Package of Practices | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Crops

Crops refer to plants cultivated by farmers, and agriculture holds a pivotal position in the Indian economy, serving as its backbone. Approximately 70% of the Indian populace relies on agriculture for sustenance and income, making it the predominant livelihood in rural regions. The growth of crops is primarily contingent on weather patterns and soil quality.

Types of Crops

There are different types of crops, categorized based on the seasons in which they are cultivated:

Kharif Crops

• Kharif crops refer to those grown during the monsoon season. Examples of Kharif crops include maize, millet, and cotton. 
• These crops are typically sown at the onset of the monsoon season and harvested as the monsoon period ends. 
• They thrive in regions with ample water supply and hot weather conditions.

Rabi Crops

• Rabi crops are cultivated during the winter season and harvested in spring. These crops include wheat, gram, and mustard. 
• Specific agricultural practices are employed to develop new crop varieties. 
• Rabi crops require a warm climate for seed germination and maturation, but they need cold weather during their growth phase.

Zaid Crops

• Zaid crops are those grown in the interim period between the Kharif and Rabi seasons, spanning from March to June. 
• These crops have a shorter maturity period. 
• Examples of Zaid crops are cucumber, pumpkin, bitter gourd, and watermelon.

Factors Affecting Crop Production

Several factors impact crop production, including:

Internal or Genetic Factors

Genetic characteristics play a significant role in crop growth and yield. Breeders work to introduce desirable traits into crops to create new hybrid varieties.
These desirable traits encompass:

• Early maturation
• High yield potential
• Resistance to adverse conditions like drought, floods, and salinity
• Tolerance to pests and diseases
• Resistance to lodging (bending or breaking of plant stems)
• Chemical composition of grains
• Quality of grains and straw

These traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

External or Environmental Factors

External factors consist of:

• Climatic factors
• Soil-related factors (Edaphic)
• Living organisms (Biotic)
• Socio-economic influences

Climatic Factors

Climatic factors affecting crop production include:

• Precipitation (rainfall)
• Temperature
• Atmospheric humidity
• Solar radiation
• Wind speed
• Atmospheric gases

Edaphic Factors

Plant growth is greatly influenced by the type of soil on which they are cultivated.
These factors are called edaphic factors and encompass:

• Soil moisture
• Soil aeration
• Soil temperature
• Soil mineral content
• Soil organic matter
• Soil organisms
• Soil pH levels

Biotic Factors

Both plants and animals, including pests, have biotic effects on crop production, often with negative consequences.

Socio-economic Factors

Various socio-economic factors impact crop production, including:

• The availability of human resources for farming.
• The community's interest and involvement in agriculture.
• The selection of suitable crop varieties.
• The development of crop varieties with higher yields or pest resistance through human innovation.

Cash Crops

• A cash crop is a crop that is grown specifically for the purpose of selling in the marketplace to generate profits.
• Currently, the majority of crops cultivated globally are considered cash crops, with the intention of being sold domestically and internationally.
• In many cases, developing countries produce cash crops that are exported to developed nations, typically fetching higher prices.
• Examples of renowned cash crops encompass coffee, tea, cocoa, cotton, and sugarcane.

Food Crops

Food crops are crops that are primarily cultivated to provide sustenance for the human population. These crops encompass a variety of options grown within the country.

• Rice: Rice stands as the predominant staple food crop in many regions across the nation. It is a Kharif crop necessitating high temperatures, substantial rainfall, and elevated humidity for optimal growth. In areas with insufficient precipitation, irrigation techniques are employed for rice cultivation.
• Wheat: Wheat holds significant importance as a cereal crop in the northern and northwestern parts of the country. It is categorized as a rabi crop, requiring an annual rainfall of 50-75 cm for ideal growth.
• Millets: Essential millets cultivated in the country encompass jowar, bajra, and ragi. These are highly nutritious grains referred to as coarse grains. Millets thrive in regions that receive year-round rainfall.
• Maize: Maize is a versatile Kharif crop used for both human consumption and livestock feed. It exhibits robust growth when cultivated in alluvial soil.
• Pulses: India is the world's largest consumer and producer of pulses. Pulses have the ability to endure even in arid conditions. These leguminous crops play a significant role in enhancing soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen.

Given the reliance of the human population on crops for food production, it is imperative to employ appropriate agricultural techniques and equipment in their cultivation.

Package of practices

• Cereals and Millets: This category offers guidance on the cultivation of diverse cereals and millets.
• Commercial Crops: In this segment, you can find detailed information regarding the recommended practices for cultivating commercial crops.
• Flowers: This section is dedicated to providing insights into the best practices for flower production.
• Fruits: Here, you'll find a comprehensive guide on how to cultivate fruit crops effectively.
• Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: This category focuses on the recommended methods for growing medicinal and aromatic plants.
• Oilseeds: This section offers valuable information about the optimal practices for oilseed cultivation.
• Plantation Crops: In this segment, you can access guidance on the best practices for plantation crops.
• Pulses: Here, you can explore insights into the recommended practices for cultivating pulses.
• Spices: This category provides comprehensive information on the best practices for growing spice crops.
• Vegetables: This section covers the recommended production practices for various vegetable crops.