Analysis of efficient cropping zones for Rabi jowar, wheat and gram crops in different tahsils of southern regions of Western Maharashtra

A study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Pune (Maharashtra) during 2022–24 to identify efficient cropping zones (ECZ) for rabi jowar, wheat, and gram in the southern regions of Western Maharashtra. Data on the area, production, and productivity of these crops from 2000–01 to 2020–21 were analyzed. Indices such as the Relative Spread Index (RSI) and Relative Yield Index (RYI) were computed to pinpoint potential cropping tahsils. In the Southern regions of Western Maharashtra identified efficient cropping zones for rabi jowar, wheat and gram are 29, 26 and 25 respectively as these areas exhibited high RYI and low RSI values. Conversely, some tahsils demonstrated low RSI and RYI, indicating unsuitability for the respective crops. However, farmers in these areas often grow unsuitable crops due to factors such as market demand and the economic value of the produce, which contributes to their low RYI and RSI values.