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@article{185091,
        author = {Dr.Girisha M.C.},
        title = {An Economic Analysis of Agricultural Land Degradation and Urbanization in Karnataka},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {160-163},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185091},
        abstract = {Karnataka, one of India’s fastest-growing states, is simultaneously experiencing rapid urbanization and significant agricultural land degradation, creating complex economic challenges. The state’s urban population has expanded from 38.7% in 2011 to projected levels exceeding 50% by 2036, driven primarily by Bengaluru’s metropolitan expansion and regional growth corridors. This transformation has increased land values and altered labor markets, incentivizing the conversion of agricultural land to residential, industrial, and commercial uses. Parallel to this, the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas (2018–19) identifies approximately 6.96 million hectares of Karnataka’s land as degraded, with water erosion accounting for the largest share. These processes reduce soil fertility, lower yields, and raise production costs, thereby weakening the profitability of farming and accelerating land conversion pressures. This paper analyzes the drivers of land degradation and urbanization in Karnataka through economic and spatial perspectives, highlighting their interactive effects on agricultural sustainability, livelihoods, and regional development. It emphasizes the need for integrated policy measures, including stronger land-use planning, watershed management, payments for ecosystem services, and zoning reforms to balance growth with ecological resilience. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensure that Karnataka’s trajectory of urban-led economic growth does not compromise long-term agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {October},
        }