Abstract
Maize and sorghum are important crops in Tamil Nadu, contributing substantially to food, feed, and industrial uses and to livelihood security. Their cultivation occurs under distinct seasonal environments. The area of production and productivity of both crops vary widely across districts and seasons due to climatic conditions, irrigation access, and management practices. Identifying season-specific efficient cropping zones is therefore essential for improving productivity, optimizing resource use, and ensuring sustainable crop production under changing climatic conditions. The present study delineated season-wise efficient cropping zones for maize and sorghum in Tamil Nadu using district-level time-series data on area of production and productivity for the period 2013-14 to 2023-24. Season-wise (Kharif and Rabi) analysis was performed using RSI and RYI to classify the district into different efficient zones. The results revealed that four districts were identified as the most efficient cropping zones for maize during the kharif season, while eleven districts emerged as the most efficient zones during the rabi season, predominantly located in the western and central regions of Tamil Nadu. In contrast, a large proportion of districts in both seasons were classified as not efficient cropping zones for maize, indicating limited suitability and management constraints. Sorghum efficient cropping zones were largely concentrated in semi-arid and dryland districts, where six districts were identified as the most efficient cropping zones during both kharif and rabi seasons, highlighting the crop’s role as a low-input and climate-resilient crop. Overall, the findings provide a scientific basis for season-specific crop planning and support targeted intensification in efficient zones to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability.