Farming System in India and Its Types

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FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS TYPES

SOMP
UPSC MAINS
FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA
AND ITS TYPES

NOTES 2023

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FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS TYPES

FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS


TYPES

Introduction
 Indian agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy, providing livelihood to
about 58% of the population. The vast Indo-Gangetic plain, known for its immense
fertility, contributes significantly to agricultural productivity. India's diverse climatic
conditions and soil types further enhance its agricultural potential.

Farming System in India


 Small Landholdings and Primitive Tools: Majority of Indian farmers practice
subsistence farming with small and fragmented landholdings. Cultivation techniques
often rely on primitive tools and family labor.
 Diverse Climatic Conditions and Crops: India's varied climatic regions allow for the
cultivation of both tropical and temperate crops. The country boasts a wide variety
of crops, making it unique on the global stage.
 Monsoon Dependency and Irrigation Challenges: India's agriculture heavily relies on
monsoon rains, with only about one-third of cropped areas being irrigated. Lack of
proper irrigation infrastructure poses challenges during dry spells.
 Mechanization and Green Revolution: While there have been significant
advancements, complete mechanization is yet to be achieved. The Green Revolution
transformed Indian agriculture with the adoption of HYV seeds, fertilizers, and
pesticides.

Types of Farming in India


 Subsistence Farming: Characterized by small landholdings, primitive tools, and
simple cultivation techniques. Examples: Shifting agriculture in thickly forested
regions, nomadic herding in arid regions, and intensive subsistence agriculture for
multiple crops.
 Intensive and Extensive Farming: Intensive farming involves higher inputs of manual
labour, fertilizer, and manure for high productivity. Extensive farming utilizes large
fields and machinery for cultivation.
 Commercial Farming: Farmers grow crops primarily for sale in the market, using
modern inputs like HYV seeds and chemical fertilizers. Examples: Commercial crops
like cotton, jute, sugarcane, groundnut, etc.

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FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS TYPES

 Plantation Farming: Focuses on growing a single cash crop for sale in national and
international markets. Examples: Tea, coffee, rubber, banana, and spices.
 Mixed Farming: Involves both crop cultivation and animal rearing simultaneously,
offering economic advantages. Farmers can benefit from various income streams.
 Terrace Farming: Popular in rice-growing countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and
Indonesia. Steps or terraces are built on slopes of hills to prevent soil erosion and
retain nutrients.
 Shifting Agriculture - Sustainable Farming: Practiced in thickly forested regions,
shifting agriculture allows land to regenerate by moving cultivation sites. Promotes
pest control and maintains soil fertility through rotation.

Indian Agriculture: Important Facts


 In FY20, total food grain production reached 296.65 million tonnes, contributing to
food security.
 About 70% of India's population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture,
despite urbanization and industrialization.
 Mechanization is still not fully achieved, hindering agricultural efficiency.
 Only about one-third of the total cropped area is irrigated, making agriculture
heavily dependent on monsoons.
 India has diverse crops due to varying climates, making it unique among countries.

India's import and export of agriculture:


 Top agricultural exports: Basmati rice, non-basmati rice, fresh vegetables, buffalo
meat, and fresh fruits.
 Top agricultural imports: Pulses, wheat, other fresh fruits, alcoholic beverages, and
other cereals.
 India is a net agricultural exporter: In 2023 India is a net agricultural exporter, with
exports of agricultural products worth $53.15 billion. In 2021, India exported
agricultural products worth $45.4 billion and imported agricultural products worth
$33.6 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $11.8 billion.
 Vegetable oils are the top agricultural import: India imported vegetable oils worth
$1.2 trillion in the financial year 2022.
 India is the world's largest producer of pulses: However, India is also the world's
largest importer of pulses, due to rising demand and stagnant production.
 The Indian government is taking steps to reduce agricultural imports: The Indian
government has imposed import duties on pulses and other agricultural products,
and is also working to increase domestic production.

Special Crops Unique to India


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FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS TYPES

 Basmati Rice: Famous for its long grain, aroma, and flavor, Basmati rice is
predominantly grown in India and Pakistan. High demand in the international market
makes it a significant export commodity.
 Saffron: Grown mainly in Jammu and Kashmir, saffron is one of the costliest spices in
the world. The unique climate and soil conditions in the region contribute to its
exceptional quality.
 Alphonso Mango: Known as the "King of Mangoes," Alphonso mangoes are
renowned for their sweetness and flavor. Grown primarily in the Konkan region of
Maharashtra.
 Assam Tea: Assam produces robust and flavorful black tea, known for its strong and
malty taste. The state's climate and soil are ideal for tea cultivation.

Significance of Indian Agriculture


 Employment Generation: Agriculture provides livelihood to about 58% of India's
population, directly or indirectly. It remains a significant source of employment in
rural areas.
 Food Security: Indian agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the
growing population. The production of staple food crops like rice and wheat remains
a priority.
 Contribution to GDP: Despite the diversification of the economy, agriculture
continues to contribute significantly to India's GDP. It remains an essential sector for
economic growth and development.
 Foreign Exchange Earnings: Agricultural exports, such as rice, spices, tea, and cotton,
contribute to foreign exchange earnings. They play a vital role in balancing trade
deficits.

Challenges for Indian Agriculture


 Stagnation in Crop Production: Production of major staple food crops like rice and
wheat has stagnated, posing food security concerns. It creates a gap between
demand and production.
 High Input Costs and Indebtedness: Farmers face rising input costs, including
fertilizers, seeds, and labor, impacting their profitability. Indebtedness and lack of
access to credit lead to farmer distress.
 Climate Change Vulnerability: Climate change poses threats of extreme weather
events, affecting crop yields and productivity. Adaptation and resilience measures
are essential to mitigate its impact.
 Water Scarcity and Groundwater Depletion: Lack of proper irrigation facilities and
groundwater over-extraction affect water availability for agriculture. Sustainable
water management practices are crucial for long-term viability.

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FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS TYPES

Government Initiatives for Farming


 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides direct income support
to small and marginal farmers. Aims to ensure a stable income for farmers and
improve their standard of living.
 Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Facilitates access to credit for agricultural purposes. Enables
farmers to meet their short-term credit requirements.
 Soil Health Card Scheme: Assesses soil fertility and recommends appropriate
measures to improve soil health. Helps in optimizing fertilizer use and increasing
crop productivity.
 Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Promotes agricultural growth and
development through various projects and initiatives. Aims to boost rural incomes
and enhance agricultural productivity.

Conclusion
 Indian agriculture's significance lies in its contribution to employment, food security,
GDP, and foreign exchange earnings. However, the sector faces challenges like
stagnant crop production, high input costs, climate change vulnerability, and water
scarcity. Government initiatives aim to support farmers, improve productivity, and
ensure sustainable growth.

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FARMING SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS TYPES

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