Shifting Land Use Patterns In India: A Comprehensive Analysis From 2004-05 To 2020-21

Abstract

This study examines India's land use transformation from the 2005-06 to the 2020-21, driven by higher economic growth. Focusing on sector-specific trends, particularly the service sector versus agriculture, the research evaluates if the changing land use benefits more productive sectors and optimizes land resources. Employing satellite data and analysis, the paper aims to (a) study land use trends, (b) correlate sectoral land use with value-added growth, and (c) explore sector-wise land productivity variations due to economic, technological, and institutional shifts. Notably, non-agricultural land use has increased alongside industry and services growth, without diminishing agriculture. Instead, previously unused land is being economically utilized, a positive development. The fishing industry boasts the highest productivity growth (6.6%), while non-agricultural and agricultural sectors grow at 5.59% and 3.26%, respectively; however, forest production lags at 1.5% growth.