Soil Suitability and Irrigation Innovation as Drivers of Sustainable Cotton Intensification: Evidence From Gujarat (Kharif 2025)

Abstract

Environmental This study examines the determinants of cotton land allocation among farm households in Gujarat during Kharif 2025 within a sustainable intensification framework. Using primary survey data from 1,259 farmers across major cotton-growing districts, cotton share (cotton area divided by total operational land) is analyzed as a measure of crop specialization. The study evaluates the role of soil type, irrigation mode, and landholding size using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and an Ordinary Least Squares regression model. Results indicate that medium and black soils are positively and significantly associated with cotton intensity relative to light soils. In contrast, irrigation access (canal, drip, and tube well) is negatively associated with cotton specialization compared to rainfed systems, suggesting diversification among irrigated farmers. Landholding size shows a negative relationship with cotton share, indicating greater diversification among larger farms. The findings highlight ecological alignment in cotton intensification while emphasizing the diversification role of irrigation access. The study contributes to discussions on SDGs 2, 6, 12, and 13 in the context of semi-arid agricultural systems