Agriculture of West Bengal

agriculture of West Bengal

• West Bengal is located between 21⁰31’ & 27⁰14’ North Latitude and 85⁰91’ & 89⁰53’ East Longitude.
• The tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the state covering the district in the East, Nadia and Bardwan and in the West Bankura and Purulia.
• The state has occupied a geographical area of about 88,75,200 hectares sharing 2.7% land of the country but producing more than 8% of country’s food production and provideing space 7.6% of the country’s Population.
• Total cultivable area of this state is about 56 lakh hectares which is 63% of it’s geographical area and having 62% Irrigation area of Net cropped area.
• Gross cropped area is 94,58,675 hectares with Cropping intensity (2012-13) of 182%.
• The agriculture economy is greatly depended on monsoon and flood, land erosion, drought and other natural calamities often affect production in agriculture.
• At present West Bengal ranks first in production of Rice, Jute and Vegetables.
• Our position is second in Potato Production.
• The Production of different crops under food grains in the state has recorded significant Growth, which is recognized by GOI through awarding “KRISHI KARMAN” 3 times in a row during 2011-12, 2012-13 & 2013-14.
• West Bengal is predominantly an agrarian State.
• Comprising of only 2.7% of India’s geographical area, it supports nearly 8% of its population.
• There are 71.23 lakh farm families of whom 96% are small and marginal farmers. The Average size of land holding is only 0.77 ha.
• However, the State is bestowed with diverse natural Resources and varied agro-climatic conditions which support cultivation of a wide range of crops.
• West Bengal ranks first in paddy and vegetable production in the country.
• It stands second in potato production (after Uttar Pradesh).
• It is also the leading producer of jute, pineapple, litchi, mango and loose flowers.
• Cultivation of pulses, oilseeds and maize is also picking up fast.
• The net cropped area is 52.05 lakh ha which comprises 68% of the geographical area and 92% of arable land.
• The Cropping Intensity is 184%.
• However, as the State is located in the humid tropic and the Bay of Bengal is close-by, it has to often face vagaries of nature like flood, cyclone, hailstorm etc.
• Though the State is has a surplus production of rice, vegetables and potato a huge gap exists between the requirement and production of pulses, oilseeds and maize.
• Deterioration of Soil Health due to imbalance in the use of chemical Fertilizers, paucity of suitable improved varieties of seed, inadequate farm mechanization, unorganized Marketing structure etc. are major challenges to agricultural growth.

The Vision of Development of Agriculture of West Bengal:

• In spite of the above challenges, Agriculture has been the way of life and continues to be the single most important livelihood of the rural masses in West Bengal.
• So, the Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal is working in a mission mode for development of Agriculture and Allied sector in a holistic manner with the vision of “Doubling farmers’ income by 2020 by ensuring farmers’ access to Skills, Technologies, Markets and Financial Inclusion“.
• The State Agricultural Plan for the XII FYP embodies the following objectives to fulfill this vision:

1. to ensure Quantifiable improvement in Production & Productivity,
2. to Reduce yield gap with focused interventions,
3. to maximize returns to the farmers from Agriculture & Allied sector,
4. to Augment Marketing interventions and Export Promotion,
5. to Promote Competitiveness in Agriculture and Allied Sector and
6. to meet the challenges of Climate change and evolve mechanisms for effective drought and flood management.

Support Needed for Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in West Bengal:

1. Review the present state agricultural policies and subsidies, especially those that act as barrier to development of sustainable agriculture
2. Favourable policy support – to integrate sustainable agriculture as state mission with explicit policy and strategic plan for extension, adequate funding support and set goals
3. Create an innovation Centre of Excellence in West Bengal to promote sustainable AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT, particularly in Eastern India. The centre may be setup in strategic collaboration with State Government, national and international institutions, universities involving experts and farmers for research and innovation, PG studies, training, extension, knowledge repository and advocacy
4. Support innovation, capacity building and information to farmers
5. Ensure availability of organic inputs: seeds, Bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides etc.
6. Ensure availability of farm advisory Services and innovative institutional and funding support for organic certification, labeling and inspection
7. Provide market support
8. Support and create consumer awareness
9. Integrate and promote the efforts of NGOs, private organizations and entrepreneurs.

Crop Colander for NFSM Crop

Different type of Crops of Agriculture of West Bengal

Rice

• Cultivation of rice requires hot and moist climate.
• It is a Kharief crop and is sown in March-April and harvested in Autumn.
• Sufficient water must cover the fields.
• Temperature: Rice requires hot and humid conditions. The temperature should be fairly high i.e. 24°C mean monthly temperature with average temperature of 22°C to 32°C.
• Rainfall: Rainfall ranging between 150-300 cm is suitable for its growth in areas of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh where rainfall is less than 100 cm, rice is cultivated with the help of irrigation.
• Soil: Rice is grown in varied soil conditions but deep clayey and loamy soil provides the ideal conditions. Rice is primarily grown in plain areas.

Wheat

• It is a rabi crop and its plant requires a cool and somewhat moist climate in the beginning and warm and dry weather at the harvest time.
• The average rainfall should be between 50 to 70 cms. and that too at intervals.
• It is sown in August and harvested in March, April.

Pulses:

• It includes a number of crops which are mostly leguminous and provide invaluable proteins to the vegetarian population of India.
• As they have fewer sources of proteins in comparision to those who consume meat and fish.
• They also serve as excellent forage and grain concentrates in the cattle feed.
• Apart from that these leguminous crops have the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and are normally rotated with other crops to maintain and restore Soil fertility.
• A large variety of pulses are found in India.
• These are gram, tur or arhar (Pigeon Pea or Red Gram), urd (black gram), mung (green gram), masur (lentil), kulthi (horse gram), matar (peas) etc. But among these above mentioned varieties only gram and tur or arhar are more important pulses.
• Gram: It is the most important of all the pulses. It accounts for about 37% of the production and about 30% of the total area of pulses in India. It is a rabi crop which is sown between September and November and is harvested between February and April. It is either cultivated as a single crop or mixed with wheat, barley, linseed or mustard. Some of the geographical conditions are as follows:
• Temperature: It is grown in a wide range of climatic condition. Mild cool and comparatively dry climate with 20°C-25°C temperature.
• Rainfall: 40-45 cm rainfall is favourable for gram cultivation.
• Soil: It grows well on loamy soils.

Tobacoo

It requires a warm and moist climate and a rich soil containing lime.

Oil- seed

• Rape Seed, Mustard, linseed, sesamum, toria, cottonseed are the chief varieties of oil-seeds.
• They require hot and moist climate.

Salient Features of Indian as well as Agriculture of West Bengal

1. Subsistence Agriculture of West Bengal: Most parts of India have subsistence agriculture. This type of agriculture has been practised in India for several hundreds of years and still prevails in a larger part of India in spite of the large scale change in agricultural practices after independence.
2. Pressure of population on Agriculture of West Bengal: Despite increase in Urbanization and industrialization, about 70% of population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.
3. Mechanization of farming of Agriculture of West Bengal: Green Revolution took place in India in the late sixties and early seventies. After more than forty years of Green Revolution and revolution in agricultural machinery and equipments, complete mechanization is still a distant dream
4. Dependence upon monsoon of Agriculture of West Bengal: Since independence, there has been a rapid expansion of irrigation Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE. Despite the large scale expansion, only about one third of total cropped area is irrigated today. As a consequence, two third of cropped areas is still dependent upon monsoon. Monsoon in India is uncertain and unreliable. This has become even more unreliable due to change in climate.
5. Variety of crops of Agriculture of West Bengal: India has diversity of topography, climate and soil. Since India has both tropical and temperate climate, crops of both the climate are found in India. There are very few countries in the world that have variety comparable to that of India..
6. Predominance of Food Crops of Agriculture of West Bengal: Since Indian Agriculture has to feed a large population, production of food crops is the first priority of the farmers almost everywhere in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the share of land used for food crops due to various other commercially most advantageous uses of this land.
7. Seasonal patterns of Agriculture of West Bengal: India has three distinct agricultural/cropping seasons. You might have heard about kharif, rabi and zaid. In India there are specific crops grown in these three seasons. For example rice is a kharif crop whereas wheat is a rabi crop.

Challenges are faced by farmers

Farmers of our country are facing lot of problems regarding agricultural production of crop. Few of them are shortlisted below:

• Uncertain weather
• Uneven water availability
• Lesser yield
• Low quality crops
• Lack of soil nutrients
• Buyer’s monopoly
• Less cash in hand
• Less scientific guidance during agricultural
• Less information regarding selection of crop seed
• Inadequate information of plant root moisture holding capacity
• Less information of scientific irrigation process for maximum yield
• Less aware of the market and growing technology

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Agriculture is the practice of cultivating Plants and Livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.

Industrial agriculture based on large-scale Monoculture in the twentieth century came to dominate agricultural output, though about 2 billion people still depended on subsistence agriculture into the twenty-first.

Agriculture in West Bengal is a major economic activity, employing about 40% of the state’s workforce. The state is a major producer of rice, jute, tea, and potatoes. Agriculture is also important for the production of milk, meat, and fish.

The state has a long history of agriculture, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire also made significant contributions to agriculture in West Bengal, building canals and irrigation systems.

In the 19th century, the British East India Company introduced new crops and technologies to West Bengal, such as tea and jute. The British also built railroads and roads, which helped to improve the transportation of agricultural products.

After independence, the Indian government has invested heavily in agriculture in West Bengal. The government has built Dams, canals, and irrigation systems. It has also provided subsidies for farmers and introduced new technologies.

As a result of these investments, agriculture in West Bengal has made significant progress. The state is now one of the leading producers of rice, jute, tea, and potatoes in India.

However, agriculture in West Bengal faces a number of challenges. The state is prone to floods and droughts. The use of pesticides and fertilizers has also led to environmental problems.

Despite these challenges, agriculture remains an important part of the economy of West Bengal. The state government is working to address the challenges facing agriculture and to ensure that it remains a vibrant sector of the economy.

Here are some of the key crops grown in West Bengal:

• Rice: Rice is the staple food of West Bengal and is grown in most parts of the state. The main rice-growing areas are the Gangetic plains and the delta region.
• Jute: Jute is a major cash crop of West Bengal and is grown in the Gangetic plains. Jute is used to make a variety of products, including bags, carpets, and textiles.
• Tea: Tea is another major cash crop of West Bengal and is grown in the Darjeeling hills. Tea is a popular beverage all over the world and is exported to many countries.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are a major food crop of West Bengal and are grown in the Gangetic plains. Potatoes are used to make a variety of dishes, including french fries, mashed potatoes, and potato chips.

Here are some of the key challenges facing agriculture in West Bengal:

• Floods and droughts: West Bengal is prone to floods and droughts. Floods can damage crops and infrastructure, while droughts can lead to crop failures.
• Use of pesticides and fertilizers: The use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to environmental problems, such as Water Pollution and soil contamination.
• Labor shortage: There is a shortage of labor in the agricultural sector in West Bengal. This is due to a number of factors, including the Migration of workers to urban areas and the aging of the agricultural workforce.
• Low productivity: The productivity of agriculture in West Bengal is low compared to other states in India. This is due to a number of factors, including the use of outdated technologies, the lack of irrigation facilities, and the poor quality of seeds.

The state government is working to address these challenges and to ensure that agriculture remains a vibrant sector of the economy. Some of the initiatives taken by the government include:

• Building dams and canals: The government is building dams and canals to improve irrigation facilities. This will help to increase crop yields and reduce the risk of droughts.
• Providing subsidies for farmers: The government is providing subsidies for farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This will help to reduce the cost of cultivation and increase profits for farmers.
• Introducing new technologies: The government is introducing new technologies, such as Drip Irrigation and precision farming, to improve the productivity of agriculture.
• Promoting Organic Farming: The government is promoting organic farming to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. This will help to protect the Environment and improve the health of farmers.

These initiatives are helping to address the challenges facing agriculture in West Bengal and to ensure that it remains a vibrant sector of the economy.

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.

What are the different types of agriculture?

There are many different types of agriculture, but some of the most common include:

• Subsistence agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce food for the farmer’s own family or community. It is often practiced in developing countries, where there is a lack of resources to support large-scale commercial agriculture.
• Commercial agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce crops or livestock for sale. It is often practiced in developed countries, where there is a large market for agricultural products.
• Organic agriculture: This type of agriculture uses natural methods to grow crops and raise livestock. It does not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
• Sustainable agriculture: This type of agriculture is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It uses practices that protect the environment and conserve resources.

What are the benefits of agriculture?

Agriculture provides many benefits, including:

• Food: Agriculture is the primary source of food for humans and animals.
• Fiber: Agriculture provides fibers for clothing, paper, and other products.
• Fuel: Agriculture provides biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.
• Jobs: Agriculture employs millions of people around the world.
• Economic Development: Agriculture is a major driver of economic development in many countries.
• Environmental protection: Agriculture can be used to protect the environment by restoring degraded land and conserving water.

What are the challenges of agriculture?

Agriculture faces many challenges, including:

• Climate Change: Climate change is causing changes in weather patterns, which can make it difficult for farmers to grow crops.
• Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it is becoming more severe due to climate change.
• Soil degradation: Soil degradation is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it is caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices.
• Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crops and livestock.
• Market volatility: The prices of agricultural products are often volatile, which can make it difficult for farmers to make a profit.

What is the future of agriculture?

The future of agriculture is uncertain, but it is likely that it will face a number of challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation, pests and diseases, and market volatility. However, there are also a number of opportunities for agriculture, such as the development of new technologies and the expansion of markets.

Sure. Here are some MCQs on the following topics:

1. Agriculture

2. What is agriculture?

   • Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock.
   • Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.
3. What are the different types of agriculture?
   • There are many different types of agriculture, but some of the most common include:
     • Subsistence agriculture is a type of agriculture in which farmers grow crops and raise livestock primarily for their own consumption.
     • Commercial agriculture is a type of agriculture in which farmers grow crops and raise livestock primarily for sale.
     • Intensive agriculture is a type of agriculture that uses high levels of inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation, to produce high yields.
     • Extensive agriculture is a type of agriculture that uses low levels of inputs to produce low yields.
4. What are the benefits of agriculture?
   • Agriculture provides food, fiber, and fuel for humans. It also helps to regulate the climate and provide habitat for wildlife.

5. What are the challenges of agriculture?

   • Agriculture faces a number of challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. These challenges are likely to become more severe in the future.

6. Crops

7. What are crops?

   • Crops are plants that are grown for food, fiber, or fuel.
   • Crops can be classified into two main groups: Annual Crops and Perennial Crops. Annual crops are plants that complete their life cycle in one year, while perennial crops are plants that live for more than one year.
8. What are some common crops?
   • Some common crops include:
     • Cereals, such as wheat, rice, and corn, are the most important food crops in the world.
     • Fruits, such as apples, oranges, and bananas, are a popular source of VITAMINS and Minerals.
     • Vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots, are a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
     • Oilseeds, such as soybeans, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, are a source of vegetable oil.
     • Sugar Crops, such as sugarcane and sugar beets, are used to produce sugar.
9. What are the benefits of crops?
   • Crops provide food, fiber, and fuel for humans. They also help to regulate the climate and provide habitat for wildlife.

10. What are the challenges of crops?

    • Crops face a number of challenges, including climate change, pests and diseases, and soil degradation. These challenges are likely to become more severe in the future.

11. Livestock

12. What is livestock?

    • Livestock are animals that are raised for food, fiber, or labor.
    • The most common types of livestock are cattle, pigs, sheep, and Poultry.
13. What are the benefits of livestock?
    • Livestock provide food, such as meat, milk, and eggs. They also provide fiber, such as wool and leather. Livestock can also be used for labor, such as pulling plows or carrying loads.

14. What are the challenges of livestock?

    • Livestock face a number of challenges, including climate change, disease, and overgrazing. These challenges are likely to become more severe in the future.

15. Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries

16. What is fisheries?

    • Fisheries is the practice of catching or cultivating fish and other aquatic animals.
    • Fisheries can be divided into two main types: capture fisheries and aquaculture. Capture fisheries involve catching fish in the wild, while aquaculture involves raising fish in captivity.
17. What are the benefits of fisheries?
    • Fisheries provide food, such as fish, shellfish, and other aquatic animals. They also provide jobs and income for millions of people around the world. Fisheries can also help to regulate the climate and provide habitat for wildlife.

18. What are the challenges of fisheries?

    • Fisheries face a number of challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. These challenges are likely to become more severe in the future.

19. Forestry

20. What is forestry?

    • Forestry is the practice of managing forests for a variety of purposes, such as timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.