Land and agriculture

Question 1

Land Category: Forests

Answer 1

Description: Land legally designated for forest growth, whether tree-covered or not. Purpose: Conservation, timber, biodiversity. Example: Himalayan forests, Western Ghats.

Question 2

Land Category: Land Put to Non-Agricultural Uses

Answer 2

Description: Land used for settlements, industries, infrastructure, and public facilities. Example: Urban areas, roads, canals.

Question 3

Land Category: Barren and Un-Culturable Land

Answer 3

Description: Land unsuitable for cultivation due to harsh terrain or poor soil quality. Example: Deserts, rocky mountains, and ravines.

Question 4

Land Category: Permanent Pastures and Other Grazing Lands

Answer 4

Description: Land used for grazing livestock, often communal resources. Example: Grasslands in Rajasthan, village grazing commons.

Question 5

Land Category: Land Under Miscellaneous Tree Crops and Groves

Answer 5

Description: Privately owned lands with orchards, fruit trees, or plantations not counted in net sown area. Example: Mango orchards, coconut groves.

Question 6

Land Category: Culturable Waste Land

Answer 6

Description: Land left uncultivated for more than five years but reclaimable for agriculture. Example: Degraded lands in central India, abandoned fields.

Question 7

Land Category: Current Fallows

Answer 7

Description: Land left uncultivated for less than a year to restore soil fertility. Example: Rotational fallows in Punjab and Haryana.

Question 8

Land Category: Fallow Lands Other Than Current Fallows

Answer 8

Description: Land left uncultivated for 1 to 5 years, often to recover soil health. Example: Abandoned croplands in semi-arid regions.

Question 9

Land Category: Net Area Sown

Answer 9

Description: Total area actually cultivated, counted only once even if sown multiple times in a year. Example: Rice-wheat cropping areas of the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Question 10

Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare’s Annual Report for 2023-24, India’s cropping intensity stands at

Answer 10

155.4%

Question 11

State-wise Cropping Intensity

Answer 11

Cropping intensity varies across different states in India, influenced by factors such as irrigation facilities, soil fertility, and climatic conditions. Notable figures include:

West Bengal: 194.2%

Punjab: 192.5%

Tripura: 190.5%

Madhya Pradesh: 189.9%

Haryana: 181.8%

Question 12

Overtime trend of India’s cropping intensity

Answer 12

India’s cropping intensity has shown a gradual increase over the years:

2011-12: 138.9%

2015-16: 142.6%

2019-20: 151.1%

2021-22: 155.4%

Question 13

Cropping Seasons in India - Overview

Answer 13

India has three main cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid. Each season is defined by specific climatic conditions, crop types, and sowing/harvesting periods.

Question 14

Kharif Season

Answer 14

Time: June to October (monsoon) | Sowing: Beginning of monsoon (June-July) | Harvesting: September-October | Key Crops: Rice, maize, millets (jowar, bajra), pulses (moong, urad), groundnut, cotton, soybean | Regions: Rain-fed areas (e.g., West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh).

Question 15

Rabi Season

Answer 15

Time: October to March (winter) | Sowing: After monsoon, around October-November | Harvesting: March-April | Key Crops: Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, gram | Regions: North and northwest India (e.g., Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan).

Question 16

Zaid Season

Answer 16

Time: April to June (summer) | Sowing: March-April | Harvesting: June-July | Key Crops: Watermelon, cucumber, vegetables, fodder crops, sugarcane (early stages) | Regions: Areas with irrigation facilities (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu).

Question 17

Importance of Kharif Crops

Answer 17

Dependency on Monsoon: Kharif crops depend heavily on rainfall. Irregular monsoons can affect production. Example: Rice, India’s staple food, is a key Kharif crop.

Question 18

Importance of Rabi Crops

Answer 18

Irrigation-Based Farming: Rabi crops grow in cooler weather and rely on residual soil moisture or irrigation. Example: Wheat, a major staple, dominates Rabi farming.

Question 19

Role of Zaid Crops

Answer 19

Short-Season Crops: Zaid crops are grown in the interim period between Rabi and Kharif. They provide additional income to farmers and ensure continuous food supply.

Question 20

Factors Affecting Cropping Seasons

Answer 20

1. Rainfall & Irrigation Availability | 2. Temperature & Frost Risk | 3. Soil Type (e.g., rice needs clayey soil, wheat grows in alluvial soil) | 4. Day Length & Sunlight.

Question 21

Shifts in Cropping Patterns

Answer 21

Green Revolution: Boosted Rabi crops (wheat) due to HYV seeds and irrigation. Climate Change: Uncertain monsoons affect Kharif crops, pushing farmers toward more drought-resistant varieties.

Question 22

Sustainable Farming Practices

Answer 22

1. Crop Rotation: Helps maintain soil fertility. | 2. Mixed Cropping: Reduces risk of crop failure. | 3. Agroforestry: Combines crops with trees to enhance biodiversity and resilience.

Question 24

Farming Practices - Overview

Answer 24

Farming practices vary across the world based on climate, soil type, technology, and socio-economic factors. India practices both traditional and modern farming methods.

Question 25

Subsistence Farming

Answer 25

**Description:** Farming for self-consumption, with little to no surplus for sale. **Key Features:** Small landholdings, low mechanization, family labor. **Example Crops:** Rice, wheat, pulses. **Regions:** Northeast India, parts of Bihar, Odisha.

Question 26

Intensive Subsistence Farming

Answer 26

**Description:** High-output farming on small plots using labor-intensive techniques. **Key Features:** Use of HYV seeds, fertilizers, multiple cropping. **Example Crops:** Rice, wheat, vegetables. **Regions:** Indo-Gangetic plains, Tamil Nadu.

Question 27

Shifting Cultivation (Slash and Burn)

Answer 27

**Description:** Forest land is cleared, burned, and cultivated temporarily before moving to a new area. **Key Features:** Land rotation, low productivity. **Example Crops:** Millets, tubers. **Local Names:** Jhum (NE India), Podu (Andhra Pradesh), Dahiya (Madhya Pradesh).

Question 28

Nomadic Herding

Answer 28

**Description:** Moving livestock in search of pasture and water. **Key Features:** Mobile lifestyle, dependence on animal products. **Example Animals:** Sheep, goats, yaks. **Regions:** Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himalayas.

Question 29

Commercial Farming

Answer 29

**Description:** Farming for market sale and profit. **Key Features:** Large farms, mechanization, high inputs of fertilizers and pesticides. **Example Crops:** Cotton, sugarcane, tea. **Regions:** Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra.

Question 30

Plantation Farming

Answer 30

**Description:** Large-scale farming of a single cash crop for export. **Key Features:** Capital-intensive, scientific management. **Example Crops:** Tea, coffee, rubber, spices. **Regions:** Assam, Kerala, Karnataka.

Question 31

Mixed Farming

Answer 31

**Description:** Cultivating crops and raising livestock together. **Key Features:** Diversified income, nutrient recycling (animal manure). **Example Crops/Animals:** Wheat + cattle, maize + poultry. **Regions:** Punjab, Haryana, western UP.

Question 32

Organic Farming

Answer 32

**Description:** Farming without synthetic chemicals, relying on natural inputs like compost and bio-pesticides. **Key Features:** Eco-friendly, promotes biodiversity. **Example Crops:** Vegetables, pulses, spices. **Regions:** Sikkim (India’s first organic state), Kerala.

Question 33

Dryland Farming

Answer 33

**Description:** Farming in low-rainfall areas using drought-resistant crops. **Key Features:** Rainwater harvesting, soil moisture conservation. **Example Crops:** Millets, pulses, oilseeds. **Regions:** Rajasthan, Gujarat, Deccan Plateau.

Question 34

Terrace Farming

Answer 34

**Description:** Farming on step-like structures carved into hills. **Key Features:** Prevents soil erosion, conserves water. **Example Crops:** Rice, maize, potatoes. **Regions:** Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Northeast India.

Question 35

Modern Farming Practices

Answer 35

**Description:** Technology-driven farming for higher productivity. **Key Features:** Use of tractors, irrigation systems, GM crops, precision farming. **Example Crops:** Wheat, corn, soybeans. **Regions:** Green Revolution areas (Punjab, Haryana).

Question 36

Sustainable Farming

Answer 36

**Description:** Practices that balance productivity with environmental care. **Key Features:** Crop rotation, agroforestry, reduced chemical use. **Example Crops:** Legumes, cereals. **Regions:** Experimenting in various states through government programs.

Question 37

Cereals

Answer 37

54% of the total cropped area in India 11% of the cereal of the world ranks 3rd after China USA

Question 38

Rice

Answer 38

In west bengal 2 or 3 crops of rice are grown in an agricultural year - aus aman and boro 2nd largest producer of rice

Question 39

The primary rice-producing regions in India include:

Answer 39

Telangana: Contributes approximately 22% of the nation's total rice production. Uttar Pradesh: Accounts for about 11% of the total rice yield. West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu: Collectively, these states contribute to approximately 80% of India's rice production.

Question 40

Rice Varieties

Answer 40

India boasts a rich diversity of rice varieties, each with unique characteristics: Basmati Rice: Renowned for its aromatic fragrance and long grains, primarily cultivated in Northern India. Sona Masuri: A medium-grain rice variety popular in Southern India, known for its lightweight and aromatic qualities. Ponni Rice: Predominantly grown in Tamil Nadu, favored for its soft texture and nutritional value. Black Rice: Also known as 'forbidden rice,' rich in antioxidants and cultivated in regions like Manipur. Red Rice: Noted for its reddish hue and higher nutritional content, commonly grown in Kerala and Karnataka.

Question 41

Rice cultivation in India thrives under specific climatic and soil conditions:

Answer 41

Temperature: Optimal growth occurs between 20°C to 35°C. Rainfall: Requires substantial water, ideally between 150 to 200 cm of annual rainfall. Soil: Prefers clayey loam soils with good water retention capacity.

Question 42

Wheat in India - Overview

Answer 42

**Scientific Name:** Triticum aestivum | **Type:** Rabi crop (winter crop) | **Importance:** 2nd most important cereal crop in India, staple food for millions.

Question 43

Geographical Requirements for Wheat

Answer 43

**Temperature:** 10-15°C (sowing), 21-26°C (ripening) | **Rainfall:** 50-100 cm | **Soil:** Well-drained **alluvial soil** or **loamy soil** | **Sunlight:** Bright sunshine during ripening.

Question 44

Top Wheat-Producing States

Answer 44

1. **Uttar Pradesh** (largest producer) | 2. **Punjab** | 3. **Haryana** | 4. **Madhya Pradesh** | 5. **Rajasthan** | Together, these states form the **Wheat Belt of India**.

Question 45

Wheat-Growing Seasons

Answer 45

**Sowing:** October-November | **Harvesting:** March-April | **Season:** **Rabi** season crop, grown in **winter** and harvested in **summer**.

Question 46

Types of Wheat Grown in India

Answer 46

1. **Triticum aestivum:** Bread wheat (main variety) | 2. **Triticum durum:** Durum wheat (used for pasta, semolina) | 3. **Triticum dicoccum:** Emmer wheat (traditional, grown in Karnataka).

Question 47

Major Wheat-Growing Regions

Answer 47

1. **Indo-Gangetic Plains:** Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, West Bengal | 2. **Central India:** Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | 3. **Western India:** Rajasthan, Gujarat.

Question 48

Irrigation and Water Requirements

Answer 48

Wheat needs **assured irrigation**, especially in **dry areas**. Main irrigation sources: **canals, tube wells, groundwater**. The **Green Revolution** boosted production with irrigation and HYV seeds.

Question 49

Wheat and the Green Revolution

Answer 49

The **Green Revolution** (1960s) introduced **High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs)** like **Kalyan Sona** and **Sonora 64**, leading to a massive rise in wheat production, especially in **Punjab** and **Haryana**.

Question 50

Wheat Production in India (2023-24)

Answer 50

India is the **2nd largest wheat producer globally** (after China). Production in **2023-24:** ~**112 million tonnes**. Wheat is vital for **food security** and the **Public Distribution System (PDS).**

Question 51

Economic and Social Importance

Answer 51

1. **Staple Diet:** Wheat flour is used to make **chapati, bread, biscuits, noodles**. | 2. **Livelihoods:** Millions of farmers depend on wheat cultivation. | 3. **Exports:** India exports wheat to **Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE**.

Question 52

Challenges in Wheat Production

Answer 52

1. **Climate Sensitivity:** Heat waves and untimely rainfall reduce yields. | 2. **Water Dependency:** Needs reliable irrigation. | 3. **Pests & Diseases:** Vulnerable to **rust fungus** and **blight**. | 4. **Soil Degradation:** Intensive farming depletes nutrients.

Question 53

Government Schemes for Wheat Farmers

Answer 53

1. **Minimum Support Price (MSP):** Ensures fair prices for farmers. | 2. **PM Fasal Bima Yojana:** Crop insurance against natural disasters. | 3. **National Food Security Mission (NFSM):** Boosts wheat productivity through research and subsidies.