Rai, Harkamalbir Singh2017-02-142017-02-142012http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810000862The present case study has been carried out with the objectives to examine the diversification in cropping pattern, diversification towards allied activities and non-farm activities in the village Pherurain in Ludhiana district of Punjab. A sample of 153 households comprising of 89 farm families (46 small, 32 medium and 11 large), 27 allied families and 37 non-farm families were selected from the village. Data with respect to socio economic profile, cropping pattern, investment, occupation, income, etc. were collected for the years 2000-01 and 2010-11 on specially designed schedules through personal interview method. Data was analyzed using various statistical and mathematical techniques such as Hirschman-Herfindahl Index, Mann Whitney U-test, stepwise log linear regression, averages, percentages, etc. It was observed that wheat and rice were the dominant crops covering about 44 and 41 per cent of gross cropped area. The area under cotton and sugarcane was almost eliminated during the study period due to various production, marketing and environmental constraints. Area under vegetables has increased during the period under study. The crop diversification index in the village declined from 0.39 to 0.32 during Kharif and 0.23 to 0.20 during Rabi season during the same period which indicates that farmers are moving towards specialization except in the case of medium farmers whose DI increased significantly during Kharif season. Some members of the farm households changed their profession from agriculture to some other activities. Investment on farm machinery, implements and livestock was increased over time. Number of persons involved in self employment, government and private jobs has increased while the farm labor in the village decreased due to increase in non-farm employment opportunities around the village such as establishment of industry in the nearby towns. To increase the crop diversification it is suggested that government should introduce and effectively implement remunerative support price policy for alternative crops to wheat and rice. Serious efforts should be made to improve the quality of rural education to enhance their skills and livelihood. To increase the income and employment of the rural households, non-farm sector should be encouraged.ensowing, intercropping, wheats, tillage equipment, seed drilling, crops, mustard, fertilizers, land resources, chickpeasThesis