Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONING OF CHHATTISGARH

Sanjay Bhelawe, Ajeet Singh Nain, R. Singh and J.L. Chaudhary

Abstract

The study was carried out entitled, “Agro-ecological zoning of Chhattisgarh” to characterize the agroclimatic and agro-ecological parameters. The characterization was based on screening of distinct agroclimatic parameters apart with agro-ecological parameters and preparation of data base for the said zones of Chhattisgarh. The study reaveled that agro-climatic factors viz temperature, rainfall, humidity, cloud cover, radiation intensity, rainy days, wind speed, and potential transpiration varied during annual duration including Rabi and kharif season from one region to another region of Chhattisgarh. The purpose of zoning, as carried out for rural land-use planning, is to separate areas with similar sets of potentials and constraints for development. Specific programmes can then be formulated to provide the most effective support to each zone. Agro-ecological zoning (AEZ), as applied in FAO studies, defines zones on the basis of combinations of soil, landform and climatic characteristics. The particular parameters used in the definition focus attention on the climatic and edaphic requirements of crops and on the management systems under which the crops are grown. The Agro-ecological zone map gives an idea of a soil type and climatic condition of a particular place. The classes of 63 Agro-ecological zone map help the scientist and farmer to grow a crop according to climatic condition and soil type of Chhattisgarh.