Cropping Patterns in Karnataka

<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/cropping/”>Cropping Patterns in Karnataka

Karnataka is India’s eighth largest state in geographical area covering 1.92 lakh sq km and accounting for 6.3 per cent of the geographical area of the country. The state is delineated into 30 districts and 176 taluks spread over 27,481 villages. In Karnataka, agriculture is the major occupation for a majority of the rural Population. As per the population Census 2011, agriculture supports 13.74 million workers, of which 23.61 per cent are cultivators and 25.67 per cent agricultural workers. A total of 123,100 km² of land is cultivated in Karnataka constituting 64.6% of the total geographical area of the state. The agricultural sector of Karnataka is characterized by vast steppes of drought prone region and sporadic patches of irrigated area. Thus, a large portion of agricultural land in the state is exposed to the vagaries of monsoon with severe agro-climatic and resource constraints. Agriculture employs more than 60 per cent of Karnataka’s workforce.

Now coming to Cropping pattern in Karnataka, first thing is what is Crop pattern- it is the proportion of area under various crops at a point of time and how it changes over space and time. In the simple word cropping pattern means the proportion of area under various crops at a point of time.

Factors affecting Crop Pattern in Karnataka

The cropping pattern of the region is influenced not only by agro-climatic conditions like rainfall, Soil, temperature, etc., but also by government policies and programmes for crop production in the form of subsidies, support prices, tariffs and speed of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE-development/”>Infrastructure Development. The use of inputs such as high-yielding crop varieties, chemical Fertilizers, plant protection chemicals as well as farm machinery in agriculture has facilitated improvement in productivity and resulted in change of crop pattern in the state.

General trend of Crop Pattern in Karnataka

The overall trends in area allotted for various crops during five decades show that cropping pattern in Karnataka is dominated by Food Crops, with a share of more than 60 per cent of the gross cropped area in the state. Rice, sorghum and finger millet were the major Cereals till 2000-03. However, the share of maize crop went up substantially after 2005 due to improved productivity and prices. The area under food crops declined from 79.1 per cent in the 1960-63 to 59.4 per cent of the GCA (Gross Cropped Area) in 1990-93. The area under cereals declined from 60 per cent in 1960-63 to 43 per cent of the GCA in 2007-08. Acreages of millet crops like sorghum and pear millet and minor Millets declined consistently. The reduction in the share of cereals was due to shrinkage in the area devoted to millets. Area under pulses which stood at 11 per cent during the early seventies increased to 18.3 per cent in 2007-10.

Oilseeds grew their share from around 10 to 11 per cent during the sixties and seventies to more than 20 per cent in early 1990s and it was 17 per cent of the GCA in 2007-10. The Technology Mission on Oilseeds introduced in the mid-eighties conditioned the expansion of area under oilseeds. Cotton occupied 9 per cent of the GCA in early 1980s but came down gradually to little more than 3 per cent of the GCA in 2007-10. Area under chickpea hovered around 1.5 per cent of the GCA between 1970s and 1990s, but rose to 6.1 per cent in 2007-10. Similarly area under pigeon pea increased from 2.5 per cent in 1970-73 to 5 per cent in 2007-10. The area under other crops, which include fruits, vegetables and Plantation Crops, increased gradually from 11.4 per cent of GCA in the early seventies to 15.8 per cent in 2007-10. Karnataka has a varied topographical character ranging from coastal plains to gentle slopes and the heights of the Western Ghats.

Percent share in GCA


CROP	1960	1990	2010
Rice	9.9	10.3	11.6
Sorghum	28	18	10.9
Pearl millet	4.8	3.3	2.6
Maize	0.1	2.3	9
Finger millet	9.6	8.8	6.4
Wheat	2.9	1.7	2.2
Small millet	4.2	1.1	0.3
Total Cereals	59.7	45.5	43.1
Total Pulses	11.9	13.8	18.3
Total Oilseeds	9.7	22.7	17
Total Foodgrain	71.9	59.4	61.4

The State is delineated into 4 sub-regions

Northern dry region
Central region
Southern region and
Hills and Coastal region.

In the northern dry region, sorghum is the lead crop dominating the Cropping System followed by cotton and pigeon pea. Maize and sugarcane are also important crops there. In the central region, ragi-based cropping system is predominant.

In the Hills and coastal region, the cropping system is rice based and there are some pockets in this region where ragi also forms an important component of the cropping system along with rice. The northern dry and central regions are the major producers of oilseeds. Cropping Patterns in Karnataka

Groundnut is cultivated in the central region whereas sunflower and soybeans are popular in the northern dry region. Cotton, pigeon pea and other pulses are planted during kharif and sorghum is grown on residual moisture during rabi season on black cotton soils in the northern dry region. As expected, mixed or inter-cropping is practised more in the northern and central regions than in the southern region. Rice-rice rotations are common in irrigated areas of southern as well as coastal and hill regions. Sugarcane is grown in sizable areas in all the regions using canal Irrigation.

Sericulture is an important activity in the southern region and large areas are under mulberry cultivation. Coconut, areca nut, mango, grapes, sapota, citrus, etc. are the important fruit crops grown in the state. Karnataka is endowed with varied climatic conditions and has good potential for the development of Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture and floriculture, which needs to be exploited for domestic and export markets.

However, the major challenges faced by agriculture in Karnataka are: threat of stagnation in agriculture Growth with possibility of decelerating growth, low value-addition in agriculture, fast approaching optima on technological front, large proportion of rain-fed dry land area, marginalization of agricultural land base, inadequate growth in public and private Investment, regional disparities in investment, low technology adoption and growth, inadequate and inefficient safety nets and finally, conflicting demands of growth versus environmental protection. To resolve these issues, it is imperative to focus on rain-fed agriculture, develop initiatives for small and marginal farmers, rebuild natural resource base by promoting an organic approach to farming and develop key infrastructure to provide a boost to growth momentum.,

Cropping patterns in Karnataka are determined by a number of factors, including Climate, soil type, water availability, and topography. The state has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical to temperate, which allows for the cultivation of a wide range of crops. The soil in Karnataka is predominantly black cotton soil, which is well-suited for the cultivation of rice, sugarcane, and cotton. The state also has a number of rivers and reservoirs, which provide irrigation for crops. The topography of Karnataka is varied, with plains, hills, and plateaus. This diversity in topography allows for the cultivation of a wide range of crops.

The main cropping patterns in Karnataka are rainfed cropping, irrigated cropping, Mixed cropping, and Mono Cropping. Rainfed cropping is the practice of growing crops without the use of irrigation. This type of cropping is common in the dry regions of Karnataka. Irrigated cropping is the practice of growing crops with the use of irrigation. This type of cropping is common in the wet regions of Karnataka. Mixed cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops together. This type of cropping is common in the semi-arid regions of Karnataka. Mono cropping is the practice of growing only one crop. This type of cropping is common in the irrigated regions of Karnataka.

The main crops grown in Karnataka are rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize, jowar, bajra, tur dal, ragi, and groundnut. Rice is the most important crop in Karnataka, accounting for about 40% of the state’s agricultural production. Sugarcane is the second most important crop, accounting for about 20% of the state’s agricultural production. Cotton is the third most important crop, accounting for about 10% of the state’s agricultural production. Maize, jowar, bajra, tur dal, ragi, and groundnut are also important crops in Karnataka.

The cropping patterns in Karnataka are constantly changing in response to a number of factors, including Climate Change, market demand, and government policies. Climate change is having a significant impact on cropping patterns in Karnataka. The state is experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, which are making it difficult to grow rainfed crops. The state is also experiencing more frequent and severe floods, which are damaging crops and infrastructure. Market demand is also having a significant impact on cropping patterns in Karnataka. The demand for rice, sugarcane, and cotton is declining, while the demand for maize, jowar, bajra, tur dal, ragi, and groundnut is increasing. Government policies are also having a significant impact on cropping patterns in Karnataka. The government is promoting the cultivation of crops that are less water-intensive and that are more resistant to pests and diseases. The government is also promoting the cultivation of crops that are high in nutritional value.

The cropping patterns in Karnataka are having a significant impact on the state’s economy. The agricultural sector is the largest sector of the state’s economy, accounting for about 20% of the state’s gross domestic product. The cropping patterns are also having a significant impact on the state’s Environment. The cultivation of rice, sugarcane, and cotton is using up a lot of water, which is leading to water shortages in the state. The cultivation of these crops is also leading to soil degradation and pollution.

The cropping patterns in Karnataka are facing a number of challenges. Climate change is making it difficult to grow rainfed crops. Market demand is declining for rice, sugarcane, and cotton. Government policies are promoting the cultivation of crops that are less water-intensive and that are more resistant to pests and diseases. The cropping patterns are also having a significant impact on the state’s environment.

The cropping patterns in Karnataka are important for the state’s economy and environment. The cropping patterns are facing a number of challenges, but the government is taking steps to address these challenges.

What is cropping pattern?

Cropping pattern is the combination of crops grown in a particular area in a particular season. It is determined by a number of factors, including climate, soil type, water availability, and market demand.

What are the different cropping patterns in Karnataka?

The main cropping patterns in Karnataka are:

Rabi: This is the winter crop season, which runs from October to March. The main crops grown during this season are wheat, barley, and mustard.
Kharif: This is the summer crop season, which runs from June to September. The main crops grown during this season are rice, jowar, and cotton.
Annual: These are crops that are grown once a year, such as paddy, sugarcane, and maize.
Perennial: These are crops that are grown for more than one year, such as coconut, banana, and coffee.

What are the factors that affect cropping pattern?

The factors that affect cropping pattern include:

Climate: The climate of a region determines the type of crops that can be grown. For example, in a hot and dry climate, crops such as rice and sugarcane cannot be grown.
Soil type: The type of soil in a region determines the type of crops that can be grown. For example, in a sandy soil, crops such as wheat and barley cannot be grown.
Water availability: The amount of water available in a region determines the type of crops that can be grown. For example, in a region with limited water Resources, crops such as rice and sugarcane cannot be grown.
Market demand: The market demand for a particular crop determines the amount of that crop that is grown. For example, if there is a high demand for rice, farmers will grow more rice.

What are the benefits of a good cropping pattern?

A good cropping pattern can provide a number of benefits, including:

Increased crop yields: A good cropping pattern can help to increase crop yields by ensuring that the right crops are grown in the right conditions.
Reduced risk of crop failure: A good cropping pattern can help to reduce the risk of crop failure by diversifying the crops that are grown.
Improved soil Health: A good cropping pattern can help to improve soil health by rotating crops and using cover crops.
Increased income for farmers: A good cropping pattern can help to increase income for farmers by producing more crops and selling them at a higher price.

What are the challenges of a good cropping pattern?

There are a number of challenges associated with developing and implementing a good cropping pattern, including:

Lack of knowledge: Farmers may not have the knowledge or resources to develop a good cropping pattern.
Lack of resources: Farmers may not have the resources, such as land, water, and labor, to implement a good cropping pattern.
Market volatility: The market for agricultural products is often volatile, which can make it difficult for farmers to plan their cropping patterns.
Climate change: Climate change is making it more difficult for farmers to grow the right crops in the right conditions.

What are the future trends in cropping patterns?

The future trends in cropping patterns are likely to be influenced by a number of factors, including:

Climate change: Climate change is making it more difficult for farmers to grow the right crops in the right conditions. Farmers will need to adapt their cropping patterns to the changing climate.
Population Growth: The world’s population is growing, which means that there is a growing demand for food. Farmers will need to produce more food to meet this demand.
Technology: New technologies, such as precision agriculture, are making it possible for farmers to grow crops more efficiently. Farmers will need to adopt these technologies to remain competitive.

Which of the following is not a major crop grown in Karnataka?
(A) Rice
(B) Sugarcane
(C) Cotton
(D) Wheat
The most important irrigation source in Karnataka is:
(A) Rainfall
(B) Canals
(C) Tanks
(D) Wells
The major food crop grown in Karnataka is:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Sorghum
The major commercial crop grown in Karnataka is:
(A) Sugarcane
(B) Cotton
(C) Coffee
(D) Tea
The major Livestock raised in Karnataka is:
(A) Cattle
(B) Buffalo
(C) Sheep
(D) Goats
The major forest tree in Karnataka is:
(A) Teak
(B) Sandalwood
(C) Bamboo
(D) Eucalyptus
The major mineral found in Karnataka is:
(A) Iron Ore
(B) Manganese ore
(C) Bauxite
(D) Copper ore
The major industrial product of Karnataka is:
(A) Electronics
(B) Machinery
(C) Automobiles
(D) Textiles
The major tourist attraction in Karnataka is:
(A) Hampi
(B) Mysore Palace
(C) Belur and Halebidu
(D) All of the above
The capital of Karnataka is:
(A) Bangalore
(B) Mysore
(C) Hubli-Dharwad
(D) Mangalore