Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) plays a pivotal role in nutritional security and sustainable agricultural systems in Odisha. The present study assesses the land suitability for pigeonpea cultivation in the Ganjam district of Odisha. In this study GIS based multi-criteria evaluation approach [1, 2] was adopted integrating the spatial data as per the guidelines of the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning. The process involved matching of specific land quality parameters viz. soil texture, pH, and drainage along with the bio-physical requirements of the pigeonpea crop. From the analysis, it was revealed that highly suitable (S1) areas are primarily concentrated in talukas of Aska, Chikiti, Digapahandi, Ganjam, Hinjlicut, Kukudakhandi, and Sorada. These regions have ideal environmental conditions required to obtain maximum yield and to support the physiological requirements of pigeonpea crop. This study helps in providing a scientific roadmap for local farmers and policymakers to optimize land-use efficiency by the identification of these favorable landscapes. These findings have a data driven strategy for enhancing the pulse productivity and improving the livelihoods status of the farming community ensuring long-term ecological health of the Ganjam district.
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7163352182