About the crop diversification index

• The crop diversification index has a base value of one, which represents the percentage of total cultivated area devoted to a single crop. If the index value is higher, it denotes that the crops are more diversified.
• The present crop diversification index was calculated using the area under 77 different crops grown in the state, which includes all food, non-food, cash crops, and area under floriculture.
• In Telangana, many districts have index values ranging from 0 to 5.  The crop diversification index will serve as a baseline for future crop diversification in the state.

Observations

• According to the crop diversification index, 77 varieties of crops are grown in Telangana.
• Among 77 crops, only around 10 crops (mostly grains) are preferred for diversification.
• Top three districts in terms of crop diversification are Nirmal, Vikarabad & Sangareddy.
• Peddapalli, Karimnagar, and Suryapet are the bottom three districts in terms of crop diversification. In these districts, where paddy is widely cultivated, the maize cropping area has decreased significantly, whereas the cotton cropping area has increased.
• Paddy, maize, and pulses are the most preferred crops in Telangana. Other high-priority crops for farmers in the state include wheat, jowar, bajra, chilies, etc.

The current crop diversification index value demonstrates that there is a greater need for the diversification of crops in Telangana to achieve sustainable development.