Mapping of Land Use/Land Cover Changes in the Selected Midland Paddy Fields of Kollam District, Kerala, India

Land use/ land cover is a key driver of global environmental change. A shift in use and can alter the human settlement patterns other economic developments may finally end up with degradation. The present study appraises changes midland paddy fields Chathannoor Panchayath, Kerala, South India over last two decades (2002-2019). digitized data analysis, interpretation, mapping lay out preparation were done ArcGIS10.3. Results show most distinctive like decrease area cultivation elevation crops. reduction mainly occurred during period 2002 to 2009, corresponding increase increasing cost due hike wages labourers relative price favour competing crops responsible for less area. practice conversion lands into as well non-agricultural purpose increased. Stringent measures should be enacted control these drastic