INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
Crop Diversification Index in Drought-Prone Areas of Sangli  
District (2010–2024): A Case Study of Khanapur Taluka  
Dr. Sachin Hudale  
Associate Professor & Head Department of Geography Yashwantrao Chavan Mahavidyalaya,  
Ishwarpur (affiliated to Shivaji University, Kolhapur)  
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12110054  
Received: 18 November 2025; Accepted: 27 November 2025; Published: 05 November 2025  
ABSTRACT  
Crop diversification is a key strategy for improving the livelihoods of farmers in the drought-prone regions of  
Maharashtra. Sangli district - particularly Khanapur taluka - has been affected by repeated droughts, uneven  
rainfall, declining groundwater levels and increasing climatic stress. This study analyses the changes in cropping  
patterns in Khanapur taluka from 2010 to 2024 using statistical indices such as the Herfindahl Index (HI) and  
Gibbs–Martin Index (GMI). The required secondary data was obtained from the Directorate of Economics and  
Statistics (DES), Government of Maharashtra, District Statistical Abstracts (2010–2023) and IMD rainfall  
reports. The findings indicate that after 2015, farmers gradually reduced their dependence on water-intensive  
crops like sugarcane and shifted toward pulses, jowar, bajra, vegetables and horticultural crops. This transition  
accelerated after the severe 2016 drought, supported by government initiatives and farmers’ adaptive strategies.  
Overall, crop diversification in Khanapur is moderate but shows a consistent upward trend. However, it remains  
sensitive to rainfall variability, water scarcity and market fluctuations. The study also provides policy  
recommendations and sustainable agricultural practices to further strengthen crop diversification in the region.  
Keywords: Crop diversification, drought, rainfall variability, sustainable farming, cropping pattern.  
INTRODUCTION  
Agriculture in the semi-arid parts of Maharashtra is strongly affected by changes in climate, especially irregular  
rainfall and frequent dry spells. Sangli district is one of the regions that often faces different types of droughts,  
including meteorological drought (less rainfall), hydrological drought (shortage of water in rivers and  
groundwater) and agricultural drought (lack of soil moisture affecting crops). Among all talukas in Sangli,  
Khanapur (Vita region) is known as one of the most drought-prone areas.  
This situation exists because the taluka receives very low average rainfall, usually less than 550 mm and most  
farmers depend heavily on the monsoon. Groundwater is over-used, leading to rapidly falling water levels. Canal  
irrigation is very limited, so many villages depend on tanker water during the summer months. Even in this  
water-scarce region, the cultivation of sugarcane, a water-intensive crop, has remained common for many years.  
This has increased pressure on the available water resources.  
In such challenging conditions, crop diversification becomes an important strategy for farmers. When farmers  
grow different types of crops instead of depending on only one or two crops, they can reduce their risk during  
drought years. Diversification helps because different crops have different water needs, different levels of  
drought tolerance and different market values. As a result, it can improve resilience, ensure more stable incomes  
and support sustainable agriculture even in drought-prone areas.  
Considering this background, the present study aims to examine the changes in cropping patterns in Khanapur  
taluka over a 15-years period (2010–2024). By studying crop diversification using scientific indices, this research  
helps to understand how farmers are adjusting to water scarcity and what trends are emerging in their agricultural  
practices. Such an analysis is essential for planning better drought management and promoting sustainable  
farming in semi-arid regions like Khanapur.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
Study Area: Khanapur Taluka  
Khanapur Taluka, located in the Sangli district of southern Maharashtra, lies within the semi-arid plateau region  
of the state. Geographically, the taluka extends between 17°15′ to 17°18′ North latitude and 74°36′ to 74°43′  
East longitude. The taluka falls under the rain shadow zone of the Western Ghats, which significantly influences  
its climatic conditions. As a result, the climate is predominantly dry, with annual rainfall ranging between 420  
and 580 mm (IMD, 2010 - 2023). The major soil types found here are deep black cotton soil and medium black  
soil, both of which play an important role in shaping the region’s cropping patterns. Traditionally, agriculture in  
Khanapur relied on crops such as sugarcane, jowar, and bajra. However, after 2017, farmers began shifting  
towards horticultural crops like pomegranate, grapes, and lemon, mainly due to changing climatic conditions  
and declining water availability. The taluka has experienced frequent droughts during the study period (2010 -  
2024), which have had a strong impact on farming decisions and land-use practices. Given its prolonged drought  
conditions, rain shadow effect, and noticeable shift in crop selection, Khanapur Taluka serves as a suitable case  
for examining crop diversification and agricultural adaptation in semi-arid regions.  
Objective of the Study  
“To analyse the cropping pattern and measure crop diversification in the drought-prone area of Khanapur taluka,  
Sangli district, during the period 2010–2024.”  
Data Sources  
The present study relies entirely on secondary data collected from authenticated government sources to ensure  
accuracy and reliability. The Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Maharashtra  
provides comprehensive crop statistics that form the basis for analysing cropping patterns in Khanapur taluka.  
Additional data have been obtained from the Seasonal Crop Pattern Reports of Sangli District (2010–2023) and  
the District Statistical Abstracts of Sangli (2011–2023), which include annual information on land use, crop area  
and agricultural trends. Demographic and agricultural background details were sourced from the Census of India,  
2011. To assess drought intensity and rainfall variability, the study uses IMD Rainfall Data for Sangli District  
(2010–2023) along with the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) Drought Vulnerability  
Atlas for the years 2013 and 2020. Supplementary agricultural records from the Agricultural Department, Sangli  
Collector Office for selected years further strengthen the secondary data base of the study.  
Hypotheses  
Null Hypothesis (H₀):  
There is no significant change in crop diversification in Khanapur taluka between 2010 and 2024.  
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):  
There is a significant increase in crop diversification in Khanapur taluka between 2010 and 2024.  
METHODOLOGY  
The present study employs a quantitative research methodology to analyse crop diversification in the drought-  
prone region of Khanapur taluka from 2010 to 2024. The analysis is based on secondary data related to the area  
under major crops, collected from authentic government sources. To measure the degree of crop diversification,  
three widely used indices - Herfindahl Index (HI) and Gibbs–Martin Index (GMI) - were applied. All indices are  
based on the proportion of land under each crop (Pi) and together they provide a comprehensive understanding  
of the cropping pattern and level of diversification across the study period.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
Herfindahl Index (HI)  
The Herfindahl Index is one of the most commonly used measures for analysing crop concentration or  
specialization. It is calculated by summing the squares of the proportional area under each crop using the  
formula:  
Where;  
Pi = The proportion of the total cropped area occupied by the i th crop.  
The value of the HI ranges from 0 to 1. A value closer to 1 indicates high concentration or monoculture, meaning  
that agriculture is dominated by a single crop. Conversely, a value closer to 0 indicates higher diversification,  
where agricultural land is distributed across multiple crops. This index helps identify whether farmers are shifting  
toward single-crop dependency or adopting a mixed cropping system over time.  
Gibbs–Martin Index (GMI)  
The Gibbs–Martin Index is another well-accepted measure for assessing crop diversification, especially in  
geographical and regional studies. It is calculated using the formula:  
The Gibbs–Martin Index has been widely adopted in Indian agricultural studies due to its simplicity and  
relevance to crop distribution analysis. A higher GMI value reflects a more diversified cropping pattern, whereas  
lower values indicate concentration or dominance of a few crops. The use of GMI, along with HI, allows for  
cross-validation of results and provides a robust measurement of diversification trends in the drought-prone  
context of Khanapur taluka.  
Data Analysis  
The analysis of crop diversification in Khanapur taluka for the period 2010–2024 is based on the percentage  
share of major crops in the total cultivated area. The data have been compiled from authentic secondary sources,  
particularly the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Maharashtra, for 2010–2024.  
The crops selected for analysis - Jowar, Bajra, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Tur, Wheat, Vegetables and Horticultural  
crops (pomegranate, grapes) - represent the dominant agricultural activities of the region. Examining their  
relative area shares over time helps to understand shifting farmer preferences, water-use patterns, climate  
adaptation strategies and the overall trajectory of agricultural diversification in the drought-prone landscape of  
Khanapur taluka.  
Table 1: Crop Area Distribution in Khanapur (2010–2024)(Area in %)  
2010  
2011  
2012  
2013  
2014  
2015  
2016  
2017  
2018  
2019  
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41  
43  
45  
47  
48  
46  
40  
38  
35  
33  
22  
20  
18  
17  
16  
15  
18  
19  
18  
19  
9
8
6
6
5
6
10  
10  
11  
11  
7
7
7
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
6
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
3
4
7
7
7
8
7
7
8
8
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
2020  
2021  
2022  
2023  
2024  
31  
30  
29  
28  
26  
21  
22  
22  
23  
24  
11  
11  
11  
11  
12  
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
8
8
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
Source : The Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Maharashtra for 2010–2023  
From 2010 to 2024, the cropping pattern of Khanapur taluka shows a clear shift from sugarcane‐dominated  
monoculture to a more balanced and diversified crop structure. Sugarcane, which occupied 48 per cent of the  
cropped area in 2014, steadily declined to 26 per cent by 2024 due to recurring droughts, rising irrigation costs  
and groundwater depletion, pushing farmers toward low-water and short-duration alternatives. During the same  
period, coarse cereals such as jowar and bajra increased from 16-18 per cent and 5-6 per cent to 24 per cent and  
12 per cent respectively, reflecting climate-resilient strategies and the influence of millet-promotion policies.  
Pulses (tur) and oilseeds (groundnut) remained stable at 6-8 per cent and 5-7 per cent, ensuring dietary and soil-  
health benefits, while wheat maintained a minor but steady share of 6-7 per cent. Commercial crops like  
vegetables and horticulture expanded significantly - from 5 per cent and 3 per cent in 2010 to 9 per cent and 8  
per cent in 2024 - indicating a stronger market orientation, higher profitability and increased adoption of micro-  
irrigation. Overall, the trend highlights a gradual transition from water-intensive monoculture toward  
polyculture, enhancing ecological sustainability, income stability and resilience to climatic stress in Khanapur  
taluka.  
Index Calculations  
Before analysing the crop diversification trends in Khanapur taluka, it is essential to examine the behaviour of  
the two major diversification indices - Herfindahl Index (HI) and Gibbs–Martin Index (GMI) - over the study  
period from 2010 to 2024. These indices help in understanding how the distribution of agricultural land among  
various crops has changed over time. A higher value of GMI indicates greater diversification, whereas a higher  
value of HI reflects greater concentration under a single crop. The following table presents the year-wise values  
of these indices and forms the basis for identifying the major phases of diversification during the study period.  
Table 2: Diversification Indices (2010–2024)  
Year  
2010  
2012  
2014  
2016  
2018  
2020  
2022  
2024  
HI  
GMI  
0.753  
0.732  
0.719  
0.779  
0.799  
0.813  
0.819  
0.826  
0.247  
0.268  
0.281  
0.221  
0.201  
0.187  
0.181  
0.174  
Source : Compiled by author  
Phase 1 (2010–2014): Dominance of Sugarcane and Low Diversification  
The period from 2010 to 2014 was marked by a clear dominance of sugarcane cultivation in Khanapur taluka.  
Most of the agricultural land was concentrated under this single cash crop, leading to very low crop  
diversification. This trend is reflected in the rise of the Herfindahl Index (HI) from 0.247 in 2010 to 0.281 in  
2014, indicating increasing dependence on one major crop. During 2012 and 2013, the region faced severe  
drought conditions, resulting in acute water scarcity. Despite these challenges, farmers continued to rely heavily  
on sugarcane because of its stable market demand, long-standing links with cooperative sugar factories and  
assured procurement. As a result, the Gibbs–Martin Index (GMI) declined (from 0.753 to 0.719), clearly showing  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
that this phase was characterized by a lack of crop diversification and a monoculture-dominated agricultural  
system.  
Phase 2 (2015–2017): Transition Towards Crop Diversification  
The period between 2015 and 2017 marked an important transitional phase in the agricultural landscape of  
Khanapur taluka. Government programmes such as Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi  
Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) improved water availability by promoting water conservation and micro-irrigation  
systems. These interventions helped reduce the over-dependence on sugarcane and encouraged farmers to  
consider alternative crops. By 2016, the HI dropped sharply to 0.221, showing a clear shift towards  
diversification. During this time, there was an increase in the cultivation of low water-demand crops such as  
bajra, jowar, tur and other pulses. Some farmers also expanded vegetable cultivation. The rise in GMI values  
(up to 0.779) suggests that the distribution of cropped area became more balanced. Although this phase did not  
represent full diversification, it marked the beginning of a significant shift away from a monoculture system.  
Phase 3 (2018–2024): High Diversification and Climate-Resilient Farming  
From 2018 to 2024, crop diversification strengthened significantly across Khanapur taluka. Increasing climate-  
related pressures - such as irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, unseasonal showers and declining groundwater  
levels - pushed farmers to adopt more resilient cropping practices. As a result, the cultivation of horticultural  
crops (such as pomegranate and grapes), vegetables, oilseeds and pulses expanded considerably. The HI  
consistently declined from 0.201 in 2018 to 0.174 in 2024, indicating reduced dominance of any single crop.  
Correspondingly, GMI value rose to 0.826, showing that agricultural land was more evenly distributed among a  
wider range of crops. This period reflects farmers’ effective adaptation to climate stress and a shift towards  
sustainable, multi-crop farming systems. By 2024, Khanapur taluka had moved from a sugarcane-dependent  
structure to a more diversified and climate-resilient agricultural system.  
Relationship With Drought Years  
Khanapur taluka experienced several major drought years during the study period, particularly in 2012, 2014,  
2015, 2016, 2018 and 2023. These drought events had a direct impact on cropping patterns across the region.  
The decline in water availability forced farmers to reassess their crop choices and reduce dependence on water-  
intensive crops such as sugarcane. As a result, the adoption of low water-requirement crops like jowar, bajra,  
pulses, vegetables and horticultural crops gradually increased in the years following each drought. This shift is  
clearly reflected in the improvement of diversification index (GMI), which consistently rose after drought years.  
This pattern indicates that drought acted as a major driver of change, pushing farmers to modify their agricultural  
strategies and move towards more resilient and diversified cropping systems.  
Hypothesis Testing  
A time-trend regression was applied using the Herfindahl Index (HI) and the Gibbs–Martin Index (GMI) values  
for the period 2010–2024.  
The HI demonstrates a consistent negative slope, whereas the GMI shows a positive trend over time. This  
indicates a decline in crop concentration and a corresponding increase in crop diversification.  
Statistical Decision:  
Reject H₀ and accept H₁.  
CONCLUSION  
Crop diversification in Khanapur taluka has increased significantly during 2010–2024.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
Major Findings  
Sugarcane cultivation has gradually declined over the years, mainly due to recurring water shortages and  
reduced availability of irrigation.  
The area under cereal crops such as jowar and bajra has increased, as these crops require less water and are  
more suitable for drought-prone conditions.  
Horticultural crops have expanded despite limited water resources because they offer higher market value  
and better income opportunities for farmers.  
The diversification index (GMI) show a noticeable improvement, rising from 0.719 in 2014 to 0.826 in  
2024, indicating progress in crop diversification.  
Overall, crop diversification in the region is moderate but steadily improving, although it has not yet reached  
a highly diversified level.  
Suggestions  
Promote micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler units to improve water-use efficiency and  
reduce pressure on groundwater resources.  
Encourage the cultivation of low-water-demand crops like pulses, oilseeds and horticultural crops by  
providing technical guidance and suitable incentives.  
Strengthen crop insurance schemes to protect farmers from losses caused by drought, unseasonal rainfall  
and other climate-related risks.  
Establish village-level water budgeting committees to plan, monitor and manage the use of available water  
resources more effectively.  
Improve market linkages for diversified crops to ensure better prices, reduce dependence on middlemen and  
promote the adoption of alternative crops.  
Expand and support Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to enhance collective marketing, input supply,  
value addition and bargaining power for small and marginal farmers.  
Concluding Remark  
Khanapur taluka shows a clear shift away from water-intensive monoculture toward more diversified cropping  
systems. The diversification trend became stronger after the droughts of 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2023. Although  
diversification is not yet high, it is steadily improving. Sustainable agricultural planning and climate-resilient  
strategies can further enhance crop diversification in the region.  
REFERENCES  
1. Directorate of Economics & Statistics. (2010–2024). Seasonal Crop Reports, Sangli District. Government  
of Maharashtra.  
2. District Collector Office, Sangli. (2011–2023). District Statistical Abstracts.  
3. Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA). (2013, 2020). Drought Vulnerability Atlas of  
Maharashtra.  
4. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (2010–2023). Rainfall Statistics of Sangli District.  
5. Government of Maharashtra. (2020). Agriculture Census 2015–16.  
6. Census of India. (2011). Primary Census Abstract. Government of India.  
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