Spatial Transformation of Rice Cultivation during Post-liberalization Period in Haryana, India

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to examine the spatial dynamics of rice cultivation across the districts of Haryana in terms of the percentage of area under rice, crop concentration, and production. Study Design: The study is based on secondary data obtained from the Statistical Abstract of Haryana. The district-wise share of area under rice, Location Quotient, and index value were computed. Place and Duration of Study: The study covers Haryana during the triennium periods 1990–93 and 2020–23, representing the post-liberalisation period. Methodology: The spatial pattern of rice cultivation was analysed using tables and choropleth maps showing the percentage of area under rice, Location Quotient, and rice production. Results: The findings show that the percentage of area under rice in Haryana increased from 11.56 percent during 1990–93 to 23.47 percent during 2020–23, indicating a substantial expansion of rice cultivation. Rice production also increased across most districts of the state during the study period. The highest concentration of rice cultivation remained confined to the north-eastern districts, including Karnal, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Panipat, Ambala, and Yamuna Nagar; however, the relative concentration decreased in these conventional rice-growing districts. Simultaneously, Jind, Rohtak, Hisar, Sonipat, and Faridabad recorded increasing specialisation, indicating a gradual spread of rice cultivation beyond its conventional centre. The index values suggest that the conventional rice-growing districts continued to dominate, while Hisar, Jind, Rohtak, and Sirsa emerged as significant contributors to Haryana's total rice production. Conclusion: The study concludes that, although rice cultivation has expanded across the districts of Haryana during the post-liberalisation period, it remains strongly concentrated in the well-irrigated north-eastern districts. The analysis highlights the need to adopt water-efficient rice cultivation technologies and sustainable resource-management practices to support the long-term viability of rice cultivation.