4. AGRICULTURE
India: An Agriculturally
Important Country
India is an agriculturally
important country because nearly two-thirds of its population is engaged in
agricultural activities. Agriculture is a primary activity that provides food
for the people and raw materials for many industries. Agricultural products
such as tea, coffee, spices, cotton, sugarcane, and jute are also exported to
other countries, contributing to the national economy.
Industries Based on
Agricultural Raw Materials
Some important industries
based on agricultural raw materials are:
- Cotton Textile Industry (cotton)
- Sugar Industry (sugarcane)
- Jute Industry (jute)
- Tea Industry (tea leaves)
- Coffee Processing Industry (coffee beans)
- Edible Oil Industry (oilseeds)
- Rubber Industry (rubber)
TYPES
OF FARMING
Agriculture in India has
evolved over time according to physical conditions, technological development,
and socio-cultural practices. Farming ranges from subsistence farming to
commercial farming.
Primitive Subsistence Farming
Primitive subsistence farming
is practised on small patches of land using primitive tools such as hoes, dao,
and digging sticks. Family and community labour is used for cultivation. This
farming depends mainly on monsoon rainfall, natural soil fertility, and
favourable environmental conditions.
This type of farming is also
known as slash-and-burn agriculture. Farmers clear a patch of forest
land, cultivate crops for a few years, and then move to another area when soil
fertility declines. Since modern inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides are
not used, productivity remains low.
Different Names of Shifting
Cultivation in India
|
State/Region |
Local Name |
|
Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland |
Jhumming |
|
Manipur |
Pamlou |
|
Chhattisgarh (Bastar) |
Dipa |
|
Madhya Pradesh |
Bewar or Dahiya |
|
Andhra Pradesh |
Podu or Penda |
|
Odisha |
Pama Dabi, Koman, Bringa |
|
Western Ghats |
Kumari |
|
Rajasthan |
Valre or Waltre |
|
Himalayan Belt |
Khil |
|
Jharkhand |
Kuruwa |
Names in Other Countries
- Milpa – Mexico and Central America
- Conuco – Venezuela
- Roca – Brazil
- Masole – Central Africa
- Ladang – Indonesia
- Ray – Vietnam
Intensive Subsistence Farming
Intensive subsistence farming
is practised in regions where there is high population pressure on land.
Farmers use small landholdings intensively to obtain maximum output.
Characteristics
- Labour-intensive farming
- High use of irrigation
- Use of chemical fertilizers and improved seeds
- Small landholdings due to division through
inheritance
- High pressure on agricultural land
States Practising Intensive
Subsistence Farming
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Odisha
- Parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Commercial Farming
Commercial farming is
characterized by the use of modern agricultural inputs such as:
- HYV (High Yielding Variety) seeds
- Chemical fertilizers
- Insecticides and pesticides
- Modern machinery
The main objective is to produce
crops for sale in the market rather than for family consumption.
Examples
- Rice is a commercial crop in Punjab and
Haryana.
- Rice is mainly a subsistence crop in Odisha.
Plantation Farming
Plantation farming is a type
of commercial farming in which a single crop is grown over a large area.
Characteristics
- Large landholdings
- Capital-intensive farming
- Use of migrant labour
- Produce serves as raw material for industries
- Well-developed transport and communication
network required
Important Plantation Crops
- Tea
- Coffee
- Rubber
- Sugarcane
- Banana
Examples
- Tea plantations in Assam and North Bengal
- Coffee plantations in Karnataka
CROPPING
PATTERN
India has three major cropping
seasons due to its diverse climate and physical conditions.
Rabi Season
Rabi crops are sown in winter
(October–December) and harvested in summer (April–June).
Important Rabi Crops
- Wheat
- Barley
- Gram
- Peas
- Mustard
Major Producing States
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
Factors Responsible for Growth
- Winter rainfall from Western Temperate
Cyclones
- Success of Green Revolution
Kharif Season
Kharif crops are sown with the
onset of monsoon and harvested in September–October.
Important Kharif Crops
- Paddy (Rice)
- Maize
- Jowar
- Bajra
- Cotton
- Jute
- Groundnut
- Soyabean
- Tur (Arhar)
- Moong
- Urad
Major Rice-Growing Areas
- Assam
- West Bengal
- Odisha
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
Three Rice Crops in a Year
- Aus
- Aman
- Boro
Zaid Season
Zaid is a short summer season
between the Rabi and Kharif seasons.
Important Zaid Crops
- Watermelon
- Muskmelon
- Cucumber
- Vegetables
- Fodder Crops
Special Crop
- Sugarcane takes almost one year to grow.
MAJOR
CROPS
Rice
Rice is the staple food crop
of most Indians. India is the second-largest producer of rice in the world
after China.
Conditions Required
- Temperature above 25°C
- High humidity
- Rainfall above 100 cm
Major Producing Areas
- Northern Plains
- North-Eastern India
- Coastal Regions
- Deltaic Regions
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Western Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan (with irrigation)
Wheat
Wheat is the second most
important cereal crop and the main food crop of northern India.
Conditions Required
- Cool growing season
- Bright sunshine during ripening
- Rainfall: 50–75 cm
Major Producing States
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Rajasthan
Wheat Growing Zones
- Ganga-Satluj Plains
- Black Soil Region of the Deccan
Millets
Millets are highly nutritious
food grains rich in minerals and roughage.
Jowar
- Third most important food crop
- Rain-fed crop
- Major States: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
Bajra
- Grows on sandy and shallow black soils
- Major States: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana
Ragi
- Rich in iron and calcium
- Grows in dry regions
- Major States: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh
Maize
Maize is used both as food and
fodder.
Conditions Required
- Temperature: 21°C–27°C
- Old alluvial soil
Major Producing States
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
Pulses
India is the largest producer
and consumer of pulses in the world.
Major Pulses
- Tur (Arhar)
- Urad
- Moong
- Masur
- Peas
- Gram
Importance
- Major source of protein
- Improve soil fertility by nitrogen fixation
- Usually grown in crop rotation
Major Producing States
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka
FOOD
CROPS OTHER THAN GRAINS
Sugarcane
Sugarcane is both a tropical
and subtropical crop.
Conditions Required
- Temperature: 21°C–27°C
- Rainfall: 75–100 cm
- Requires irrigation in low rainfall areas
Products Obtained
- Sugar
- Gur (Jaggery)
- Khandsari
- Molasses
Major Producing States
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Bihar
- Punjab
- Haryana
India is the second-largest
producer of sugarcane after Brazil.
Oil Seeds
India is one of the leading
producers of oilseeds.
Important Oilseeds
- Groundnut
- Mustard
- Coconut
- Sesamum (Til)
- Soyabean
- Castor Seed
- Cotton Seed
- Linseed
- Sunflower
Uses
- Cooking oil
- Soap manufacturing
- Cosmetics
- Ointments
Groundnut
- Kharif crop
- Major States: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
Mustard and Linseed
- Rabi crops
Sesamum
- Kharif in North India
- Rabi in South India
Tea
Tea is an important plantation
and beverage crop introduced by the British.
Conditions Required
- Tropical and Sub-tropical climate
- Deep fertile well-drained soil
- Warm and moist climate
- Frequent showers throughout the year
Characteristics
- Labour-intensive industry
- Processed within tea gardens
Major Producing States
- Assam
- West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri)
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Meghalaya
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tripura
India is the second-largest
producer of tea after China.
Coffee
Indian coffee is famous
worldwide for its quality.
Variety
- Arabica coffee (brought from Yemen)
Major Producing States
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
Main Growing Area
- Baba Budan Hills and Nilgiri Hills
Horticulture Crops
India is the second-largest
producer of fruits and vegetables after China.
Major Fruits and Producing
States
- Mango – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
- Orange – Nagpur, Cherrapunjee
- Banana – Kerala, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Tamil
Nadu
- Litchi and Guava – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
- Pineapple – Meghalaya
- Grapes – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Maharashtra
- Apple, Pear, Apricot, Walnut – Jammu and
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
Important Vegetables
- Pea
- Cauliflower
- Onion
- Cabbage
- Tomato
- Brinjal
- Potato
NON-FOOD
CROPS
Rubber
Rubber is an important
industrial raw material.
Conditions Required
- Rainfall above 200 cm
- Temperature above 25°C
- Moist and humid climate
Major Producing States
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Garo Hills of Meghalaya
Fibre Crops
The major fibre crops of India
are:
- Cotton
- Jute
- Hemp
- Natural Silk
Sericulture
The rearing of silkworms for
silk production is known as Sericulture.
Cotton
India is believed to be the
original home of cotton.
Conditions Required
- Black cotton soil
- High temperature
- Light rainfall
- 210 frost-free days
- Bright sunshine
Characteristics
- Kharif crop
- Takes 6–8 months to mature
Major Producing States
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Tamil Nadu
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
India is the second-largest
producer of cotton after China.
Jute
Jute is known as the Golden
Fibre.
Conditions Required
- High temperature
- Well-drained fertile floodplain soils
- Annual renewal of soil by floods
Major Producing States
- West Bengal
- Bihar
- Assam
- Odisha
- Meghalaya
Uses
- Gunny bags
- Mats
- Ropes
- Yarn
- Carpets
- Handicrafts
TECHNOLOGICAL
AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
Agriculture in India faced
several challenges due to fragmented landholdings, dependence on monsoon, and
traditional methods of cultivation. Therefore, the government introduced
several reforms after Independence.
Institutional Reforms
- Abolition of Zamindari System
- Consolidation of Holdings
- Cooperative Farming
- Land Reforms
- Collectivisation
Green Revolution
Introduced in the 1960s–70s
using:
- HYV Seeds
- Fertilizers
- Irrigation
- Modern Technology
White Revolution (Operation
Flood)
Focused on increasing milk
production.
Other Reforms
- Crop Insurance
- Grameen Banks
- Cooperative Societies
- Agricultural Loans at Low Interest Rates
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS)
- Agricultural Programmes on Radio and
Television
- Weather Bulletins for Farmers
- Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- Procurement Price
- Remunerative Price
These measures helped protect
farmers from exploitation and improve agricultural productivity.
BHOODAN
– GRAMDAN MOVEMENT
The Bhoodan Movement was
started by Vinoba Bhave, who was regarded by Mahatma Gandhi as
his spiritual successor. While addressing villagers at Pochampally in
Telangana, some landless peasants requested land for cultivation.
At that moment, Shri Ram
Chandra Reddy donated 80 acres of land for distribution among 80 landless
villagers. This voluntary donation of land came to be known as Bhoodan.
Later, some landowners donated
entire villages, which became known as Gramdan.
Significance
- Promoted cooperative farming.
- Helped landless peasants.
- Encouraged voluntary land redistribution.
- Known as the Bloodless Revolution.
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Exercise Answers
1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Which one of the following
describes a system of agriculture where a single crop is grown on a large area?
Answer: (b) Plantation Agriculture
(ii) Which one of the
following is a rabi crop?
Answer: (b) Gram
(iii) Which one of the
following is a leguminous crop?
Answer: (a) Pulses
2. Answer the Following Questions in 30 Words
(i) Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical
conditions required for its growth.
Answer:
Tea is an important beverage crop. It grows well in tropical and sub-tropical
climates with deep, fertile, well-drained soil, warm and moist conditions,
abundant rainfall, and cheap skilled labour.
(ii) Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced.
Answer:
Rice is the staple food crop of India. It is mainly grown in the northern and
north-eastern plains, coastal regions, and deltaic areas such as West Bengal,
Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
(iii) Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the
government in the interest of farmers.
Answer:
The government introduced land reforms, consolidation of holdings, cooperative
farming, crop insurance, Grameen Banks, cooperative societies, Kisan Credit
Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS), and Minimum Support
Price (MSP).
3. Answer the Following Questions in About 120 Words
(i) Suggest the initiatives taken by the government to ensure the increase
in agricultural production.
Answer:
To increase agricultural production, the Government of India introduced several
technological and institutional reforms. Land reforms such as abolition of
zamindari, consolidation of holdings, and cooperative farming were implemented.
The Green Revolution promoted the use of HYV seeds, fertilizers, irrigation
facilities, and modern machinery. The White Revolution increased milk
production. The government also launched crop insurance schemes, Grameen Banks,
cooperative societies, and low-interest agricultural loans. Kisan Credit Cards
(KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Schemes (PAIS) were introduced for
farmers' welfare. Weather bulletins, agricultural programmes on radio and
television, and the announcement of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) further helped
farmers improve production and protect them from exploitation.
(ii) Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.
Answer:
Rice is a kharif crop and requires a hot and humid climate. It grows best at
temperatures above 25°C with annual rainfall of more than 100 cm. Areas with
high humidity and abundant water supply are most suitable for rice cultivation.
In regions receiving less rainfall, irrigation facilities such as canals and
tube wells are used. Rice is mainly cultivated in the northern and
north-eastern plains, coastal regions, and deltaic areas of India. Fertile
alluvial soils and adequate water availability support its growth. The
development of irrigation facilities has also enabled rice cultivation in
Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan.
Activity - Puzzle Answers
- Rice
- Wheat
- Kharif
- Protein
- Jowar
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cotton
These are the hidden words
found horizontally and vertically in the puzzle.
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