Agriculture

Old method. Small patches of land. Primitive tools (hoe, dao, digging sticks). Depends on monsoon and natural fertility. Includes 'Slash and Burn' (Jhumming).

Practiced in areas of high population pressure on land. Labour intensive. High doses of chemicals/irrigation used to get high yield.

Use of higher doses of modern inputs (HYV seeds, fertilizers, pesticides) to get high productivity for market (e.g., Tea in Assam, Cotton in Maharashtra).

A type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown on a large area. Capital intensive. Needs migrant labour. (Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Sugarcane, Banana).

Rabi (Winter: Wheat, Mustard), Kharif (Monsoon: Rice, Maize, Cotton), Zaid (Summer: Watermelon, Cucumber).

Rice. India is 2nd largest producer after China. Needs high temp (>25°C) and high rain (>100cm).

Cool growing season and bright sunshine at ripening. 50-75cm rain. Main crop in North/NW India.

Coarse grains (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi). High nutritional value. Ragi is rich in iron/calcium. Grow in dry regions.

Tropical/Subtropical. Hot and humid (21-27°C). 75-100cm rain. Labour intensive. India is 2nd largest producer (Brazil 1st).

Beverage crop. Tropical/Subtropical climates. Deep fertile well-drained soil rich in humus. Warm and moist frost-free climate through the year. Labour intensive.

Cultivation of fruits and vegetables. India is a large producer.

Initiated by Vinoba Bhave (Bloodless Revolution). Rich landlords donated land (Bhoodan) or villages (Gramdan) to landless.

Jute. Used for gunny bags, mats, ropes. Losing market to synthetic fibres (nylon).

Green Revolution (Package tech), White Revolution (Milk). Collectivisation, Consolidation of holdings, Abolition of Zamindari.

Kisan Credit Card. Scheme to provide credit to farmers.

Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for farmers.

Buffer Stock (FCI) and Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food availability to poor.

Indian farmers face challenge from subsidized agriculture in developed countries. We need to improve productivity and focus on high-value crops.

Inventing new hybrid varieties of seeds.

They are a major source of protein and help restore soil fertility (nitrogen fixation) being leguminous crops (except Arhar).

Jhumming names: Milpa (Mexico), Roca (Brazil), Masole (Central Africa), Ladang (Indonesia), Ray (Vietnam), Bewar/Dahiya (MP), Podu/Penda (AP), Kuruwa (Jharkhand).

India produces 20-22% of world pulses.

Major Pulses: Tur, Urad, Moong, Masur, Peas, Gram.

Major Oilseeds: Groundnut, Mustard, Coconut, Sesamum, Soyabean, Castor, Linseed, Sunflower.

Groundnut is a Kharif crop (South) / Rabi (some parts).

Coffee varieties: Arabica (from Yemen).

Rubber: Equatorial crop (>200cm rain, >25°C).

Cotton needs 210 frost-free days.

Cotton is a Kharif crop.

Jute needs high temperature and flood plains.

Fruits: Mango (Mah), Orange (Nagpur), Banana (Kerala), Litchi (Bihar), Apple (J&K).

Establishment of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

Agriculture University, Veterinary services set up.

GDP contribution of agriculture is declining.

Employment share is still high (>50%).

Farmers are withdrawing investment.

Subsidy on fertilizers decreased.

Import duties on Agri products reduced.

Gene Revolution is keyword today.

Organic Farming is becoming popular.

Seasons are periodic