Cropping pattern of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is predominantly an agrarian state where majority of Population live in rural areas. Traditional shifting or slash-and-burn cultivation (locally known as ‘Jhum’) is a primitive method of agriculture, largely practised by the hill tribes, major residents of the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, is not only a source of livelihood for them but is also a culture, weaning away from which is difficult, if not impossible. Since ‘Jhum’ is unsustainable it is time that there is some basic diversification in the agriculture of the state which may be in any one sector or across some of the sub-sectors of agriculture.

Crop diversification provides efficient use of farm inputs and contributes to a strong rural economy. Based on several micro level studies, it is argued that diversification could be a tool to augment farm income, generate EMPLOYMENT, alleviate POVERTY and ensure environmental safety.

Meghalaya’s cropping pattern was rice/cereal dominated, but by 2006, there had been a decline in the relative share of total paddy in the state’s gross cropped.area. Intra paddy variation tells us that both winter paddy and autumn paddy lost area to spring paddy. Though there was a declining trend in cereal (except other Cereals and small Millets) including paddy, area under pulses showed rising trend. Total food grains showed a declining trend. Percentage share of area of total oilseeds to its GCA remained almost constant over the period of study and relative area share of vegetables had gone up marginally over the period of study; Percentage share of area under total fibre (jute, mesta, Cotton) had gone down whereas total fruits have gained area. Area under condiments and spices and field crops had increased. Though absolute area under plantation crop had increased, in terms of relative share, there had been a decline in area under plantation crop. Gross cropped area in the state has gone up by 8.85 percent over a period of three decades i.e., the reference period under study.

West Garo Hills cropping pattern is food grain dominated, though share of area under total food grain is on the decline. Area under Jhum paddy, has been declining in all the blocks of West Garo Hills due to diversification and replacement by other high value crops like arecanut, cashew nut, citrus fruits, black pepper etc. Wheat is also losing area continuously since 1977.

There is a downward movement in absolute area occupied by maize, but relative area allocation under maize shows an upward trend. Area under total pulses was almost double in 30 years and there has been a rise in area under other cereals and small millets also. Area under total oil seed is almost constant, though area under sesame and rape and mustard both had gone up since 1977.

Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India. It is the wettest place on Earth, with an Average annual rainfall of over 12,000 mm. The state is also home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions.

The cropping pattern of Meghalaya is largely determined by the state’s Climate and topography. The wet, humid climate is ideal for the cultivation of rice, which is the staple food of the state. Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is a traditional method of farming that is still practiced in some parts of Meghalaya. Jhum cultivation involves clearing a patch of forest and then cultivating it for a few years before abandoning it and moving on to a new patch. This method of farming is not sustainable in the long term, as it leads to deforestation and Soil erosion.

Tea is another important crop in Meghalaya. The state is home to several tea gardens, which produce a high-quality tea that is exported to other parts of India and the world. Oranges are also a major crop in Meghalaya. The state’s oranges are known for their sweet taste and are exported to other parts of India and the world.

Cardamom is another important crop in Meghalaya. The state is the largest producer of cardamom in India. Cardamom is a spice that is used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Coffee is also grown in Meghalaya. The state’s coffee is known for its strong flavor and is exported to other parts of India and the world.

Potatoes are another important crop in Meghalaya. The state is the second largest producer of potatoes in India. Potatoes are a staple food in Meghalaya and are used in a variety of dishes. Chillies are also grown in Meghalaya. The state’s chillies are known for their hotness and are used in a variety of dishes.

Vegetables are also grown in Meghalaya. A variety of vegetables are grown in the state, including tomatoes, onions, cabbages, and cauliflowers. Fruits are also grown in Meghalaya. A variety of fruits are grown in the state, including oranges, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. Flowers are also grown in Meghalaya. A variety of flowers are grown in the state, including roses, lilies, and orchids.

Livestock is also raised in Meghalaya. A variety of livestock are raised in the state, including cows, buffaloes, pigs, and goats. Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries are also important in Meghalaya. A variety of fish are caught in the state’s rivers and streams. Forestry is also important in Meghalaya. The state’s forests are home to a variety of trees, including teak, sal, and bamboo. Tourism is also important in Meghalaya. The state’s natural beauty and cultural diversity attract tourists from all over the world.

The cropping pattern of Meghalaya is diverse and reflects the state’s unique climate, topography, and culture. The state’s agriculture is an important part of its economy and plays a vital role in the lives of its people.

What is the cropping pattern of Meghalaya?

The cropping pattern of Meghalaya is a complex and ever-changing one. The state’s diverse geography and climate, as well as its unique culture and history, have all contributed to the development of a unique cropping pattern that is unlike any other in India.

The main crops grown in Meghalaya are rice, maize, millets, pulses, and vegetables. Rice is the most important crop, accounting for over 50% of the state’s total crop area. Maize is the second most important crop, followed by millets, pulses, and vegetables.

The cropping pattern in Meghalaya is largely determined by the state’s climate. The state has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season lasts from June to September, while the dry season lasts from October to May.

The wet season is the most important time for Agriculture in Meghalaya. During this time, most of the state’s crops are planted and harvested. The dry season is a less favorable time for agriculture, as the lack of rainfall can make it difficult to grow crops.

The cropping pattern in Meghalaya is also influenced by the state’s geography. The state is located in the Eastern Himalayas, and its terrain is hilly and mountainous. This terrain makes it difficult to cultivate large areas of land, and as a result, most of the state’s agriculture is done on small, terraced farms.

The cropping pattern in Meghalaya is also influenced by the state’s culture and history. The state’s people are predominantly tribal, and their traditional agricultural practices have been passed down for generations. These traditional practices are often based on the use of sustainable methods, such as Crop Rotation and Intercropping.

The cropping pattern in Meghalaya is a complex and ever-changing one. The state’s diverse geography and climate, as well as its unique culture and history, have all contributed to the development of a unique cropping pattern that is unlike any other in India.

What are the major crops grown in Meghalaya?

The major crops grown in Meghalaya are rice, maize, millets, pulses, and vegetables. Rice is the most important crop, accounting for over 50% of the state’s total crop area. Maize is the second most important crop, followed by millets, pulses, and vegetables.

What are the factors that influence the cropping pattern of Meghalaya?

The cropping pattern of Meghalaya is influenced by a number of factors, including the state’s climate, geography, culture, and history. The state’s tropical climate with two distinct seasons (wet and dry) plays a major role in determining which crops can be grown. The state’s hilly and mountainous terrain also makes it difficult to cultivate large areas of land, and as a result, most of the state’s agriculture is done on small, terraced farms. The state’s traditional agricultural practices, which are often based on the use of sustainable methods, such as crop rotation and intercropping, also play a role in the cropping pattern.

What are the challenges faced by the cropping pattern of Meghalaya?

The cropping pattern of Meghalaya faces a number of challenges, including Climate Change, soil erosion, and pests and diseases. Climate change is a major threat to the state’s agriculture, as it is causing changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures. These changes are making it difficult to grow certain crops, and are also increasing the risk of pests and diseases. Soil erosion is another major challenge, as the state’s hilly and mountainous terrain makes it susceptible to soil loss. This soil loss can make it difficult to grow crops, and can also lead to flooding and landslides. Pests and diseases are also a major challenge, as they can damage crops and reduce yields.

What are the future prospects of the cropping pattern of Meghalaya?

The future prospects of the cropping pattern of Meghalaya are uncertain. The state’s agriculture is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, soil erosion, and pests and diseases. However, the state is also taking steps to address these challenges, such as investing in research and development, and promoting Sustainable Agriculture practices. As a result, the future of the cropping pattern of Meghalaya is likely to depend on the state’s ability to address these challenges.

Which of the following is not a major crop grown in Meghalaya?
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Wheat
(D) Maize
The main agricultural practice in Meghalaya is:
(A) Shifting cultivation
(B) Terrace farming
(C) Dryland farming
(D) Wetland Farming
The main source of Irrigation in Meghalaya is:
(A) Rainwater
(B) Canals
(C) Wells
(D) Tube wells
The main livestock reared in Meghalaya is:
(A) Cows
(B) Buffaloes
(C) Pigs
(D) Goats
The main forest products of Meghalaya are:
(A) Timber
(B) Bamboo
(C) Teak
(D) Rubber
The main mineral Resources of Meghalaya are:
(A) Coal
(B) Limestone
(C) Gypsum
(D) Mica
The main industries of Meghalaya are:
(A) Tea
(B) Cement
(C) Handloom
(D) Jute
The main tourist attractions of Meghalaya are:
(A) Mawlynnong
(B) Cherrapunji
(C) Nokrek National Park
(D) all of the above
The main languages spoken in Meghalaya are:
(A) Khasi
(B) Garo
(C) Jaintia
(D) all of the above
The main religions practiced in Meghalaya are:
(A) Christianity
(B) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(C) Islam
(D) all of the above