Crop Acreage Estimation in Jharkhand using Multi-temporal Satellite Data

Abstract

Information on crop acreage statistics and distribution of crops in different districts is required for planning and implementation of various government schemes. Further, information is also required on kharif fallow areas to enhance the cropping intensity. Therefore, in this context acreage assessment in different agriculture seasons i.e., kharif, rabi and zaid has been carried out in Jharkhand State using Landsat-8 OLI remote sensing data. Estimation was carried out for the year 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18. Gross cropped area in the State varied from 19526 Sq.km. in the year 2015–16 to 24089 sq.km. in the year 2017–18. The Gross cropped area and Net Sown Area was highest in Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts in different years. District-wise analysis of kharif fallow showed highest area in West Singhbhum district. Further, suitability analysis for pulses and other appropriate crops needs to be carried out to convert the post fallow kharif areas to double crop areas and more than two crop areas to increase the cropping intensity.