A SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION IN JAMMU PROVINCE (2007 & 2016)

Jammu province has a subsistence agricultural based economy. Most of the region is hilly and mountainous. The cultivable land is quite limited due to physiographical variations, high variability of rainfall and less area under irrigation. By seeing these challenges the main focus on improving productivity and crop diversification towards high value crops seems to be suitable to enhance farmer's income and promote development in the region. This paper is an attempt to examine the extent of crop diversification and identification of potential regions in Jammu Province. This study is based on the secondary data. By using Gibbs Martin index of crop diversification which shows noteworthy patterns of crop diversification in the study area. To examine the determinants of diversification for identifying potential regions in the study area, a composite index is framed on the basis of variable index. The result shows huge variations in index of crop diversification by comparing the two time period i.e. 2007-08 and 2016-17. There are certain challenges and issues faced by the cultivators mainly proportion of irrigated area to gross cropped area, length of roads, rural literacy and rate of urbanization which needs to be addressed to promote better agricultural development in the study area.