Remote Sensing-Based Pre-Harvest Acreage Assessment of Summer Paddy and Maize in Darrang and Nagaon Districts, Assam: A Pilot Study

The spatial distribution of crops is influenced by Climatic conditions, Soil characteristics, Topography, Traditional practices, and Market availability. However, globalization, technological advancements, and improved infrastructure have facilitated the introduction of non-traditional crops in various regions. This study aims to estimate the pre-harvest acreage of Boro rice and Summer maize in Darrang and Nagaon districts using Remote sensing techniques. The study highlights the changing cropping pattern in Darrang district, where summer maize is increasingly replacing traditional Boro rice cultivation due to its Shorter duration, Lower water requirements, and Higher profitability. Sentinel-2A satellite imagery and hybrid classification methods were used to assess acreage, with ground truth validation conducted through field surveys. The findings indicate a significant expansion of maize cultivation in Darrang and a discrepancy between remote sensing and government estimates. The study underscores the necessity of real-time crop monitoring using modern geospatial technologies.