Crop suitability analysis for crop diversification in the sub-mountain zone - a case study.

This study presents a GIS-based land suitability model under diversification programme. It combines the limitation approach of land capability classification, productivity potential evaluation procedure and crop suitability evaluation framework of FAO. Two blocks from the sub-mountain Siwalik region of Punjab viz., Mahalpur and Garhshankar were selected. This study evaluates the capabilities of the study area for traditional crops like wheat, paddy and maize, and recently introduced crops like sugarcane, sunflower, pea, rapeseed-mustard, potato and kinnow mandarin for agricultural diversification. The suitability of the crops has been worked out at the village level. About 35 per cent of total area, mostly in Siwallik hills is not fit for growing any type of crop. Sandy texture, uneven topography, moderately steep slopes and excessive drainage are responsible for the unsuitability of this area. The GIS based suitability analysis for traditional crops as well as for new crops under diversification of agriculture points towards suitability of relatively large areas for new crops like sunflower (37%), potato (43%) and sugarcane (31%). Forty three and 14 per cent of total area has been found highly suitable and suitable, respectively for growing green pea- a cash crop. Thirty three per cent of total area is suitable for growing kinnow mandarin fruit.