ThinkRankAgriculture
Overview
This chapter explains Indian agriculture, cropping seasons, major crops, and the challenges faced by farmers in terms of landholdings, irrigation, and productivity.
Learning Objectives
- Explain cropping seasons and crop patterns
- Identify major food and cash crops
- Understand challenges in Indian agriculture
Key Concepts
Cropping Seasons
Kharif crops are grown in monsoon, Rabi in winter, and Zaid in summer.
Major Crops
Rice, wheat, millets, sugarcane, cotton, and tea dominate production.
Green Revolution
High-yield seeds and irrigation boosted food grain output but created regional imbalance.
Agricultural Challenges
Small landholdings, dependence on monsoon, and limited mechanization reduce productivity.
Commercial and Plantation Farming
Cash crops and plantation agriculture support industry and exports.
Irrigation and Inputs
Canals, tube wells, fertilizers, and HYV seeds raise yields but also increase costs.
Institutional Support
Credit, crop insurance, and minimum support prices help reduce risk for farmers.
Key Terms
Examples
Wheat Belt
Punjab and Haryana produce large wheat surpluses due to irrigation and HYV seeds.
Tea Plantations
Assam and Darjeeling are famous for tea grown on plantations.
Quick Check
- What crops are grown in Kharif season?
- Why is irrigation important?
- Name one major cash crop.