Determinants of Cropping Pattern Changes in Andhra Pradesh, India

This paper has examined changes in cropping pattern in the state of Andhra Pradesh at the aggregate and regional levels for the period 1969-71 to 2004-05. A zero-order correlation coefficients for the change in the area under different crops were estimated. The results indicate that the Andhra Pradesh state has witnessed shifts in cropping pattern during the past three decades, and these shifts are towards cultivation of total pulses except (horse gram), fruits and vegetables, spices, drugs and narcotics and sugarcane. The fixed effect regression model was used to recognize the fundamental factors of shifts in the cropping pattern. The magnitude of these change, however, vary across the regions and also across districts within a region. These changes have been driven by sub-division of landholdings, mechanization, irrigation, technological change and farmers’ improved access to institutional credit and infrastructure.