Agriculture - Major Crops Part - I

Agriculture — Major Crops

Figure 1: Major crops in India form the backbone of the agricultural economy and are frequently tested in UPSC examinations.

1. Rice

Context: India's rice export prices remain stable at an 18-month low due to muted global demand.

About Rice Crop

• Rice is a staple food crop, critical for food security in India and many parts of the world.
• Unpolished rice is a rich source of fiber, B vitamins, minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, selenium), antioxidants, healthy fats, and plant-based protein due to its retained bran and germ.
• Rice is primarily cultivated as a kharif crop, thriving in wet and warm climatic conditions.
• During the rabi season, it is grown exclusively in areas with reliable irrigation, though the yields are generally lower than in the kharif season.

Growth Conditions

• Rainfall: Rice is a water-intensive crop, requiring 100-200 cm of annual rainfall. Grown in areas with heavy monsoon rains or supplemented by irrigation.
• Temperature: Ideal temperature ranges between 20°C to 37°C. Sensitive to frost and extreme heat.
• Soil Requirements: Rice can be grown under any type of soil reaction varying from acidic to alkaline.
  • Alluvial Soils: Found in river plains and deltas.
  • Clayey Loams: Retain water and support rice growth.

Methods of Rice Cultivation

• Wet Cultivation (Lowland Rice): Fields are flooded throughout the growing period. Most commonly practiced method in alluvial and deltaic regions. High water requirement but provides excellent yields.
• Dry Cultivation (Upland Rice): Grown in rainfed areas without standing water. Yields are lower as it depends on seasonal rainfall.
• Broadcasting Method: Seeds are scattered manually across the field. Requires minimal labor and inputs. Commonly used in dry regions with less fertile soils and yields are lesser.
• Drilling Method: Practiced in semi-arid areas and seeds are sown into ploughed furrows using manual or mechanical methods. Helps in better seed placement.
• Transplantation Method: Seedlings are grown in a nursery and transplanted into the main field.
• Japanese Method: Involves systematic sowing of high-yielding seeds in nurseries with mechanized weeding and intensive use of fertilisers. Results in high productivity and is widely practiced in developed countries.
• System of Rice Intensification (SRI):
  • Focuses on planting young seedlings with wider spacing.
  • Studies report 20-50% higher yields compared to traditional methods.
  • Uses 30-50% less water than conventional flooded irrigation.
  • Decreases dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Reduces methane emissions by avoiding continuous flooding.

Production Statistics

• Top Rice Producing States in India: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
• Top Rice Producing Countries: China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam.
• Top Rice Exporting Countries: India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, USA.

About Joha Rice

• Joha is a short-grain winter paddy known for its significant aroma and noteworthy taste.
• It is a special class of Sali rice (Winter rice) of Assam grown in marginal lands, uplands, or on Sali seed beds after uprooting the seedlings.
• It is rich in nutrients like linoleic acid (omega-6), linolenic acid (omega-3), flavonoids, and phenolics with antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and cardio-protective effects.

Key Points:

• Rice — Kharif crop; requires 100-200 cm rainfall; 20°C-37°C
• SRI method: 20-50% higher yields; 30-50% less water; reduces methane emissions
• Joha Rice — Aromatic short-grain winter paddy from Assam

2. Wheat

Context: The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) projects the lowest cost of wheat production for the 2024-25 season.

About Wheat Crop

• Wheat is a member of the grass family and is the second most important staple food for the Indian population, especially dominant in Northern and North-Western regions.
• A rich source of Calcium, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Iron.
• Wheat, as a rabi crop, is sown during October-November.

Growth Conditions

• Growing Period: Spring wheat — 100-130 days; Winter wheat — 180-250 days.
• Temperature: Minimum daily temperature for measurable growth is about 5°C. Mean daily temperature for optimum growth and tillering is between 15°C and 20°C. Occurrence of spring frost is an important factor in selection of sowing date.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, friable loams and clay loams with a good proportion of sand. Also grows well in black soils of the Deccan Plateau.

Production Statistics

• Top Wheat Producing States in India: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.

About Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP)

• Established in January 1965.
• Attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Currently consists of a Chairman, Member Secretary, one official Member, and two non-official Members representing the farming community.
• Recommends MSPs to encourage modern technology adoption, boost productivity, and align grain production with demand.
• CACP recommends MSPs of 23 Commodities:
  • 7 cereals: paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, barley and ragi
  • 5 pulses: gram, tur, moong, urad, lentil
  • 7 oilseeds: groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soyabean, sesamum, sunflower, safflower, nigerseed
  • 4 commercial crops: copra, sugarcane, cotton and raw jute
• The Commission finalizes recommendations and submits them to the government, which seeks feedback from state governments and relevant ministries before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs makes the final decision on MSPs.

Key Points:

• Wheat — Rabi crop (October-November); 5°C-20°C; 100-250 days maturity
• CACP — Established 1965; recommends MSP for 23 commodities

3. Maize

Context: The diversion of Maize for ethanol production is driving up poultry feed and edible oil prices. India targets 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, requiring approximately 1,016 crore litres of fuel ethanol annually from sugar, molasses, FCI rice, broken rice, and maize.

About Maize Crop

• Maize, commonly known as corn, is a versatile crop domesticated in Central America.
• Used in many products, including food, beverages, animal feed, and biodegradable materials.
• Maize is predominantly a Kharif crop (around 83%), but cultivated across three distinct seasons in India:
  • Kharif (Monsoon): Sown June-July; harvested September-October; 83% of maize area.
  • Rabi (Winter): Sown October-November; harvested February-March; 17% of maize area (peninsular regions and Bihar).
  • Spring: Sown January-February; harvested April-May; limited to specific northern states.

Growth Conditions

• Rainfall: Optimal growth requires annual rainfall between 50 to 75 cm. Sensitive to waterlogging.
• Temperature: Grown in climates ranging from temperate to tropic when mean daily temperatures are above 15°C and frost-free. When mean daily temperatures during the growing season are greater than 20°C, early grain varieties take 80-110 days and medium varieties 110-140 days to mature.
• Soil Requirements: Does well on most soils but less so on very heavy dense clay and very sandy soils. Prefers well-aerated and well-drained soils. Moderately sensitive to salinity.
• C4 Plant: As a C4 plant, maize efficiently utilizes sunlight, making it well-suited for regions with abundant sunshine.

Production Statistics

• Global Standing: India ranks 4th in area and 7th in production among maize-growing countries, representing around 4% of the world's maize area and 2% of total production.
• Top Maize Producing States in India: Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
• Top Maize Producing Countries: USA, China, Brazil, India, Argentina, Mexico.

About C4 Plants

• C4 plants use a process called the C4 cycle to fix carbon dioxide into four-carbon compounds.
• This process is very efficient in hot, dry climates and contributes approximately 20-25% of global terrestrial photosynthesis.
• Prominent examples: Maize, sugarcane, and sorghum.

Key Points:

• Maize — 83% Kharif, 17% Rabi; C4 plant
• 50-75 cm rainfall; >15°C; 80-140 days maturity
• India target: 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26

4. Barley

Context: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) projects record-high barley production in India for the 2023-2024 crop year.

About Barley Crop

• Barley, known as "Jau" in Hindi, is a significant cereal crop in India, ranking fourth after rice, wheat, and maize.
• Holds importance for both human consumption and industrial applications.

Growth Conditions

• Temperature: Thrives in cool climates, with optimal growth at 12°C-15°C during germination and 20°C-25°C during maturation. More tolerant to frost compared to wheat.
• Rainfall: Requires moderate rainfall, ideally between 75 to 100 cm annually. Excessive moisture can lead to fungal diseases, making well-drained soils essential.
• Soil Preferences: Grows well in light to medium textured soils, including sandy loams and loamy sands. Tolerant of saline and alkaline soils. Acidic soils are not suitable.
• pH Level: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 7.0 to 8.5).

Production Statistics

• Top Barley Producing States in India: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana.
• Top Barley Producing Countries: European Union, Russia, Australia, Canada and Turkey.

5. Millets

Context: The Rajasthan government plans to distribute free seed kits to promote millet cultivation and boost production.

About Millets

• Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded cereal crops integral to Indian agriculture for centuries.
• Renowned for their resilience and nutritional value, they are pivotal in ensuring food security, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
• India is the largest producer of millets, contributing 41% to global millet production, followed by Niger and China.
• India accounts for 83% of Asia's production area.
• India exports over 50% of its millet to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Growth Conditions

• Climate: Predominantly grown in the Kharif season (sown during May-June) but can also be cultivated during Rabi in regions receiving more than 800 mm rainfall. Resilient to high temperatures and drought.
• Soil: Adaptable to a range of soils, from sandy loams to clay loams, and can tolerate acidic to alkaline conditions.

Nutritional Profile

• Macronutrients: ~207 calories per cooked cup, 6.1g protein, 1.7g fat, 41g carbohydrates.
• Millets contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary fibre.
• Vitamins: B-complex vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid.

Health Benefits

• Gluten-Free: Suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
• Low Glycemic Index: Helps in managing blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetics.
• Heart Health: Magnesium and potassium aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
• Antioxidant Properties: Phenolics and flavonoids combat oxidative stress.

Production Statistics

• Area Under Cultivation (2022-23): ~12.7 million hectares.
• Production Volume: ~17.3 million tonnes, with average yield of 1,364 kg/ha.
• Top Millet Producing States: Rajasthan (31.3%), Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
• Top Millet Producing Countries: India, Niger, China, Nigeria, Mali.
• India's Top Millet Export Destinations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, USA, Japan, Germany.

Steps Taken by Indian Government

• 2018 — National Year of Millets: Highlighted nutritional security and sustainable agriculture.
• Inclusion in PDS: Ragi, bajra, and jowar distributed at subsidized rates.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Focus on coarse cereals with financial and technical assistance.
• Mid-Day Meal Schemes: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu introduced millet-based meals in schools.
• Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR): Designated as a global center of excellence.
• Export Promotion Forum for millets established.
• Rebranding: Millets as "Shree Anna" and as nutricereals.

International Programs

• Global Action on Millets (FAO): Technical assistance and research support to member countries.
• Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): Swiss-based foundation launched at UN in 2002; collaborates with governments and private companies to promote millet-based products.

About International Year of Millets

• UN declared 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets (IYM)' to promote awareness about nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits.
• Led by India, with support from over 70 countries, endorsed by FAO.
• Key Objectives: Promote Millets as Nutri-Cereals; Enhance Global Production & Consumption; Support Sustainable Agriculture; Empower Farmers & Rural Communities.

About MAHARISHI

• Millets and Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI) focuses on advancing research collaborations and generating awareness.
• Secretariat located at Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad.

Millet Types at a Glance:

Millet Type	Common Name	Major States
Pearl Millet	Bajra	Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana
Sorghum	Jowar	Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Little Millet	Kutki	Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Finger Millet	Ragi	Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Foxtail Millet	Kakun	Meghalaya, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan
Kodo Millet	Kodo	Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Barnyard Millet	Sawan	Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Buckwheat	Kuttu	J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

6. Gram (Chickpeas)

Context: The Cabinet approves an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2024-25 season.

About Gram Crop

• Temperature: Prefers a mild, cool climate (20°C-25°C).
• Rainfall: Requires minimal rainfall (40-50 cm).
• Cultivation Practices: Often grown mixed with wheat, barley, linseed, or mustard. Mixed cropping helps control diseases like gram blight.
• Major Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

7. Tur (Arhar or Pigeon Pea)

Context: The government extends free import policy for tur dal until March 2026.

• Tur is the second most important pulse in India.
• Mainly cultivated as a kharif crop, though can also be grown as a rabi crop in regions with mild winters.
• Thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
• Ideal climate: Moist conditions initially, followed by drier weather during flowering and pod development.
• Often cultivated as a mixed crop alongside jowar, bajra, ragi, maize, cotton, and groundnut.
• Major Producing States: Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

8. Cotton

Context: India's cotton production is expected to decline due to reduced acreage and excessive rainfall.

About Cotton Crop

• One of the most important fiber and cash crops of India.
• Provides direct livelihood to 6 million farmers and employs 40-50 million people in trade and processing.
• India accounts for around 23% of total global cotton production.
• India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton:
  • G. Arboreum & G. Herbaceum — Asian cotton
  • G. Barbadense — Egyptian cotton
  • G. Hirsutum — American Upland cotton
• Cotton is a kharif crop in most parts of the country but also grown as Rabi crop in southern states.

Growth Conditions

• Temperature:
  • 15°C for better germination.
  • Optimum for vegetative growth: 21-27°C.
  • Optimum for boll development: 27-32°C.
  • Above 38°C yields are reduced.
• Frost: Very sensitive to frost; minimum 200 frost-free days required.
• Growing Period: ~150 to 180 days.
• Rainfall: 70-120 cm. Extensively grown under rainfed conditions. Continuous rain during flowering and boll opening will impair pollination and reduce fibre quality.
• Soil: Grown on a variety of soils — well drained deep alluvial soils (north), black clayey soils (central region), black and mixed soils (south zone).

Production Statistics

• Top Cotton Producing States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
• Top Cotton Producing Countries: China, India, USA, Brazil.
• Uses: Textile production, edible oil from cottonseed, and livestock feed.

About Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)

• CCI (a Miniratna company) established in 1970 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles.
• Responsible for ensuring cotton farmers receive a fair price.
• Conducts Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations when raw cotton prices fall below the government's announced support price.
• Headquarters: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

9. Jute

Context: The National Jute Board projects a 20% decline in jute production for FY 2024-25, attributing the drop to natural calamities.

• Often referred to as the "Golden fiber" due to its color and high economic value.
• Jute is a kharif crop, primarily used to produce eco-friendly products such as gunny bags, ropes, mats, and carpets.
• Serves as a vital raw material for the packaging industry.

Key Points:

• Jute — "Golden fiber"; Kharif crop; used for eco-friendly packaging

10. Summary: Major Crops at a Glance

Crop	Season	Rainfall	Temperature	Top States
Rice	Kharif	100-200 cm	20-37°C	UP, Punjab, West Bengal
Wheat	Rabi	Moderate	15-20°C	UP, MP, Punjab, Haryana
Maize	Kharif (83%)	50-75 cm	>15°C	MP, Karnataka, Maharashtra
Barley	Rabi	75-100 cm	12-25°C	Rajasthan, UP, MP
Millets	Kharif	Drought-resistant	High tolerance	Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Gram (Chickpea)	Rabi	40-50 cm	20-25°C	MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Tur (Pigeon Pea)	Kharif	Moderate	Warm	Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP
Cotton	Kharif/Rabi	70-120 cm	21-32°C	Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana
Jute	Kharif	High	Warm & humid	West Bengal, Bihar, Assam

Key Takeaways for UPSC

• Rice: Kharif; 100-200 cm rainfall; 20-37°C; SRI method (20-50% higher yields, 30-50% less water)
• Wheat: Rabi; 15-20°C; 100-250 days maturity; CACP established 1965
• Maize: C4 plant; 83% Kharif; 50-75 cm rainfall; India target: 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26
• Millets: India largest producer (41%); IYM 2023; rebranded as "Shree Anna"
• Cotton: India grows all 4 species; 23% global production; CCI (Miniratna)
• Jute: "Golden fiber"; Kharif crop; eco-friendly packaging

High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Major Crops)

Q1. Rice is primarily cultivated as which type of crop in India?

Correct Answer: B. Rice is primarily cultivated as a kharif crop, thriving in wet and warm climatic conditions. During the rabi season, it is grown exclusively in areas with reliable irrigation.

Q2. Which method of rice cultivation uses 30-50% less water and reduces methane emissions?

Correct Answer: C. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) uses 30-50% less water, reduces methane emissions, and reports 20-50% higher yields compared to traditional methods.

Q3. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) was established in which year?

Correct Answer: C. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) was established in January 1965 as an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Q4. India targets what percentage of ethanol blending by 2025-26?

Correct Answer: C. India targets 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, requiring approximately 1,016 crore litres of fuel ethanol annually.

Q5. Maize is an example of which type of plant?

Correct Answer: B. Maize is a C4 plant that efficiently utilizes sunlight, making it well-suited for regions with abundant sunshine. Other examples include sugarcane and sorghum.

Q6. India is the largest producer of millets, contributing what percentage to global production?

Correct Answer: C. India is the largest producer of millets, contributing 41% to global millet production, followed by Niger and China.

Q7. The United Nations declared which year as the International Year of Millets?

Correct Answer: C. The UN declared 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets (IYM)' to promote awareness about the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of millets.

Q8. Which crop is often referred to as the "Golden fiber"?

Correct Answer: C. Jute is often referred to as the "Golden fiber" due to its color and high economic value. It is a kharif crop used for eco-friendly products.

Q9. CACP recommends MSPs for how many commodities?

Correct Answer: C. CACP recommends MSPs for 23 Commodities: 7 cereals, 5 pulses, 7 oilseeds, and 4 commercial crops.

Q10. India is the only country that grows all four species of which crop?

Correct Answer: B. India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton: G. Arboreum & G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton), and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton).