Multi-Criteria Land Suitability Analysis for Agriculture Using AHP and Remote Sensing Data of Northern Region India

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify adequate agricultural sites in Punjab’s Northern region India district (India). This research employed the “Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)” approach, which is extensively used in land use appropriateness studies. Great soil type, land use, land cover, soil moisture, slope, aspect, elevation, drainage, geology, and geomorphology were all incorporated into the application. The ranks of influencing criteria were calculated using expert judgments and correlation analysis, while the weights were determined using a pairwise comparison matrix. The scores for sub-parameters with internal variations in the criteria assigned based on field work and published norms. The study area is considered to be highly appropriate for agricultural production in 41.2% (39044.28 ha), moderately suitable in 14.3% (13498.76 ha), and marginally suitable in 4.2% (3993 ha). Furthermore, it was discovered that 1.9% of the land is now unfit for agricultural production (1766.6 ha), while 38.4% of the area is permanently unsuitable (36372.6 ha). The following facts were also discovered to be important in achieving these results: a large portion (approximately 45%) of the study area is covered with forests, built-up areas, and water bodies, the soil depth is insufficient for agricultural production, the slope in the study area is quite steep, and thus the erosion degree is high.