Department Of Social Science
GEOGRAPHY(X)
CHAPTER 04
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is a
Primary Activity in which almost Two-Third of India’s Population is engaged. It
Produces Most of the Food for Our Consumption and other raw Materials for
Various Industries.
TYPES OF
FARMING IN INDIA
On the basis of
physical environments such as rainfall pattern, land productivity,
technological advancements and socio cultural practices there are various
farming practices in India.
These are
discussed below:
1.
PRIMITIVE SUBSISTENCE FARMING:
This
type of farming is practiced on small patches of land. Primitive tools and
family/community labour are used in this type of farming. The farming mainly
depends on monsoon and natural fertility of soil. Crops are grown as per the
suitability of the environmental condition.
This
is also called ‘Slash and Burn’ agriculture. A patch of
land is cleared by slashing the vegetation and then the slashed plants are
burnt. The ash; thus obtained is mixed with the soil and crops are grown.
This
type of farming produces just enough crops to sustain the family. After a couple
of seasons, the patch is left fallow and a new patch of land is prepared for
farming. This allows the earlier patch of land to replenish its fertility
through the natural process.
DIFFERENT
NAMES OF SLASH AND BURN FARMING:
Slash and Burn Farming in
India
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Name
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Regions
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Name
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Region
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Jhumming
|
Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland
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Podu or Penda
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Andhra Pradesh
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Pamlou
|
Manipur
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Pama Dabi or Koman or Bringa
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Odisha
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Dipa
|
Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and Andaman
& Nicobar Islands
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Kumari
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Western Ghats
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Bewar or Dahiya
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
Valre or Waltre
|
South Eastern Rajasthan
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Podu or Penda
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Andhra Pradesh
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Khil
|
Himalayan belt
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Kuruwa
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Jharkhand
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Although
there are different names for slash and burn farming in different
regions of India, the name 'Jhum Cultivation' or Jhuming is commonly
used in this context.
The
following table shows various names for slash and burn farming in different
countries.
Slash and Burn Farming in World
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Name
|
Countries
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Name
|
Countries
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Milpa
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Mexico and Central America
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Masole
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Central Africa
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Conuco
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Venezuela
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Ladang
|
Indonesia
|
Roca
|
Brazil
|
Ray
|
Vietnam
|
2. INTENSIVE SUBSISTENCE FARMING:
This
type of farming is practiced in densely populated areas. This involves
high degree of use of biochemical inputs and irrigation. There is
huge pressure of population on this type of farming.
Problems
of Intensive Farming: Division
of land through successive generation leads to plot size getting smaller and
smaller. This makes it impossible to properly manage the farm inputs. Moreover,
large-scale farming is not possible in that case.
3.
COMMERCIAL FARMING:
This
type of farming is done with the sole purpose of selling the farm produce.
Various modern inputs are used in this type of farming, e.g. HYV (High Yielding
Variety) seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides. Punjab,
Haryana, Western UP and some parts of Maharashtra are the areas where
commercial farming is done on large scale. However, this type of farming is
also done in many other states; like Bihar, West Bengal, T N, etc.
PLANTATION:
In
this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area. Plantation requires intensive capital and a large
number of workers. Most of the produce from a plantation is used in various
industries. Tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, banana, etc. are important
plantation crops. Tea is mainly produced in the tea gardens of Assam and North
Bengal. Coffee is produced in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Banana is produced in
Kerala, Maharashra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Plantation requires a well-developed
network of transport and communication, processing industries and a good
market.
CROPPING
PATTERN IN INDIA
INDIA
HAS THREE CROPPING SEASONS — RABI, KHARIF AND ZAID.
1. RABI:
Rabi crops
are also known as winter crops. They are sown from October to December
and harvested from April to June. Wheat, Barley, Pea, Gram and Mustard
are the important Rabi crops. Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are the important producers of Rabi
crops.
2. KHARIF:
Kharif
crops are also known as summer crops. They are sown at the beginning of
monosoon(May-July) and harvested in September-October. Paddy, maize, Jowar,
Bajra, Tur, Moong, urad, Cotton, Jute, Groundnut and Soyabean are important Kharif
crops. Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are important rice growing
states. In Assam, West Bengal and Orissa; three crops of paddy are grown
in a year. These are called Aus, Aman and Boro.
3. ZAID:
The zaid
season falls in between the rabi and kharif seasons. Watermelon, muskmelon,
cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops are some of the crops grown in this
season. Sugarcane is planted in this season but takes almost a year to grow.
AGRICULTURE:
MAJOR CROPS
RICE:
India
is the second largest producer of Rice after China. It requires
high temperature (above 25°C), high humidity and annual rainfall above
100 cm. However, it can be grown with the help of suitable irrigation
in areas of less rainfall. Rice is grown in the northern plains, northeast
India, coastal areas and deltaic regions. Now-a-days, rice is also grown in
Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh and in parts of Rajasthan. This has
been possible because of development of a dense network of canals and tube
wells.
WHEAT:
Wheat
is the main food crop in North and North-Western parts of India. Wheat needs 50
to 75 cm of annual rainfall which should be evenly distributed over the
growing season. The Ganga-Sutlej plains in the northwest and black
soil region of Deccan are the two important wheat-growing zones in India.
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh
are the important wheat producing regions. India is the fourth Largest
Producer of Wheat. It is a Rabi crop.
MILLETS:
Jowar, Bajra and Ragi are the Important Millets
grown in India. Millets are known as coarse grains, but they have very
high Nutritional value.
a.
Jowar: Maharashtra is the largest producer
of Jowar; followed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Jowar
grows in moist areas and hardly needs irrigation.
b.
Bajra: Bajra grows well on sandy soil and
shallow black soil. Rajasthan is the largest producer of bajra; followed
by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.
c.
Ragi: Ragi grows in dry regions on red,
black, sandy loamy and shallow black soils. Karnataka is the largest
producer of ragi; follower by Tamil Nadu.
MAIZE:
Maize is used both as food and fodder. It grows
well in old alluvial soil and requires a temperature range of 21°-27°C.
Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the
major maize-producing states.
PULSES:
India is the largest producer of pulses in
the world. It is also the largest consumer of pulses. Pulses are
usually produced in rotation with other crops. Pulses are important
source of Protein and Minerals and are also Known as ‘Poor Man’s Meat’.
Pulses need less Soil Moisture and can survive in dry Conditions.Major pulses
are grown in India are Tur(Arhar),Urad,moong,Masur,Peas and Gram. UP, MP,
Rajasthan and Karnataka are the major pulse-producing states.
SUGARCANE:
Sugarcane needs hot and humid climate. It
requires temperature range of 21°-27°C and rainfall of 75 cm to 100
cm. India is the second largest producer of sugarcane, while Brazil
is the number one.Sugar cane is the raw meterial used for manufacturing of
Sugar,Gur,khandasari and molasses .Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana are major sugar producing
states.
OILSEEDS:
India is the Second largest producer of
Groundnuts after China. Groundnut, Mustard, Coconut, Sesame,
Soyabean,
Castor, Cotton seeds, Linseed and Sunflower are the main oilseeds grown in
India.
GROUNDNUT:
Groundnut accounts for about half of the major
oilseeds produced in the country. Gujarat is the largest producer of
groundnut; followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Groundnut is a kharif crop. Linseed and Mustard are Rabi crops. Sesame is a
Kharif crop in north and Rabi crop in south. Castor is grown both as
Rabi
and Kharif crops.
TEA:
Tea plants grow well in tropical and
sub-tropical climates; in deep and fertile well drained soil. The soil should
be rich in humus and organic matter. It is a Beverage Crop.Tea is a
labour intensive industry. Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are major
tea-producing states. The hills of Darjeeling are famous for the unique quality
of tea produced there. In 2015 India is the Second Largest producer of
tea in the World after China .
COFFEE:
Coffee is also grown in plantations. Initially,
the Arabica variety was brought from Yemen and produced in India.
The cultivation of coffee was initially introduced on the Baba Budan Hills.
Leading producers are Karnataka- Nilgiri Hills (71%) Kerala (21%) Tamil Nadu (5%).
OTHERS:
India is a Producer of tropical as well as
temperate fruits. Mangoes of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and
West Bengal, Oranges of Nagpur and Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya), Bananas of Kerala,
Mizoram,
Maharashtra
and Tamil Nadu, Lichi and Guava of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, pineapples of
Meghalaya, grapes of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, Apples, Pears, Apricots
and Walnuts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are in great demand the
world over.
HORTICULTURE
CROPS:
In 2015India is the Second
largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world after China. India
produces about 13 per cent of the world’s vegetables (2008). It is an
important producer of Pea, Cauliflower, Onion, Cabbage, Tomato, Brinjal and Potato.
NON-FOOD
CROPS
RUBBER: Rubber is a crop of equatorial region but it is
also grown tropical and subtropical regions. It needs moist and humid climate
with rainfall more than 200 cm. A temperature range above 25°C is
required for rubber plantation. In India, rubber is mainly grown in Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andaman & Nicobar Islands and also in the Garo
hills of Meghalaya.
India is the fourth largest Rubber producer in
the world (2010-11)
FIBRE CROPS::
Cotton, Jute, Hemp and Natural Silk are the four major fibre crops grown in India.
The first
three are derived from the crops grown in the soil, the latter is obtained from
cocoons of the silkworms fed on green leaves especially Mulberry.
Rearing of Silk Worms for The Production of Silk Fibre is known as Sericulture.
COTTON:
In 2015 India is the Second-Largest
producer of cotton after China. Cotton grows in dry parts of black
cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. High temperature, light rainfall or
irrigation, 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine are required for the
growth of cotton. The crop requires 6 to 8 months to mature.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are the main cotton producing states.
JUTE:
It is known as the Golden Fibre. Very Strong fibre,due to its roughness it used
to make Gunny bags,Mats,Ropes,Yarn,Carpets.etc. Jute needs well-drained fertile
soils of the flood plains. West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Orissa and Meghalaya are
the major Jute producing states.
BHOODAN
– GRAMDAN MOVEMENT
Land reform was the main focus of the First Five Year
Plan. Vinoba Bhave started the Bhoodan Andolan to encourage big
landlords to donate a part of their land to the landless farmers. Many people
came out in support of Vinoba Bhave and donated land.This Movement
also known as Blood less Revolution.
(FOR MORE INFO REFER TEXT BOOK NCERT PAGE NO: 43)
AGRICULTURAL REFORMS BY GOVERNMENT
To improve the condition of farmers the government
brought certain Measures for Land Reform. In some states, land was
redistributed so that all of the land owned by a farmer could come on a
single plot. The reform was successful in some states (like Punjab and UP) but
could not be implemented throughout the country, because of poor response by
farmers.
Green
Revolution: Green Revolution was
started in the 1960s and 1970s to improve farm output. Use of new technology
and HYV seeds was encouraged. Green revolution produced very good results;
especially in Punjab and Haryana.
White
Revolution: White Revolution (Operation
Flood) was initiated to improve milk production in the country.
A Comprehensive
Land Development Programme was
launched in the 1980s and 1990s. These programmes included both institutional
and technical reforms. Provision for crop insurance was made against
drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease. Gramin banks and cooperative societies
were opened in rural areas so that farmers could get access to loan facilities.
Kissan
Credit Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) and many other schemes were introduced for the
benefit of farmers. The government owned radio and TV channels broadcast Special
Weather Bulletins and Agricultural Programmes. Government also announced
MSP (Minimum Support Price) so that farmers can be saved from exploitation
by middlemen.
CURRENT
SCENARIO IN AGRICULTURE
The growth
in agricultural sector is going down. Reduction in import duties on
agricultural products means that farmers are facing tough competition from
international markets. Investment is not coming into agriculture and hence
employment opportunities are also showing de-growth in this sector.
The share of
agriculture in GDP has being declining from 1951 onwards. Yet it continues to be
the largest employer. About 52% of the total workforce was employed in
agriculture in 2010-11. A decline agriculture can be an alarming situation
because it has wider implications for the whole economy.
Government
is making continuous efforts to modernize agriculture. ICAR (Indian Council
of Agricultural Research), Agricultural Universities, Veterinary services,
Animal breeding centres, Horticulture development, Research & Development
in the field of meteorology, etc. are given top priority with an aim to
improve Indian agriculture. Government is also taking measures to improve rural
infrastructure.
IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON AGRICULTURE:
Impact of globalization are being felt since historic
times. When European traders first came in India, Black pepper and Spices were
the main items of export. During British rule, India became a net exporter of
raw materials; especially Cotton. Due to high demand of indigo in British textiles
industry, the farmers in India were forced to grow indigo (Remember Champaran
Movement 1917). Cotton was exported to mills of Manchester and Liverpool for
textile Industry.
In the modern context, Indian farmers are unable to
compete with Western farmers because of very high level of subsidies for
farmers in the West. Due to this, demand for Indian farm produce is very low in
international Market. Moreover,
excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, irrigation, etc. has created its own
problems; which are evident by falling level of farm production. Too many
people are dependent on farm land in India and hence per capita farm production
is forecasted to decrease further. Experts suggest that organic farming
is the way out of the problem.
GENE REVOLUTION
In Today’s World gene Revolution is the key Word for
Revolution in Agricultural Production. It is based on Genetic
Engineering, Genetic Engineering is recognized as a powerful Supplement in inventing
new hybrid Varieties of Seeds. Organic Farming also Popular because it is
Practiced without factory made Fertilisers and Pesticides.
According to the few Economists Indian Farmers have a bleak future if they
continue growing food grains on Holding of lower Productivity as the Population
Rises. Government must pursue a Policy to make Indian Farmers Shift their
Cropping Pattern from Cereals to High Value Crops. This will make them Better
off as well as reduce Environmental Degradation. Fruits, Medicinal Herbs,
flowers, Vegetables, need much less Irrigation than Rice or Sugar cane. India’s
Varied Climate and Geography can be used to grow a wide range of High-Value
Crops.
BENEFITS OF CHANGING CROPPING PATTERN IN INDIA
If India change its cropping Pattern e.g., from cereal
to High Value Crops, then we have to Import Food. We had to Import Food also
During 1960s but that time that was seen a Disaster .However if India Imports
Cereals While exporting high Value Commodities, it will be following Successful
Economies Like Italy, Israel and Chile. These Countries Exports farm Products
e.g., Fruits, Olives especially seeds and Wine and Imports Cereals.
India’s Rank in Agricultural Production.
v Rice
–Second Largest Producer After China( 2015)
v Wheat-
Second Largest Producer after China ( 2015)
v Pulses-Largest
Producer in the World (2015)
v Sugarcane-Second
Largest After Brazil( 2015)
v Groundnuts-Second
Largest after China( 2015)
v Tea-
Second Largest Producer After China ( 2015)
v Horticulture-
Second Largest Producer After China (2015)
v Rubber-Fourth
largest After Thailand,Indonesia,Malaysia ( 2011)
v Cotton-Second
Largest Producer After China,USA on Third Position.
v Jute-India
is the Leading Then Bangladesh and China
