INDEX

1. Chapter 1
• Introduction
• Statement of the Problem
• Objectives
• Study Area
• Nomenclature
• Situation and Location
• Shape and Size
• Methodology and Source of Data
• Study Period
Chapter 2 – Physical Environment
• Geology
• Relief
• Drainage
• Climate
• Soils
Chapter 4- Socio-Economic Factors in Agriculture
• Population
• Irrigation
• Means of Transportation
Chapter 4 – Cropping Pattern In Majha Region
Chapter 5 – Changing Cropping Pattern in Majha Region
Chapter 6 – Conclusion and Suggestion
References

1
 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

Punjab was primarily an agricultural state with nearly 80 per cent of the state’s total
geographical area under cultivation. The state of Punjab Is known as the “food blow” of India”
contributing 45percent of rice and 65 percent heat to the central pool and more than 5 percent to
total food production of the country (Commerce and Industry, 2019).The soils of Punjab a are
generally deep and fertile. The submersible pumps and extensive canal system are the major
source of irrigation. It is one of the heavily irrigated states of the country with 85 percent
cultivated land under irrigation. There is season monsoon begins with June and ends in
September climate found in the state. Punjab contributed significantly to the green revolution
that made India self-sufficient in food production in the 1960s. It has been in the forefront in
terms of the adoption of latest technologies in agriculture. With the use of new techniques, high
yielding variety seed, fertilizers and pesticides, and irrigation facilities, Punjab was self-
sufficient in food production and the second largest contributor to India’s central pool of grains.
Agriculture was the leading occupation of workforce of the state. More than 65percent
population of Punjab is rural which was involved was agriculture. But now few people are
engaged in agriculture. According to W.H.O., now in agriculture 5percent of people are engaged
and 95percent of people work in other fields.
Agriculture in Punjab has experienced much change in cropping pattern. The crops and their
varieties are selected according to soils and rainfall situations in the rained areas. Usually, the
photo intensive crops and varieties are chosen to escape from drought of different intensities. In
the Majha Region, there are two main harvests in a year; Rabi season and Kharif season. The
Rabi or spring harvest consists of wheat, gram, pulses, oilseeds, fodder crops, potatoes and
winter vegetables. They are sown in October to November and harvested from mid March to mid
May. The Kharif or autumn harvest consists of rice, cotton, pulses and vegetables. They are
sown in June to August and reaped from early September to late December. The Majha region is
leading in rice production in Punjab. Punjab Agriculture is highly popular all over India. Punjab
is well-known for its agricultural activities and plantations. Agricultural activities have occupied
a high percentage of land in Punjab because of its land which is perfect for cropping.

2
 1. Statement of the problem:
The research problem is to study the changing cropping pattern in Majha Region of Punjab.
Agricultural development involves certain landscape modification. These modifications depend
on exogenous and endogenous forces from a much generalized perspective; Punjab’s agriculture
is increasing getting influenced more and more by economic factors. This is all because of
irrigation expansion, infrastructure development, penetration of rural markets, development and
spread of short duration and drought resistant rope technologies have all contributed to
minimizing the role of non-economic factors in crop choice of even small farmers. The reform
initiative, agricultural liberalization and globalization policies and role of price related economic
incentives in determining crop composition both at micro and macro levels Obviously, such a
changing economic environment will also ensure that government price and trade policies will
become still more powerful instrument for directing area allocation decision of farmers and thus,
crop pattern changes in line with the changing demand-supply conditions. In recent years, the
study of cropping pattern analysis in agricultural geography has increased greatly. Because
cropping pattern reveal the socio- economic condition of farmers of an area and also about the
technology which has been used in the farms. The implication of population growth over
available land resources are in no way less important in conditioning the cropping patterns. In
other words, one can say that a general study of the particular pattern of crops and relative
importance of each in an area may be helpful in interpreting the socio-economic, cultural
organizational and technological aspects. Therefore, the study of cropping pattern constitutes an
important aspect of agricultural geography as it provides a good basis for measuring agricultural
development and delineation of crop specialization region.

2. Objectives

1. The main objectives of the study of this region are as follows

2. To know the present cropping pattern in Majha region
3. To know the changes occurring in cropping pattern of Majha region overtime
4. To identify the dominating crops of the area

3
 3. Study Area
Culturally, Punjab can be divided into 3 regions -Majha, Doaba, and Malwa. The rivers mark the
boundaries of these regions. Overtime, each region has metamorphosed into district region,
separate in their physical environment, economic structure, social organization and cultural
pattern

5.Nomenclature
The Majha region is said to have got its name from a Rajput tribe named Manjh’ which ruled
this area in the distant past. Many of the people call the area of district Amritsar (along with
Lahore district) as Manjha rather than Majha. This region is also called ‘Upper Bari Doab’, this
name is said to have been given by Emperor Akbar by joining the initial letters of the bounding
rivers of this doab, namely Beas and Ravi. Bari Doab which is situated in Indian Punjab is upper
part of Bari Doab, therefore, is called, ‘Upper Bari Doab’, However, the prevailing folk name
Rabi or Manjha, India map showing Punjab.

4
5
6. Situation and location
This region is also called Upper Bari Doab’ This folk region is situated between river Ravi in the
west, river Beas in the east and river Sutlej in the south, because of its upper location in Bari
Doab, it is called Upper Bari Doab. Pakistan lies to its west, Jammu and Kashmir in the north, to
the east are Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala districts of Doaba and across river Sutlej on the south is
the Firozpur district of Malwa. In the north-east the boundary of Himachal Pradesh also touches
Majha region .Majha extends from 31°4’ to 32°35’ north latitude and from 74°29’ to 75°56’ east
longitude The region extends primarily between river Ravi on the west and Chakki Khad’ and
river Beas on the east. This region has also a small tract of land which lies across river Ravi in
Pathankot. This tract is called, ‘Chak Andhar. It extends between river Ravi and its tributary, the
Ujh.
7. Shape and Size:
Majha looks like an elongated triangle with its base in the east formed by the course of Chakki
Khad and river Beas. Its apex lies in Amritsar district at a point where river Ravi leaves Indian
boundary and enters Pakistan. Majha is the smallest of the all three folk regions of Punjab. It has
an area of 8658 sq.km. Which is 17.17 percent of the total area of the Punjab? It is 1/4h of the
size of Malwa and slightly than Doaba. It is the border region of Punjab and it includes
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn-Taran, and Pathankot. Tarn-Taran was formed in 2006 from Amritsar
district and Pathankot was carved out from Gurdaspur district on 27 July, 2011.
8. Methodology and Sources of Data:
The present study is based on the secondary sources of data. The data was collected from
Statistical Abstracts, Census of India, Agricultural Statistics of Punjab, and Economical and
Statistical Organization of Punjab, Chandigarh. For deriving the results, statistical techniques are
used. For plotting the results Choropleth method is applied.
9. Study Period:
Study period of this project report is 1993-94, 2003-04 and 2013-14, as it includes the Rabi
season and Kharif season of these years. Cropping pattern of Majha region has been studied
during these periods.

6
 CHAPTER-2
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Physical Environment Physical geography is the study of natural features of the earth which
forms the natural environment and it consists of relief, drainage, climate, soil, and water.
Obviously, it influences up to greater extent the crop growing and to lesser degree the animal
raising milieu in many ways (Singh, 1979). A specific field of geography concerns itself with the
study of influence of natural environment on the nature and distribution activities. In this chapter,
an attempt has been made to study the physical environment namely geology, relief, climate,
soil, water resources etc. no doubt Punjab is a compact geographical unit but still there are
variations in its geology, relief, climate, soils, and water resources which require a detail study
Assessment of physical settings is a prerequisite for comprehensive understanding of
agricultural geography of a region physical environment consists of geology, landforms, climate,
water, soil, water resources, etc. All these determine the growing of crops, the type of crops, the
degree of urgency in timing of agricultural operation, the extent of risk involved in agricultural,
and it improvements.So, the various agricultural activities operate within the limits set by the
diversity of the nature. Despite technological advancement and consequents over nature in many
fields, the agricultural pattern are closely controlled by physical environment (Hussian, 2000 and
Dhillon, 2009) has slightly observed that the geographical investigation of physical environment
of agricultural relevance is an indispensable tool for those engaged in identifying the basic
regional different in cropping patterns of region or state
1. Geology
This region is the inter-fluvial zone between Ravi and Beas Rivers. It is compressed of old
alluvium in which are composed of new alluvium and are flood prone during rainy season.
2. Relief
Leaving aside the Pathankot dist., the whole of the region is a flat region slops south - west
wards. Its altitude increases North - Eastwards which reaches a height of about 950 meters close
to the boundary of Himachal Pradesh in the extreme east Tarn Taran 229 m, and. The altitude of
Pathankot is 275 m., Gurdaspur 260 m., 227 m. Near Patti in the south west. The north Easton
part of the region comprising Dhar Kalan block of Pathankot is hilly with general altitude above
400 meters. In the far east the altitude is more than 600 meters and the area is occupied by high
Badloh and Dunera hill which have dissected and steep slopes. It is the Siwalik Hills region. To

7
the west of the Siwalik Hills region is the dissected and undulating Kandi region having
altitudinal variations between 300 and 400 meters. Numerous Choes and Khads traverse this
region from east to west. Tributaries of Chabbi Khad and Sabbi Kiran Nala flow through this
dissected plain. To the west of 300 m. Contour line extends the vast alluvial plain spreading over
district Amritsar and Batala and Gurdaspur tehsil of Gurdaspur district.
3.Drainage
The region on the whole slopes south - western. The bounding rivers Ravi and Beas flow south -
west through their meandering courses. The region has two important streams ; namely Chabi
Khad and Sakki Kiran Nala.Chabi Khad moves along the Himachal border south - westward
through its hill course and join river Beas to the south - west of Pathankot near Damtal. There is
only one stream which wholly flows through. It is called Sakki Kiran or Gurdaspur Nala. It has
its source on the western slopes of Siwalik hills and it flows south - westward to the south and
parallel to river Ravi. It joins river Ravi near the border of Pakistan. There are also a number of
smaller streams called choes which move south - westward over the Kandi region and ultimately
either disappeared in the plains or join Chabbi Khand or Sakki Kiran Nala.
4.Climate
Majha has continental monsoon climate there summers are hot and winters cold. Normal mean
temperature of June at Amritsar is 35.9 percent e, at Gurdaspur 34°percent and at Pathankot,
32.1°cpercent. The maximum summer temperature at Amritsar reaches 43°percent and
sometimes even goes up to 46° percent winters are severe. Cold - dry winds from the Pir - Panjal
and Daula Dhar ranges descend into this region during January and February and cause shivering
cold in the area. On many days temperature goes below 0 °c.In 1997 the minimum temperature
during January was recorded -3 °c at Amritsar. The region receives moderate rainfall which is
more than 50 cm per year. Amount of rainfall increases north - east ward. The Dunera and
Badloh hill of Dhar block of Gurdaspur district receive annual rainfall of more than 150 cm.
Rainfall in the Kandi region ranges between 90 and 120 cm. Annual average rainfall of
Pathankot is 116.3 cm of Gurdaspur 88.7 cm and Amritsar (in the south west) 56.3 cm. Most
about (80 percent) of rainfall during summer. The region gets about 3 to 5 cm of winter rainfall
caused by the western disturbances.

8
5. Soils
Soils of Amritsar district, Batala and Gurdaspur tehsils of Gurdaspur district are formed of old
alluvium with predominance of clay. They are clay loams. In the western parts of Pathankot
tehsil soils are sandy loams with pebbles near the hills. The hill and mountainous areas of Dhar
Kalan block are stony and red in colour. These are acidic and Podzolic soils.

9
 CHAPTER- 3
SOCIO - ECONOMIC FACTORS IN AGRICULTURE
Man has played a very dominant role in commanding the physical environment. Though, he is
not fully capable of controlling it, yet there is direct and indirect influence of socio - economic
factors over it. Therefore, farming is the product not merely of physical settings, but also of man
- made framework (De Wilde, 1967).

Density of population
In 2011, population density for Punjab was 551 people per square kilometer. Density of
Population: Density of population refers to the number of people living per unit area. It is man -
land ratio. The average density of Majha region is 682 persons / square km according to 2011
census, while that of Punjab is 551 persons per square km according 2011 censes. There is huge
variation in density of different districts of the study region. The highest density is found in
Amritsar is 932 person per square km. The lowest density of 464 persons per square km in Tarn -
Taran District. This is shown in table
TABLE 3.1
DISTRICT WISE DENSITY OF POPULATION IN MAJHA REGION: 2011

Sr. No District Person per square kilometers

1. Amritsar 923

2. Tarn-Taran 464

3. Gurdaspur 649
Source: Census of India, 2011

Population: Its relevance to Agriculture The quality and quantity of human wealth are
reflected in the nature of agriculture of an area (Kahlon et al., 1979) rightly remarked, " in the
transformation of agricultural economy in any society such non - economic factors as the
character of population, the belief of the people, their institution, ambitions and ideas play a
crucial role ". Hence, population is an important resource as it determines the distribution of
production and utilization of natural resources of an area. Therefore, for a complete account of
an area, it is very necessary to have a complete knowledge about population.
Literary
Literacy rate in Punjab has seen upward trend and is 75.84 percent as per 2011 population
census. Of that, male literacy stands at 80.44 percent while female literacy is at 70. In Majha
region, Gurdaspur has 81.1 percent literate persons. It has literacy rate of 85.9 percent males and

10
75.7 percent female. Here Amritsar has total literacy rate is 77.2 percent which include 81.2
percent of males and 72.8 percent of females. In comparison to these two districts, Tarn Taran
has 69.4 percent literacy rate. Where 75.4 percent are the males and 62.9 percent are the
Females.
TABLE - 3.2
DISTRICT WISE LITERACY RATE IN MAJHA REGION -2011

District Person 's Males Females

Amritsar 77.2 81.2 72.8

Gurdaspur 81.1 85.2 75.7

Tarn Taran 69.4 75.4 62.9

Source: Census of India, 2011

2. Economy
The main base of economy in Majha region is the agriculture. It is an agriculture dominant
region. Flat land, fertile clay loamy soils extensive irrigation from canals and tube wells and the
hard working people of Majha region have made Majha n agriculturally rich and progressive
region of Punjab 87 percent in Amritsar and 80 percent area of Gurdaspur district is the net sown
area. Majha region have 19 percent livestock of Punjab. About 17.3 percent of the total
registered working factories of Punjab are found in Majha. Nearly 10.8 percent industrial
workers of the state are also found in this region. About 15.9 percent of the industrial export of
Punjab originates from Majha for which Amritsar district is the major contributor. Others are
Pathankot, Batala and Goindwal is also developing as an industrial complex. A large number of
cotton textile, woolen textile, sugar, engineering and paper manufacturing industries are located
in Majha region. There are a large number of rice sellers also, here; Amritsar is the major trading
centre of Punjab. Tourism industry is also contributing in its economy. Main centers of interest
for tourism are Golden temple, Jalianwala Bagh, and Wahga Border.

Irrigation
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to plants and crops to meet their water need and
for the enhancement of their yield. If the water demand of the plant is not properly met with
natural means such as rainfall, snowfalls and eve3n dew etc. then the artificial supply of water
for plants growth becomes essential. There are many reasons which make the use of irrigation in

11
Punjab essential. Punjab has semi - arid, sub tropical monsoon climate. This region has
insufficient rainfall. The concentration of total annual rainfall in three months. It is also of
fluctuating nature. Most of Punjab is a flat plain with very gentle slope. The perennial nature of
river has been a great asset to Punjab for irrigation. The rich alluvial soils of Punjab when
provided with irrigation, give the greatest return to the farmers by providing highest yields and
three or more crops a year and good revenue to the govt. Some crops especially the hybrid and
the high yielding varieties require irrigation for their success. Dhingli, Charas ( leather beg ),
Persian wheel and canals were the important methods of irrigation in Punjab. The first three have
almost disappeared from the agricultural landscape of Punjab. The last one has become more
important. In the sixties and seventies tube wells were introduced in Punjab and these have
become a major method of irrigation in Punjab. Therefore, there are two following method of
irrigation on Punjab:

1. Canals
Majha region is a fertile region. Mostly agriculture of this region depends on canals system.

2. Tube wells
Most areas of Punjab get ample irrigation facilities. For the whole state on the average 96
percent of its net sown area was irrigation. Majha has large irrigation facilities. According to
2014-15 data, about 72.8 percent irrigation area was under tube wells and wells irrigation and
nearly 34.3 percent of the area was irrigation by canals. Majha has a very old canal system of
Punjab, known as very upper Bari Doob canals. The canals are taken off from river Ravi at
Madhopur. It has four main branches main branch, Lahore branch, Kasur branch and Sabhraon
branch. Mostly, it is the canal irrigation which is done in Amritsar and Taran-Taran districts.

TABLE 3.3
DISTRICT WISE NET IRRIGATED AREA IN MAJHA REGION: 2015-16

Sr.No District Area by Area by wells Total percentage

canals and tube wells irrigated of net area
area irrigated to
net area
sown

1. Amritsar 055 164 218 100.0

12
 2. Gurdaspur 048 172 219 97.5

3. Pathankot 005 044 048 98.0

4. Tarn - Taran 115 104 218 100.0

Total 223 484 703 98.7

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2015-16.

Means of Transportation
Means of transportation are well developed in Majha region. The region has 18.42 percent
metallic roads of the state. All the villages of Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar and Tarn - Taran
district are linked with metallic roads. Majha region has total road length of 12692 km.
Gurdaspur is on the top in the region having greatest length of roads i.e. 4254 km. Amritsar is at
second place and Tarn - Taran has 3038 km. length of roads. Pathankot has the lowest length of
1544 km. Through this region runs the parts of National Highway No: 1 (Wagha to Jalandhar)
and National Highway No: 15 (Amritsar to Batala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Amritsar to Tarn-
Taran, Patti, and Harike Pattan). Amritsar - Pathankot - Jammu & Kashmir and Amritsar
Jalandhar are the major rail routes. Amritsar -Patti- Khem Karan and Amritsar Ajnala - Dera
Baba Nanak are the other important 22railway lines. Goindwal Sahib has also been connected by
rail with Beas in Doaba region.

TABLE -3.4
DISTRICT WISE ROAD CLASSIFICATION IN PUNJAB: 2015-16

Sr.No. District National Plan Roads Link Road Total roads

Highway

1. Amritsar 128 390 2800 3318

2. Gurdaspur 051 642 1797 2490

3. Pathankot 045 089 0631 0765

4. Tarn Taran 046 530 1093 1669

Total 270 1651 6321 8242

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2015-16.

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 CHAPTER-4
CROPPING PATTERN IN MAJHA REGION
Cropping pattern means the proportion of the area under different crops in a particular period of
time. It differs from micro to macro region both in space and time and governed largely by the
physical, cultural and technological factors (Hussain, 1979). Cropping pattern is also affected by
the skills and the knowledge of the farmer. If the farmer uses modern techniques in agricultural
practices they adopt only those crops which are more suitable to the environment and physical
conditions and has more demand and value in the market and gives them profit. On the other
hand, if the farmers are not very well educated and have no concern with the modern techniques
they ignore all those factors and choose only traditional crops which have low market value as
well as less demand. Consequently, there is less profit and agricultural is on the subsistence level
and they can't contribute in economic activities. Within the malwa region, patterns of distribution
of various crops and their significance in relation to total crops vary from area to area. Some
crops contain more area under their cultivation as compared to others. Time to time, coverage of
cultivated area under different crops increase and decrease due to many reasons. These are
physical, socio - economic and other infrastructural e.g. modern farm technology, High Yielding
Varieties ( HYV ), chemical fertilizers and insecticides etc. all these factors affected the cropping
pattern of an area and many ups and downs can be seen in cropping. The crop structure of study
area is a combination partially of physical conditions and partially of socio - economic
environment, irrigation facilities, High Yielding Varieties (HYV), advanced farm technology,
chemical fertilizers, will power of farmers and government policies. These are playing very
significant role in the study area. Intensity of population pressure over available land resources is
also important in the cropping pattern.
The study for the years2005-06 and 2015-16 has been exhibited with the help of tables and maps.
The significant crops in the region are rice and wheat.
WHEAT
It is the most important crop of the region. It is a Rabi crop. All geographical conditions favour
the cultivation of wheat in the region. Maira soils of larger parts. of Majha and large canal and
tubewell irrigation facilities help high yields and large production of wheat in the region. Winter
rain is also very useful. The largest area of wheat in 1993-1994 was recorded in Patti and Khadur
Sahib Tehsil. Lowest area of wheat was recorded in Batala and Dera Baba Nanak. The highest

14
area in 2005-06 was recorded in Dera Baba Nanak, Patti, Tarn - Taran, Batala and Amritsar I and
the lowest was recorded in Dharkalan, Pathankot and Amritsar II. In 2015-16 the highest area
under wheat was found in Dharkalan and the lowest is found in Amritsar I, Amritsar II and
Pathankot.

TABLE 4.1
TEHSIL WISE AREA UNDER WHEAT CULTIVATION IN MAJHA REGION: 2005-06
TO 2015-16

Sr.No. TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16

1. Amritsar 1 82 88

2. Amritsar 2 69 86

3. AJnala 78 93

4. Baba bakala 76 92

5. Tarn Taran 84 92

6. Khadur sahib 80 94

7. Patti 87 93

8. Pathankot 59 91

9. Dharkalan 42 98

10. Gurdaspur 76 93

11. Batala 83 94

12. Dera Baba Nanak 93 96

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab -2005-06 to 2015-16.

15
 Fig 4.1

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06

16
Area under Wheat Cultivation in 2005-06
1. High Category (> 90 percent)
This category contains Dera Baba Nanak, Patti, and Tarn - Taran, Batala and Amritsar 1 tehsils.
2. Moderate Category (80 percent -70 percent)
This category contains Khadur Sahib, Ajnala, Baba Bakala and Gurdaspur tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 70 percent) this category contains Amritsar II, Pathankot and Dharkalan
tehsils.
Area under Wheat Cultivation in 2015-16
1. High Category (> 95 percent)
This category contains only Dharkalan tehsil.
2. Moderate Category (95 percent -90 percent)
Fig. 4.2

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2015-16

17
This category contains Baba Bakala, Tarn - Taran, Patti, Ajnala, Khadur Sahib, Gurdaspur,
Batala and Dera Baba Nanak tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 90 percent) this category contains Pathankot, Amritsar I and Amritsar II
tehsils.
Rice
It is a Kharif and second major crop of Majha. The large of rice in the region was recorded in
Amritsar I, Gurdaspur and Dera Baba Nanak in 1994. Ample irrigation facilities and higher
profits are the main reasons for the great importance of rice crop of Majha. Since centuries, there
has been a tradition of rice culture in Majha, the lowest area found in Dharkalan, Pathankot and
Patti tehsils in 1993-1994. In 2005-06 the highest area under this crop in this region was found in
Amritsar I and Dera Baba Nanak and lowest was found in Dharkalan, Pathankot, Khadur Sahib
and Amritsar II. In 2015-16 highest area under rice was found in Tarn - Taran, Patti and Dera
Baba Nanak and lowest Dharkalan and Pathankot.
TABLE-4.2
TEHSIL WISE AREA UNDER RICE CULTIVATION IN MAJHA REGION
2005-06 to 2015-16

Sr. No Tehsil 2005-06 2015-16

1. Amritsar 1 82 89

2. Amritsar 2 70 86

3. Ajnala 73 89

4. Baba bakala 72 87

5. Tarn-taran 72 91

6. Khadur sahib 66 89

7. Patti 76 91

8. Pathankot 41 68

9. Dharkalan 22 28

10. Gurdaspur 71 82

11 Batala 76 82

12. Dera Baba Nanak 85 91

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab -2005-06 to 2015-16.

18
 Fig. 4.3

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06

Area under Rice Cultivation in 2005-06

1. High Category (> 80 percent)
This category contains Dera Baba Nanak and Amritsar I tehsils.
2. Moderate Category (80 percent -70 percent)
This category contains Patti, Batala, Ajnala, Gurdaspur, Tarn - Taran and Baba Bakala tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 70 percent) this category contains Amritsar II, Khadur Sahib, Pathankot
and Dharkalan tehsils.

19
 Fig. 4.4

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2015-16

Area under Rice Cultivation in 2015-16

1. High Category (> 89 percent)
This category contains Tarn - Taran, Patti and Dera Baba Nanak Tehsils.
2. Moderate Category (89 percent -79 percent)
This category contains Amritsar I, Ajnala, Khadur Sahib, Baba Bakala, Amritsar II, Gurdaspur
and Batala tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 79 percent)
This category contains Pathankot, Dharkalan tehsils.

20
MAIZE
It is also a Kharif crop. Acreage and production of maize in Majha is low because maize faces a
stiff competition from more profitable summer crop rice. Maize is an important food crop in
Pathankot and Dharkalan tehsils. Pathankot tehsil is gently rolling and some what uneven tehsil
with numerous choes and well drained Kandy ( stony, clayey and loamy ) soils and ample
summer rainfall ( more than 60cm ). Dharkalan is hilly with many rivulet valleys where soils are
good clayey or loamy with grit and summer rainfall is more than 80cms. Summers are hot also.
In 1994 the highest area under maize was found in Dharkalan and Pathankot and lowest was
found in Amritsar I, Amritsar II, Ajnala, Batala and Dera Baba Nanak. In 2005-06 the highest
area was found in Dharkalan and Pathankot and lowest was found in Ajnala, Patti, Batala,
Gurdaspur. But in Amritsar I, Amritsar II, Tarn - Taran and Dera Baba Nanak had no area under
maize cultivation in 2005-06. In 2015-16, highest area was found in Dharkalan but lowest was
found in rest of the Majha region.
Table: 4.3
TEHSIL WISE AREA UNDER MAIZE CULTIVATION IN MAJHA REGION
2005-06 to 2015-16
Sr.No TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16

1. Amritsar 1 - 2.3

2. Amritsar 2 - -

3. Ajnala 1.2 2.1

4. Baba bakala 2.3 8.9

5. Tarn-taran - 1.2

6. Khadur sahib 2.7 2.7

7. Patti 1.1 1.2

8. Pathankot 12.0 5.0

9. Dharkalan 31.0 -

10. Gurdaspur 1.7 7.3

11. Batala 1.3 11.6

12. Dera Baba Nanak - 4.1

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06 to 2015-16.

21
 Fig. 4. 5

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06.

Area under Maize Cultivation in 2005-06

1. High Category (> 8 percent)
This category contains Dharkalan and Pathankot tehsils.
2. Moderate Category (8 percent -2 percent)
This category contains Khadur Sahib and Baba Bakala tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 2 percent) this category contains Ajnala, Patti, Batala and Gurdaspur tehsils.
Note: Amritsar I, Amritsar II, Tarn - Taran and Dera Baba Nanak tehsils had not any area under
maize cultivation.

22
 Fig.4.6

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2015-16.

Area under Maize Cultivation in 2015-16

1. High Category (> 20 percent)
This category contains only Batala tehsil.
2. Moderate Category (20 percent -10 percent)
This category contains Baba Bakala and Gurdaspur tehsils.
3. Low Category ( < 10 percent ) This category contains Amritsar I, Tarn - Taran, Patti, Dera
Baba Nanak, Khadur Sahib, Ajnala and Pathankot tehsils.
4. Note: Amritsar II and Dharkalan tehsils had no area under maize crop.

23
SUGARCANE
It is an important commercial crop of Majha Region. Mostly people growing the sugarcane in
Majha region. Well drained and loamy rich soils, ample irrigation facilities, moderate to good
rainfall (50 to 70 cm in Amritsar district and more than 70 cms in Gurdaspur tradition etc. make
sugarcane cultivation in Majha, especially in Gurdaspur district, an important agricultural
pursuit. In 1996 highest area under sugarcane was found in Gurdaspur and Batala. Lowest was
found in Amritsar I, Amritsar II, Baba Bakala, Tarn - Taran, Khadur Sahib and Patti. In 2005-06
highest area was found in Batala and lowest was found in Patti, Tarn - Taran, Ajnala, Amritsar I
and Khadur Sahib. In 2015-16 the highest area was found in Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot.
The lowest was found in Dharkalan, Amritar II, Patti, Tarn - Taran, Baba Bakala, Ajnala and
Khadur Sahib.
TABLE 4.4
TEHSIL WISE AREA UNDER SUGARCANE CULTIVATION IN Majha REGION
2005-06 to 2015-16
Sr.No TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16

1. Amritsar 1 2.4 1.5

2. Amritsar 2 - 0.2

3. Ajnala 2.1 0.8

4. Baba bakala 8.9 0.4

5. Tarn-taran 1.2 0.2

6. Khadur sahib 2.7 0.8

7. Patti 1.1 0.3

8. Pathankot 5.1 9.8

9. Dharkalan - -

10. Gurdaspur 7.2 11.8

11. Batala 11.6 11.1

12 Dera Baba Nanak 4.1 1.8

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab 2005-06, to 2015-16

24
 Fig.4.7

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06

Area under Sugarcane Cultivation in 2005-06

1. High Category (> 10 percent)
This category contains only Batala tehsil.
2. Moderate Category (10 percent -5 percent)
This category contains Baba Bakala, Gurdaspur and Pathankot tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 5 percent)
This category contains Dera Baba Nanak, Khadur Sahib, Amritsar II, Ajnala, Tarn Taran and
Patti tehsils.
Note: Amritsar I and Dharkalan tehsils had not any area under sugarcane cultivation.

25
 Fig. 4.8

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06

Area under Sugarcane Cultivation in 2015-16

1. High Category (> 5 percent)
This category contains Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot tehsils.
2. Moderate Category (5 percent -1 percent)
This category contains Dera Baba Nanak and Amritsar I tehsils.
3. Low Category (< 1 percent) This category contains Amritsar II, Patti, Tarn - Taran, Baba
Bakala, Ajnala and Khadur Sahib tehsils.
Note: Dharkalan had no area under sugarcane cultivation.

26
 CHAPTER-5
CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERN IN MAJHA REGION
After the green revelation was used the new techniques and High verities seeds were used in the
field of agricultural crops. With the introduction of modern techniques like use of machinery for
instance sinking of tube wells, density of tractors, HYVS seeds, agro chemicals, irrigation,
marketing, fixing of minimum support price for the major crops, establishment of food
corporation of India, Agriculture Price Commission, opening of agricultural research institute,
agricultural universities, agricultural research and extension programmers, regulated and assured
rural market, rural electrification, village link roads, the cropping pattern of study area has
effected decisively. At the beginning of study period, several crops with sufficient area under
their cultivation were grown which depicted the highly diversified nature of cropping pattern.
But the adoption of new agricultural technology and other developed infrastructure have led to a
highly specialized and commercialized cropping pattern. During this period, some crops were
disappeared from agricultural landscapes, whereas some minor crops have emerged very
significantly on agricultural scenario in Punjab. Thus, to know the changes in cropping pattern
under individual crops and to know the reasons responsible for these changes, each crop is
discussed individually for three time periods and for this figure of changes of all individual crops
is made. These time periods are:

Changes in cropping pattern 2005-06 to 2015-16

In this period agriculture of the study region has gone through changes with the adoption of new
techniques and technologies. As a result significant changes have been noticed in the cropping
pattern of the study region. These changes in the overall cropping pattern in Majha region have
revealed that there were only two crops which had experienced positive changes namely wheat
and rice. Wheat and rice crop had recorded significant increase in area under their cultivation
whereas maize and sugarcane had experienced negative volume of change because it had
recorded significant in area under their cultivation.

27
Wheat
Changes in cropping pattern (2005-06 to 2015-16)

Wheat is cultivated with the help of better irrigation facilities, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural
techniques and mechanization etc. The changes in wheat cultivation are discussed under
following headings:

TABLE 5.1
CHANGES IN WHEAT CULTIVATION IN MAJHA REGION 2005-06 TO 2015-16

Sr.No. TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16 Changes

1. Amritsar 1 82 87 05

2. Amritsar 2 69 86 17

3. Ajnala 78 93 15

4. Baba bakala 76 92 16

5. Tarn Taran 84 92 08

6. Khadur sahib 80 93 13

7. Patti 87 92 05

8. Pathankot 60 90 30

9. Dharkalan 42 97 56

10 Gurdaspur 76 93 17

11. Batala 83 93 10

12 Dera Baba Nanak 93 95 02

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab 2005-06 to 2015-16

28
 Fig.5.1

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab 2005-06 and 2015-16

Changes in cropping pattern (2005-06 to 2015-16)

1 Area of high positive change (> 20 percent) this category contains Dharkalan and Pathankot
tehsils.
2. Area of moderate positive change (20 percent -10 percent)
This category contains Amritsar II, Gurdaspur, Baba Bakala, Ajnala, Khadur Sahib and Batala
tehsils.
3. Area of low positive change (< 10 percent) this category contains Tarn - Taran, Amritsar I,
Patti and Dera Baba Nanak tehsils.
In between 2005-06 to 2015-16 the high positive change occurred in Dharkalan and Pathankot.
The moderate positive change occurred in Amritsar II, Baba Bakala, Gurdaspur, Ajnala, Khadur

29
Sahib and Batala tehsils. The tow positive change occurred in Tarn - Taran, Amritsar I, Patti and
Dera Baba Nanak due to development of irrigation facilities, use of fertilizers and pesticides,
suitable land and climate and due to irrigation facilities, socio - economic development and
increase in people's awareness.

TABLE-5.2
CHANGES IN RICE CULTIVATION IN MAJHA REGION 2005-06 TO 2015-16

Sr.No. TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16 Changes

1. Amritsar 1 82 89 07

2. Amritsar 2 70 86 16

3. Ajnala 73 89 16

4. Baba bakala 72 87 15

5. Tarn-taran 72 91 19

6. Khadur sahib 66 89 23

7. Patti 76 91 14

8. Pathankot 41 68 27

9. Dharkalan 22 28 06

10. Gurdaspur 72 82 10

11. Batala 76 82 06

12 Dera Baba Nanak 85 91 06

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab 2005-06 to 2015-16

30
 Fig.5.2

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab 2005-06 and 2015-16

Changes in cropping pattern (2005-06 to 2015-16)

1 Area of high positive change (> 20 percent) this category contains Khadur Sahib and
Pathankot tehsils.
2 Area of moderate positive change (20 percent -10 percent) Gurdaspur tehsils
This category contains Tarn - Taran, Amritsar II, Ajnala, Baba Bakala, Patti and
3 Area of low positive change (< 10 percent) tehsils this category contains Amritsar I,
Dharkalan, Batala and Dera Baba Nanak tehsil.

31
In 2005-06 to 2015-16 the high positive change occurs in Khadur Sahib and Pathankot tehsils.
The moderate positive change recorded in Tarn - Taran, Amritsar II, Ajnala, Baba Bakala and
Patti tehsils. The low positive change occurs in Gurdaspur, Amritsar I, Dharkalan, Batala and
Dera Baba Nanak tehsils. In this area people give more importance to rice crop cultivation due to
its high market price, pesticides etc.
Maize
Area under maize cultivation has been increased during the period between 2005-06 to 2015-16
because the people took interest in the rice.
TABLE: 5.3
CHANGES IN MAIZE CULTIVATION IN MAJHA REGION 2005-06 TO 2015-16
Sr.No TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16 Changes

1. Amritsar 1 - 2.4 2.4.

2. Amritsar 2 - - -

3. Ajnala 1.1 2.1 1.1

4. Baba bakala 2.3 8.9 6.7

5. Tarn-taran - 1.2 1.2

6. Khadur sahib 2.7 2.7 0.0

7. Patti 1.1 1.1 0.0

8. Pathankot 12.0 5.0 -7.0

9. Dharkalan 31.0 - -31.0

10. Gurdaspur 1.7 7.3 5.6

11. Batala 1.3 11.6 10.4

11. Dera Baba Nanak - 4.1 4.1

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab-2005-06 to 2015-16.

32
 Fig. 5.3

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06 and 2015-16

Changes in cropping pattern (2005-06 to 2015-16)

1. Area of large positive change (>5)
This category contains Batala, Baba Bakala and Gurdaspur tehsils.
2 Area of low positive change (-5 percent) this category contains Dera Baba Nanak, Amritsar
1, Tarn - Taran and Ajnala tehsils.
3 Area of negative change (> 5 percent)
This category contains Dharkalan, Pathankot ana Amritsar Il tehsils.
Note: In Amritsar II, Khadur Sahibs and Patti, no change had been occurred in the cultivation of
maize. The high positive change recorded in Batala, Baba Bakala and Gurdaspur tehsils. The low
positive change occurred in Dera Baba Nanak, Amritsar 1, Tarn - Taran and Ajnala tehsils due to

33
favorable environmental conditions. The negative change occurs in Dharkalan, Pathankot and
Amritsar II tehsils due to stiff competition from major food grain crops like wheat and rice.
SUGARCANE
CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERN (2005-06 TO 2015-16)

Sr.No TEHSIL 2005-06 2015-16 Changes

1. Amritsar 1 2.4 1.5 -0.9

2. Amritsar 2 - 1.1 0.1

3. Ajnala 2.1 0.8 -1.3

4. Baba bakala 8.9 0.4 -8.5

5. Tarn-taran 1.2 0.3 -1.9

6. Khadur sahib 2.7 0.7 -0.8

7. Patti 1.0 0.3 4.7

8. Pathankot 5.0 9.7 -

9. Dharkalan - - 4.5

10. Gurdaspur 7.2 11.8 -4.5

11 Batala 11.6 11.1 -0.5

12. Dera Baba Nanak 4.1 1.8 -2.3

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2003-04 and 2015-06

34
 Fig. 5.4

Source: Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2003-04 and 2015-06

Changes in cropping pattern (2005-06 to 2015-16)

1. Area of high positive change (> 1 percent) this category contains Pathankot and Gurdaspur
tehsils.
2 Area of low positive change (< 1 percent)
This category contains only Amritsar II tehsil.
3. Area of high negative change (> 1 percent) this category contains Baba Bakala, Dera Baba
Nanak, Khadur Sahib, Ajnala and tehsils.

35
4. Area of low negative change (< 1 percent) this category contains Amritsar I, Tarn - Taran,
Patti and Batala tehsils.
Note: Dharkalan tehsil had no area under sugarcane in both of the years.

The high positive change occurred in 2005-06 to 2015-16 in Pathankot and Gurdaspur and low
positive change in Amritsar II due to more suitable geographical and socio - economic
conditions. The high negative change recorded in Baba Bakala, Dera Baba Nanak, Khadur Sahib,
Ajnala and Dharkalan tehsils. The low positive change noted in Amritsar I, Tarn - Taran, Patti
and Batala tehsils due stiff completion from food grain crops.

36
 CHAPTER- 6
CONCLUSION
After green revelation Agriculture in the Majha region has transformed from traditional to
modern. Farmer used High verities seeds and technology in agriculture. With the remarkable
changes in the cropping patterns have taken place. Crops which fetch higher and assured
economic returns are adopted by the farmer’s specialized - commercial type. The diversified
subsistence type of agriculture has transformed into intensive during this study, it has been
observed that the change in agriculture is both quantitative and qualitative. There is a
competition amongst superior crop for land occupancies. In this area wheat and paddy occupy
more than 1/3 of total Rabi and Kharif cropped area. At the same time area under other crops like
pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, maize etc. is comparatively too small. Thus, there is crop
specialization which deteriorates the soil nutrients and cause decrease in agricultural productivity
of crops like, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, maize etc. Advancement in agriculture results into
excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by the farmers in their fields which cause loss
of agro - biodiversity. Punjab agriculture is characterized by predominance of the production of
food grains. Since the study area, Majha region, lacks mineral resources for large scale
industries, economy of this area depends upon crop farming. The physical environment of Majha
region comprises relief, climate, soil, drainage and water resources have a great relevance to
cropping patterns. There is variation in climate, in respect of rainfall and temperature. The soils
of the study area respond well to chemical fertilizers and are able to produce a large variety of
crops. In general, all physical attributes of the study area favors the cultivation of a wide range of
crops. In the above mentioned results; it seems that diffusion of agricultural innovations proved
that crops like wheat and paddy added overall area, while maize, sugarcane and others have lost.

SUGGESTIONS
The agricultural practices in the Majha region have under gone a complete change in
methodology and production. After 1960's due to the agricultural advancement and adoption of
new scientific innovate cultivated land increased from time to time. There is a radical change
from crop diversification to crop specialization. Wheat and paddy are the dominant crops. Due to
increase in population the size of land holdings decreased day by day. But because of
technological advancements and use of HYV seeds of crops, development of irrigation,

37
agricultural implement, chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc. production of crops increased. At
present, Farmers use modern implements and techniques for the production of crops. Now, only
those crops are grown which have high yield per acre and have more demand in the market
bringing profits to the agricultural class. After analyzing the cropping pattern I want to give some
suggestions which as follows: In Majha region food grain crops are the dominant crops like
wheat and rice. But other crops like maize, sugarcane and other crops have given less importance
so the area under wheat and rice is increasing but area under other crops is decreasing. Thus the
diversified subsistence type of agriculture has transformed into specialized -commercial type. So
now farmer should pay attention to other crops also so that the cropping pattern should be of
diversified nature. Due to dominance of two crops wheat and rice in Rabi and Kharif seasons, its
rotation causing damage to soils. The soils of this area are deteriorating day by day which is the
main reason of low production. The area under different other crops should be increased like
maize, sugarcane, pulses, fodder and oil seeds etc. These crops are also important so the farmers
should pay attention to these crops also. Some of the area of Majha region are hilly like
Dharkalan and Pathankot, So these are less developed and having less area major crops and in
these area is decreasing day by day. To increase the area under crops the irrigations faculties
should be developed, modern techniques should be used. New varieties of seeds, fertilizers,
pesticides and new implements and technology should be used.

38
References

Census of India, 2011

Dhindsa, K. S., & Sharma, A. (1995). Analysis of cropping Pattern Changes in Punjab during

1965-66 to 1990-91. Indian Economic Review, 69-87.

INDIA, R. B. O. (2018). Handbook of statistics on Amritsar, tarn-taran, Gurdaspur, and

pathankot

Kainth, G. S. (1996). Export potential of Indian agriculture. Daya Books.

Singh, J. (1976). An agricultural geography of Haryana. An agricultural geography of Haryana.

Statistical Abstract of Punjab, 2005-06, to 2015-16. Economic & Statistical Organization,

Government of Punjab.

www.agripb.gov.in

www.indiamap.com

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