Impact of Seasonal Shifts on Cereal Crop Acreage in Western Odisha, India: An Empirical Analysis

In recent years, India’s agricultural landscape has undergone profound changes driven by a variety of factors. The sector in Odisha, in particular, is characterized by considerable risks and uncertainties, necessitating a thorough examination of growth and stability. This research offers an in-depth evaluation of the compound growth rate and Coppock’s Instability Index for four principal cereal crops—rice and maize during the Kharif season, and ragi and wheat during the Rabi season—with a focus on crop area. Utilizing secondary data spanning from 1993-94 to 2022-23, this study analyzes and compares the area changes and instability across districts in Western Odisha. The study also includes a district-wise ranking based on these metrics, facilitating a comparison between the Kharif and Rabi seasons. The findings reveal distinct variations in crop area trends and instability, providing critical insights into the agricultural challenges and patterns within the region.