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Rice
The rice is cultivated on the largest areas in India. Historians believe that while the Indica variety of rice was first domesticated in the area covering the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas (i.e. north-eastern India).Rice is a nutritional staple food which provides instant energy as its most important component is carbohydrate (starch). Rice is grown in almost all the states of India. The main rice producing states are Tamilnadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Chhatisgarh, Punjab, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam and Maharashtra. It is also grown in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujrat and Kashmir Valley. The rice growing areas in the country can be broadly grouped into five regions as discussed below :
- North-Eastern Region:This region comprises of Assam and North eastern states. In Assam rice is grown in the basin of Brahmnaputra river. This region receives very heavy rainfall and rice is grown under rain fed condition.
- Eastern Region This region comprises of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In this region rice is grown in the basins of Ganga and Mahanadi rivers and has the highest intensity of rice cultivation in the country. This region receives heavy rainfall and rice is grown mainly under rain fed conditions.
iii. Northern Region: This region comprises of Haryana, Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The region experiences low winter temperature and single crop of rice from May-July to September-December is grown.
- Western Region: This region comprises of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Rice is largely grown under rain fed condition during June-August to October – December.
- Southern Region: This region comprises of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rice is mainly grown in deltaic tracts of Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery rivers and the non-deltaic rain fed area of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Rice is grown under irrigated condition in deltaic tracts.
Wheat
Wheat is the second most important food crop of India next to rice. It is a Rabi or winter crop. It is sown in the beginning of winter and harvested in the beginning of summer. Normally (in north India) the sowing of wheat begins in the month of October-November and harvesting is done in the month of March-April. This is the staple food of millions of people particularly in the northern and north-western regions of India. Unlike rice, wheat is grown mostly as a rabi or winter crop.
The main regions of wheat production in India are U.P., Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat,Maharashtra. U.P., Punjab and Haryana together produce more than 66% of the total wheat of the country.
Cotton requires a daily minimum temperature of 16ºC for germination and 21ºC to 27ºC for proper crop Growth. During the fruiting phase, the day temperature ranging from 27ºC to 32ºC and cool nights are needed. The sowing season of cotton varies considerably from tract to tract and is generally early (April-May) in northern India where it is mostly irrigated. It is delayed on proceeding to down south. It is cultivated largely under rainfed or dryland conditions. An annual rainfall of atleast 50 centimetre distributed through-out the growing season is required for good yield. It is mainly raised during tropical monsoon season, although in southern India it is cultivated during late-monsoon season in winter. The cotton-picking period from mid September to November must have bright sunny days to ensure a good quality.
India has the largest area under cultivation and third largest producer of cotton next only to China and the USA. Within the country two third of total area and production is shared by four states. The main states for cotton production are Panjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.
Jute
Jute is a crop of humid tropical climates. It thrives well in areas with well distributed rainfall of 2,500 mm spread over vegetative growth period of the crop with no Cloudiness. Locations with a mean rainfall of <1,000 mm, incessant rainfall and waterlogging are not suitable for its cultivation.
West Bengal, Bihar and Assam grow jute extensively.
Sugercane
Sugarcane belongs to the grass family. It has a thick jointed stem, Which contains the cane sugar, The juice can be taken as a drink or made into sugar, jaggery or khandsari. . The by-products of sugar are very useful. Bagasse is used to make paper, cattle feed, fuel for mills-and cardboard; molasses for power alcohol. Fertilizers, yeast and rum; and press mud of wax. and shoe polish. It supports the pesticide and fertilizer industries. Sugar factories provide EMPLOYMENT to over a million ‘workers. India is the second largest sugarcane producer in the world.
Climatic and Soil conditions which favour the cultivation of sugarcane are:-
- Temperature: 20°C-30°C. Temperature above 50°C arrests its growth and temperature below 20°C slows down its growth.
- Rain: 75-120cms. It cannot withstand frost. For ripening it needs a cool dry season.
- Soil: A medium heavy loam is ideal-In northern India it is cultivated on clay loams and alluvial soil while in south India it is cultivated on brown or reddish loams, black cotton soil and laterites.
Leading sugarcane producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab.Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
Rubber
Rubber tree is sturdy, quick growing and tall. It grows on many Types of Soil provided the soil is deep and well drained. A warm humid equitable Climate (2 1′ to 35′) and a fairly distributed rainfall of not less than 200 c m are necessary for the cultivation of rubber crop.
Kerala (accounts for 90% of the total area under rubber), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andamanand Nicobar Islands. Parts of West Bengal. Orrisa., Maharashtra, Karnataka and’N.E parts of India are potential regions for rubber-cultivation.
Tea
Commercial Tea plantation in India was started by the Britishers in 1923 when wild tea Plants were discovered by them in the hilly and forest areas of Assam.
Climatic conditions required for the growing of tea are
- Temp: 13-35°C. Average of 25°C is suitable.
- Humidity: – High humidity, heavy dew and morning fog promote growth if healthy leaves.
- Rainfall: Annual rainfalI (range) 150-350cm (well distributed)
- Soil- Well drained mountain soil, Light, loamy, porous rich in nitrogen and iron/ laterite like the soil found in Assam
Assam is the leading producer that accounts for more than 50% of tea production of India. Tea producing areas of Assam are the hill slopes bordering the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys. West Bengal is the second largest producer of tea where tea is mostly grown in the districts of Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar districts. Tamil Nadu is the third largest producer where tea growing areas are mostly restricted to Nilgiri hills.
Coffee
Commercial cultivation of coffee was started by British entrepreneurs in South India during 1820’s.
Most of India’s coffee is grown in three Southern states: Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the first two account for nearly 90 percent of total production. Much of the coffee in Kerala and Karnataka is grown in the Western Ghats, a mountain chain that runs parallel to the coast line and about 100 miles inland from the Arabian Sea. India exports nearly 70 percent of the coffee it produces. These exports consist mainly of high grade beans from both the Arabica and the Robusta growing regions.
Geographical Requirement for Coffee cultivation are as follows:-
- Temperatute:- should be ranging between 15 to 28°C throughout the year. Frost free Environment. Direct raysof the sun are harmfui as it.is grown in the shade of trees. In its early stages of growth it needs to be protected from hot.dry winds.
- Rainfall:- 125cm- 250 cms throughout the year.
- Soil:-. Well drained, weathered volcanic soil, red and laterite soil. The presence of humus is essential. .
- Topography:- grows on hill slopes at elevation ranging from 500mts to 1800mts.
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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.
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Near East and Southeast Asia. It is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, accounting for 27% of the world’s crop production. Wheat is a member of the grass family, Poaceae, and is closely related to barley, oats, and rye. It is a major source of food for humans and animals, and is used to make bread, pasta, noodles, and other baked goods.
Rice is a cereal grain that is the staple food for over half of the world’s Population. It is the most widely grown grain in the world, accounting for 20% of the world’s crop production. Rice is a member of the grass family, Poaceae, and is closely related to wheat, barley, and oats. It is a major source of food for humans and animals, and is used to make rice cakes, rice noodles, and other dishes.
Millet is a group of cereal Grasses that are grown for their edible seeds. Millets are a major staple food in many parts of the world, especially in Africa and Asia. They are a good source of Carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Millets are also a good source of VITAMINS and Minerals, including iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Tea is native to East Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. The earliest evidence of tea drinking dates back to the 3rd century BC in China. Tea was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, and to North America in the 18th century.
Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. When coffee berries turn from green to bright red in color – indicating ripeness – they are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds (referred to as “beans”) are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor. Roasted beans are ground and then brewed with near-boiling water to produce the beverage known as coffee.
Rubber is an elastic polymer derived from the sap of some plants, principally Hevea brasiliensis. It is used in a wide variety of products, including tires, footwear, hoses, and gaskets. Rubber is also used in the manufacture of adhesives, sealants, and lubricants.
Agriculture is a vital part of the global economy, providing food, fiber, and fuel for billions of people. It is also a major source of employment, accounting for over 40% of the world’s workforce. Agriculture is facing a number of challenges, including Climate Change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. However, there are also a number of opportunities for innovation in agriculture, such as the development of new crops and technologies.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about agriculture:
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 and their family. It is often practiced in developing countries where there is little access to markets or other sources of food.
- 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 methods that do not rely on synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers. It is often practiced by farmers who are concerned about the environmental impact of conventional agriculture.
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 often involves practices such as Crop Rotation, cover Cropping, and no-till farming.
What are the benefits of agriculture?
Agriculture has many benefits, including:Providing food: Agriculture is the primary source of food for humans. It provides us with a variety of crops and livestock that we need to survive.
- Creating jobs: Agriculture employs millions of people around the world. These jobs are often in rural areas where there are few other opportunities.
- Generating income: Agriculture generates billions of dollars in income each year. This income helps to support farmers and their families, as well as the economies of rural communities.
Protecting the environment: Agriculture can be used to protect the environment by conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and reducing pollution.
What are the challenges of agriculture?
Agriculture also faces a number of challenges, including:Climate change: Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture. Changes in temperature and Precipitation patterns are making it difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock.
- Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a major challenge for agriculture in many parts of the world. Farmers are competing with other users for water, such as cities and industries.
- Soil erosion: Soil erosion is a major problem in many parts of the world. It can be caused by wind, water, and human activities. Soil erosion can lead to a loss of topsoil, which is essential for crop production.
- Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crops and livestock. They can also spread diseases to humans.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): GMOs are plants or animals that have been genetically modified using Biotechnology. There is debate about the safety of GMOs and their impact on the environment.
What is the future of agriculture?
The future of agriculture is uncertain. There are many challenges that agriculture faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil erosion. However, there are also opportunities for agriculture to become more sustainable and productive. New technologies, such as precision agriculture and vertical farming, have the potential to revolutionize agriculture. The future of agriculture will depend on how we address these challenges and opportunities.
Question 1
Which of the following is a cereal crop?
(A) Wheat
(B) Rice
(C) Millet
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
Wheat, rice, and millet are all cereal crops. Cereal crops are a type of crop that is grown for its grain. The grain is used to make flour, which is then used to make bread, pasta, and other foods.
Question 2
Which of the following is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world?
(A) Wheat
(B) Rice
(C) Millet
(D) Corn
Answer
(A) Wheat
Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world. It is grown in over 100 countries and is a staple food for millions of people. Wheat is used to make bread, pasta, and other foods.
Question 3
Which of the following is the second most widely grown cereal crop in the world?
(A) Rice
(B) Millet
(C) Corn
(D) Soybeans
Answer
(A) Rice
Rice is the second most widely grown cereal crop in the world. It is grown in over 100 countries and is a staple food for millions of people. Rice is used to make rice dishes, such as sushi and risotto.
Question 4
Which of the following is a type of tea?
(A) Black tea
(B) Green tea
(C) Oolong tea
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all types of tea. Tea is a beverage that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea is grown in many parts of the world, including China, India, and Sri Lanka.
Question 5
Which of the following is a type of coffee?
(A) Arabica coffee
(B) Robusta coffee
(C) Liberica coffee
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
Arabica coffee, Robusta coffee, and Liberica coffee are all types of coffee. Coffee is a beverage that is made from the roasted beans of the Coffea plant. Coffee is grown in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam.
Question 6
Which of the following is a type of rubber?
(A) Natural rubber
(B) Synthetic rubber
(C) Both natural and synthetic rubber
Answer
(C) Both natural and synthetic rubber
Natural rubber is a type of rubber that is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Synthetic rubber is a type of rubber that is made from petroleum. Both natural and synthetic rubber are used to make tires, shoes, and other products.