4. Agriculture

4. Agriculture

  • 4

    Agriculture

    Agriculture is crucial in India, involving two-thirds of the population and providing food and raw materials.

  • 4.1

    Types Of Farming

    This section introduces the various types of farming in India, elucidating the distinctions between primitive subsistence, intensive subsistence, and commercial farming.

  • 4.1.1

    Primitive Subsistence Farming

    Primitive subsistence farming is a traditional agricultural practice in India that relies on simple tools and family labor, characterized by shifting cultivation methods.

  • 4.1.2

    Intensive Subsistence Farming

    Intensive subsistence farming is characterized by high labor input and the use of biochemical inputs in areas with high population pressure on land.

  • 4.1.3

    Commercial Farming

    Commercial farming in India involves the cultivation of crops primarily for sale, utilizing modern agricultural inputs to maximize productivity.

  • 4.2

    Cropping Pattern

    India, being an agriculturally significant country, employs various cropping patterns influenced by environmental, technological, and cultural factors.

  • 4.2.1

    Major Crops

    India's agricultural landscape features varied farming types engaged by much of its population, producing essential food crops and raw materials for industries.

  • 4.2.1.1

    Rice

    Rice is a staple food crop in India, cultivated extensively under varying climatic conditions, particularly as a kharif crop, and plays a significant role in the economy.

  • 4.2.1.2

    Wheat

    Wheat is a crucial crop in India, primarily grown in the northern regions, and is significant for both local consumption and agricultural economics.

  • 4.2.1.3

    Millets

    Millets, including jowar, bajra, and ragi, are important cereal crops in India recognized for their nutritional value and resilience to dry conditions.

  • 4.2.1.4

    Maize

    This section discusses the significance of maize as a crop in India, its growing conditions, and its importance in agricultural practices.

  • 4.2.2

    Food Crops Other Than Grains

    The section explores various non-grain food crops, including sugarcane, oil seeds, tea, coffee, and horticulture crops, highlighting their significance in agriculture and economy.

  • 4.2.2.1

    Sugarcane

    This section explores the significance of sugarcane cultivation in India, its growing conditions, and its role in various industries.

  • 4.2.2.2

    Oil Seeds

    This section discusses the importance of oil seeds in India's agriculture, including major varieties and their uses.

  • 4.2.2.3

    Tea

    Tea is a significant crop in India, cultivated primarily in Assam and North Bengal, reflecting the agricultural diversity and historical context of farming practices.

  • 4.2.2.4

    Coffee

    This section discusses the significance of agriculture in India, focusing on different types of farming practices and highlighting the role of coffee as a key agricultural product.

  • 4.2.2.5

    Horticulture Crops

    This section discusses the significance of horticulture crops in India, detailing the types of farming, major agricultural practices, and notable crops grown in the country.

  • 4.2.3

    Non-Food Crops

    This section explores the significance and types of non-food crops in India, detailing their cultivation, uses, and the geographical conditions that support their growth.

  • 4.2.3.1

    Rubber

    This section discusses the significance of rubber in agriculture, its cultivation conditions, and its role as an industrial raw material in India.

  • 4.2.3.2

    Jute

    Jute is an important agricultural fiber crop in India, known for its high temperature requirement and fertile flood plain growth conditions.

  • 4.2.3.3

    Fibre Crops

    Fibre crops such as cotton, jute, hemp, and natural silk play a vital role in India's agricultural landscape.

  • 4.2.3.4

    Cotton

    This section discusses the significance of cotton in India, its cultivation requirements, and the major cotton-producing states.

  • 4.2.4

    Technological And Institutional Reforms

    This section discusses the significant reforms needed in Indian agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of technology and institutional changes.

  • 4.2.4.1

    Bhoodan – Gramdan

    The Bhoodan-Gramdan movement, led by Vinoba Bhave, aimed at distributing land to the landless in India, promoting cooperative farming and social justice.

  • 4.3

    Exercises

    This section contains activities and exercises to reinforce understanding of agricultural practices and their significance in India.

    • Key Summary

    Agriculture plays a crucial role in India's economy, engaging two-thirds of its population. The chapter explores various farming systems, including primitive subsistence and commercial farming, while detailing major crops and their growing conditions across different regions. Moreover, it emphasizes the impact of technological reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

    Key Takeaways

    • India has a diverse agricultural landscape influenced by climatic and regional factors.
    • Various farming systems practiced include primitive subsistence, intensive subsistence, commercial farming, and plantation.
    • Rice and wheat are the major staples, with different cropping seasons and conditions impacting their growth.

    Key Concepts

    • Primitive Subsistence Farming: A type of farming practiced on small patches of land with primitive tools, relying heavily on natural factors.
    • Intensive Subsistence Farming: Labor-intensive farming in areas with high population pressure, using biochemicals and irrigation for higher output.
    • Commercial Farming: Farming that employs modern inputs to produce crops mainly for sale in markets.
    • Rabi and Kharif Crops: Rabi crops are planted in winter and harvested in summer, whereas Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon and harvested in autumn.