Agriculture in India

India is an agriculturally important country with two-thirds of its population engaged in agriculture. It produces the majority of food consumed and raw materials for industries. Some agricultural products, like tea, coffee, and spices, are also exported.

Types of Farming in India

Farming practices in India vary based on environmental factors, technological knowledge, and cultural practices. The types of farming are:

1. Primitive Subsistence Farming

  • Practised in small patches of land using primitive tools like hoes and digging sticks.
  • This is shifting farming, where farmers clear land, grow crops, and then move to a new plot once soil fertility decreases.
  • Known as “slash and burn” agriculture, where a patch of land is burned to prepare for cultivation.
  • Different regions have different names for this practice:
    • Jhumming in the North-East (Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland).
    • Pamlou in Manipur, Bewar in Madhya Pradesh, Podu in Andhra Pradesh, and Kumari in the Western Ghats.
    Global Comparison: Similar practices are found globally like “Milpa” in Mexico, “Conuco” in Venezuela, “Ladang” in Indonesia.

2. Intensive Subsistence Farming

  • This type of farming is labor-intensive, where high doses of biochemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides) and irrigation are used.
  • It is practiced in areas with high population density and small land holdings.
  • The goal is to maximize crop output despite small land areas.
  • Example: This type of farming is common in parts of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

3. Commercial Farming

  • Characterized by the use of modern agricultural practices like high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and machinery for large-scale production.
  • Plantation farming is a type of commercial farming where single crops like tea, coffee, and rubber are grown on large areas.
  • Examples of plantation crops in India:
    • Tea in Assam and North Bengal.
    • Coffee in Karnataka and Kerala.
    • Rubber in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    Global Comparison: Countries like Brazil and Colombia are major producers of coffee.

4. Plantation Farming (Part of Commercial Farming)

  • A single crop is grown on a large area using capital-intensive inputs and migrant labor.
  • The crops are processed and sold as raw materials to industries.
  • Examples of plantation crops: Tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, and banana.

Cropping Patterns in India

India has three major cropping seasons:

  1. Rabi Season (Winter: October to December)
    • Crops: Wheat, barley, gram, mustard.
    • Major regions: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
    • This season benefits from western temperate cyclones, which bring precipitation.
  2. Kharif Season (Monsoon: June to September)
    • Crops: Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, jute, pulses (tur, moong, urad).
    • Major rice-producing regions: West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
    • Paddy is grown in three crops: Aus, Aman, and Boro in Assam and West Bengal.
  3. Zaid Season (Summer: Between Rabi and Kharif)
    • Crops: Watermelon, cucumber, vegetables, and fodder crops.
    • Some crops like sugarcane take almost a year to grow.

Major Crops in India

  1. Rice
    • A Kharif crop requiring warm temperatures and high rainfall. It is grown in regions like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Irrigation has made rice farming possible in Punjab and Haryana where rainfall is less.
  2. Wheat
    • A Rabi crop grown in North-Western India, requiring cooler weather during the growing season and plenty of sunshine during ripening.
    • Major wheat-producing states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  3. Millets (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi)
    • Jowar is grown mostly in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
    • Bajra thrives in dry regions like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Ragi is grown in the Deccan Plateau and Tamil Nadu.
  4. Maize
    • Used as food and fodder, it requires moderate rainfall.
    • Major maize-producing states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
  5. Sugarcane
    • A major crop for producing sugar, gur, and molasses.
    • Major sugarcane-producing states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
  6. Oilseeds (Groundnut, Mustard, Soybean)
    • India is the second-largest producer of groundnut.
    • Major oilseeds are used for cooking and also as raw materials for soap and cosmetics.
  7. Tea
    • Grown in Assam, Darjeeling, and North Bengal in sub-tropical climates with fertile, well-drained soil.
  8. Pulses
    • India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses like tur (arhar), urad, and moong.
    • These crops are grown in rotation with other crops as they help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.

Important Points for Competitive Exams

  • Farming Types: Understand the difference between subsistence farming, commercial farming, and plantation farming.
  • Rabi & Kharif Crops: Be aware of key crops in these seasons (like wheat in Rabi and rice in Kharif).
  • Major Crop Regions: Be familiar with where major crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and tea are grown.
  • Government Schemes: Know about initiatives like the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture for water and soil management.

. Sugarcane:

  • Climate Requirements: Sugarcane is a tropical and subtropical crop, needing a hot, humid climate with temperatures between 21°C and 27°C and annual rainfall of 75-100 cm.
  • Soil and Water Needs: It can grow on various soils but requires irrigation in regions with low rainfall.
  • Labor Needs: It requires heavy manual labor, making it labor-intensive.
  • Important Growing Regions: The major sugarcane-producing regions in India include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Extra Insight: Sugarcane is essential for producing sugar, jaggery, and biofuel, making it an important agricultural product.

2. Tea:

  • Climate and Requirements: Tea grows well in a hot and humid climate with temperatures between 10°C and 30°C and consistent rainfall throughout the year. Frequent rainfall promotes continuous leaf growth.
  • Labor-Intensive Industry: The tea industry needs cheap, abundant, and skilled labor.
  • Major Tea-Producing Areas: Assam, Darjeeling (West Bengal), Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and more.
  • World Ranking: In 2018, India was the second-largest producer of tea after China.

Extra Insight: Tea production includes several stages: plucking, processing, and packaging. The quality of tea depends on the region’s altitude, temperature, and soil type.

3. Coffee:

  • Quality and Varieties: Indian coffee, especially Arabica, is famous worldwide for its superior quality.
  • Growing Regions: Initially brought from Yemen, coffee is grown in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, primarily in the Nilgiri Hills.
  • Historical Note: Coffee cultivation in India began with the Baba Budan Hills in Karnataka.

Extra Insight: Coffee is grown at higher altitudes where the cool climate and soil conditions are ideal. India also produces Robusta, a coffee variety with a stronger flavor.

4. Horticulture Crops (Fruits & Vegetables):

  • Leading Producers: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, after China.
  • Fruits: Major fruits include mangoes, bananas, oranges, pineapples, and apples.
  • Vegetables: India grows a variety of vegetables like peas, tomatoes, brinjal (eggplant), onions, and cauliflower.

Extra Insight: The growing seasons of fruits and vegetables in India are diverse, which allows for year-round production and a stable supply for both domestic and international markets.

5. Non-Food Crops:

  • Rubber:
    • Climate Requirements: Rubber needs a humid climate with annual rainfall above 200 cm and temperatures above 25°C.
    • Main Producers: Rubber is mainly produced in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Andaman Islands.
  • Jute (Golden Fibre):
    • Climate Needs: Jute grows well in well-drained, fertile soils and requires high temperatures.
    • Uses: Jute is used for making bags, ropes, and carpets.
    • Main Producers: Major jute-producing states are West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha.

6. Technological and Institutional Reforms:

  • Challenges in Indian Agriculture: Despite having sources of irrigation, many Indian farmers still rely on monsoon and natural fertility. This creates challenges for a growing population.
  • Land Reforms and Green Revolution: After Independence, land reforms were introduced to address land fragmentation. The Green Revolution (1960s-1970s) aimed to improve crop production using technology.
  • Government Initiatives: Various schemes such as Kissan Credit Card (KCC) and crop insurance help farmers. The government also ensures minimum support prices for crops.

Extra Insight: Technological reforms like mechanization, biotechnology, and advanced irrigation systems help to improve agricultural productivity.

7. Bhoodan-Gramdan Movement (Vinoba Bhave):

  • Background: After Gandhiji’s death, Vinoba Bhave took up the cause of land distribution. In 1951, he initiated the Bhoodan movement (land donation) and later Gramdan (donation of whole villages).
  • Significance: This movement aimed at helping landless villagers by persuading wealthy landowners to donate land.

Extra Insight: The Bhoodan-Gramdan movement is also called the “Bloodless Revolution” because it was a peaceful means of addressing land inequalities.

8. Fibre Crops:

  • Cotton:
    • Climate Needs: Cotton requires a dry climate with moderate rainfall, high temperatures, and bright sunshine.
    • Major Cotton-Producing States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are key producers.
    • Importance: Cotton is essential for the textile industry, and India is one of the largest producers.

Extra Insight: Cotton farming often faces challenges such as pest attacks and water shortages, which makes sustainable practices crucial.

Key Agricultural Terms:

  • Kharif Crops: Crops grown during the monsoon season (June to September), like rice, cotton, and maize.
  • Rabi Crops: Crops grown during the winter season (October to March), like wheat, barley, and mustard.

Conclusion:

Agriculture in India is diverse, ranging from food crops like sugarcane, tea, and horticultural products to non-food crops like rubber and jute. The government has implemented several reforms and schemes to modernize and improve the sector. With continuous technological advancements and institutional support, Indian agriculture plays a vital role in the economy, ensuring food security and employment for millions.

THESE ALL ARE THE NOTES OF CHAPTER 4 GEOGRAPHY. AND AFTER SOME TIME YOU GET IMPORTANT QUESTIONS HERE. *#THANKS FOR VISITING, VISIT AGAIN#* 😊