Major Crops of India
In India, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy, providing sustenance and employment for a significant portion of the population. This section categorizes the major crops into two main types: food crops and cash crops.
9.3.1 Food Crops
Food crops are vital for the sustenance of the local population. The most significant among these are:
- Rice: Cultivated mainly in regions like Bihar, West Bengal, and Punjab. Rice is a staple food for many Indians.
- Wheat: Grown predominantly in states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, wheat is another major food crop that forms the basis of many families' diets.
- Millets and Pulses: Grown in dry regions, these crops are also essential for nutritional balance and are important in smaller resource-based farming systems.
9.3.2 Cash Crops
Cash crops are cultivated primarily for commercial value rather than personal consumption. Key examples include:
- Sugarcane: Grown in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, it is processed into sugar and contributes significantly to the economy.
- Cotton: Cultivated in Gujarat and Maharashtra, cotton is crucial for the textile industry.
- Tea and Coffee: Primarily grown in northeastern states like Assam and southern states like Kerala.
- Rubber: Primarily grown in Kerala, rubber is another key cash crop contributing to the agro-based industries.
These crops not only supply food and materials for local use and industries but are also pivotal for export earnings.