A Geospatial Approach to Climatic Zone Specific Effective Horticultural Planning in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India

• Published in: Journal of geographic information system 2012-06, Vol.4 (3), p.267-272
• Main Authors: Goswami, Jonali, Chutia, Dibyajyoti, Sudhakar, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Assessments; Climate; Crops; Failure; Geographic information systems; Land use; Natural resources; Satellite navigation systems
• ISSN: 2151-1950; 2151-1969
• DOI: 10.4236/jgis.2012.43032

Climatic zone is one of the most important units for horticultural planning. Survival and failure of particular land use or farming system in a given region heavily relies on careful assessment of agroclimatic resources. Large variety of crops is being grown in Meghalaya traditionally, based on the needs and cultural practices of people without any consideration to the suitability of the climate. This study attempts to make adjustments with the climate based upon scientific knowledge to make the best use of the natural resources so as to recommend more area under horticultural crops. This has been made by identifying existing land use and appropriate land use strategies mainly for horticultural crops for each agro-climatic region. Modern Geospatial technology such as satellite Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) and GPS have been used effectively to provide newer dimensions in identifying suitable sites for various horticultural crops and also for appropriate monitoring and management of land resources in an integrated manner with reference to agro-climatic condition.