A Geographical Study of Agricultural Land Use in Mudkhed Taluka, Nanded District, Maharashtrac

Abstract Agriculture is the principal economic activity and the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population in Mudkhed Taluka of Nanded District, Maharashtra. The agricultural land-use pattern of the region is shaped by a combination of physical, climatic, socio-economic, and technological factors. The present study examines the spatial distribution of agricultural land use, cropping pattern, irrigation facilities, and the major agricultural challenges affecting agricultural productivity in Mudkhed Taluka. The study aims to understand how land resources are utilized for agricultural purposes and to evaluate the role of irrigation and other supporting factors in agricultural development.The research is based on secondary data collected from the Census of India, District Statistical Abstracts, Agricultural Department reports, Revenue records, and other government publications. Field observations and village-level information were also used to support the analysis. Statistical techniques such as percentage analysis, comparative analysis, and cartographic methods were employed to interpret the data and identify spatial variations in agricultural land use.The findings reveal that a substantial proportion of the total geographical area of Mudkhed Taluka is devoted to agriculture, indicating the dominance of the agricultural sector in the regional economy. Soybean, cotton, tur, jowar, wheat, and gram are the major crops cultivated in the taluka, with cotton and soybean emerging as important commercial crops due to favorable black cotton soils and market demand. The study also highlights the growing importance of irrigation through wells, borewells, and farm ponds in improving agricultural productivity. However, a large area still depends on monsoon rainfall, making agriculture vulnerable to climatic uncertainties.The study further identifies several challenges, including irregular rainfall, groundwater depletion, rising input costs, fragmented landholdings, inadequate irrigation coverage, and fluctuations in market prices. These issues adversely affect crop production and farmers’ income. The research emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural land management, efficient water-resource utilization, crop diversification, watershed development, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. The implementation of these measures can enhance agricultural productivity, ensure long-term sustainability, and improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers in Mudkhed Taluka. The study provides valuable insights for planners, policymakers, researchers, and agricultural administrators in formulating effective strategies for sustainable agricultural development in the region.