Article Dans Une Revue International Journal of Environment and Climate Change Année : 2026

Delineation of Seasonal Rice Efficient Cropping Zones in Tamil Nadu, India

Résumé

Rice occupies a central position in Tamil Nadu’s agriculture and is produced under heterogeneous seasonal environments governed by monsoon dynamics, irrigation infrastructure and agro-climatic conditions. This heterogeneity translates into marked spatial and temporal variability in rice area and productivity. Identifying season-specific efficient cropping zones is therefore essential for improving productivity, optimizing resource use and ensuring sustainable rice cultivation under changing climatic conditions. This study delineated season-wise Efficient Cropping Zones (ECZs) for rice in Tamil Nadu using district level time series data on area of production, and productivity for the period 2014-15 to 2024-25. Separate analyses were carried out for Kuruvai (June to September), Samba (August to January) and Summer (February to April or May) seasons. The Relative Spread Index (RSI) and Relative Yield Index (RYI) were computed to classify districts into Most Efficient, Area Efficient, Yield Efficient, and Not Efficient Cropping Zones. The results indicated that Kuruvai season rice cultivation is confined to a limited number of districts with assured early season irrigation. However, several districts achieved high productivity despite having a relatively smaller area under cultivation. The Samba season emerged as the principal rice growing season, showing wider spatial coverage and higher efficiency across diverse agro-climatic regions due to its alignment with the Northeast monsoon. In contrast, summer rice cultivation was comparatively less efficient and predominantly constrained by water scarcity, resulting in a greater proportion of non-efficient zones. Across seasons 7 to 9 districts were classified as most efficient cropping zones, whereas 15 to 20 districts consistently fell under not efficient cropping zones, highlighting substantial spatial variability in rice performance. Overall, rice efficiency across Tamil Nadu is strongly influenced by seasonal water availability and climatic suitability. These findings provide a scientific basis for the season specific rice planning, targeted intensification in efficient zones and promotion of crop diversification in inefficient areas to support sustainable and climate resilient rice production.

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Dates et versions

hal-05496701 , version 1 (06-02-2026)

Identifiants

  • HAL Id : hal-05496701 , version 1

Citer

Ammaiyappan A, M Sharuk Khan, Mahalingam D. Delineation of Seasonal Rice Efficient Cropping Zones in Tamil Nadu, India. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 2026, 16 (2), pp.117-128. ⟨hal-05496701⟩
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