GEOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATIC SUITABILITY OF RICE CROP IN PALGHAR DISTRICT USING ECOCROP MODEL

Agriculture is an important economic activity in Palghar district where majority of population is depend on agriculture. Agricultural productivity and cropping patterns are immensely affected by the climate, climate change and factors like soil, physiography, capital, market, transport, etc. This research focuses on an analysis of the potential effects of changing climate on the geographical distribution of suitable areas for the cultivation of different crops especially rice. The investigation projects relation of physiography, slope and climate with rice crop cultivation. Rice is a major staple food crop in Palghar District. Large population in the district is depend on rice as a staple food. The present investigation is helpful to find out the climatic suitability for rice crop which is very essential for precision agriculture supports agricultural development and economic progress of nation. The research also focus on distribution of physiography and climate and its impact on rice cultivation as well as find out the relation with population distribution characteristics.