INDIAN ECONOMY

BY: AMAN JAIN SIR

 Cropping Patterns
Cropping patterns are the ways in which different crops are grown and arranged in a
particular region, depending on various factors such as climate, soil, water, market demand,
and farming practices. India has a diverse range of crops and cropping patterns, which reflect
its vast geography and varied agro-climatic conditions.

Cropping patterns are important for optimizing the use of resources, enhancing crop
diversity, maintaining soil health, and mitigating risks. Some of the factors that determine
cropping patterns in India are:
1. Climate: The temperature, rainfall, and humidity influence the choice and suitability of
crops for a particular region.
2. Soil type: The nutrient level, water-holding capacity, and drainage characteristics of the
soil affect the adaptability and yield of crops.
3. Water availability: The availability of irrigation facilities or rainfall patterns influences the
water requirements and cropping intensity of crops.
 Cropping Patterns
4. Market demand: The demand and market prices for various crops influence the
profitability and marketability of the produce.

5. Farm size: The size of the farm and the resources available to the farmer affect the
feasibility of implementing specific cropping patterns.

6. Government policies: The government policies, subsidies, and support for specific crops
may influence the farmers’ choices and the overall cropping pattern in a region.

7. Crop suitability and yield potential: The adaptability of crops to the local conditions and
their potential yield in a particular region are important factors considered when
selecting cropping patterns.
Cropping Patterns
 Mono Culture
Mono cropping is the agricultural practice of planting a single crop on the same land year
after year. It focuses on large-scale, efficient production of a specific crop.
Merits:
1. Efficiency- Increased yields through specialization
2. Economics- Economies of scale: bulk buying of inputs, selling to large processors
3. Mechanization- Standardized practices facilitate use of machinery
4. Market access- Easier to meet specific quality standards for export
Demerit
1. Requires less labor and expertise for a single crop
2. Price volatility due to dependence on single crop
3. Vulnerable to changes in market demand
4. Increased soil compaction and erosion
Regions and examples: Punjab, Haryana (Rice-Wheat Belt) Kerala (Rubber), Maharashtra
(Grapes) Western Maharashtra (Potato), Karnataka (Sunflower) Assam (Tea), Karnataka
(Coffee), Kerala (Spices)
 Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is the practice of planting different types of crops in
the same area over a sequence of seasons. This contrasts with
monoculture, where the same crop is grown repeatedly.
Merits:
1. Improved soil health: Different crops use different nutrients and
have different root structures, which helps maintain soil fertility
and structure.
2. Reduced pest and disease pressure: Rotating crops disrupts the
life cycle of pests and diseases that target specific crops.
3. Enhanced water use efficiency: Different crops have different
water requirements, so rotation can help utilize water resources
more effectively.
4. Reduced reliance on fertilizers and pesticides: By improving soil
health and disrupting pest cycles, crop rotation can help reduce
the need for chemical inputs.
 Crop Rotation
Demerits
1. Increased planning and management: Requires more planning and rotation knowledge
compared to monoculture.
2. Potential yield reduction in initial years: Soil may need time to adapt to new crops.

Geographical Regions and States in India Practicing Crop Rotation:

1. Black cotton soil region (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat): Cotton-chickpea-jowar
rotation.
2. Indo-Gangetic plains (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh): Rice-wheat-pulse rotation.
3. Southern plateau (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu): Finger millet-groundnut-
green gram rotation.
4. Eastern Himalayas (West Bengal, Sikkim): Maize-paddy-mustard rotation.
 Multiple Cropping
Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field during a single growing
season.

Types: Mixed cropping (no specific arrangement), intercropping (defined spatial

arrangement).
 Inter Cropping
Growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field, strategically arranged to
maximize resource utilization and enhance yields. It is slightly different from mixed cropping.
Both grow multiple crops together, but:
Mixed cropping: Random mix, aiming for risk reduction (e.g., beans with corn).
Intercropping: Planned pattern, aiming for maximized yield
Merits:
1. Increased productivity: Different crops utilize resources (nutrients, sunlight, water) more
efficiently, leading to higher yields overall.
2. Reduced risk: If one crop fails due to pests, diseases, or weather, others may still
survive, providing income stability.
3. Pest and disease control: The presence of multiple crops creates a more complex
ecosystem, making it harder for pests and diseases to establish themselves.
4. Economic benefits: Farmers can generate income from multiple crops throughout the
year and cater to diverse market demands.
 Inter Cropping
Demerits:
1. Management complexity: Requires careful selection of compatible crops, timing of
planting, and adjustments to nutrient and water management.
2. Harvesting challenges: Mixed crops may mature at different times, complicating
harvesting and processing.
3. Competition for resources: Competition for light, water, and nutrients between crops
can limit individual yields.
4. Market access: Mixed cropping often produces smaller quantities of various crops,
potentially limiting access to specific markets. Examples of Inter Cropping are:
Cereals & legumes: Maize + soybean (Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka), Rice + pulses (North-
eastern states)
Oilseeds & pulses: Sesame + green gram (Andhra Pradesh), Groundnut + cowpea (Tamil
Nadu)
Vegetables & spices: Chilli + coriander (Rajasthan), Brinjal + onion (Gujarat)
Tree crops & annual crops: Coconut + pineapple (Kerala), Cashew + turmeric (Goa)
 Mixed Cropping
Growing two or more different crops simultaneously on the same field, without any specific
spatial arrangement.
Merits:
1. Reduced risk: If one crop fails due to pests, disease, or weather, the other can offer
some income and stability.
2. Efficient resource utilization: Maximizes land use and utilizes different soil layers and
light intensities efficiently.
3. Improved soil fertility: Different crops have different nutrient needs, leading to more
balanced soil health.
4. Income diversification: Provides multiple income streams from various crops throughout
the year.
 Mixed Cropping
Demerits:
1. Management challenges: Requires careful selection of compatible crops with different
nutrient and water requirements.
2. Competition for resources: Can lead to competition for light, water, and nutrients if not
chosen wisely.
3. Lower individual crop yields: Compared to monoculture, individual crop yields might be
slightly lower due to shared resources.

Geographical Regions in India:

North India: Mustard with wheat, sorghum with pigeon pea, gram with barley.
South India: Coconut with pepper, banana with ginger, turmeric with vegetables.
East India: Rice with pulses, sugarcane with vegetables, jute with vegetables.
Central India: Cotton with groundnut, soybean with maize, wheat with gram.
 Organic Farming
Organic farming is an agricultural system that avoids synthetic
fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and
other artificial inputs. It relies on natural methods like composting,
crop rotation, beneficial insects, and biodiversity to maintain soil
health, control pests, and produce healthy food.
Merits:
1. Improved soil health: Organic practices build organic
matter, leading to better water retention, nutrient cycling, and
resistance to pests and diseases.
2. Reduced environmental impact: Minimizes pollution from
synthetic chemicals, protects water resources, and promotes
biodiversity.
3. Healthier food: Organic produce may have lower levels of
pesticide residues and potentially higher nutritional content.
4. Improved farmer well-being: Reduces exposure to harmful
chemicals and promotes self-sufficiency.
 Organic Farming
Demerits:
1. Lower yields: Typically, organic yields are lower compared to conventional
farming, leading to higher prices for consumers.
2. More labor-intensive: Requires more manual labor for activities like weeding and pest
control.
3. Limited availability: Organic products are less readily available than conventional
options, especially in rural areas.
4. Certification costs: Obtaining organic certification can be expensive for small farmers.

Land area: Approx. 2.75 million hectares (6.8 million acres) under organic cultivation in India
(2020-21)
Top organic states: Sikkim, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand.
Examples:
Pulses (moong, urad, tur): Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Fruits (mango, banana, grapes): Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Organic Farming
Zero Tillage
 Zero Tillage
Zero tillage, also known as no-till farming, is a cropping system where seeds are planted
directly into the soil without any prior mechanical disturbance. This eliminates the need for
ploughing, disking, or other traditional tillage practices.

Merits:
1. Improved soil health: Minimizes soil disturbance, leading to better soil
structure, increased organic matter content, and improved water infiltration.
2. Reduced soil erosion: Retains crop residues on the soil surface, acting as a barrier against
wind and water erosion.
3. Reduced water consumption: Less evaporation from undisturbed soil, potentially leading
to decreased irrigation needs.
4. Lower costs: Saves time, labor, and fuel associated with tillage.
 Zero Tillage
Demerits:
1. Initial investment: May require specialized equipment like seeders that can penetrate
undisturbed soil.
2. Weed management challenges: Requires different weed control strategies compared to
conventional tillage.
3. Not suitable for all conditions: Heavy clay soils or fields with significant weed pressure
might not be ideal for zero tillage.

As of 2021, India had adopted zero tillage on approximately 4.7 million

hectares, representing about 4% of its total cropped area.
Examples of Crops and States:
Wheat: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
Rice: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar.
 Hydro Ponics
Growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich
water solution and various growing mediums like
coir, rockwool, or perlite.
Merits:
1. Increased yields: Up to 30% higher compared to
traditional farming.
2. Water conservation: Uses 70-90% less water
than soil-based farming.
3. Reduced space requirement: Can be vertical,
ideal for urban areas or limited land.
4. Year-round cultivation: Controlled environment
allows for consistent production regardless of
season.
 Hydro Ponics
Demerits:
1. Higher initial investment: Setting up infrastructure requires higher costs.
2. Technical expertise needed: Understanding nutrient management and system
maintenance is crucial.
3. Power dependence: Relies on electricity for pumps and climate control.
4. Limited crop options: Not all crops perform well in hydroponic systems.
Government initiatives like National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and Atma Nirbhar
Bharat are promoting its adoption.
Major players include Rise Hydroponics, Urban Kisaan, Akarshak Hydroponics, Evergreen
Farms, and Brio Hydroponics.
Examples of Crops and States:
Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Telangana)
Herbs: Basil, mint, coriander, rosemary (Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
Fruits: Strawberries, melons, berries (Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab)
 Crops of India
India is a diverse country with a variety of climatic conditions and seasons. This allows for the
cultivation of different types of crops throughout the year. Crops can be classified based on
various criteria, such as life period, agronomical aspects, and season of growth.

Season of growth: Crops can be grouped into three main categories based on the season in
which they are grown: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.
1. Kharif crops are grown during the monsoon months of June to October-November.
They require warm, wet weather and short day length for flowering. Examples of
Kharif crops are rice, cotton, pigeon pea, groundnut, sorghum, etc.
2. Rabi crops are grown during the winter months of October-November to March-
April. They require cool, dry weather and long day length for flowering. Examples of
Rabi crops are wheat, gram, mustard, cumin, fenugreek, onion, etc.
3. Zaid crops are grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons, from March to June. They
require hot, dry weather and irrigation facilities. Examples of Zaid crops are
cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, muskmelon, etc.
Crops of India
 Crops of India
Use: Crops can also be classified based on their use or economic importance. Some of the
major categories are

1. Food crops: These crops are grown for human consumption. They include cereals (rice,
wheat, maize, millets), pulses (gram, tur, urad), oilseeds (groundnut, mustard,
sunflower), fruits, and vegetables
2. Cash crops: These crops are grown for sale and generate income for farmers. They
include sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, jute, and tea.
3. Plantation crops: These are perennial crops grown on large estates. They include coffee,
tea, rubber, and coconut.
4. Industrial crops: These crops are used as raw materials for industries. They include
cotton (textile industry), sugarcane (sugar industry), and oilseeds (oil industry).
 WHEAT
1. Temperature: Between 10-15°C (Sowing time) and 21-
26°C (Ripening & Harvesting) with bright sunlight.
2. Rainfall: Around 75-100 cm.
3. Soil Type: Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy
(Ganga-Satluj plains and black soil region of the
Deccan)
4. India is the second largest producer after China.
5. This is the second most important cereal crop and the
main food crop, in north and north-western India.
6. Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, National
Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana are few government initiatives to support
wheat cultivation.
 WHEAT
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Production Production
Rank State (Million % Share Rank Country (Million % Share
Tonnes) Tonnes)
Uttar
1 33.95 31.77% 1 China 136.6 16.7%
Pradesh

Madhya 2 India 105.0 12.8%

2 22.42 20.98%
Pradesh

3 Russia 79.6 9.8%

3 Punjab 14.82 13.87%

United
4 Rajasthan 14.79 13.85% 4 48.7 6.0%
States
 RICE
1. Temperature: Between 22-32°C with high
humidity.
2. Rainfall: Around 150-300 cm.
3. Soil Type: Deep clayey and loamy soil.
4. It is the staple food crop of majority of Indian
people.
5. India is the second (27.2%)largest producer
of rice in the world after China.
6. In states like Assam, West Bengal and
Odisha, three crops of paddy are grown in a
year. These are Aus, Aman and Boro.
7. National Food Security Mission, Hybrid Rice
Seed Production and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana are few government initiatives to
support rice cultivation.
 RICE
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Production Production
Percentag % of Global
State (Million Rank Rank Country (Million
e Share Production
Tonnes) tonnes)
West
16.76 12.87 1 1 China 146.0 29.2%
Bengal

Uttar 2 India 135.0 27.2%

15.27 11.72 2
Prades

3 Indonesia 54.4 10.9%

Punjab 12.89 9.89 3

Production Banglades
Percentage 4 53.9 10.8%
State (Million Rank h
Share
Tonnes)
 COTTON
1. Temperature: Optimal temperatures for
cotton growth range from 21°C to 32°C.
2. Rainfall: Cotton requires moderate rainfall,
ideally between 60-100 Cm per year, well-
distributed throughout the growing season.
3. Black soil: Rich in organic matter and moisture,
ideal for cotton cultivation, particularly in
Central India (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh).
4. Cotton is a major cash crop, generating income
for farmers and contributing significantly to
India's textile industry and exports.
5. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
(NMSA): Promotes sustainable cotton
production practices like organic farming,
water conservation, and integrated pest
management.
 COTTON
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Producti
on
Rank Country % Share
Rank State (Thousan % Share
d
Tonnes)
1 China 31.3%
1 Gujarat 3,962 39.3%
2 India 21.4%
Maharas
2 1,278 12.7%
htra United
3 6.1%
States
Telanga
3 1,132 11.2%
na
4 Brazil 3.9%
Andhra
4 1,079 10.7%
Pradesh
 SOYABEAN
1. Temperature: Soybeans prefer warm
temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
2. Rainfall: Moderate rainfall, around 75-100 Cm
well-distributed during the growing season, is
ideal.
3. Black soils: Rich in organic matter and
moisture, suitable for soybeans in regions like
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
4. Protein source: Offers high protein
content, valuable for animal feed and human
consumption.
5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Provides
financial assistance to farmers for various
agricultural activities, including soybean
cultivation.
 SOYABEAN
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Producti
Productio
on
Rank Country n (Million % Share
Rank State (Thousan % Share
Tonnes)
d
Tonnes)
1 Brazil 154.0 34.1%
Madhya
1 5,472 42.12%
Pradesh United
2 117.0 26.0%
States
Maharas
2 5,390 41.50%
htra Argentin
3 48.0 10.6%
a
Rajasth
3 927 7.12%
an
4 China 20.3 4.5%
Telanga
4 532 4.10%
na
 JUTE
1. Temperature: Jute thrives in warm and humid
conditions, with optimum temperatures ranging
from 25°C to 35°C.
2. Rainfall: Heavy rainfall, around 150-200 Cm, is
crucial during the growing season.
3. Well-drained alluvial soils: Ideal for jute
cultivation, offering good fertility, moisture
retention, and drainage.
4. Bangladesh 52.5% India 39.2%
5. Environmentally friendly: Offers a sustainable
alternative to synthetic fibers due to its
biodegradability.
6. National Jute Mission: Aims to improve jute
cultivation and processing, modernize the
industry, and enhance exports.
 JUTE
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Producti
on Production
Rank State % Share Rank Country % Share
(thousan (Tonnes)
d tonnes)
Banglades
West 1 5,094,593 52.5%
1 7,592.76 80.24% h
Bengal
2 India 3,809,000 39.2%
2 Assam 794.22 8.42%

3 China 29,628 0.3%

3 Bihar 787.46 8.34%

4 Thailand 15,000 0.2%

4 Tripura 95.01 1.01%
 SUGARCANE
1. Temperature: Sugarcane thrives in warm, tropical climates
with an average temperature range of 20-30°C
2. Rainfall: Requires moderate to high rainfall (150-200 Cm)
well distributed throughout the growing season. Water stress
during the critical growth stages can significantly impact
yield.
3. Soil Types: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.5-
7.5. Sandy loams and clay loams are suitable
4. Biofuel: Sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of sugar
production, is a potential source of biofuel, contributing to
energy security and sustainability.
5. Price Support Mechanisms: The government provides Fair
and Remunerative Prices for sugarcane to ensure fair returns
to farmers.
6. MP stands at 11th position
 SUGARCANE
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Producti
Production
on Contribut
Rank State Rank Country (Million
(Million ion (%)
Tonnes)
Tonnes)

Uttar 1 Brazil 531.4

1 177.43 45.89%
Pradesh

2 India 350.5
Maharas
2 113.37 29.23%
htra
3 China 134.9
Karnatak
3 56.45 14.53%
a
4 Thailand 70.4
Tamil
4 14.53 3.73%
Nadu
 TEA
Temperature: Ideal temperature range for tea is 15-25°C. It
cannot tolerate frost and prefers consistently warm weather.
Rainfall: Requires abundant and well-distributed rainfall
throughout the year (1500-2500 mm). High humidity is also
crucial.
Climatic Conditions: Thrives in warm, humid subtropical or
tropical climate with mist and cloud cover.
Soil Types: Prefers well-drained, acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), fertile
soils with high organic matter content. Sandy loams are ideal.
Cultural Significance: Tea occupies a prominent place in
Indian culture and social life.
Diversity: India boasts a diverse range of tea types due to
varying climatic conditions and cultivation practices, each with
distinct flavors and aromas.
Note:- Conditions for tea and coffee are almost the same.
Arabica and Robusta are the most common types of coffee.
 TEA
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Productio
Contributi Share of
Rank State n (Million Productio
on (%) Global
Kgs) Rank Country n (Million
Productio
Tonnes)
n
1 Assam 652.95 56.35%

1 China 2.2 31.1%

West
2 252.26 21.72%
Bengal
2 India 1.2 16.9%
Tamil
3 153.38 13.20%
Nadu
3 Kenya 0.43 6.0%

4 Kerala 70.86 6.09% Sri

4 0.34 4.8%
Lanka
 COFFEE
TOP STATES IN INDIA TOP COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Productio Share of
Contributi Productio
Rank State n (Million Global
on (%) Rank Country n (Million
Tonnes) Productio
tonnes)
n
Karnatak
1 2.33 70.91%
a 1 Brazil 3.34 39.8%

2 Kerala 0.51 15.58% 2 Vietnam 1.75 20.8%

Tamil Colombi
3 0.18 5.40% 3 780,000 9.3%
Nadu a

Andhra Indonesi
4 0.05 1.51% 4 800,000 9.5%
Pradesh a
 PULSES
1. Temperature: Between 20-27°C
2. Rainfall: Around 25-60 cm.
3. Soil Type: Sandy-loamy soil.
4. Top Pulses Producing States: Madhya Pradesh > Rajasthan > Maharashtra >
Uttar Pradesh > Karnataka.
5. India is the largest producer as well as the consumer of pulses in the world.
6. These are the major source of protein in a vegetarian diet.
7. Major pulses grown in India are tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and
gram.
8. Being leguminous crops, all these crops except arhar help in restoring soil
fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air. Therefore, these are mostly grown in
rotation with other crops.
9. National Food Security Mission for Pulses, Pulses Development Scheme and
Technological Mission on Pulses are few of the government’s plans to support
pulses production.
PULSES
 Millets (Nutri Cereals)
1. Temperature: Between 27-32°C
2. Rainfall: Around 50-100 cm.
3. Soil Type: Can be grown in inferior alluvial or loamy soil because they
are less sensitive to soil deficiencies.
4. Jowar- Rain-fed crop grown in the moist areas with less or no irrigation.
5. Bajra- Sandy soils and shallow black soil.
6. Ragi- Red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soils. (dry regions)
7. These are also known as coarse grains, which have high nutritional
value. Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, other micro
nutrients and roughage.
8. Jowar is the third most important food crop with respect to area and
production.
9. Jowar: Maharashtra > Karnataka > Madhya Pradesh > Tamil Nadu >
Andhra Pradesh.
10. Bajra: Rajasthan > Uttar Pradesh > Gujarat > Madhya Pradesh >
Haryana.
 RUBBER
1. Temperature: Above 25°C with moist and humid
climate.
2. Rainfall: More than 200 cm.
3. Soil Type: Rich well drained alluvial soil.
4. Top Rubber Producing States: Kerala > Tamil Nadu >
Karnataka.
5. Top Rubber Producing Countries: Thailand >
Indonesia > Vietnam
6. It is an equatorial crop, but under special conditions,
it is also grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
7. Rubber is an important industrial raw material.
8. Rubber Plantation Development Scheme and
Rubber Group Planting Scheme are examples of
government led initiatives for rubber.
Indian Geography