Land Ownership Patterns, Land Use Dynamics and Agricultural Practices in Mahendergarh District, Haryana: A Geographical Analysis

Abstract

The present study examines the patterns of land ownership, land use classification and agricultural production systems in Mahendergarh district of Haryana. The study highlights the predominance of small and marginal land holdings, resulting primarily from inheritance-based land fragmentation, which significantly affects agricultural productivity and sustainability. It also explores the changing dynamics of urban and semi-urban land ownership driven by urbanization, infrastructure development and institutional land allocation. The research analyzes operational land holdings by size groups, land use patterns, irrigation practices, cropping systems and crop production trends in the district. Particular emphasis is placed on major cropping systems such as Cotton–Wheat, Pearl Millet–Mustard and Rice–Wheat, along with the production of pulses like gram and moong. The study further discusses the impact of legal frameworks, government policies and socio-economic factors on land management and agricultural development. The findings reveal that while smaller holdings dominate land distribution, challenges such as land disputes, soil degradation, water scarcity and declining cultivable land require sustainable land management strategies, land consolidation and improved agricultural practices to enhance productivity and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.