CROP DIVERSIFICATION - AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Crop diversification is a necessity for agricultural based economy like Haryana since growing of staple food such as cereals alone cannot support the process of economic development and growth. Therefore, the study was done to measure the extent of crop diversification at district level in Haryana using diversification measures viz. Crop Diversification and Entropy Indices. The analysis concluded that more diversion of area towards vegetables, fruits and flowers in Sonepat, Rohtak and Gurgaon districts due to availability of market increased demand of products and export facilities due to proximity of metropolitan city, Delhi. Crops were diversified in Bhiwani district with introduction of sprinklar-irrigation system. The other districts observed specialization in crops due to absence of proper markets, amount of risks involved, availability of irrigation facilities etc.