Crop diversification for sustainable agricultural development: A case of Haryana (India)

In the present scenario, Haryana is severely facing the problem of deteriorating natural resource; soil and water, and the only solution could be the alternate cropping pattern; crop diversification. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to study the monoculture of Haryana's agriculture and to highlight the need for change in cropping pattern not only for the survival of agriculture in the state but also for preserving natural resources and providing social equity and economic benefits in the long run, to farmers in particular and state in general. Hence, the present study conducted in two phases; 1970?71 to 1982?83 and 2000?01 to 2011; is primarily based upon secondary data. The cropping pattern during this time period reveals the prevalence of monoculture in the state and declining water table and soil fertility and suggests, crop diversification (towards horticulture and pulses) as a solution to sustainability of agricultural development; to retain natural resource and for economic benefits too.