Maharashtra Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, Mineral & Power Resources | Maharashtra State PSC (MPSC): Preparation - MPSC (Maharastra) PDF Download

 Page 1


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
INTRODUCTION  
? In this chapter we will learn about Agriculture in Maharashtra which is 
highly dependent on south west monsoonal rain. The cropping pattern 
in different seasons has also been discussed in the following chapter. 
Moreover the states livestock resources have also been taken into 
consideration. The distribution of fisheries, its problems and solutions 
are also discussed.  The states mineral and power resources are also 
explained. 
 
? Land Utilization Pattern: As per Agriculture Census 2011-12, out of 
the total 307.58 lakh hectares geographical area in the State, the Gross 
Cropped area was 231.06 lakh hectares, net area sown was 173.86 lakh 
hectares, (56.57%), area under forest was 52.11 lakh hectares 
(16.96%), land not available for cultivation was 31.78 lakh hectares 
(10.33%), other uncultivated land was 24.13 lakh hectares (7.9%) and 
fallow land was 25.70 (8.31%) lakh hectares. 
 
SUBJECT DISCUSSION  
 
? Agriculture is an art and science of practicing farming, including 
cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of 
animals to provide food, wool, and other products. By Agriculture, 
we mean, the production of crops, livestock, or poultry. 
 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the main occupation of people in the state. 
Agriculture and allied activities during 2014-15 had average share of 
11 per cent in GSDP (Gross state Domestic production) at current 
prices. 
 
? Agriculture Production Prospects 2015-16: Due to low intensity and 
deficit monsoon, the production of major crops in all regions of the 
state has been decreased substantially during the year 2014-15 and 
2015-16. Total rainfall in the State during 2015 was deficient i.e. 59.4 
per cent of the normal rainfall. Out of 355 talukas (excluding talukas 
in Mumbai City & Mumbai suburban districts) in the State, 278 
talukas received deficient, 75 talukas received normal and two talukas 
received excess rainfall. During kharif season of 2015, sowing was 
completed on 141.46 lakh ha, which was six per cent less than the 
previous year (150.97 lakh ha). This and deficient rains resulted in 
expected decline of 18 per cent in production of total food grains and 
marginal decline of two per cent in oilseeds production for kharif 
crops. Due to deficient rains in kharif season 2015, area under rabi 
crops decreased by 16 per cent as compared to the previous year 
Page 2


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
INTRODUCTION  
? In this chapter we will learn about Agriculture in Maharashtra which is 
highly dependent on south west monsoonal rain. The cropping pattern 
in different seasons has also been discussed in the following chapter. 
Moreover the states livestock resources have also been taken into 
consideration. The distribution of fisheries, its problems and solutions 
are also discussed.  The states mineral and power resources are also 
explained. 
 
? Land Utilization Pattern: As per Agriculture Census 2011-12, out of 
the total 307.58 lakh hectares geographical area in the State, the Gross 
Cropped area was 231.06 lakh hectares, net area sown was 173.86 lakh 
hectares, (56.57%), area under forest was 52.11 lakh hectares 
(16.96%), land not available for cultivation was 31.78 lakh hectares 
(10.33%), other uncultivated land was 24.13 lakh hectares (7.9%) and 
fallow land was 25.70 (8.31%) lakh hectares. 
 
SUBJECT DISCUSSION  
 
? Agriculture is an art and science of practicing farming, including 
cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of 
animals to provide food, wool, and other products. By Agriculture, 
we mean, the production of crops, livestock, or poultry. 
 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the main occupation of people in the state. 
Agriculture and allied activities during 2014-15 had average share of 
11 per cent in GSDP (Gross state Domestic production) at current 
prices. 
 
? Agriculture Production Prospects 2015-16: Due to low intensity and 
deficit monsoon, the production of major crops in all regions of the 
state has been decreased substantially during the year 2014-15 and 
2015-16. Total rainfall in the State during 2015 was deficient i.e. 59.4 
per cent of the normal rainfall. Out of 355 talukas (excluding talukas 
in Mumbai City & Mumbai suburban districts) in the State, 278 
talukas received deficient, 75 talukas received normal and two talukas 
received excess rainfall. During kharif season of 2015, sowing was 
completed on 141.46 lakh ha, which was six per cent less than the 
previous year (150.97 lakh ha). This and deficient rains resulted in 
expected decline of 18 per cent in production of total food grains and 
marginal decline of two per cent in oilseeds production for kharif 
crops. Due to deficient rains in kharif season 2015, area under rabi 
crops decreased by 16 per cent as compared to the previous year 
  
 
 
 
 
resulting in expected decline of 27 and 50 per cent in total food grains 
and oilseeds production respectively 
 
? Principal crops grown in the State are rice, jowar, bajra, wheat, tur, 
mung, urad, gram and other pulses. The State is also a major 
producer of oilseeds. Groundnut, sunflower, soya bean are major oil 
seed crops. Important cash crops are cotton, sugarcane, turmeric and 
vegetables. In Jalgaon cotton is one of the major crops. The state has 
huge areas, under fruit cultivation of which mangoes, bananas, 
grapes, and oranges are the main ones 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mainly dependent on south west 
monsoonal rain so any fluctuations in the time distribution, spatial 
distribution or quantity of the monsoon rains may lead to conditions of 
floods or droughts causing the agricultural sector to adversely suffer. 
 
? Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. There are several 
problems in the agricultural sector of Maharashtra but to maintain 
ecological balance there must be sustainable development of 
agriculture sectors. 
 
? Livestock are defined as being useful animals reared for financial 
gain. 
 
? India is the second largest fish producer in the world after China 
and accounts for nearly 6% of global fish production. Over 8,000 
kilometers of coastline, 4 million hectares of reservoirs, 2 million 
hectares of brackish water and nearly 51,000 square kilometers of 
continental shelf area offers a plethora of opportunities for the growth 
of marine and fish industry of India. Maharashtra, a coastal state, 
endowed with a coastline of 720 km and  a continental shelf of 
87,000 sq. Km has a great contribution in the fishing industry of India. 
 
? With average annual marine fish landings of 3.6 lakh ton during 2001-
10, Maharashtra is one of the major fish producing states ranking 
4th in the country. 
 
? Minerals are found in eastern and southern part of Maharashtra. 
 
? Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a 
reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe).   It almost always consists of 
iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and 
hematite (Fe2O3).  
 
? With the dawn of industrial era, the sources of energy came into 
prominence. Among the conventional energy wood fuel was confined 
only to domestic use and that too in the rural area.  
 
? Use of Coal, natural oil also increased. 
 
Page 3


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
INTRODUCTION  
? In this chapter we will learn about Agriculture in Maharashtra which is 
highly dependent on south west monsoonal rain. The cropping pattern 
in different seasons has also been discussed in the following chapter. 
Moreover the states livestock resources have also been taken into 
consideration. The distribution of fisheries, its problems and solutions 
are also discussed.  The states mineral and power resources are also 
explained. 
 
? Land Utilization Pattern: As per Agriculture Census 2011-12, out of 
the total 307.58 lakh hectares geographical area in the State, the Gross 
Cropped area was 231.06 lakh hectares, net area sown was 173.86 lakh 
hectares, (56.57%), area under forest was 52.11 lakh hectares 
(16.96%), land not available for cultivation was 31.78 lakh hectares 
(10.33%), other uncultivated land was 24.13 lakh hectares (7.9%) and 
fallow land was 25.70 (8.31%) lakh hectares. 
 
SUBJECT DISCUSSION  
 
? Agriculture is an art and science of practicing farming, including 
cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of 
animals to provide food, wool, and other products. By Agriculture, 
we mean, the production of crops, livestock, or poultry. 
 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the main occupation of people in the state. 
Agriculture and allied activities during 2014-15 had average share of 
11 per cent in GSDP (Gross state Domestic production) at current 
prices. 
 
? Agriculture Production Prospects 2015-16: Due to low intensity and 
deficit monsoon, the production of major crops in all regions of the 
state has been decreased substantially during the year 2014-15 and 
2015-16. Total rainfall in the State during 2015 was deficient i.e. 59.4 
per cent of the normal rainfall. Out of 355 talukas (excluding talukas 
in Mumbai City & Mumbai suburban districts) in the State, 278 
talukas received deficient, 75 talukas received normal and two talukas 
received excess rainfall. During kharif season of 2015, sowing was 
completed on 141.46 lakh ha, which was six per cent less than the 
previous year (150.97 lakh ha). This and deficient rains resulted in 
expected decline of 18 per cent in production of total food grains and 
marginal decline of two per cent in oilseeds production for kharif 
crops. Due to deficient rains in kharif season 2015, area under rabi 
crops decreased by 16 per cent as compared to the previous year 
  
 
 
 
 
resulting in expected decline of 27 and 50 per cent in total food grains 
and oilseeds production respectively 
 
? Principal crops grown in the State are rice, jowar, bajra, wheat, tur, 
mung, urad, gram and other pulses. The State is also a major 
producer of oilseeds. Groundnut, sunflower, soya bean are major oil 
seed crops. Important cash crops are cotton, sugarcane, turmeric and 
vegetables. In Jalgaon cotton is one of the major crops. The state has 
huge areas, under fruit cultivation of which mangoes, bananas, 
grapes, and oranges are the main ones 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mainly dependent on south west 
monsoonal rain so any fluctuations in the time distribution, spatial 
distribution or quantity of the monsoon rains may lead to conditions of 
floods or droughts causing the agricultural sector to adversely suffer. 
 
? Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. There are several 
problems in the agricultural sector of Maharashtra but to maintain 
ecological balance there must be sustainable development of 
agriculture sectors. 
 
? Livestock are defined as being useful animals reared for financial 
gain. 
 
? India is the second largest fish producer in the world after China 
and accounts for nearly 6% of global fish production. Over 8,000 
kilometers of coastline, 4 million hectares of reservoirs, 2 million 
hectares of brackish water and nearly 51,000 square kilometers of 
continental shelf area offers a plethora of opportunities for the growth 
of marine and fish industry of India. Maharashtra, a coastal state, 
endowed with a coastline of 720 km and  a continental shelf of 
87,000 sq. Km has a great contribution in the fishing industry of India. 
 
? With average annual marine fish landings of 3.6 lakh ton during 2001-
10, Maharashtra is one of the major fish producing states ranking 
4th in the country. 
 
? Minerals are found in eastern and southern part of Maharashtra. 
 
? Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a 
reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe).   It almost always consists of 
iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and 
hematite (Fe2O3).  
 
? With the dawn of industrial era, the sources of energy came into 
prominence. Among the conventional energy wood fuel was confined 
only to domestic use and that too in the rural area.  
 
? Use of Coal, natural oil also increased. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
? Likewise, the use of hydroelectricity also increased in the areas where 
running water and needed technology was readily available. All these 
sources of energy are known as conventional sources of energy.  
 
? These sources of conventional energy, like minerals are exhaustible. 
Hence they need to be used judiciously and conserved for future use. 
 
? On the other hand, with increasing demand for energy and with fast 
depleting conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, 
natural gas, etc. the non-conventional sources of energy such as energy 
from sun, wind, biomass, tidal energy, geo-thermal energy and even 
energy from waste material are gaining importance. 
?  In this scenario solar energy proves to be an abundant energy source 
which can be put to use.  
 
? Electricity generation from solar energy at present is no more a new 
concept to the world. Solar electricity being clean (pollution free), 
silent, limitless and free will play a great role in the times to come in 
the present energy driven civilization. 
DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURE 
The art and science of growing plants and other crops and the raising of 
animals for food, other human needs, or economic gain is known as 
agriculture. 
CHARACTERISTICS AGRICULTURE IN 
MAHARASHTRA: 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the principal occupation of the people in 
the state. 
? It is observed that the primary occupation of nearly two thirds of 
the working population in Maharashtra. 
 
? About 65 per cent of the total workers in the State depend on 
agriculture and allied activities. 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mostly intensive subsistence type. 
 
? Both food crops and cash crops are grown in the state. 
 
? Since most of the cultivable land is still rain-fed, the Southwest 
Monsoon season, between June and September, is critical to the food 
sufficiency and quality of life in the state.  
 
? The agricultural calendar of Maharashtra and other parts of India is 
governed by Monsoon. 
 
? Irrigation facilities are being extended so that agriculture could be 
made less dependent upon rain water. 
 
Page 4


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
INTRODUCTION  
? In this chapter we will learn about Agriculture in Maharashtra which is 
highly dependent on south west monsoonal rain. The cropping pattern 
in different seasons has also been discussed in the following chapter. 
Moreover the states livestock resources have also been taken into 
consideration. The distribution of fisheries, its problems and solutions 
are also discussed.  The states mineral and power resources are also 
explained. 
 
? Land Utilization Pattern: As per Agriculture Census 2011-12, out of 
the total 307.58 lakh hectares geographical area in the State, the Gross 
Cropped area was 231.06 lakh hectares, net area sown was 173.86 lakh 
hectares, (56.57%), area under forest was 52.11 lakh hectares 
(16.96%), land not available for cultivation was 31.78 lakh hectares 
(10.33%), other uncultivated land was 24.13 lakh hectares (7.9%) and 
fallow land was 25.70 (8.31%) lakh hectares. 
 
SUBJECT DISCUSSION  
 
? Agriculture is an art and science of practicing farming, including 
cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of 
animals to provide food, wool, and other products. By Agriculture, 
we mean, the production of crops, livestock, or poultry. 
 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the main occupation of people in the state. 
Agriculture and allied activities during 2014-15 had average share of 
11 per cent in GSDP (Gross state Domestic production) at current 
prices. 
 
? Agriculture Production Prospects 2015-16: Due to low intensity and 
deficit monsoon, the production of major crops in all regions of the 
state has been decreased substantially during the year 2014-15 and 
2015-16. Total rainfall in the State during 2015 was deficient i.e. 59.4 
per cent of the normal rainfall. Out of 355 talukas (excluding talukas 
in Mumbai City & Mumbai suburban districts) in the State, 278 
talukas received deficient, 75 talukas received normal and two talukas 
received excess rainfall. During kharif season of 2015, sowing was 
completed on 141.46 lakh ha, which was six per cent less than the 
previous year (150.97 lakh ha). This and deficient rains resulted in 
expected decline of 18 per cent in production of total food grains and 
marginal decline of two per cent in oilseeds production for kharif 
crops. Due to deficient rains in kharif season 2015, area under rabi 
crops decreased by 16 per cent as compared to the previous year 
  
 
 
 
 
resulting in expected decline of 27 and 50 per cent in total food grains 
and oilseeds production respectively 
 
? Principal crops grown in the State are rice, jowar, bajra, wheat, tur, 
mung, urad, gram and other pulses. The State is also a major 
producer of oilseeds. Groundnut, sunflower, soya bean are major oil 
seed crops. Important cash crops are cotton, sugarcane, turmeric and 
vegetables. In Jalgaon cotton is one of the major crops. The state has 
huge areas, under fruit cultivation of which mangoes, bananas, 
grapes, and oranges are the main ones 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mainly dependent on south west 
monsoonal rain so any fluctuations in the time distribution, spatial 
distribution or quantity of the monsoon rains may lead to conditions of 
floods or droughts causing the agricultural sector to adversely suffer. 
 
? Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. There are several 
problems in the agricultural sector of Maharashtra but to maintain 
ecological balance there must be sustainable development of 
agriculture sectors. 
 
? Livestock are defined as being useful animals reared for financial 
gain. 
 
? India is the second largest fish producer in the world after China 
and accounts for nearly 6% of global fish production. Over 8,000 
kilometers of coastline, 4 million hectares of reservoirs, 2 million 
hectares of brackish water and nearly 51,000 square kilometers of 
continental shelf area offers a plethora of opportunities for the growth 
of marine and fish industry of India. Maharashtra, a coastal state, 
endowed with a coastline of 720 km and  a continental shelf of 
87,000 sq. Km has a great contribution in the fishing industry of India. 
 
? With average annual marine fish landings of 3.6 lakh ton during 2001-
10, Maharashtra is one of the major fish producing states ranking 
4th in the country. 
 
? Minerals are found in eastern and southern part of Maharashtra. 
 
? Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a 
reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe).   It almost always consists of 
iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and 
hematite (Fe2O3).  
 
? With the dawn of industrial era, the sources of energy came into 
prominence. Among the conventional energy wood fuel was confined 
only to domestic use and that too in the rural area.  
 
? Use of Coal, natural oil also increased. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
? Likewise, the use of hydroelectricity also increased in the areas where 
running water and needed technology was readily available. All these 
sources of energy are known as conventional sources of energy.  
 
? These sources of conventional energy, like minerals are exhaustible. 
Hence they need to be used judiciously and conserved for future use. 
 
? On the other hand, with increasing demand for energy and with fast 
depleting conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, 
natural gas, etc. the non-conventional sources of energy such as energy 
from sun, wind, biomass, tidal energy, geo-thermal energy and even 
energy from waste material are gaining importance. 
?  In this scenario solar energy proves to be an abundant energy source 
which can be put to use.  
 
? Electricity generation from solar energy at present is no more a new 
concept to the world. Solar electricity being clean (pollution free), 
silent, limitless and free will play a great role in the times to come in 
the present energy driven civilization. 
DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURE 
The art and science of growing plants and other crops and the raising of 
animals for food, other human needs, or economic gain is known as 
agriculture. 
CHARACTERISTICS AGRICULTURE IN 
MAHARASHTRA: 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the principal occupation of the people in 
the state. 
? It is observed that the primary occupation of nearly two thirds of 
the working population in Maharashtra. 
 
? About 65 per cent of the total workers in the State depend on 
agriculture and allied activities. 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mostly intensive subsistence type. 
 
? Both food crops and cash crops are grown in the state. 
 
? Since most of the cultivable land is still rain-fed, the Southwest 
Monsoon season, between June and September, is critical to the food 
sufficiency and quality of life in the state.  
 
? The agricultural calendar of Maharashtra and other parts of India is 
governed by Monsoon. 
 
? Irrigation facilities are being extended so that agriculture could be 
made less dependent upon rain water. 
 
  
 
 
 
 
? Despite having the largest number of Dams in India, the net irrigated 
area in Maharashtra totals only 33,500 square kilometers or about 
16% of cultivable land. 
 
?  Here the productivity of land is low. 
 
?  About 60% of the area of Maharashtra is under cultivation and no 
part with the exception of Wainganga valley on the east and the 
Sahyadri zone on the west has less than half the land devoted to 
agriculture. 
 
?  Large portion of Godavari, Krishna, Bhima river valley are under 
cultivation. 
 
? Irregular terrain, thin soil of the plateau inadequate rainfall in 
greater part of the region and dearth of irrigation facilities (only 7-
10% of the land is under irrigation) account for low yields which is in 
fact lower than the national average for most crops except sugarcane. 
 
? The main food crops of Maharashtra are wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, and 
pulses.  
? Cash crops include groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, turmeric, and 
tobacco. 
 
? The main fruit crops mangoes, grapes, bananas, oranges, 
? The State has an area of 12.90 lakh hectares under various fruit 
crops like mango, banana, orange, grape, cashew nut, etc. 
 
? Most of the Growers of Cash crops such as sugarcane and cotton in the 
state belong to farmer’s cooperatives. For example, most of the sugar 
production in Maharashtra takes place at mills owned by local 
cooperative societies. 
 
? Of the total cultivable area about 70% is under food crops and 30 % 
covered with oil seed, cotton and other fibre and fodder crops.  
 
7.5.1. The following table shows the land utilisation in Maharashtra 
(%) 
No. Land utilisation In percentage 
1 Forest 17.64 
2 Barren and cultivated 5.88 
3 Land put to non agriculture 2.31 
4 Cultivable waste 2.92 
5 Land under tree crops 0.61 
6 Permanent grassland 4.56 
7 Current fallow 3.81 
8 Other fallow 3.73 
9 Net sown area 58.54 
 
Page 5


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
INTRODUCTION  
? In this chapter we will learn about Agriculture in Maharashtra which is 
highly dependent on south west monsoonal rain. The cropping pattern 
in different seasons has also been discussed in the following chapter. 
Moreover the states livestock resources have also been taken into 
consideration. The distribution of fisheries, its problems and solutions 
are also discussed.  The states mineral and power resources are also 
explained. 
 
? Land Utilization Pattern: As per Agriculture Census 2011-12, out of 
the total 307.58 lakh hectares geographical area in the State, the Gross 
Cropped area was 231.06 lakh hectares, net area sown was 173.86 lakh 
hectares, (56.57%), area under forest was 52.11 lakh hectares 
(16.96%), land not available for cultivation was 31.78 lakh hectares 
(10.33%), other uncultivated land was 24.13 lakh hectares (7.9%) and 
fallow land was 25.70 (8.31%) lakh hectares. 
 
SUBJECT DISCUSSION  
 
? Agriculture is an art and science of practicing farming, including 
cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of 
animals to provide food, wool, and other products. By Agriculture, 
we mean, the production of crops, livestock, or poultry. 
 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the main occupation of people in the state. 
Agriculture and allied activities during 2014-15 had average share of 
11 per cent in GSDP (Gross state Domestic production) at current 
prices. 
 
? Agriculture Production Prospects 2015-16: Due to low intensity and 
deficit monsoon, the production of major crops in all regions of the 
state has been decreased substantially during the year 2014-15 and 
2015-16. Total rainfall in the State during 2015 was deficient i.e. 59.4 
per cent of the normal rainfall. Out of 355 talukas (excluding talukas 
in Mumbai City & Mumbai suburban districts) in the State, 278 
talukas received deficient, 75 talukas received normal and two talukas 
received excess rainfall. During kharif season of 2015, sowing was 
completed on 141.46 lakh ha, which was six per cent less than the 
previous year (150.97 lakh ha). This and deficient rains resulted in 
expected decline of 18 per cent in production of total food grains and 
marginal decline of two per cent in oilseeds production for kharif 
crops. Due to deficient rains in kharif season 2015, area under rabi 
crops decreased by 16 per cent as compared to the previous year 
  
 
 
 
 
resulting in expected decline of 27 and 50 per cent in total food grains 
and oilseeds production respectively 
 
? Principal crops grown in the State are rice, jowar, bajra, wheat, tur, 
mung, urad, gram and other pulses. The State is also a major 
producer of oilseeds. Groundnut, sunflower, soya bean are major oil 
seed crops. Important cash crops are cotton, sugarcane, turmeric and 
vegetables. In Jalgaon cotton is one of the major crops. The state has 
huge areas, under fruit cultivation of which mangoes, bananas, 
grapes, and oranges are the main ones 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mainly dependent on south west 
monsoonal rain so any fluctuations in the time distribution, spatial 
distribution or quantity of the monsoon rains may lead to conditions of 
floods or droughts causing the agricultural sector to adversely suffer. 
 
? Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. There are several 
problems in the agricultural sector of Maharashtra but to maintain 
ecological balance there must be sustainable development of 
agriculture sectors. 
 
? Livestock are defined as being useful animals reared for financial 
gain. 
 
? India is the second largest fish producer in the world after China 
and accounts for nearly 6% of global fish production. Over 8,000 
kilometers of coastline, 4 million hectares of reservoirs, 2 million 
hectares of brackish water and nearly 51,000 square kilometers of 
continental shelf area offers a plethora of opportunities for the growth 
of marine and fish industry of India. Maharashtra, a coastal state, 
endowed with a coastline of 720 km and  a continental shelf of 
87,000 sq. Km has a great contribution in the fishing industry of India. 
 
? With average annual marine fish landings of 3.6 lakh ton during 2001-
10, Maharashtra is one of the major fish producing states ranking 
4th in the country. 
 
? Minerals are found in eastern and southern part of Maharashtra. 
 
? Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a 
reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe).   It almost always consists of 
iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and 
hematite (Fe2O3).  
 
? With the dawn of industrial era, the sources of energy came into 
prominence. Among the conventional energy wood fuel was confined 
only to domestic use and that too in the rural area.  
 
? Use of Coal, natural oil also increased. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
? Likewise, the use of hydroelectricity also increased in the areas where 
running water and needed technology was readily available. All these 
sources of energy are known as conventional sources of energy.  
 
? These sources of conventional energy, like minerals are exhaustible. 
Hence they need to be used judiciously and conserved for future use. 
 
? On the other hand, with increasing demand for energy and with fast 
depleting conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, 
natural gas, etc. the non-conventional sources of energy such as energy 
from sun, wind, biomass, tidal energy, geo-thermal energy and even 
energy from waste material are gaining importance. 
?  In this scenario solar energy proves to be an abundant energy source 
which can be put to use.  
 
? Electricity generation from solar energy at present is no more a new 
concept to the world. Solar electricity being clean (pollution free), 
silent, limitless and free will play a great role in the times to come in 
the present energy driven civilization. 
DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURE 
The art and science of growing plants and other crops and the raising of 
animals for food, other human needs, or economic gain is known as 
agriculture. 
CHARACTERISTICS AGRICULTURE IN 
MAHARASHTRA: 
? Although Maharashtra is a highly industrialized state of India, 
agriculture continues to be the principal occupation of the people in 
the state. 
? It is observed that the primary occupation of nearly two thirds of 
the working population in Maharashtra. 
 
? About 65 per cent of the total workers in the State depend on 
agriculture and allied activities. 
 
? Agriculture in Maharashtra is mostly intensive subsistence type. 
 
? Both food crops and cash crops are grown in the state. 
 
? Since most of the cultivable land is still rain-fed, the Southwest 
Monsoon season, between June and September, is critical to the food 
sufficiency and quality of life in the state.  
 
? The agricultural calendar of Maharashtra and other parts of India is 
governed by Monsoon. 
 
? Irrigation facilities are being extended so that agriculture could be 
made less dependent upon rain water. 
 
  
 
 
 
 
? Despite having the largest number of Dams in India, the net irrigated 
area in Maharashtra totals only 33,500 square kilometers or about 
16% of cultivable land. 
 
?  Here the productivity of land is low. 
 
?  About 60% of the area of Maharashtra is under cultivation and no 
part with the exception of Wainganga valley on the east and the 
Sahyadri zone on the west has less than half the land devoted to 
agriculture. 
 
?  Large portion of Godavari, Krishna, Bhima river valley are under 
cultivation. 
 
? Irregular terrain, thin soil of the plateau inadequate rainfall in 
greater part of the region and dearth of irrigation facilities (only 7-
10% of the land is under irrigation) account for low yields which is in 
fact lower than the national average for most crops except sugarcane. 
 
? The main food crops of Maharashtra are wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, and 
pulses.  
? Cash crops include groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, turmeric, and 
tobacco. 
 
? The main fruit crops mangoes, grapes, bananas, oranges, 
? The State has an area of 12.90 lakh hectares under various fruit 
crops like mango, banana, orange, grape, cashew nut, etc. 
 
? Most of the Growers of Cash crops such as sugarcane and cotton in the 
state belong to farmer’s cooperatives. For example, most of the sugar 
production in Maharashtra takes place at mills owned by local 
cooperative societies. 
 
? Of the total cultivable area about 70% is under food crops and 30 % 
covered with oil seed, cotton and other fibre and fodder crops.  
 
7.5.1. The following table shows the land utilisation in Maharashtra 
(%) 
No. Land utilisation In percentage 
1 Forest 17.64 
2 Barren and cultivated 5.88 
3 Land put to non agriculture 2.31 
4 Cultivable waste 2.92 
5 Land under tree crops 0.61 
6 Permanent grassland 4.56 
7 Current fallow 3.81 
8 Other fallow 3.73 
9 Net sown area 58.54 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CROPPING PATTERN OF MAHARASHTRA 
 
? Jowar Bajra, Wheat and Rice are the four important food crop of 
the state. 
? Out of total cultivable land in Maharashtra about 60% land is under 
food grain crops, and Maharashtra contribute only 5.8% production 
of food grains in India because Jowar is dominating crop but its yield 
is low (583 kg/ha). 
? Maharashtra is major producer of Jowar and Arhar contributing 
46.09 and 29.11 %, respectively to the total production of India.  
? It is second largest producer of Cotton (22.21%), Soybean 
(28.14%), and total cereals (13.56%) in the country 
3.6.1. Major Crops & Cropping Pattern: 
Nature of cropping  Type of crops raised 
Rain fed (Kharif)               
 
Paddy, Nagali, Kharif. Jowar, Niger, 
Groundnut, Bajra, Urad 
Single cropping 
 
Wheat, Gram, Lentil, Peas, Rabi Sorghum 
Double Cropping 
(Kharif-Rabi) 
(Rain fed only 
Paddy, Paddy-Gram/lentil/Peas, Paddy–
mixed pulses like lentil, Paddy-wheat, 
Urad/Mung- Rabi Sorghum, + Tur Irrigated 
Kharif – Rabi-Summer Paddy – Wheat, Paddy-vegetables, Jowar, 
Groundnut 
Annual Crops 
(Irrigated conditions) 
Sugarcane, Banana, Mango, Cashew, Guava 
 
 Food crops in Maharashtra 
1. Jowar 
? Jowar is the most important occupying 6.32 million hectare and 
accounting for more than 60% of the total cultivated area of 
Maharashtra. 
?  Distribution of jowar crop reflects the effects of climatic and soil 
condition.  
? It is grown in the areas of moderate rainfall between 350 mm to 
1000 mm. 
? In fact jowar cannot be grown in the heavy rainfall areas.  
? Although it can be grown on variety of soils it grows better in regur 
soil. 
? Jowar is not grown in Konkan region. 
?  Osamabad has more than half of its area under jowar cultivation.