expansion of irrigation medium to low quality of soil resulted as only one or two cultured such as jowar and tur. In short, there are more variations in farming practices in the Solapur district. Because the inadequate and uneven in the irrigation facilities of the district such as cultivation of sugarcane is cultivated in the irrigated areas and jowar, bajara, pulses are cultivated in the rainfed areas.