Gujarat: Agriculture | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Introduction

Gujarat has made significant progress in agriculture, which remains a cornerstone of the state's economy. Over 50% of the state's land is utilized for agricultural activities. The primary food crops include bajra, jowar, rice, and wheat, while major commercial or cash crops consist of groundnut, tobacco, cotton, linseed, and sugarcane. Other important cash crops in the state include isabgul (Psyllium husk), cumin, mangoes, and bananas.

Modernization and Technological Advancements

Agriculture in Gujarat is undergoing modernization, with several technological and organizational improvements being introduced:

• High Yielding Varieties (HYV) of Seeds: Farmers are increasingly using high-yielding seed varieties.
• Chemical Fertilizers: The application of chemical fertilizers has become common practice to enhance crop yields.
• Irrigation Improvements: Both groundwater and surface water resources are being efficiently utilized to improve irrigation.
• Diversified Cropping Pattern: The state's diversified cropping pattern is well-supported by enhanced irrigation systems.
• Cold-Storage and Infrastructure: Development of cold storage facilities, improved logistics, and infrastructure are helping sustain agricultural output.
• Agricultural Research Institutes: These institutes provide ongoing support and innovations to further boost agricultural productivity.

Growth and Economic Impact

• The agricultural sector in Gujarat has witnessed steady growth, with crop production increasing consistently. Cooperative farming has significantly contributed to this growth, as evidenced by the success of initiatives like Amul, the world's largest dairy cooperative.
• In recent years, Gujarat's agricultural growth rate exceeded 9% between 2000 and 2010, compared to around 3% during the 1990s. Wheat production saw an impressive growth rate of 28% between 2000 and 2008. Gujarat now ranks first in groundnut production and second in tobacco production. Other cash crops such as isabgul, cumin, mangoes, and bananas also play a significant role in the state's economy.

Agricultural Practices Across Regions

• Tobacco Production: Gujarat ranks second in tobacco production, with cultivation concentrated in the alluvial soils of Kheda district.
• Castor, Sesamum, Vegetables, and Fruits: These crops thrive on the fertile goradu soil of the plains.
• Animal Husbandry: In regions like Kutch, northwest Kathiawar, and north Gujarat, where rainfall is scarce and unpredictable, goat, sheep, and cattle rearing are common agricultural practices. Anand in Kheda district is home to a modern cooperative dairy industry.
• Fishing: Coastal fishing is less prominent due to the predominantly vegetarian population.

Geographical and Climatic Factors

• Gujarat is a maritime state, drained by the Narmada, Tapti, Mahe, and Sabarmati rivers. The state's soil is a mix of black soil, sandy soil, and alluvium soil. 
• The primary agricultural crops include bajra, jowar, rice, and wheat, with major commercial crops being cotton, tobacco, groundnut, linseed, and sugarcane. Groundnut is the most widely cultivated crop, followed by cotton. 
• The cultivation of these crops is supported by the state's varied soil types and climatic conditions.

Technological and Institutional Support

• Gujarat's agricultural success is largely attributed to the efforts of state-run institutions, which have introduced HYV seeds, improved irrigation methods, and promoted agricultural research. 
• The development of better marketing, warehousing, and cold-storage infrastructure ensures the sustainability and marketability of agricultural products.

Agro-Solar Policy and Renewable Energy

• Gujarat was the first state to implement the Agro-Solar Policy, which encourages farmers to tap into solar energy, providing them with an additional income stream from power generation companies. 
• The Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) oversees projects under this policy. Farmers can produce energy locally without relying on the state and sell the surplus to private or government-owned power generation companies.

Successful Solar Projects

• Gujarat is home to several successful solar projects, including Asia’s largest solar power plant in Charanka village, Patan district, spread over 2,000 hectares. In January 2015, the first canal-top solar power plant with a 10 MW capacity was inaugurated by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on the Narmada canal in Vadodara. These initiatives provide farmers with supplementary income while offering companies ample space for electricity generation.
• Overall, Gujarat’s agricultural sector continues to thrive, supported by modern technology, institutional efforts, and innovative policies like the Agro-Solar Policy.