Spatial Analysis of Crop Diversity in Telangana: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability

Aim: In this study, crop diversity in Telangana during the Yasangi season (October to May) from 2017 to 2022 was assessed at the mandal level using crop area data resultant from remote sensing.

Place and Duration of Study: Telangana, from 2017-18 to 2021-22.

Methodology: Sentinel 2A and 2B MSI L2A satellite products were processed to obtain time series normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) images. Major rabi crops were identified by extracting pure cropped pixels based on ground truth data using the NDVI composite index, which includes temporal profiling of NDVI values over time. A hybrid method, combining phenology-based decision rules and unsupervised classification, was employed to demarcate rabi crop area.

Results: The cropped area estimates from remote sensing showed a strong positive correlation with data provided by government agencies. To asses agricultural diversification at the mandal level, the Gibbs and Martin formula (1962) of crop diversification index was used to generate the crop diversity index, focusing solely on the net planted area of crops during rabi season. The Crop Diversity Index (CDI) values reveal low diversity in Telangana, primarily due to paddy monocropping. This reliance on a single crop can lead to soil depletion and increased pest problems.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the environmental and economic impacts of monoculture. Policymakers should encourage farmers to diversify their crops, incorporating less water-intensive options like groundnut, sunflower and chickpea to improve yields, soil fertility and reduce environmental impact. Enhancing irrigation infrastructure to support diverse crops and ensuring equitable water distribution can help reduce the dominance of paddy and promote sustainable agriculture. Supporting research and development in crop diversity and sustainable farming techniques, along with educational campaigns, can lead to more resilient and economically viable farming practices.