INDIAN AGRICULTURE

1. Introduction
Agriculture is more than an economic activity in India — it is a way of life, a cultural tradition,
and a foundation of the nation’s economy. India’s agricultural heritage dates back thousands of
years. Archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilisation (around 3000 BCE) reveals
that ancient communities cultivated wheat, barley, and pulses and domesticated animals. Over
centuries, India developed sophisticated irrigation systems, crop rotation methods, and seed
preservation techniques.

Today, agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy, employing nearly 45% of the
workforce and contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It not only
provides food for over 1.4 billion people but also supplies raw materials to various industries,
generates export revenue, and supports rural livelihoods.

The agricultural landscape of India is highly diverse — from the rice paddies of West Bengal to
the wheat fields of Punjab, from the tea gardens of Assam to the jute fields of Bihar, and from the
sugarcane belts of Uttar Pradesh to the coconut groves of Kerala. This diversity is the result of
varied climatic conditions, soil types, and agricultural traditions across the country.

2. Importance of Agriculture in India

a. Economic Importance

Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, even though its share in GDP has fallen
from over 50% at independence to about 18–20% today. More than 45% of the workforce still
depends on farming and allied activities. In rural India, about 70% of households are connected
to agriculture either directly or indirectly. The sector influences overall economic growth—good
harvests raise rural incomes and boost demand for goods, while poor harvests slow down the
economy. Agriculture also reduces poverty, as it directly benefits small farmers and rural
labourers. Allied sectors like dairy, poultry, and fisheries add one-third to agricultural GDP,
making India the world’s largest milk producer and second-largest producer of rice and wheat.
Thus, agriculture remains central to employment, growth, and rural prosperity.

b. Social Importance

Agriculture is deeply tied to India’s culture and traditions. Festivals such as Pongal, Baisakhi,
Makar Sankranti, and Onam celebrate harvests and honor farmers’ hard work. Land ownership
often defines social status in villages, and cooperative practices like shared irrigation foster unity.
Food habits across India also reflect agriculture—rice in the south and east, wheat in the north,
and region-specific crops like saffron in Kashmir and tea in Assam. During crises, agriculture
acts as a safety net, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when farming sustained livelihoods
despite economic slowdown. Thus, agriculture is more than a livelihood—it is a way of life,
shaping culture, cuisine, and community ties.

c. Food Security
Food security rests on three pillars: availability, accessibility, and affordability. Agriculture is the
foundation of India’s food security. Staples like rice and wheat, grown widely across the country,
form the basis of the Public Distribution System (PDS), which provides subsidized food to
millions. The Green Revolution showed how improved farming methods turned India from a
food-deficit nation into one that is self-sufficient in cereals. In rural areas, self-cultivation
guarantees families direct access to food. Moreover, steady agricultural output helps control food
prices, making essentials affordable.

d. Raw Material for Industries

Agriculture supports India’s large agro-based industries, which employs nearly half of the
industrial workforce. Cotton and jute feed the textile sector. Sugarcane sustains the sugar
industry. Oilseeds support the edible oil sector. Agriculture thus drives industrial growth, creates
jobs, and supports both domestic and international markets.

e. Foreign Exchange Earnings

Agriculture contributes significantly to India’s exports, with earnings crossing USD 50 billion in
2022–23. Major exports include basmati rice, spices, tea, coffee, cotton, jute, and marine
products. These not only bring in foreign exchange but also build India’s reputation globally.
Products like Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice, and Alphonso mangoes are world-famous and carry
GI tags. However, exports face challenges like global competition, fluctuating prices, and strict
quality standards. By improving supply chains and promoting organic farming, India can expand
its share in global trade. Agriculture thus strengthens India’s economy while also enhancing its
soft power abroad.
3. Problems of Indian Agriculture
i. Unreliable Rainfall
India’s agriculture is still heavily dependent on the monsoon. About 52% of cultivated land is
rain-fed, which means that farmers in these regions face uncertainty every year. The southwest
monsoon (June–September) provides nearly 75% of the annual rainfall, but its distribution is
often erratic.

For example, the 2016 drought in Maharashtra caused severe crop losses in sugarcane and
cotton, forcing many farmers into debt. On the other hand, the 2018 floods in Kerala destroyed
large areas of paddy and banana plantations. Climate change has worsened this unpredictability:
increasing frequency of cyclones, delayed monsoons, and unseasonal rains affect both kharif and
rabi crops.

ii. Lack of Irrigation Facilities

Despite India’s progress in building canals, dams, and tube wells, irrigation coverage remains
uneven. While states like Punjab and Haryana enjoy nearly 100% irrigation coverage, large
parts of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh still rely primarily on rainfall.

Traditional irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation, often waste water and lower soil fertility.
Modern systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation are water-efficient but expensive.

iii. Exploitation of Farmers

Indian farmers often fail to get fair returns for their hard work. The presence of multiple
middlemen in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) means that farmers receive
much less than the actual market price. For example, while consumers in cities pay ₹50–60 per
kg of tomatoes, farmers may receive only ₹5–10 per kg at the farm gate.
This exploitation often pushes farmers into debt. Studies show that more than 50% of
agricultural households are in debt, and farmer suicides are alarmingly frequent in states like
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Without stronger market reforms, better access to
storage, and farmer cooperatives, exploitation will continue.

iv. Challenges Posed by Globalisation

Globalisation has opened up new markets for Indian agriculture but has also brought intense
competition. Cheap imports of edible oils from Indonesia and Malaysia, or pulses from Canada
and Myanmar, often reduce prices for Indian farmers. When international prices of cotton or
sugar fall, Indian farmers are directly affected, even if their production costs remain high.

For example, in 2018–19, global oversupply of sugar caused prices to crash, leaving Indian
sugarcane farmers unpaid by mills for months. Similarly, small tea growers in Assam face
difficulty competing with cheaper tea from Kenya and Sri Lanka.

4. Reforms in Indian Agriculture

a. Green Revolution
The Green Revolution was an agricultural transformation in India during the mid-1960s,
aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food grains. It introduced High-Yielding Variety
(HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, mechanized farming, and expanded
irrigation.

The results were dramatic: wheat production rose from 11 million tonnes in 1960–61 to
over 50 million tonnes by the 1980s, ending India’s dependence on food imports. The
Green Revolution is considered a landmark reform that secured India’s food self-
sufficiency and transformed its agricultural economy.

b. Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price at which the government promises to
purchase crops from farmers, even if the market prices fall below this level. The main aim
of MSP is to protect farmers from heavy losses and ensure that they receive fair and
guaranteed returns for their produce.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other state agencies procure grains at MSP and
store them in warehouses. These grains are later used for the Public Distribution System
(PDS), mid-day meal schemes, and buffer stocks for emergencies. In this way, MSP not
only benefits farmers but also supports food security in the country.

c. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, provides crop insurance
to farmers against losses caused by natural disasters, pests, or diseases.

Farmers in India are often at risk due to unpredictable monsoons, floods, droughts,
hailstorms, and pest attacks. These risks can lead to crop failure, which in turn pushes
farmers into debt. PMFBY was introduced to reduce this risk and ensure that farmers do not
suffer heavy financial losses when crops fail.

Under this scheme:

Farmers pay a very low premium (only 2% of the insured amount for Kharif crops, 1.5% for
Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops).

The remaining premium is paid by the central and state governments.

If crops are damaged due to natural calamities, farmers receive compensation based on
the insured amount.

The scheme is implemented using modern technology like satellite imagery, drones, and
smartphones for accurate crop loss assessment. This ensures that farmers receive claims
quickly and fairly.

5. Major Crops of India

i. Rice
Rice is the most important staple food crop of India and a vital part of the diet for more than two-
thirds of the population. Globally, India is the second-largest producer of rice after China,
contributing nearly one-fourth of the total production. The crop also plays a significant role in
India’s agricultural economy by employing millions of farmers and agricultural laborers.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Rice is a kharif crop, mainly grown during the southwest monsoon season.

• Temperature: An average temperature of 20°C to 35°C is ideal.

• Rainfall: Heavy and well-distributed rainfall of 100–200 cm is necessary for good yields.

• Soil: Fertile alluvial soil, especially in river valleys and delta regions, is most suitable for
rice. Clayey soils with high water-retention capacity are also good.
• Water: Since rice is a water-intensive crop, standing water in fields is often required for
transplantation and growth.

Geographical Distribution
Rice is grown across India but is concentrated in specific regions:

• Eastern India: West Bengal (largest producer), Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Chhattisgarh.

• Northern India: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, mainly under irrigation.

• Southern India: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, especially in delta
regions.
• Western India: Grown in parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Methods of Cultivation
There are different methods of cultivating rice depending on rainfall, soil, and water availability:

1. Broadcasting Method – Seeds are scattered manually over the field. This method is
cheap but less productive.

2. Drilling Method – Seeds are sown in rows using drills. It ensures better spacing and
higher yield.

3. Transplantation Method – The most common and effective method. Seeds are first
grown in nurseries. After 3–4 weeks, seedlings are uprooted and transplanted into flooded
fields. This helps in better root development and weed control.

4. Japanese Method – A scientific method involving HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, and
careful water management. It has been successful in achieving very high yields in some
regions.

Processing of Rice
After harvesting, rice goes through several processing stages before reaching consumers:

1. Threshing – The grains are separated from stalks, traditionally by beating or by using
threshers.

2. Winnowing – The chaff and impurities are removed by blowing air.

3. Parboiling – In many regions, rice is soaked, steamed, and dried. This improves its
nutritional quality and makes it easier to mill.

4. Milling – The husk and bran layers are removed, producing polished white rice. Milling
can be done in traditional wooden hullers or modern rice mills.
5. Storage – Rice is stored in granaries or warehouses under dry and pest-free conditions.

Problems and Challenges

• Heavy dependence on the monsoon in eastern and central states.

• Over-exploitation of groundwater for irrigation in Punjab and Haryana.

• Crop losses due to pests and diseases such as stem borer, blast, and bacterial leaf blight.

• Declining soil fertility because of repeated cultivation and excessive use of fertilizers.

• Vulnerability to climate change, as irregular rainfall and floods can destroy standing
crops.
Wheat
Wheat is the staple diet in northern and north-western parts of India. India is the second-
largest producer of wheat in the world, after China. Wheat cultivation plays a major role in
ensuring national food security and provides livelihood to millions of farmers.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

• Temperature: 10°C–15°C during sowing and 21°C–26°C during ripening.

• Rainfall: Moderate, about 75–100 cm, is sufficient.

• Soil: Well-drained alluvial soils and loamy soils rich in humus are ideal.

• Other conditions: Wheat requires clear skies and bright sunshine at the time of ripening
for a good harvest.

Geographical Distribution

• Punjab and Haryana: Leading producers, often called the “Granaries of India.”

• Uttar Pradesh: Produces a large share of the national output.

• Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar: Important wheat-producing regions.

• Smaller areas in Maharashtra and Gujarat also grow wheat under irrigation.

Methods of Cultivation

1. Broadcasting Method – Seeds are scattered manually. Simple but less productive.

2. Drilling Method – Seeds are placed in rows with the help of seed drills, ensuring
uniformity.

3. Irrigated Wheat Farming – In Punjab, Haryana, and western UP, wheat is grown with
assured irrigation from canals and tube wells, giving very high yields.

4. Dry Farming – In drier areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, wheat is grown without
irrigation, though yields are lower.

Processing of Wheat

1. Threshing – Harvested stalks are beaten or passed through threshers to separate grains.

2. Winnowing – The grains are cleaned of husk and chaff.

3. Milling – Wheat grains are ground into flour in flour mills or chakkis. Modern roller
mills produce refined flour (maida), semolina (sooji), and bran.
 4. Storage – Wheat is stored in godowns and silos under dry conditions to prevent pest
attacks.

Problems and Challenges

• Uncertain winter rains and hailstorms can damage crops.

• Overdependence on irrigation leads to falling groundwater levels.

• Pest attacks, like rust disease, affect yields.

• Storage losses due to pests and poor facilities.

Conclusion
Wheat is central to India’s food security and rural economy. With better irrigation, improved
varieties, and scientific farming, wheat production can continue to meet the needs of India’s
growing population.

Jute
Introduction
Jute, often called the “Golden Fibre,” is one of India’s most important fibre crops. It is used to
make ropes, mats, bags, carpets, and many other items. India is the largest producer of jute in the
world, followed by Bangladesh. Jute plays a vital role in providing employment to millions of
farmers and workers in the textile industry.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

• Temperature: 24°C–35°C is ideal.

• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall of 150–200 cm is required, with high humidity.

• Soil: Alluvial soils found in floodplains and deltaic regions are best. Jute grows well in
soils renewed by annual floods.

Geographical Distribution

• West Bengal: Leading producer, especially in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.

• Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and Tripura: Other important producers.

• A small amount is also grown in parts of Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh.

Methods of Cultivation

1. Seed Sowing – Seeds are broadcasted or sown in rows in moist soil at the beginning of
monsoon.
 2. Weeding and Thinning – Excess plants are removed to ensure proper spacing.

3. Harvesting – Plants are cut at flowering stage (about 10–12 feet tall) for best fibre quality.

Processing of Jute

1. Retting – Bundles of harvested stems are submerged in stagnant water for 2–3 weeks to
loosen fibres.

2. Stripping – Fibres are manually separated from the stalk.

3. Washing and Drying – Fibres are thoroughly washed and dried in the sun.

4. Baling – Fibres are bundled and sent to jute mills.

5. Manufacturing – Jute is spun into yarn and woven into bags, ropes, mats, and carpets.

Conclusion
Jute remains an eco-friendly and versatile fibre. Promoting jute over plastics can protect the
environment while supporting millions of farmers and workers in eastern India.

Sugarcane
Introduction
Sugarcane is a tropical cash crop grown mainly for sugar production. India is the second-largest
producer of sugarcane in the world, after Brazil. Sugarcane also supports industries like jaggery,
alcohol, and paper. Millions of farmers depend on sugarcane for their livelihood.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

• Temperature: 20°C–30°C with abundant sunshine.

• Rainfall: Requires 75–100 cm; irrigation is essential in drier regions.

• Soil: Deep, fertile alluvial soil and black cotton soil are ideal.

Geographical Distribution

• Uttar Pradesh: Largest producer of sugarcane.

• Maharashtra: High productivity due to irrigation.

• Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Bihar: Other major producers.

Methods of Cultivation

1. Planting – Instead of seeds, stem cuttings (setts) are planted. Each sett contains 2–3 buds.

2. Irrigation – Regular watering is necessary since sugarcane requires a lot of water.

 3. Manuring and Weeding – Heavy manuring and chemical fertilizers are used.

4. Harvesting – Crop matures in 10–18 months and is cut close to the ground.

Processing of Sugarcane

1. Crushing – Canes are crushed in sugar mills to extract juice.

2. Boiling – The juice is boiled and clarified.

3. Crystallization – Sugar crystals are formed and separated.

4. By-products – Molasses (used for alcohol), bagasse (used for paper and fuel), and press
mud (fertilizer).
Sugarcane is one of India’s most valuable cash crops, sustaining both farmers and industries.
With efficient water use and better processing, it can remain a strong pillar of India’s agricultural
economy.

Tea
Introduction
Tea is one of India’s most famous plantation crops and is consumed worldwide. India is among
the largest producers and exporters of tea, with Assam and Darjeeling tea being globally
renowned. Tea cultivation provides livelihood to millions of workers, especially in plantations.
Climatic and Soil Requirements

• Temperature: 20°C–30°C.

• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall, 150–300 cm annually, with high humidity.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soils on hill slopes are ideal.
• Other conditions: Requires sloping land to avoid waterlogging and to allow easy
drainage.

Geographical Distribution

• Assam: Largest producer of tea in India.

• West Bengal: Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri produce world-famous teas.

• Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Nilgiri and Munnar regions are important.

• Smaller amounts are grown in Himachal Pradesh and Tripura.

Methods of Cultivation
 1. Planting – Tea bushes are planted on terraced hill slopes.

2. Pruning – Regular pruning maintains the height of bushes for easy plucking.

3. Plucking – Tender leaves and buds are plucked by hand every 7–10 days.

4. Shade Trees – Tall trees are planted to protect bushes from direct sun.

Processing of Tea

1. Withering – Leaves are spread out to reduce moisture.

2. Rolling – Leaves are rolled to release juices.

3. Fermentation – Rolled leaves are kept in humid conditions for oxidation.

4. Drying – Fermented leaves are dried in ovens.

5. Grading and Packing – The processed tea is sorted, graded, and packed for sale.

Conclusion
Tea is not only a popular drink but also a major export commodity of India. With modernisation
of plantations and improved quality, Indian tea will continue to hold its global reputation.

8. Conclusion
Agriculture has been the backbone of India’s economy for centuries, sustaining not only
livelihoods but also our cultural identity and way of life. From feeding over a billion people to
providing raw materials for industries, it plays a role far beyond crop production. However,
despite remarkable achievements in areas like food grain self-sufficiency and exports, agriculture
in India still faces persistent challenges — unreliable rainfall, low productivity in certain regions,
small and fragmented landholdings, post-harvest losses, and the growing impact of climate
change.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach. Modern technology, such

as drip irrigation, precision farming, and high-yielding crop varieties, must go hand-in-hand with
traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. Strengthening rural infrastructure — roads,
storage facilities, cold chains, and market linkages — can bridge the gap between farmers and
consumers. Equally important is ensuring fair prices and dignified livelihoods for farmers
through policy support, crop insurance, and cooperative models.

India’s agricultural future depends on inclusive growth — one that empowers small farmers,
conserves natural resources, and adapts to environmental changes. If we combine innovation
with equity, and productivity with sustainability, agriculture will not just remain our backbone
but also become a pillar of resilience and prosperity for generations to come.