Spatial dynamics of crop diversification in Dakshina Kannada District of Coastal Karnataka, India

This study investigated the temporal and spatial shift in Indian agriculture in coastal areas, based on changing cropping patterns in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. Understanding the transitions from labour-intensive paddy agriculture to high-value commercial crops rubber and arecanut, as well as the institutional and social reasons influencing these shifts, are emphasised. Primary survey data were obtained from 200 farming households through stratified sampling using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data on land use were obtained from agricultural portals and government databases. The data was analysed through descriptive statistics, Herfindahl Hirshman index and regression analysis to obtain the spatial trends and extent of crop diversification. The estimated results indicate transition by the high probability of paddy area shifting into rubber (0.672) in the Markov transition matrix. Crop diversification adoption levels were found to be significantly correlated with age (χ² = 8.00, df = 2, P = 0.018), education level (χ² = 16.50, df = 3, P < 0.001), farm size (χ² = 7.80, df = 2, P = 0.021), farming experience (χ² = 6.80, df = 2, P = 0.033), irrigation access (χ² = 7.20, df = 1, P = 0.007), association membership (χ² = 9.50, df = 1, P = 0.002), and extension contact (χ² = 12.00, df = 1, P < 0.001). The study underlines the importance of agriculture extension and policy support for promoting a balanced cropping pattern. The findings provide policy-relevant information for promoting sustainable agricultural transformation in Karnataka’s coastal regions.