Dynamic trends and spatial heterogeneity in crop diversification: Insights from Hooghly District, India

The present study explores the block-wise status and evolving trends of crop diversification in Hooghly district, West Bengal, using a consistent dataset from 2007 to 2022 and the Simpson Index. The analysis reveals that between 2007 and 2012, eight blocks (the highest in Balagarh, with -11.05%) experienced negative growth in diversification, which increased to twelve blocks (the highest in Chanditala–II with -15.49%) between 2012 and 2017 and further rose to fifteen blocks (maximum in Serampore–Uttarpara with -23.26%) between 2017 and 2022. This trend indicates a growing concentration of agricultural activities and fewer crops over time. In terms of spatial distribution, nine blocks were identified as highly diversified in 2007, compared to eight in 2022, while the number of low-diversity blocks decreased from three in 2007 to two in 2022. This analysis reveals a relatively static pattern of diversification in the Hooghly district over time.