Major Cash Crops in India | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
 
 
Overview of Cash Crops in India 
Introduction 
Cash crops play a vital role in the agricultural sector of India. These crops are 
specifically grown for sale in the market or used as raw materials for various 
industries. Although they cover only 15% of the total cropped area in the country, 
they contribute significantly, accounting for over 40% of the agricultural 
production by value. This article provides insights into some of the major cash 
crops cultivated in India, including cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds. 
 
Page 2


Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
 
 
Overview of Cash Crops in India 
Introduction 
Cash crops play a vital role in the agricultural sector of India. These crops are 
specifically grown for sale in the market or used as raw materials for various 
industries. Although they cover only 15% of the total cropped area in the country, 
they contribute significantly, accounting for over 40% of the agricultural 
production by value. This article provides insights into some of the major cash 
crops cultivated in India, including cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds. 
 
Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
1. Cotton: A Staple Crop 
Cotton is a crop primarily grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, requiring 
high temperatures ranging between 21-30°C and an annual rainfall of 50-100cm. 
The states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan contribute around 80% of 
the total irrigated area under cotton cultivation. Adequate rainfall during the 
initial growth stage, followed by sunny and dry weather during the ripening 
period, are essential for a successful cotton crop. While it is mainly cultivated as a 
Kharif crop, Tamil Nadu also grows it as a Rabi crop. Cotton thrives in the deep 
black (regur) soils of the Deccan Plateau and alluvial soils of the Satluj-Ganga 
plain. India is the third-largest cotton producer globally, trailing behind the United 
States and China. Gujarat holds the distinction of being the largest cotton-
producing state in India, but other states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, 
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka also 
contribute significantly. 
2. Jute: A Fiber Crop 
Jute is a crop that flourishes in hot and humid climates. It requires temperatures 
ranging from 24-35°C and heavy rainfall of 120-150cm, accompanied by 80-90% 
relative humidity. Besides water for cultivation, a significant amount of water is 
needed for processing the jute fiber after harvesting. Light sandy or clayey loam 
soils are considered ideal for jute cultivation. The availability of cheap labor is 
crucial for both growing and processing jute. Remarkably, more than 99% of 
India's jute production comes from five states: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Andhra 
Pradesh, and Odisha. Among these, West Bengal holds the highest production 
share. 
3. Sugarcane: The Sweet Source 
Belonging to the bamboo family, sugarcane is the primary source of sugar, gur, 
and khandsari. It is a long-duration crop, taking around 10-15 months to mature. 
Sugarcane thrives in hot and humid climates with an average temperature of 21-
27°C and an annual rainfall of 75-150cm. A short, cool, dry winter season during 
ripening and harvesting is considered ideal for this crop. Sugarcane can grow in 
various soil types, including loams, clayey loams, black cotton soils, brown or 
Page 3


Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
 
 
Overview of Cash Crops in India 
Introduction 
Cash crops play a vital role in the agricultural sector of India. These crops are 
specifically grown for sale in the market or used as raw materials for various 
industries. Although they cover only 15% of the total cropped area in the country, 
they contribute significantly, accounting for over 40% of the agricultural 
production by value. This article provides insights into some of the major cash 
crops cultivated in India, including cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds. 
 
Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
1. Cotton: A Staple Crop 
Cotton is a crop primarily grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, requiring 
high temperatures ranging between 21-30°C and an annual rainfall of 50-100cm. 
The states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan contribute around 80% of 
the total irrigated area under cotton cultivation. Adequate rainfall during the 
initial growth stage, followed by sunny and dry weather during the ripening 
period, are essential for a successful cotton crop. While it is mainly cultivated as a 
Kharif crop, Tamil Nadu also grows it as a Rabi crop. Cotton thrives in the deep 
black (regur) soils of the Deccan Plateau and alluvial soils of the Satluj-Ganga 
plain. India is the third-largest cotton producer globally, trailing behind the United 
States and China. Gujarat holds the distinction of being the largest cotton-
producing state in India, but other states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, 
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka also 
contribute significantly. 
2. Jute: A Fiber Crop 
Jute is a crop that flourishes in hot and humid climates. It requires temperatures 
ranging from 24-35°C and heavy rainfall of 120-150cm, accompanied by 80-90% 
relative humidity. Besides water for cultivation, a significant amount of water is 
needed for processing the jute fiber after harvesting. Light sandy or clayey loam 
soils are considered ideal for jute cultivation. The availability of cheap labor is 
crucial for both growing and processing jute. Remarkably, more than 99% of 
India's jute production comes from five states: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Andhra 
Pradesh, and Odisha. Among these, West Bengal holds the highest production 
share. 
3. Sugarcane: The Sweet Source 
Belonging to the bamboo family, sugarcane is the primary source of sugar, gur, 
and khandsari. It is a long-duration crop, taking around 10-15 months to mature. 
Sugarcane thrives in hot and humid climates with an average temperature of 21-
27°C and an annual rainfall of 75-150cm. A short, cool, dry winter season during 
ripening and harvesting is considered ideal for this crop. Sugarcane can grow in 
various soil types, including loams, clayey loams, black cotton soils, brown or 
Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
reddish loams, and even laterites. However, the soil should retain moisture and 
contain sufficient nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorous. India has the largest area 
under sugarcane cultivation and is the world's second-largest producer, with 
Uttar Pradesh leading the production followed by Maharashtra. Other states like 
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttarakhand, 
and Punjab also contribute to the country's sugarcane production. 
4. Tobacco: A Hardy Plant 
Tobacco is a plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, varying from 
16-35°C. It requires an annual rainfall of around 100cm, but it can also be grown 
with the help of irrigation. Well-drained sandy loam soils, which are not overly 
rich in organic matter but contain adequate mineral salts, are well-suited for 
tobacco cultivation. India ranks third in the global production of tobacco, with 
Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh accounting for approximately 65% of the country's 
total production. Other significant tobacco-producing states include Uttar 
Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Gujarat holds the distinction 
of being the leading producer of tobacco in India. 
5. Oilseeds: Meeting the Demand 
India boasts the largest area and production of oilseeds globally. However, the 
domestic production has consistently fallen short of meeting the country's 
demand, necessitating the import of oilseeds to fulfill the population's needs. 
Some of the major oilseeds cultivated in India include groundnut, sesame, 
rapeseed, linseed, castor seed, sunflower, and soybean. 
Groundnut: Groundnut serves as an important rotation crop as it synthesizes 
atmospheric nitrogen and enhances soil fertility. It thrives in tropical climates, 
requiring temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and 50-75cm of rainfall. Well-
drained light sandy loam, red, yellow, and black cotton soils are suitable for 
groundnut cultivation. India is the second-largest producer of groundnut globally, 
with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan being the main 
contributors. 
 
Page 4


Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
 
 
Overview of Cash Crops in India 
Introduction 
Cash crops play a vital role in the agricultural sector of India. These crops are 
specifically grown for sale in the market or used as raw materials for various 
industries. Although they cover only 15% of the total cropped area in the country, 
they contribute significantly, accounting for over 40% of the agricultural 
production by value. This article provides insights into some of the major cash 
crops cultivated in India, including cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds. 
 
Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
1. Cotton: A Staple Crop 
Cotton is a crop primarily grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, requiring 
high temperatures ranging between 21-30°C and an annual rainfall of 50-100cm. 
The states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan contribute around 80% of 
the total irrigated area under cotton cultivation. Adequate rainfall during the 
initial growth stage, followed by sunny and dry weather during the ripening 
period, are essential for a successful cotton crop. While it is mainly cultivated as a 
Kharif crop, Tamil Nadu also grows it as a Rabi crop. Cotton thrives in the deep 
black (regur) soils of the Deccan Plateau and alluvial soils of the Satluj-Ganga 
plain. India is the third-largest cotton producer globally, trailing behind the United 
States and China. Gujarat holds the distinction of being the largest cotton-
producing state in India, but other states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, 
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka also 
contribute significantly. 
2. Jute: A Fiber Crop 
Jute is a crop that flourishes in hot and humid climates. It requires temperatures 
ranging from 24-35°C and heavy rainfall of 120-150cm, accompanied by 80-90% 
relative humidity. Besides water for cultivation, a significant amount of water is 
needed for processing the jute fiber after harvesting. Light sandy or clayey loam 
soils are considered ideal for jute cultivation. The availability of cheap labor is 
crucial for both growing and processing jute. Remarkably, more than 99% of 
India's jute production comes from five states: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Andhra 
Pradesh, and Odisha. Among these, West Bengal holds the highest production 
share. 
3. Sugarcane: The Sweet Source 
Belonging to the bamboo family, sugarcane is the primary source of sugar, gur, 
and khandsari. It is a long-duration crop, taking around 10-15 months to mature. 
Sugarcane thrives in hot and humid climates with an average temperature of 21-
27°C and an annual rainfall of 75-150cm. A short, cool, dry winter season during 
ripening and harvesting is considered ideal for this crop. Sugarcane can grow in 
various soil types, including loams, clayey loams, black cotton soils, brown or 
Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
reddish loams, and even laterites. However, the soil should retain moisture and 
contain sufficient nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorous. India has the largest area 
under sugarcane cultivation and is the world's second-largest producer, with 
Uttar Pradesh leading the production followed by Maharashtra. Other states like 
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttarakhand, 
and Punjab also contribute to the country's sugarcane production. 
4. Tobacco: A Hardy Plant 
Tobacco is a plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, varying from 
16-35°C. It requires an annual rainfall of around 100cm, but it can also be grown 
with the help of irrigation. Well-drained sandy loam soils, which are not overly 
rich in organic matter but contain adequate mineral salts, are well-suited for 
tobacco cultivation. India ranks third in the global production of tobacco, with 
Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh accounting for approximately 65% of the country's 
total production. Other significant tobacco-producing states include Uttar 
Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Gujarat holds the distinction 
of being the leading producer of tobacco in India. 
5. Oilseeds: Meeting the Demand 
India boasts the largest area and production of oilseeds globally. However, the 
domestic production has consistently fallen short of meeting the country's 
demand, necessitating the import of oilseeds to fulfill the population's needs. 
Some of the major oilseeds cultivated in India include groundnut, sesame, 
rapeseed, linseed, castor seed, sunflower, and soybean. 
Groundnut: Groundnut serves as an important rotation crop as it synthesizes 
atmospheric nitrogen and enhances soil fertility. It thrives in tropical climates, 
requiring temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and 50-75cm of rainfall. Well-
drained light sandy loam, red, yellow, and black cotton soils are suitable for 
groundnut cultivation. India is the second-largest producer of groundnut globally, 
with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan being the main 
contributors. 
 
Major Food Crops in India 
 
 
Conclusion 
Cash crops are a significant contributor to India's agricultural production and 
economy. Cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds are among the 
prominent cash crops cultivated in the country. Understanding the specific 
requirements and cultivation practices for each crop is essential for farmers and 
policymakers to enhance productivity and meet the growing demand for these 
valuable commodities. By leveraging India's natural resources and optimizing 
agricultural practices, the country can further strengthen its position as a key 
player in the global cash crop market.