Mapping of Potential Areas for Wet Rice Cultivation in Mizoram using Remote Sensing and GIS

The project “Mapping of Potential Areas for Wet Rice Cultivation in Mizoram using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System” was undertaken by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC), Science & Technology, Planning Department, Government of Mizoram, as an in-house study completed in July 2008. The project was initiated in response to Mizoram’s limited availability of level and gently sloping land, which constrains the expansion of wet rice cultivation in the State’s predominantly rugged and mountainous terrain. Its principal objective was to identify, delineate and quantify potential areas for wet rice cultivation across all eight districts and to generate supporting thematic maps on slope and land use/land cover for agricultural planning.

The assessment used IRS-1D LISS-III satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 23.5 metres, Survey of India topographic maps at 1:50,000 scale, ancillary departmental information and extensive field verification. Image registration and interpretation were undertaken using ERDAS Imagine, while digitization, spatial integration, analysis and map preparation were carried out in ARC/INFO GIS. Handheld GPS observations and information from Village Councils and local residents were used to verify uncertain or inaccessible locations. Areas with slopes between 0 and 25% were primarily classified as wet rice cultivation potential, while terrace cultivation was considered feasible up to approximately 33% slope, following ICAR recommendations. Most potential areas were associated with heavy soils having good water-retention capacity and pH values generally ranging from 4.5 to 5.8.

The study identified a total of 746.44 sq. km of potential wet rice cultivation land, representing only 3.54% of Mizoram’s total geographical area of 21,087 sq. km. This confirms that suitable land is scarce and largely confined to river valleys, flood plains, foothills and narrow low-lying basins. Mamit District recorded the largest potential area at 201.82 sq. km, followed by Lunglei (127.97 sq. km) and Lawngtlai (114.05 sq. km). Kolasib contained the highest proportional availability, with 6.82% of its district area classified as potential, closely followed by Mamit at 6.67%. Aizawl District had the lowest potential, covering about 41.4 sq. km or 1.16% of its area. Important concentrations included the Teirei and Langkaih valleys in Mamit, Serlui and Chemlui valleys in Kolasib, Champhai Zawl and the Tiau–Tuipui systems in Champhai, Mat Zawlpui in Serchhip, and the Tuichawng–Chamdur region in Lawngtlai.

The project produced district-wise and statewide maps, spatial databases and area statistics that provide a scientific baseline for irrigation development, land improvement, accessibility assessment and prioritization of field-level agricultural interventions. Overall, the study demonstrated the effectiveness of Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS-supported verification for identifying scarce cultivable valleys and supporting evidence-based strategies to improve rice production and food security in Mizoram.

Summarized Metadata

Mapping Scale: 1:50,000 

Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D – LISS III (2006)

Thematic sub-category: Agriculture

Collaborating/Funding Agency: Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre

Report Publication Month/Year: July, 2008