Changing cropping pattern of oilseed crops and its diversification: The case of Thar Desert, Rajasthan (1985–1986 to 2015–2016)

India has been one of the largest producers of oilseeds in the world. Correspondingly, the oilseed sector occupies an important position in the agricultural economy of the country. Oilseeds, especially edible oilseeds, have been an integral part of the cropping system in India till the beginning of monoculture triggered by the implementation of a new agriculture strategy since 1960s. This paper evaluates the cropping pattern of oilseed diversity in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan at district level. This paper also highlights the development programmes launched by state and central governments to promote oilseeds production in dry region of the state. Many statistical techniques are used, for instance, Herfindahl Index, Entropy Index, and Composite Entropy Index, to examine the diversification and specialization in oilseeds.