For agriculture, the land is the most vital resource of a country. It is a fixed asset and cannot be expanded to meet the needs of an increasing population. Therefore, agricultural land must be used carefully in the best possible manner. Agriculture is a predominant emphasis to economic activity of India, engaging nearly three-fifths of its working population. Obviously, it forms the hub of Indian economy as large numbers of industries are also heavily dependent on agriculture for supply of raw material. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyse the agriculture landuseand its cropping pattern in Muzaffarnagar district ofIndo-Gangetic plainof Uttar Pradesh using secondary data from various secondary records.A simple statistical method has been used with the help of Weaver’s technique of crops combination.Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh is located at western part of Uttar Pradesh with an area of 4008 sq km and its total population of 4143512(Dist Census Handbook 2011). The climate of Muzaffarnagar district may be described in four seasons: winter (Jan-Feb), summer (Mar-May), rainy (Jun-Sep) and post monsoon (Oct-Dec). Muzaffarnagar district has recorded max 40.0 oC-45.0oC and min 3.0 oC-5.0oC degree Celsius temperature.The normal rainfall goes around 753 mm to 1159 mm (Muzaffarnagar Wikipedia).The major crops like wheat, paddy, sugarcaneand oilseeds in the district is higher as compare to the state average productivity. By computing crop ranks, Muzaffarnagar district has been identifiedwith ten crops combinations. Physiographic elements, soil textures, drainage patterns, socio-economic factors, advanced science and technology, climate including temperature, rainfall and humidity influence on agriculture land use and cropping pattern in the study area Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Research in agriculture is basically required to make innovative ideas for growth and development of agriculture sector, so that productions of agriculture inputs are made.Finally, this study will definitely encourage target group of people including policy makers, planners, agriculture scientists and research scholars in pursing further studies in their respective field of expertise.
Key words: Agriculture land use, cropping pattern, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
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