Day 9 Prelims 20+: Indian Agriculture

In today’s Prelims 20+, we focus on Indian Agriculture — a cornerstone of the Indian economy and a recurring theme in UPSC Prelims. A strong grasp of agricultural patterns, cropping seasons, major crops and their climatic requirements is vital for tackling questions across geography, economy, environment, and current affairs.

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for a commodity refers to the price at which the government is obligated to purchase the produce from farmers in the event that the market price falls below this threshold.

Process of awarding MSP

1. MSP is based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP submits its recommendations to the government in the form of Price Policy Reports every year. It considers various factors such as cost of production, demand and supply, market price trends, inter-crop price parity.
2. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister of India takes the final decision (approve) on the level of MSPs, after considering the Price Policy Report, views of the state governments and overall demand-supply situation in the country.
3. Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency for procurement, along with State agencies, at the beginning of the sowing season.

Different Production Costs Considered While Fixing MSP Regime

CACP reckons only to A2+FL cost for return. Currently, the MSP is fixed at 50% over the A2+FL cost.

MSP for Different Crops

Government fixes MSP for 22 mandated agricultural crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane.

Major Crops and Cropping Patterns

Cropping Pattern

• It refers to the spatial (location, area) and temporal (time) arrangement of crops.
• Factors that influence cropping pattern
  • Relief
  • Climate
  • Soil
  • Economic factors like irrigation, free power, MSP etc.
  • Social factors like historical setting

Crop Classification

• Crops can be classified based on the type of crop, suitable climatic regions, growing season, the life of crops/duration of crops, etc

• Classification based on types of crops:

• • Food crops like cereals, millets (major and minor), pulses etc.
  • Cash crops like cotton, jute, tobacco, oilseeds, mustard, fibre crops etc.
  • Plantation crops like tea, coffee, rubber etc.
  • Horticulture crops like onions, tomatoes, fruits (orange, apple etc.)

• Classification based on suitable climatic regions:
  • Tropical crops: Grow well in warm and hot climates; like rice, sugarcane, jowar etc.
  • Temperate crops: Grow well in cool climate; like wheats, oats, gram etc.

• Classification based on growing season
  • Kharif/Rainy/Monsoon crops: Grown in monsoon months with cropping period–> June to Oct-Nov; examples –  Paddy (Rice), Cotton, Jute, Jowar, Bajara (pearl millet), Soyabean, Groundnut etc.
  • Rabi/winter/cold seasons crops: Grown in winter season (Oct to March); examples – Wheat, Gram, Peas, Barley, Oats, Linseed, Mustard, Sunflower etc.
  • Summer/Zaid crops: Grown in summer (March to June); examples – Watermelon, Pumpkins, Gourds, Vegetables etc.

Major Food Crops of India

Rice (Oryza sativa)

• Growing Season- K>R (Both Kharif and Rabi, but production in Kharif more than Rabi. 
• It is also cultivated as zaid (summer) crops in various regions of the country)
• Temperature– The ideal temperature for rice growth is between 20°C and 30°C, with temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C being harmful.
• Rainfall Requirement– The average annual rainfall required by rice is 150 cm to 300 cm.
• Soil Requirement– Soils with good water retention capacity with high amount of clay and organic matter are ideal for rice cultivation. Alluvial soils in Fertile Delta and valley soils are also used for rice growth.
• Regions where rice is grown in India- 

1. 1. Humid areas in Eastern India 
   2. Irrigated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Western UP & Northern Rajasthan – grown as kharif crop 
   3. Uttar Pradesh>Telangana>Punjab>West Bengal (According to 2nd advance estimates 2024-25)
   4. India has the largest area of land under rice cultivation in the world. It constitutes ¼ of the country’s total cropped area.
   5. The total production of rice in India is estimated at 137.825 million tonnes (2023-24).
   6. The total Area Under Rice Cultivation in India was 47.83 million hectares. The average yield of rice is 2,838 kilograms per hectare.

• Key Facts About Rice

• • India is the world’s second-largest producer of rice after China.
  • India is the largest exporter of rice. 
  • India exports more non-basmati rice as compared to basmati rice.
  • The eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast.

Wheat

• Growing Season- Rabi crop (Exclusively Rabi Crop)
• Temperature Requirement: Wheat thrives in a cool growing season. 
  • Sowing Temperature (10-15°C) and Ripening and harvesting (21-26°C)
• It requires a frost-free period of about 100 days.
• Rainfall Requirement: Requires Medium Rainfall (50-75 mm)
• Soil Requirement: It requires well-drained loamy soil with a neutral pH. 
  • Heavy clay soils with poor drainage are not suitable as wheat is sensitive to waterlogging.
• Regions where wheat is grown
  • The black soil region of the Deccan and the Ganga-Sutlej plains in northwest India are major wheat-growing zones.
  • The main wheat producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat.
  • Uttar Pradesh alone contributes about 31% of the total production, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

• Key Facts about Wheat
  • India is the world’s second-largest producer of wheat after China.
  • India is also the world’s second-largest consumer of wheat after China.
  • The total production of wheat in India is estimated at 115.3 million tonnes for 2024-25. 
  • The total Area Under Wheat Cultivation in India is 32.50 million hectares. 
  • The average yield is around 3,521 kilograms per hectare.
  • In 2022, India exported approximately $2.32 billion worth of wheat. India became the 10th largest exporter of wheat in the world.

Maize

• Maize is the third most important cereal crop in India after rice and wheat.
• Growing Season– K>R (Kharif is the main growing season for maize in India. In some regions, maize is also grown in the Rabi season, particularly in southern and peninsular India).
• Temperature– Ideal temperatures for maize growth are between 21°C and 32°C. Temperatures exceeding 32°C can be detrimental, especially during flowering due to high humidity and heat stress.
• Rainfall Requirement: Maize cultivation requires a significant amount of water. The typical rainfall needs vary from 45 to 80 cm.
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained sandy loam to silty loam soils. Alluvial soils are particularly suitable for maize cultivation. Water stagnation is harmful, so proper drainage is crucial.
• Major Regions where Maize is cultivated in India: In 2024, India’s top maize-producing states are 
  • Karnataka
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Maharashtra

• Key Facts about Maize 

• • Major uses of Maize- Poultry sector (47%), Livestock feed (13%) and Starch (14%).
    • Used in making ethanol (alcohol) and other biofuels. 
  • India ranks 4th in area under maize cultivation and 7th in maize production. 
    • This represents around 4% of the world’s maize area and 2% of total production.
  • Their usage in making ethanol for blending(E20) has gained traction in India. 
    • This has led to tremendous increase in India import of maize in India. In 2023-24, Indian maize (corn) imports were $39 million. In 2024-25, the import has risen to $103 million.

Jowar, Bajra and Ragi (These 3 are millets) (Remember Barley is not a Millet)

Millets

• India is the largest producer of millets globally. It accounts for 40.6% of the total millet production. 
• India’s millet production was reported at 17.96 million tonnes in 2021. This has increased from 14.52 million tonnes in 2015-16.

Millet Production Composition in India

The top millet-producing states in India as of 2024 include:

• Rajasthan: Contributes 27% of the total millet output, particularly excelling in Pearl Millet (Bajra).
• Karnataka: Accounts for 18% of the total millet output, mainly producing Finger Millet (Ragi).
• Maharashtra: Contributes 14% of the total millet output, primarily growing Jowar (Sorghum).
• Uttar Pradesh: Produces 12% of the total millet, focusing on Pearl Millet and Bajra

Jowar (Sorghum)

• Growing Season– K<R (Grown in both Kharif as well as Rabi. However, it is grown more in Rabi season than Kharif).
• Millets are grown as catch crops (crop grown in the space between two main crops or at a time when no main crops are being grown).
• Temperature and Rainfall Requirements– (This condition will Remain same for Jowar, Bajra and Ragi)
  • Optimum soil temperatures for seed germination are between 20°C and 30°C. (Millets require warm temperatures for germination and development, and are sensitive to frost)
  • They can grow in areas with annual rainfall range of ~30-50 cm (Millet are efficient users of water and grow well in areas of low moisture)

• Soil Requirements (This condition will remain similar for Jowar, Bajra and Ragi)
  • Millets are highly adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, from extremely poor to very fertile, and can handle a degree of alkalinity. 
  • Alluvial, loamy, and sandy soils with good drainage are the ideal soils for millet cultivation.

• Production Statistics and Key Points about Jowar (Sorghum)

• • Maharashtra (57.2%) > Karnataka (21.9%) > Madhya Pradesh (8.26%) 
  • Resists Dry spell and Droughts (Rainfed Crops)

Barley

Note: It is not a millet. But MSP Mandated Cereal in India)

• Growing Season– R (Exclusively Rabi)
• Temperature– Around 12-15°C during the growing period and 30°C at maturity.
• Rainfall– Minimum irrigation required. It cannot tolerate frost at any stage. Frost during flowering is highly detrimental to yield. High degree of tolerance to drought and sodic conditions.
• Soil Conditions– Sandy to moderately heavy loam soils of the Indo-Gangetic plains with neutral to saline reaction and medium fertility are most suitable.
• Major Producers– Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab

Pulses

• Growth Condition of Pulses – Pulses grow well in areas with 50–75 cm of rainfall, and they can survive in dry conditions because they need less moisture. The ideal temperature for pulses is between 25–30°C.
• Soil Types– They can also grow on all types of soil. However, dry, light soil is best suited for the growth of pulses in India.
  • (These conditions remain the same for all types of pulses, including the MSP ones. Just look for the Kharif and Rabi ones)

Key Points about Pulses

• All pulses are legumes. But not all legumes are pulses. 
  • Legumes are plants that grow seeds within pods and form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. 
  • Pulses are the edible seeds of legumes that have been dried before eating.
• India ( >35 Mha pulses cultivation area) , is the largest pulses producing country in the world. 
  • It ranks first in area and production with 37 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. 
• Despite being the top most pulses producing country, we still need to import pulses to meet our demands. To meet demand by 2050, it must expand 2.2% annually.
• Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are the top five pulse-producing states.
• Types of Pulses Grown in India
  • Pulses are grown in all three seasons. The three crop seasons for the commodity are: 
  • Kharif- Arhar/Tur (pigeon pea), Urad (Blackgram), Moong (Greengram), Lobia (Cowpea), Kulthi (Horsegram) and Moth; 
  • Rabi- Gram (Chana), Masoor (Lentil), Pea, Lathyrus and Rajmash; 
  • Summer- Moong (Greengram), Urad (Blackgram) and Lobia (Cowpea).

• Pulses Production Data in India

• • Gram is the highest contributor to pulses in India (47%), followed by Tur (15%), Moong (12%), Urad (10%) and Lentil (5%).

Note– Area and production of pulses in Rabi season is greater than the kharif season in India as gram (Chana) which constitutes nearly 47% of the production in India is a Rabi crop.

Oilseeds

• Sources of Oil Seeds in India: Two Major Sources of Oilseeds in India- Primary and Secondary.

Production Status of Oilseeds in India

• India is one of the major oilseeds producing countries in the world. 
  • It ranks fourth after the USA, China, and Brazil.
• India produced the highest ever oilseeds at 361 lakh tonnes (36.1 million tonnes) in 2020-21.
• Despite the impressive progress of the vegetable oil sector in the last two decades, the import has been rising for the last 7-8 years. 

Commercial Crops for Which MSP is awarded

Cotton (White-Gold)

• Cotton: Due to its economic importance in India, it is also termed as “White-Gold”.
• Growing Season- K (Kharif): Growing Temperature- Clear sky during flowering 20-35 C. 180-210 frost-free days. 
• Rainfall– 50-80 cm: Soil Conditions- Black Soil (Regur Soil) of Malwa and Decca.
• Major Growing States- GJ > Maharashtra > Telangana
• Major Growing Regions
  • Northern Zone- Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan 
  • Central Zone- Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh 
  • Southern Zone- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
  • Cotton is also grown in the state of Odisha and Tamil Nadu.

Key Facts about Cotton Production in India

• Production in Terms of Value- India is at the second place. China is at the top place. India contributes to 24% of world cotton production.
• India is also the second largest consumer of cotton in the world. (India also imports cotton)
• Acreage under Cultivation– India is at the 1st place in the world in cotton acreage. (40% of world acreage under cotton cultivation). 
  • In terms of productivity, India is on 39th rank with a yield of 447 kg/ha. Approximately 67% of India’s cotton is produced on rain-fed areas and 33% on irrigated lands.
• Only Country to grow all four species of cotton- India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton G. Arboreum & G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
• Hirsutum represents 90% of the hybrid cotton production in India and all the current Bt cotton hybrids are G. Hirsutum.
• GM Cotton– Bollgard I and Bollgard II are GM cotton crops developed by Bayer AG.
• TN is the largest producer of mill made cotton yarns. 
• Mumbai (not Ahmedabad) is the largest cotton textile centre in the country. Ahmedabad is located in major cotton growing region of India.
• Cotton plants have relatively shallow root systems, and their fields are often tilled between planting seasons, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion.
• India is the original home of cotton. The Indus valley civilization were the first to grow cotton.

Raw Jute (Golden Fibre)

• Growing Season– K (Sown During March and May, and harvested during July to September)
• Temperature– Hot and humid conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging from 24°C to 38°C. 
• Rainfall– The crop requires a minimum annual rainfall of about 100-200 cm.
• Soil– Alluvial or loamy soils due to their good drainage properties.
• Leading States in Terms of Production Value- West Bengal (50% production)> Bihar> Assam

Key Facts about Jute cultivation

• India is the Largest Producer of Jute (Bangladesh is the world’s largest exporter of jute)
• Increase in Productivity– Improved from about 11 quintals per hectare at independence to approximately 22.12 quintals per hectare in recent years. 
• Environmentally friendly crop– As it is a biodegradable and annually renewable resource.

Sugarcane

• Growing Season– Year-Round (Sub-Tropical as well as tropical crop)
• Temperature– Warm climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It is sensitive to frost.
• Rainfall– Requires substantial rainfall, between 100 to 150 cm annually.
• Soil– Well-drained, fertile soils, particularly alluvial and loamy soils.
• Major Growing States– UP (47%)> Maharashtra (19%)> Karnataka (8%)> Bihar (5%)> TN and Gujarat (4%)

Key Facts About Sugarcane

• • India is the second largest producer in the world after Brazil. 
    • India is also the largest consumer of sugar in the world. 
    • However, India has the highest area under sugarcane. 

• • Yield is lower in North India than South India (Tropical Climate) 
  • Water-intensive crop, requiring about 2000 kg of water to produce 1 kg of sugar.

Important Plantation Crops/Commercial Crops (For which MSP is not Available)

Tea

• India is the second-largest producer of tea in the world. (China is the topmost producer)
• Growing Season– Year-round (Tropical and sub-tropical)
• Temperature– 25-35 C (Warm, moist, frost free, frequent evenly distributed shower)
• Rainfall– >150 cm. Standing water is harmful. High humidity and heavy rainfall. 
• Soil– Well drained, Soil or forest soils, rich in organic water (Humus).
• Tea Growing States– Assam (50% tea), West Bengal, TN, Kerala, HP, UK, Meghalaya, AP, Tripura.

Coffee

• Coffee was introduced to India in the late 17th century, and it has since become one of the country’s major cash crops.
• Growing Season– Round the Year Crop. Thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Temperature– Hot and humid climate, with ideal temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C.
• Rainfall– The annual rainfall of 150 to 250 cm.
• Soil– Well-drained loamy soils rich in humus and minerals. 
• Region of Cultivation– Cultivated 900-1800m above sea level in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and North-East India. 
• Top Growing States– (Karnataka (70%) > Kerala (20%) > Tamil Nadu (5%))

Key Facts about Coffee Production

• There are two types of coffee which are grown in India- Robusta and Arabica.
• Robusta coffee constitutes about 72% of the total production, while Arabica makes up the remaining 28%.
• Arabica type was first type of coffee imported from Yemen and introduced in Baba Budan Hill, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka.
• Over 70% of Indian coffee is exported, with significant markets including Italy, Germany, and the United States.
• Karnataka is the largest producer, accounting for about 70% of India’s total coffee output. Key regions include Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan.
• Andhra Pradesh includes regions like the Araku Valley, producing both Arabica and Robusta beans.

Global Trend

• • Coffee is predominantly cultivated in Ivory coast, which is Africa’s largest coffee producer.
  • Santos (Brazil) is Known as the “Coffee port” of the world. 

• (Brazil(1st) > Vietnam(2nd) > India (6th rank))

Rubber

• Growing Region– Equatorial, tropical, sub tropical crop
• Temperature– 35 C, Warm and Humid
• Rainfall– Moist and Humid, rainfall greater than 200 mm.
• Regions– Kerala has the largest plantation, which accounts for 78% of production, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, A&N, Meghalaya Garo hills (Kerala > Tamil Nadu > Karnataka)
• Rubber is mainly grown in Malaysia, which is the world’s largest producer and exporter of natural rubber.
• India is currently the 3rd largest producer of Natural Rubber. (Also one of largest consumer)
• 40% of India’s total natural rubber consumption is currently met through imports.

Commodity Boards (Ministry of Commerce and Industry)

• Coffee Board – statutory + (HQ – Bangalore.)
• Rubber Board – statutory + (HQ – Kerala)
• Tea Board – statutory + (HQ – Kolkata.)
• Tobacco Board – statutory + (HQ – Andhra Pradesh)
• Spices Board – statutory + (HQ – Kerala)
• National Turmeric Board – Government of India has notified the establishment of a National Turmeric Board in the state of Telangana.
• Makhana Board – Bihar (HQ to be notified)

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