Spatiotemporal Assessment of Agricultural Drought in Maharashtra, India Using Remote Sensing-Based Vegetation Indices and Climatic Variables (2001–2023)

Author

V.D. Dolare, P.R. Kolhe, A.R.Patil, V.D.Jadhav

Abstract

 Agricultural drought is a major environmental hazard affecting crop production, water resources, and ecosystem sustainability, particularly in monsoon-dependent regions. Maharashtra frequently experiences drought due to rainfall variability and increasing temperature. This study assessed the spatiotemporal characteristics of agricultural drought across Maharashtra during 2001–2023 using satellite-derived vegetation indices and climatic variables. Seasonal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), rainfall, and land surface temperature were used to derive the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), Temperature Condition Index (TCI), and Vegetation Health Index (VHI). Time-series analysis, the Mann–Kendall trend test, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were applied to evaluate vegetation dynamics and climatic influences, while a Composite Drought Vulnerability Index (DVI) identified drought-prone districts. Results revealed considerable spatial and temporal variability in drought conditions. Rainfall showed high inter-annual variability, whereas temperature exhibited an increasing trend that intensified vegetation stress. The integrated use of satellite-derived vegetation indices and climatic variables provides an effective framework for long-term drought monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and sustainable agricultural planning in Maharashtra.

Keywords

Agricultural drought; NDVI; VCI; TCI; VHI; Remote sensing; Maharashtra.

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References

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