Changes in cropping pattern overtime in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir

This study investigates changes in cropping patterns in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on food and non-food crops. The present study is based on primary and secondary data. For secondary data, multistage random sampling technique was employed and data were collected from 120 respondents. The analysis of cropping patterns from 2008 to 2017 reveals a decline in the total area under food crops from 121,160 hectares to 107,704 hectares. This decrease is associated with a negative growth rate and a low instability index (0-15), indicating stable trends despite the reduction. The area under total food crops also showed a negative growth rate and a medium instability index (15-30), reflecting variability in cropping patterns. From 2015 to 2018, the trend continued, with a decrease in food crops maintaining a negative growth rate and low instability index (0-15). Conversely, the area under non-food crops increased, showing a positive growth rate and a low instability index (0-15). This shift suggests a transition towards non-food crop cultivation, driven by changing economic and environmental factors. The study highlights the evolving agricultural landscape in Kathua and underscores the need for targeted policy interventions to address challenges and harness opportunities arising from these changing patterns.