“Assessment of Crop Suitability at LSGI Level” is a pilot project to be taken up by Kerala State Land Utilization Board in financial year 2024-25. The project has been conceived under the directives of the State Planning Board with a view to increase productivity by ensuring scientific base in recommending suitable crop varieties and cropping systems for each agro-ecological unit. This year it is envisaged to complete the project in Ten panchayats belonging to different Agro-Ecological Units of the state.

    Under this project scientific field survey will be carried out at each grama panchayath to analyze the existing crop situation. Crop map of the panchayat will be prepared using the field level data. In order to identify suitable crops and crop mixtures for each panchayath, crop suitability assessment parameters which include soil characteristics, climatic parameters, topography, land use, irrigation availability and socio-economic factors etc will be analyzed.  Based on soil characteristics, land use, elevation (physiography), slope, contour and hydrology of the selected grama panchayath suitable crops will be proposed by considering the socio-economic factors such as market availability & fluctuations, size of farm holding, farmer’s preferences etc. Information regarding existing farming situation of the area including newly popularized crops, socio-economic dimensions, cropping pattern of the LSG etc will be collected.  In addition to this, data on current agricultural production, productivity, reasons for shortfall in production, available market facilities, irrigation methods, post-harvest technologies used, agricultural processing facilities, entrepreneurship in agricultural sector etc will be gathered.

   Identification of suitable crops and crop mixtures, farm models etc. for each panchayaths will helps in optimum utilization of soil and water resources thereby attaining maximum productivity of crops. It mitigates the detrimental effects due to cultivation of unsuitable crops which affects the native flora in the long run. The project report can also be used as a reference material for agricultural developmental activities and projects.