Agricultural Commercialization and Diversification in Jammu and Kashmir : Causes and Impacts

The paper has examined trends and patterns in crop diversification in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir for the period 2007-08 to 2013-14 using Simpson Index of Diversification (SID) and estimated the determinants of crop diversification by using multiple regression analysis. The cropping pattern of for whole of the State, and Kulgam district in particular has been discussed and it has been found that traditional system of the subsistence farming without any surplus is being practiced in the region. The study has revealed that the farmers are steadily shifting towards the cultivation of cash crops, by replacing the food crops, either via specialization or diversification for reaping the higher benefits from the horticulture sector. The use of regression analysis has brought out the importance of gender, family type, and education as the important determinants of crop diversification towards the high-value crops in the region