Key Points

Agriculture is the cultivation of plants and rearing of livestock. It also includes allied activities like forestry, fisheries, beekeeping, and fibre production.

Agriculture and allied activities contribute over 18 percent to India's GDP and provide livelihoods for about 46 percent of the working population (2022-2023).

Indian farming dates back to prehistory, with evidence of rice cultivation in the 7th millennium BCE. Ancient texts like the Arthaśhāstra and Krişhiparāśhara detail advanced agricultural knowledge.

India has three cropping seasons: Kharif (monsoon crops like rice and maize), Rabi (winter crops like wheat and mustard), and Zaid (summer crops like watermelon and cucumber).

India's diverse climate zones influence the variety of crops grown. The southwest and northeast monsoons are crucial as they bring the rainfall necessary for agriculture, especially for Kharif crops.

India has six major soil types: alluvial, black, red, laterite, desert, and mountain soil. Different crops are suited to different soil types, for example, cotton grows well in black soil.

Traditional methods to protect soil include crop rotation, multiple cropping, and contour ploughing on hills. Farmers also used organic fertilisers like cow dung to enrich the soil.

Rain-fed farming relies entirely on rainfall, making it vulnerable to droughts. Irrigated agriculture uses artificial methods like canals, wells, and ponds to supply water to crops, ensuring more stable production.

Modern irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems are highly efficient. They deliver water directly to the plants, minimizing waste and helping to conserve precious groundwater.

Led by M.S. Swaminathan in the 1960s-70s, the Green Revolution introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and machinery. This movement dramatically increased food grain production, making India self-sufficient.

The long-term effects of the Green Revolution include soil degradation, depletion of groundwater, and contamination of water sources due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Sustainable agriculture aims to balance productivity with environmental health by combining modern technology with traditional practices. Organic farming avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides, relying on natural inputs.

Sikkim is the world's first state to become 100 percent organic. It achieved this by banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides and promoting natural farming methods.

Indian farmers face several challenges, including small landholdings, unpredictable weather due to climate change, and financial distress. These issues can lead to debt and force farmers to abandon agriculture.

The government supports farmers by providing access to seeds and fertilizers, crop insurance schemes, and financial assistance. It also purchases major crops to ensure farmers get fair prices for their produce.