Cropping Pattern and Irrigation Status of Agricultural Cultivators in Madha Tahsil of Solapur District

Abstract

The cropping pattern of any agricultural region defines the agricultural policy of that region. In short, the cropping pattern is affected by the climate and physiography  of  region. Therefore, a specific cropping pattern is found in a specific region. Some specific crops are known as the main crops of that region. Cropping pattern is the planning of which crops are planted on a piece of agricultural land and in what order, in which crops are selected by considering the factors of climate, soil type, water availability and market demand. Its main objective is to maintain soil fertility, reduce the incidence of weeds and diseases and make maximum use of limited resources. Farmers adopt monocropping, multicropping or crop rotation in cropping patterns. An irrigated area is an area of agricultural land where water is artificially supplied to crops in addition to rainfall for their growth. This area comes under a specific irrigation project, such as canals or wells. An irrigated area is an area of land that receives water through an irrigation system and supplies the water required for the growth of crops. 

       Madha tahsil is located in the central north part of Solapur district. The tahsil situated in between Bhima River to west and Sina River to east. It is surrounded by Osmanabad district to the northern part,Karmala tahsil to the NW part, Solapur North to the East, Malshiras to the SW part, Pandharpur and Mohol tahsil to the south part and Pune District to the west part.   It’s an area of 1526 sq. Km; the 4rank of tahsil in Solapur District. This tahsil is situated on cental ypland part of the district.  The latitudinal extent is 17˚17 '54 " N to 17˚44 '3 " North and longitudinal extent is   75˚53'42" E to 76˚25'43" East.   The gross cropped area  of Madha tahsil 120975 Ha in 2000-01 and it was about 150963 Ha in 2015-16. The  proportion of  net irrigated area  to net sown  area was  about 20.41%  in 2000-01 and about 34.13%   in 2015-16. The proportion of gross irrigated area to total cropped area was about 20.29 % in 2000-1 and about 37.75% in 2015-16.