• Chandrendu
• Dr. Swati Yadav

Land use and cropping pattern refer to the spatial and temporal allocation of land for various purposes such as agriculture, non-agricultural activities, and fallow land, alongside the types of crops cultivated within a region. This research paper provides a comprehensive statistical overview of changes in agricultural land use and cropping patterns in Jamui district, Bihar, between 2001 and 2021. Utilizing secondary data from the Agricultural Census, District Statistical Handbook, and official government reports, the study highlights key trends in land utilization, crop composition, and irrigation development. The findings indicate a slight increase in net sown area from 1.16 lakh hectares in 2001 to 1.26 lakh hectares in 2021, accompanied by a decline in fallow lands—suggesting intensified land use. While rice and wheat continue to dominate the cropping pattern, their relative share has decreased in favor of pulses, maize, and oilseeds, pointing to a gradual shift toward diversification. This is further substantiated by an improvement in the Crop Diversification Index (CDI) from 0.53 in 2001 to 0.63 in 2021. Irrigation coverage also saw growth, expanding from 37% to 47%, driven by minor irrigation schemes and rural development initiatives. However, persistent challenges such as monsoon dependency, fragmented landholdings, and weak market infrastructure still hinder optimal agricultural performance. The study emphasizes the need to expand micro-irrigation, adopt climate-resilient crop strategies, and enhance agri-market access to promote sustainable agricultural development. These findings contribute meaningfully to the discourse on agrarian transformation in eastern India and offer practical insights for policymakers and planners focused on boosting productivity and rural livelihoods in underdeveloped regions like Jamui.

Agricultural land use, Cropping pattern, Crop diversification, Irrigation, Jamui district, Bihar, Agricultural census, Rural development

"Agricultural Land Use and Cropping Pattern in Jamui District, Bihar (India): A Statistical Overview", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.h397-h407, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507753.pdf

"Agricultural Land Use and Cropping Pattern in Jamui District, Bihar (India): A Statistical Overview", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. pph397-h407, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507753.pdf