Delineating Efficient Cropping Zones of Potato and Chilli in Tamilnadu

Potato and Chilli are the most significant horticultural vegetable crops commercially cultivated in both field level and homestead gardening. India is leading producer of chilli and 2nd leading of potato in the world, but inadequate storage and huge unpredictable weather conditions leads to loses. This study was done to analyse trend changes in area, production and productivity over 30 years study period (1985-2015) and also identify Efficient Cropping zones of potato and chillies, at district level for Tamil Nadu during 2000-2015, in order to venture the hotspots of 21st century. Results of trend analysis revealed that potato production was decreasing till early 21st century and thereafter increasing gradually with respect to cropping area and chilli showed reduction in production over the years. Relative Yield Index (RYI) and Relative Spread Index (RSI) were used to figured out potential cropping districts for both crops over Tamil Nadu. Dindigul, Erode and Krishnagiri districts were found to be efficient cropping zone, while Nilgiris is sole district of Most Efficient Cropping Zone (MECZ) for potato. Virudhunagar district has been the Most Efficient Cropping Zone for chilli crop, while Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukkudi districts were identified as potential efficient zone (ECZs) in Tamil Nadu. Hence, this paper attempts to identify the hotspot area and to study the deviation in cultivable land, production and productivity of the crops where farmers are facing most of the problems. The climate change scenarios could influence crop cultivation, and this paper is evident on the changes in efficient cropping zones.