Chapter 4 Agriculture

Overview

This chapter explores agriculture, a vital sector of the Indian economy, engaging a significant portion of the population. It describes different types of farming—primitive subsistence, intensive subsistence, and commercial farming—and details India's cropping patterns (Rabi, Kharif, Zaid seasons). The chapter then discusses major crops grown in India, including food grains (rice, wheat, millets, pulses) and non-food crops (sugarcane, oilseeds, cotton, jute, horticulture, tea, coffee, rubber). It also highlights the technological and institutional reforms aimed at improving agriculture, the contribution of agriculture to the national economy and employment, and the impact of globalization on Indian farming, noting the challenges faced by small farmers due to increased competition.

Types Of Farming

• Primitive Subsistence Farming: Practiced in small pockets using traditional tools and family labor, dependent on monsoon and natural fertility. It includes 'slash and burn' methods like Jhumming (North-East), Bewar/Dahiya (Madhya Pradesh), Podu (Andhra Pradesh), etc.
• Intensive Subsistence Farming: Practiced in areas of high population pressure, using high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation to maximize output from limited land.
• Commercial Farming: Characterized by the use of modern inputs (HYV seeds, fertilizers, pesticides) to increase productivity for market sale. Plantation farming, a type of commercial farming, involves growing a single crop (like tea, coffee, rubber) over a large area, linking agriculture with industry.

Cropping Pattern

India has three cropping seasons:

• Rabi: Sown in winter (Oct-Dec), harvested in summer (Apr-Jun). Crops include wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard. Key regions are North and North-West India.
• Kharif: Grown with the onset of monsoon (Jun-Sep), harvested in autumn (Sep-Oct). Crops include rice, maize, jowar, bajra, pulses, cotton, jute, groundnut. Major regions are plains of North and North-East India, coastal areas, and deltas.
• Zaid: A short season between Rabi and Kharif during summer, for crops like watermelon, vegetables, and fodder.

Major Crops

• Rice: India's staple food, a Kharif crop requiring high temperature and humidity; grown widely, including irrigated areas of Punjab and Haryana.
• Wheat: India's second most important cereal, a Rabi crop needing cool growing season and sunshine; grown mainly in North and North-West India.
• Millets: Coarse grains like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi, which are nutritious and often rain-fed; grown in drier regions and various states.
• Maize: Used as food and fodder, a Kharif crop grown in several states, with increased production due to modern inputs.
• Pulses: India is the largest producer and consumer; they are protein-rich, require less moisture, and help restore soil fertility.
• Food Crops other than Grains:
  • Sugarcane: Tropical/subtropical crop needing hot, humid climate; main source of sugar, gur, etc.; grown in states like UP, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu.
  • Oil Seeds: Major crops include groundnut, mustard, coconut, soyabean, etc., used for cooking and industry.
  • Horticulture: India is a major producer of fruits and vegetables.
• Non-Food Crops:
  • Rubber: Equatorial crop grown in humid, warm climates; mainly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
  • Cotton: Requires hot climate and black soil; India is a major producer.
  • Jute: Known as the 'golden fibre,' grown in flood plains needing high temperature; used for ropes, bags, etc.

Technological And Institutional Reforms

To improve agriculture, India has undertaken reforms like consolidating landholdings, abolishing zamindari, promoting cooperative farming, and implementing the Green Revolution (HYV seeds, fertilizers) and White Revolution (dairy). However, these reforms have often benefited specific regions and farmers more, leading to concentration of development. Recent efforts include crop insurance, credit facilities (banks, cooperatives, KCC), weather bulletins, minimum support prices (MSP), and promoting organic farming.

Bhoodan – Gramdan

Initiated by Vinoba Bhave, the Bhoodan-Gramdan movement aimed at redistributing land to the landless, often voluntarily donated by landowners, as a path towards cooperative farming and social equity.

Contribution Of Agriculture To The National Economy, Employment And Output

Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy, employing the largest share of the workforce (over 50%), although its contribution to the GDP has declined. Decelerating growth in agriculture is a concern, impacting employment and the overall economy. Despite modernization, underemployment persists in agriculture.

Impact Of Globalisation On Agriculture

Globalisation has exposed Indian farmers to international competition, often from highly subsidized agriculture in developed countries. This has led to challenges for Indian farmers, especially small ones, in competing with cheaper imports. While it offers potential for high-value crop diversification, risks associated with market fluctuations and environmental impacts (chemical overuse) remain significant.