Question

What are the factors responsible for the changes in cropping pattern?

Answer 1

Instructions: First, we will define what is meant by cropping pattern. Then, we will state the types of factors affecting cropping patterns. Finally, we will explain how these factors affect cropping patterns.

Solution: Cropping pattern refers to the proportion of land area under different crops at a point of time.

It also refers to the changes in distribution of land area over a period of time.

There are several types of factors that can affect the cropping pattern such as:

• Natural factors
• Government policies
• Socio-economic factors

Natural factors

The type of soil and the climatic influence of a region determines the type of crops grown in a region.

The increased frequency of high intensity rainfall events, droughts and heat waves have affected the carbon and moisture content in the soil affecting agricultural yield.

Government policies

The legislative and administrative policies of the government greatly influences the cropping pattern of a place.

For example, the green revolution and the MSP (Minimum Support Price) policy of the government led the farmers to shift to the cultivation of crops like rice and wheat.

Socio-economic factors

The socio-economic factors such as access to credit, methods of cultivation, farm size, processing and storage facilities, access to farm inputs, etc., affect the cropping pattern of a place.