Agricultural Transformation in Nandurbar District: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Cropping Pattern

AbstractThis study investigates the spatio-temporal transformation of cropping patterns in Nandurbar district from 2001 to 2024. It is a region characterised by tribal dominance, rainfed agriculture, and varying levels of socio-economic development. Using secondary data from District Statistical Abstracts, agricultural records, and spatial datasets, seven major crop groups were analysed from six tahsils. Percentage share assessment, temporal comparison, and GIS-based spatial interpretation were employed to understand crop distribution and change dynamics. The results revealed a distinct shift from subsistence-based agriculture toward a diversified and commercially oriented cropping system. Cultivation of cereal crops increased marginally by 0.30%, maintaining dominance in tribal and rain fed tehsils such as Akkalkuwa and Akrani, while pulses showed a decline of up to -2.45 %, due to their low-yields, climate-sensitive nature, and more dominance of oilseed crops and cotton. (up to +0.41% and +0.13%, respectively), particularly in irrigated areas like Shahada and Navapur. Horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables) recorded steady increases (+0.15% and +0.10%), indicating a gradual transition towards high-value cash crops. There was 13.93 % rise in Gross Cropped Area. Nandurbar district thus exhibits movement towards commercialisation and diversification.