How can weather affect crop area diversity? Panel data evidence from Andhra Pradesh, a rice growing state of India

This study analyses the temporal as well as the spatial shift in cropping pattern in Andhra Pradesh during the period from 1971 to 2009. The temporal associations between crop diversity, weather and economic variables have been examined to understand adaptation dynamics by means of cropping pattern shift. We find a significant impact of rabi (winter) season temperature and kharif (summer) season rainfall on cropping diversity. Along with mean weather, annual rainfall distribution has a significant, positive influence on crop diversity. The intra-seasonal distribution of dry days during rabi and kharif has a heterogeneous impact on crop diversity in districts of Andhra Pradesh. Within the state, geographical redistribution of rice area over the years can be considered as adaptation to climatic risk; however, sustainability of the emerging cropping pattern is under question due to a declining share of dry land crops during the study period. Drawing from the results, improving cropping intensity, increasing use of technology inputs and employing a season-wise incentive policy can be useful measures for sustainable diversification of the crop sector in the state.