Unit -03(Sub unit -02 part -01)

2.1 Introduction
Land use is a fundamental aspect of geography that reflects the diverse ways in which human societies interact with
their environment. Different areas of land serve various purposes based on their characteristics and human needs.
For instance, lush forests are often preserved for their ecological value and biodiversity, while agricultural lands are
carefully managed to produce essential crops and sustain food supplies. Urban areas are developed with buildings,
roads, and infrastructure to accommodate growing populations and economic activities. Additionally, rivers and
wetlands play crucial roles in water management and support diverse ecosystems.

Did You Know?

Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, but only about 3% of it is freshwater. Of this freshwater, only a small
proportion is available for human use, as much of it is trapped in glaciers and ice caps. Watch this short video on
global water scarcity and its impact on communities: Global Water Scarcity.

2.2 Land Resources

Land use records are essential for understanding how different areas of land are utilised and managed. They are
managed by the land revenue department and can be updated over time to reflect changes in land use, such as
when agricultural land is converted into urban areas. In contrast, the geographical measurements of land, handled by
the Survey of India, provide fixed data that define the physical boundaries and size of land areas. While these
geographical measurements remain constant, the land use categories documented in land revenue records can
evolve based on changing human activities and development needs.

Forests: The government identifies and marks areas for forest growth, which may not always match the actual forest
cover. Even if the area classified as forest increases, the actual forest cover might remain the same.

Barren and Wastelands: These are lands such as barren hills, deserts, and ravines that cannot be farmed with
current technology.

Land Put to Non-Agricultural Uses: Includes land for towns, cities, roads, industries, and shops. As our cities grow
and new roads and shops are built, this category expands. Picture the transformation of a quiet village into a bustling
town!

Area Under Permanent Pastures and Grazing Lands: This area plays a vital role in rural economies and land
management. Typically managed by village councils (Panchayats) or government authorities, these lands are
essential for supporting livestock. They serve as communal spaces where animals can graze, providing crucial
resources for local farmers and contributing to the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Area Under Miscellaneous Tree Crops and Groves: Land with orchards and fruit trees, typically privately owned.
These are not included in Net Sown Areas.

Culturable Wasteland: Land left unused for over five years, but which can be cultivated after proper reclamation.
Think of this as land that needs care and improvement to become productive farmland.

Current Fallow: Land left unplanted for up to one agricultural year to restore its fertility. This is like giving the land a
vacation, allowing it to recover and replenish its nutrients naturally.

Fallow Other Than Current Fallow: Fallow land that remains uncultivated for a period exceeding one year but less
than five years. This allows the soil to recover and regain its fertility before being used for crop cultivation again. If the
land remains uncultivated for more than five years, it is categorised as 'culturable wasteland,' indicating a prolonged
period of neglect.

Net Area Sown: The actual land where crops are currently being grown and harvested. Out of India’s total
geographical area of 329 million hectares, data is only available for 305 million hectares. This means that
approximately 7% of the area remains unclassified and is not included in the nine-fold land use classification.

2.2.1 Land-use Changes in India

Land use in a region is profoundly influenced by the economic activities that dominate the area. While the
fundamental availability of land remains relatively constant, the ways in which it is utilised can shift dramatically in
response to changing economic conditions. As industries evolve and new economic demands emerge, land is
repurposed to meet these needs, leading to significant transformations in its use. Let us explore three major ways in
which economic changes drive shifts in land use.

Growing Economy: As economies grow, influenced by factors like population increase, evolving income levels, and
technological progress, the demand for land naturally intensifies. This heightened demand puts greater pressure on
land resources, often leading to the development of previously underutilised or marginal lands.

Shifting Economic Composition: In developing countries like India, the secondary (industrial) and tertiary (service)
sectors typically expand faster than the primary (agricultural) sector. This shift results in the gradual conversion of
agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, such as construction and infrastructure projects.

Continued Pressure on Agricultural Land: India has seen significant growth in agricultural productivity over the past
few decades. However, the country faces the challenge of devising strategies to enhance living standards for its
expanding population. This necessitates a considerable rise in food production, intensifying pressure on agricultural
land.

Discover It Yourself-1:
According to recent reports, while the agricultural sector contributed 35% to India’s GDP in 1990-1991, it contributed
only 15% in 2023. For more information, visit: Economic Times.

The significant economic changes in India over the past four to five decades have profoundly affected land use
patterns. The expansion of urban areas and industrial development has led to increased built-up land, while
agricultural land is often repurposed for these new uses.

Land-use Categories That Have Increased

Non-Agricultural Uses: The area of land dedicated to non-agricultural uses has increased significantly due to India's
economic shift toward industrial and service sectors. Major metropolitan areas like Greater Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi,
Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad account for over 50% of the total urban population.

Forest Areas: The observed increase in forest area is primarily due to the government formally designating more land
as forested areas, reflecting policy changes rather than an actual increase in natural forest cover.

Current Fallow Lands: The proportion of current fallow land fluctuates due to variations in rainfall patterns and
changes in cropping cycles.

Net Area Sown: Recently, there has been an increase in net area sown as previously unused wasteland is cultivated,
though prior trends indicated a slow decline due to land conversion for non-agricultural uses.

Land-use Categories That Have Decreased

Barren and Wastelands and Culturable Wastelands: These areas have declined due to increasing agricultural and
non-agricultural demands, leading to efforts to rehabilitate previously underdeveloped areas.

Area Under Pastures, Tree Crops, and Fallow Lands: The reduction in these areas can be attributed to the expansion
of agricultural activities driven by the need to maximise output.

Changes in Shares of Land-use Categories in India: 1950-51 and 2014-15

(Refer to Figure 1 for visual representation of changes in land-use categories over time)

2.2.2 Common Property Resources

Land can be owned and categorized into private land and common property resources (CPRs). This distinction is
crucial for understanding land use and management in India.

Table 1: Difference Between Private Land and CPRs

Aspect Private Land Common Property Resources (CPRs)
Ownership Owned by individuals or groups of individuals. Owned by the state and meant for community use.
Usage Typically used for personal agriculture, housing, or business purposes. Vital for rural communities, especially
the landless, marginal farmers, and weaker sections of society.
CPRs are crucial for rural communities, providing vital resources that support their livelihoods.

2.3.3 Cropping Seasons in India

Agriculture in India is divided into three main cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.
Kharif Season
Timing: Starts around June and ends in September, coinciding with the Southwest Monsoon.
Crops: This season is ideal for tropical crops that thrive on abundant rainfall. Common crops include:
Rice
Cotton
Jute
Jowar (Sorghum)
Bajra (Pearl Millet)
Tur (Pigeon Pea)
Rabi Season
Timing: Begins in October-November and continues until March-April, marking the onset of winter.
Crops: Cooler temperatures are perfect for temperate and subtropical crops, such as:
Wheat
Gram (Chickpeas)
Mustard
Zaid Season
Timing: This is a short summer season that starts after the Rabi harvest, around April and lasts until June.
Crops: Focuses on quick-growing crops, including:
Watermelons
Cucumbers
Vegetables
Fodder crops (grown mainly on irrigated land)
Challenges in Kharif Season
Farmers face several challenges during the Kharif season, such as:

Excessive Rainfall: Can lead to flooding and damage crops.

Inconsistent Rainfall: Irregular patterns can create drought conditions, risking crop failure.
Solutions: Farmers use various agricultural practices to manage these challenges, such as:

Soil Conservation: Techniques to retain soil moisture and prevent erosion.

Irrigation Systems: Using irrigation to supplement rainfall when necessary.
Impact of Seasonal Farming
Food Availability: The staggered growing seasons ensure that different crops are available throughout the year,
contributing to a continuous food supply.
Local Economy: The ability to grow crops year-round, particularly in the southern regions, supports local economies
by providing consistent produce and opportunities for cash cropping.
2.3.4 Farming Types in India
Farming in India can be classified based on moisture availability into Irrigated Farming and Rainfed Farming.

1. Irrigated Farming
Definition: Relies on additional water sources (like rivers, wells, or reservoirs) to ensure crops receive adequate
moisture.
Types of Irrigated Farming:

Type Goal Water Input

Protective Irrigation Protects crops from drought by extending moisture across a large area. Supplementary to natural
rainfall.
Productive Irrigation Ensures ample moisture throughout the growing season to enhance crop yield. High water input
per unit area.
2. Rainfed Farming
Definition: Depends entirely on natural rainfall for moisture.
Types of Rainfed Farming:

Type Regions Crops Grown Techniques/Challenges

Dryland Farming Areas with less than 75 cm of annual rainfall. Drought-resistant crops like ragi, bajra, moong, gram,
and guar. Soil moisture conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Wetland Farming Areas with more rainfall than required. Water-intensive crops like rice, jute, and sugarcane.
Excessive rainfall can cause floods and erosion.
Case Study 1: Rajasamadhiyala, Gujarat
Overview: Rajasamadhiyala is a village in the semi-arid Saurashtra region of Gujarat, struggling with water scarcity
and land degradation.
Background
Prior to the mid-1990s, the village faced low agricultural productivity and difficulties in sustaining livelihoods.
Transformation
In 1995, watershed development activities began to improve water management in the area.
Outcomes:
Increased Water Storage: Enhanced irrigation capability.
Crop Diversification: Farmers shifted to more profitable cash crops, improving farming intensity and productivity.
Benefits
The initiative helped the villagers not only survive but thrive, demonstrating how effective water management can
lead to sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
Understanding the cropping seasons and types of farming in India reveals how diverse and adaptive Indian
agriculture is. From the unique seasonal patterns that govern crop growth to the innovative practices in villages like
Rajasamadhiyala, farmers continually find ways to overcome challenges and enhance productivity. This knowledge is
crucial for comprehending food security, local economies, and the overall agricultural landscape in India.

Major Crops Grown in India

Foodgrains Overview
Foodgrains are essential in India’s agricultural sector, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total cropped area. They
are fundamental for both subsistence and commercial farming, providing food security for millions of people.
Foodgrains can be categorized into cereals and pulses, with cereals being the dominant crop type.

Cereals
Cereals cover approximately 54% of India’s total cropped area, making India a major player in global cereal
production, contributing about 11% of the world's total. The main types of cereals grown include:

Rice
Wheat
Jowar (Sorghum)
Bajra (Pearl Millet)
Maize (Corn)
1. Rice
Significance: Rice is a staple food for a large portion of the Indian population and plays a crucial role in India’s
agricultural economy.
Cultivation Conditions: It thrives in warm, moist climates and is typically grown in flooded fields, especially in river
deltas and coastal areas. The monsoon season is crucial for rice production.
Major Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.
Varieties: The main rice varieties include aus, aman, and boro, particularly in West Bengal, which allows for multiple
cropping seasons due to favorable water conditions.
Global Position: India accounts for approximately 26% of global rice production, highlighting its importance in the
global food supply chain.
Impact of Green Revolution: The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties and advanced farming
techniques in states like Punjab and Haryana, leading to increased production.
2. Wheat
Significance: Wheat is the second most significant cereal crop in India, with about 12.8% of global production.
Cultivation Conditions: Wheat is a rabi crop, grown in winter months. It requires cooler temperatures and significant
sunlight during its growing period.
Major Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Regional Variations: Yields are highest in Punjab and Haryana, often exceeding 4,000 kg/ha, due to advanced
irrigation and farming techniques. Other regions have moderate yields due to varying conditions.
Water Requirements: Wheat needs regular water but can tolerate dry spells; excessive rain can harm the crop,
especially in certain eastern states.
3. Jowar (Sorghum)
Significance: Jowar is a key coarse cereal, especially in semi-arid regions of central and southern India.
Cultivation Conditions: It grows well under limited water availability, making it suitable for drier regions.
Major Producing States: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Seasonal Cultivation: In southern states, jowar is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons; in northern India, it's
primarily a kharif crop often used for fodder.
Adaptability: Its drought-resistant qualities make it an important crop in regions with unpredictable rainfall.
4. Bajra (Pearl Millet)
Significance: Bajra is vital in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in northwestern India.
Cultivation Conditions: It flourishes in hot, dry climates and is resilient to drought.
Major Producing States: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
Yield Variability: While bajra has low and variable yields due to dependence on rainfall, improvements in agricultural
practices are enhancing productivity.
5. Maize (Corn)
Significance: Maize is versatile, used for both food and fodder, occupying about 3.6% of India’s cropped area.
Cultivation Conditions: It adapts to various climatic conditions, making it less region-specific than other cereals.
Major Producing States: Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Uttar
Pradesh.
Yield Potential: Higher yields are found in southern states due to favorable conditions, while yields decline towards
the central parts of India.
Culinary Diversity: Activity Overview
Indian Cuisine Map Activity
Objective: Each group will research traditional dishes made from their assigned cereal (Rice, Wheat, Jowar, Bajra,
Maize) and create a visual map to showcase the diversity of dishes across different states.

Instructions:

Research: Each group will gather information about:

Traditional dishes specific to their cereal.

Cooking methods and regional variations.
Any cultural significance or festivals related to these dishes.
Visual Map Creation:

Illustrate the traditional dishes associated with your assigned cereal.

Use visuals, such as images or drawings, to enhance your map.
Include key ingredients and preparation methods for each dish.
Presentation:

Prepare to present your map to the class, explaining the significance of each dish and how it reflects the culinary
traditions of its region.
Detailed Notes for Each Cereal
Rice:
Dishes: Biryani (Hyderabad), Pulao (Delhi), Masala Rice (Tamil Nadu).
Cooking Methods: Boiling, steaming, frying.
Cultural Significance: Integral in festivals like Pongal and Baisakhi.
Wheat:
Dishes: Roti (North India), Litti Chokha (Bihar), Dhokla (Gujarat).
Cooking Methods: Kneading, rolling, roasting.
Cultural Significance: Commonly consumed daily, significant in festivals.
Jowar:
Dishes: Jowar Bhakri (Maharashtra), Khichdi (Karnataka).
Cooking Methods: Roasting, steaming, fermenting.
Cultural Significance: Often consumed during festivals and as a staple in rural diets.
Bajra:
Dishes: Bajra Khichdi (Rajasthan), Bajra Roti (Gujarat).
Cooking Methods: Baking, boiling.
Cultural Significance: Celebrated in festivals like Makar Sankranti.
Maize:
Dishes: Makki di Roti (Punjab), Bhutte ka Kees (Madhya Pradesh).
Cooking Methods: Boiling, roasting, grinding.
Cultural Significance: Important during harvest festivals.