Agriculture is made from two words: Ager and Culture.
Ager means soil and Culture means cultivation.
In simple terms, agriculture means the cultivation of soil for producing crops.
The chapter defines agriculture as the art, science and business of producing crops and livestock for economic purposes.
Agriculture is not limited to crop production. Activities such as livestock, fisheries and poultry are also included under allied agricultural activities.
Table of Contents
Importance Of Agriculture In India
Agriculture is one of the most important activities in India.
It provides food grains, raw materials for industries, livelihood to a large population and support to rural economy.
Two-thirds of India’s population is engaged in agricultural activities.
Agriculture is a primary activity because it directly uses natural resources such as land, soil, water and climate.
Salient Features Of Indian Agriculture
Indian agriculture has several important features.
These features show the nature, challenges and diversity of farming in India.
1. Subsistence Agriculture
In subsistence agriculture, agricultural produce is mainly used for self-consumption.
There is little or no surplus production for the market.
This type of farming is common among small farmers who grow crops mainly to meet family needs.
2. Commercial Agriculture
In commercial agriculture, crops are grown on a large scale for sale in the market.
The aim is profit.
Examples include:
- Tea plantation in Assam
- Coffee cultivation in Karnataka
- Coconut cultivation in Kerala
Commercial agriculture is market-oriented and often uses better inputs, labour and investment.
3. Mechanisation
After the Green Revolution, the use of machines in farm operations increased.
This led to the mechanisation of Indian agriculture.
Mechanisation is more common in regions such as:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Western Uttar Pradesh
Machines are used for ploughing, sowing, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest activities.
4. Monsoon Dependence
Indian agriculture is still heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall.
Due to lack of irrigation facilities in many regions, about two-thirds of Indian agriculture depends on monsoon rains.
This makes agriculture vulnerable to:
- Delayed monsoon
- Drought
- Floods
- Uneven rainfall
- Crop failure
5. Jhuming Or Slash And Burn Agriculture
Jhuming, also called slash and burn agriculture, is a form of shifting cultivation.
In this system, the farmer clears a patch of land and uses it for cultivation for a few years.
When the land loses fertility, the farmer shifts to another patch of land.
Usually, farmers do not use external fertilisers in this system.
The chapter notes that this practice is mostly a wasteful use of land.
Regional Names Of Jhuming
| Region | Local Name |
|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | Bewar or Dahiya |
| Odisha | Pama Dabi, Koman or Bringa |
6. Precision Or Satellite Farming
Precision farming or satellite farming uses software, sophisticated machines and satellite systems.
Its purpose is optimal use of agricultural inputs.
It helps in better use of:
- Water
- Soil
- Land
- Fertilisers
- Other farm resources
This type of farming is linked with modern technology and smart agriculture.
7. Plantation Farming System
Plantation farming is done on a commercial scale.
In this system, a single cash crop is grown over a large area.
Example:
- Tea plantation
Plantation farming usually requires large estates, labour, capital and processing facilities.
8. Mixed Farming
Mixed farming includes crop cultivation along with livestock rearing.
For example, a farmer may grow wheat and also rear cattle.
It is different from mixed cropping, where different crops are grown together on the same land.
Green Revolution In India
The Green Revolution refers to the remarkable increase in foodgrain production that began in India in 1968.
It was introduced globally by Norman Borlaug, known as the father of the Green Revolution.
In India, it was implemented by M.S. Swaminathan.
Components Of Green Revolution
The Green Revolution was based on several modern agricultural inputs and institutional changes.
Important components include:
- High Yielding Variety seeds
- Irrigation
- Fertilisers
- Insecticides and pesticides
- Command area development
- Consolidation of holdings
- Land reforms
- Agricultural credit supply
- Rural electrification
- Rural roads and marketing
- Farm mechanisation
- Agricultural universities
Limitations Of First Green Revolution
The First Green Revolution had some limitations.
- It focused mainly on grain production
- It neglected dryland farming
- It favoured large farmers more than small farmers
- It benefited some regions more than others
Because of these limitations, the idea of a Second Green Revolution became important.
Second Green Revolution
The Second Green Revolution focused on addressing the weaknesses of the first phase.
It gave attention to dryland farming, regional balance and inclusive agricultural growth.
The chapter mentions that the Second Green Revolution has been initiated in eastern states through the Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India, or BGREI, programme.
Important Agricultural Revolutions
Different revolutions in agriculture and allied sectors are linked with different products.
| Revolution | Related Area |
|---|---|
| Green Revolution | Agriculture / food production |
| Yellow Revolution | Oilseed production / edible oil |
| White Revolution | Milk |
| Blue Revolution | Fish |
| Pink Revolution | Shrimp and food processing |
| Brown Revolution | Coffee / cocoa |
| Red Revolution | Meat / tomato |
| Golden Revolution | Fruits / apple / honey / horticulture |
| Grey Revolution | Fertilisers |
| Silver Revolution | Eggs / poultry |
| Golden Fibre | Jute |
| Silver Fibre | Cotton |
Cropping Pattern
Cropping pattern refers to the proportion of land under different crops at different points of time.
It also shows the time and arrangement of crops in a particular land area.
A change in cropping pattern may cause:
- Change in the proportion of land under different crops
- Change in the space sequence of crops
- Change in the time sequence of crops
In India, cropping pattern is determined by:
- Rainfall
- Temperature
- Climate
- Technology
- Soil type
Different cropping patterns are practised to obtain maximum yield.
1. Mono-Cropping
In mono-cropping, the same crop is cultivated on the same piece of land year after year.
It is simple to manage.
But it often reduces soil fertility over time.
2. Mixed Cropping
In mixed cropping, two or more crops are grown on the same land at the same time.
Example:
- Wheat and gram grown together on the same land
This reduces the risk of crop failure.
If one crop fails due to abnormal weather, the other crop may still survive.
Conditions For Successful Mixed Cropping
For successful mixed cropping:
- Crops should have different maturation times
- Crops should have different water requirements
- One crop should be tall and another should be dwarf
- One crop should require more nutrients and the other less
- One crop should have deep roots and the other shallow roots
3. Intercropping
Intercropping means growing more than one crop on the same field at the same time in a definite row pattern.
For example, after one row of the main crop, three rows of intercrops may be grown.
This increases productivity per unit area.
Types Of Intercropping
Row Intercropping
In row intercropping, crops are arranged in alternate rows.
It helps in optimum use of land and suppresses weeds during the early stages of the main crop.
Strip Intercropping
In strip intercropping, two or more crops are grown in wide strips.
The crops can be managed separately, but they are close enough to interact.
Relay Intercropping
In relay intercropping, a second crop is planted when the existing crop has flowered but has not yet been harvested.
Examples include:
- Rice
- Cauliflower
- Onion
- Summer gourds
4. Crop Rotation
In crop rotation, different crops are grown on the same land in a planned sequence.
Crop rotation may be:
- One-year rotation
- Two-year rotation
- Three-year rotation
Importance Of Crop Rotation
Legumes are often included in crop rotation because they help increase soil fertility.
Crops that require high fertility, such as wheat, can be grown after legumes.
Crops requiring low inputs can be grown after crops that require high inputs.
Cropping Seasons In India
India has different food and non-food crops because it is geographically vast and climatically diverse.
The three main cropping seasons are:
- Rabi
- Kharif
- Zaid
Cropping Seasons At A Glance
| Cropping Season | Time Period | Major Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Rabi | Sown: October to December; Harvested: April to June | Wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard |
| Kharif | Sown: June to July; Harvested: September to October | Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean |
| Zaid | Sown and harvested: March to July, between Rabi and Kharif | Seasonal fruits, vegetables, fodder crops |
Rabi Crops
Rabi crops are sown in winter and harvested in spring or early summer.
Important Rabi crops are:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Peas
- Gram
- Mustard
Kharif Crops
Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon and harvested after the rainy season.
Important Kharif crops are:
- Rice
- Maize
- Jowar
- Bajra
- Tur
- Moong
- Cotton
- Jute
- Groundnut
- Soybean
Zaid Crops
Zaid is a short cropping season between Rabi and Kharif.
It occurs during the summer months.
Important Zaid crops include:
- Seasonal fruits
- Vegetables
- Fodder crops
Classification Of Major Crops
Major crops in India can be classified into:
- Food crops
- Cash crops
- Plantation crops
- Horticulture crops
Food Crops
Food crops are plants cultivated for human consumption.
Examples include:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Maize
- Millets such as jowar, bajra and ragi
- Pulses such as gram and tur or arhar
Cereals are grass-like plants with starchy edible seeds and high nutritional value.
Cash Crops
A cash crop is grown mainly for sale and profit.
It is usually purchased by parties separate from the farm.
Examples include:
- Cotton
- Jute
- Sugarcane
- Tobacco
- Oilseeds
- Groundnut
- Linseed
- Sesamum
- Castor seed
- Rapeseed
- Mustard
Plantation Crops
A plantation is a large-scale estate meant for farming cash crops.
Examples include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Coconut
- Areca nut
- Rubber
- Spices
- Cardamom
- Chillies
- Ginger
- Turmeric
Horticulture
Horticulture is the branch of agriculture concerned with cultivation, production and sale of fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and ornamental plants.
Examples include:
- Onion
- Tomato
- Apple
- Orange
- Mango
- Banana
- Citrus fruits
Major Food Crops
Rice
Rice is one of the most important food crops of India.
India is the second largest producer of rice in the world after China.
Conditions Required For Rice
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22°C to 32°C with high humidity |
| Rainfall | Around 150 cm to 300 cm |
| Soil | Deep clayey and loamy soil |
Top Rice Producing States
In decreasing order of production:
- West Bengal
- Punjab
- Uttar Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Bihar
Wheat
Wheat is the second most important cereal crop of India.
It is the main food crop in north and north-western India.
India is the second largest producer of wheat after China.
Conditions Required For Wheat
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 10°C to 15°C at sowing time; 21°C to 26°C at ripening and harvesting |
| Rainfall | Around 75 cm to 100 cm |
| Soil | Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy soil |
Wheat grows well in the Ganga-Sutlej plains and black soil regions of the Deccan.
Top Wheat Producing States
In decreasing order of production:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
- Madhya Pradesh
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
Millets Or Nutri-Cereals
Millets are also known as coarse grains, but they have high nutritional value.
Important millets include:
- Jowar
- Bajra
- Ragi
Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, micronutrients and roughage.
Conditions Required For Millets
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 27°C to 32°C |
| Rainfall | Around 50 cm to 100 cm |
| Soil | Inferior alluvial or loamy soil |
Millets are less sensitive to soil deficiencies.
Important Millet Types
- Jowar – Rainfed crop grown in moist areas with little or no irrigation.
- Bajra – Grows well in sandy soils and shallow black soil.
- Ragi – Grows in red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soils.
Top Millet Producing States
In decreasing order of production:
- Rajasthan
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
Maize
Maize is used both as food and fodder.
India is the seventh largest producer of maize worldwide.
Use of modern inputs such as HYV seeds, fertilisers and irrigation has helped increase maize production.
Conditions Required For Maize
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 21°C to 27°C |
| Rainfall | High rainfall |
| Soil | Old alluvial soil |
Top Maize Producing States
In decreasing order of production:
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
Oilseeds In India
Oilseeds are important because most of them are edible and used as cooking mediums.
Major oilseeds produced in India are:
- Groundnut
- Mustard
- Coconut
- Sesamum or til
- Soybean
- Castor seeds
- Cotton seeds
- Linseed
- Sunflower
Important Facts About Oilseeds
- Groundnut is a Kharif crop
- Groundnut accounts for about half of the major oilseeds produced in the country
- Linseed and mustard are Rabi crops
- Sesamum is a Kharif crop in North India and a Rabi crop in South India
- Castor seed is grown both as Rabi and Kharif crop
Top Oilseed Producing States
In decreasing order of production:
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
Horticulture Crops
Horticulture includes fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and ornamental plants.
Important Fruits And Producing States
| Fruit | Important States / Regions |
|---|---|
| Mangoes | Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal |
| Oranges | Nagpur and Cherrapunji region |
| Bananas | Kerala, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu |
| Litchi and Guava | Uttar Pradesh and Bihar |
| Pineapples | Meghalaya |
| Grapes | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra |
| Apples, pears, apricots and walnuts | Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh |
Agro-Climatic Regions Of India
The chapter also covers agricultural regions based on climate, soil, rainfall, irrigation and crops.
These regions help understand why different crops grow in different parts of India.
Zone 1 – Western Himalayan Region
This region includes parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Important crops include:
- Maize
- Wheat
- Potato
- Barley
Temperate fruits such as apples and pears are produced in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
The region also provides irrigation water to canals and cheap hydel power for agriculture and industries.
Zone 2 – Eastern Himalayan Region
This region includes:
- Sikkim
- Darjeeling area of West Bengal
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam hills
- Nagaland
- Meghalaya
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Tripura
It has rugged topography, thick forests and sub-humid climate.
Rainfall is over 200 cm.
Shifting cultivation, or Jhum, is practised in nearly one-third of the cultivated area.
Important crops include:
- Rice
- Potato
- Maize
- Tea
- Orange
- Pineapple
- Lime
- Litchi
Zone 3 – Lower Gangetic Plains Region
This region includes eastern Bihar, West Bengal and Assam Valley.
Annual rainfall ranges between 100 cm and 200 cm.
The region has good groundwater storage and a high water table.
Wells and canals are important sources of irrigation.
Main Crops
- Rice
- Jute
- Maize
- Potato
- Pulses
Rice may give three successive crops in a year:
- Aman
- Aus
- Boro
Zone 4 – Middle Gangetic Plains Region
This region includes eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, except the Chotanagpur Plateau.
It is a fertile alluvial plain drained by the Ganga and its tributaries.
Annual rainfall ranges from 100 cm to 200 cm.
The region has good groundwater and perennial rivers.
Main Crops
- Rice
- Maize
- Millets
- Wheat
- Gram
- Barley
- Peas
- Mustard
- Potato
Zone 5 – Upper Gangetic Plains Region
This region includes central and western Uttar Pradesh.
The climate is sub-humid continental.
Annual rainfall ranges between 75 cm and 150 cm.
The soil is sandy loam.
Canals, tube wells and wells are major sources of irrigation.
Main Crops
- Wheat
- Rice
- Sugarcane
- Millets
- Maize
- Gram
- Barley
- Oilseeds
- Pulses
- Cotton
Zone 6 – Trans-Gangetic Plains Region
This region includes:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Ganganagar district of Rajasthan
It has semi-arid characteristics.
Annual rainfall ranges from 70 cm to 125 cm.
Private tube wells and canals are the main sources of irrigation.
Main Crops
- Wheat
- Sugarcane
- Cotton
- Rice
- Gram
- Maize
- Millets
- Pulses
- Oilseeds
Zone 7 – Eastern Plateau And Hills Region
This region includes:
- Chotanagpur Plateau
- Rajmahal Hills
- Chhattisgarh Plains
- Dandakaranya
Annual rainfall ranges from 80 cm to 150 cm.
Soils are mainly red and yellow, with occasional laterite and alluvial patches.
The region is deficient in water resources because of plateau structure and non-perennial streams.
Rainfed agriculture is common.
Main Crops
- Rice
- Millets
- Maize
- Oilseeds
- Ragi
- Gram
- Potato
Zone 15 – Islands Region
The island region includes:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
These regions have an equatorial climate.
Annual rainfall is less than 300 cm.
Soils vary from sandy along the coast to clayey loam in valleys and lower slopes.
Main Crops
- Rice
- Maize
- Millets
- Pulses
- Areca nut
- Turmeric
- Cassava
- Coconut
Nearly half of the area is under coconut.
Agriculture In India At A Glance
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Meaning of agriculture | Ager means soil, Culture means cultivation |
| Definition | Art, science and business of producing crops and livestock |
| Allied activities | Livestock, fisheries, poultry |
| Main feature | Monsoon-dependent agriculture |
| Monsoon dependence | About two-thirds of agriculture |
| Shifting cultivation | Jhuming / slash and burn |
| Plantation example | Tea |
| Green Revolution start | 1968 |
| Father of Green Revolution | Norman Borlaug |
| Green Revolution in India | M.S. Swaminathan |
| Second Green Revolution programme | BGREI |
| Main cropping seasons | Rabi, Kharif, Zaid |
| Rice producer rank | India second after China |
| Wheat producer rank | India second after China |
| Largest Peninsular food crop group | Millets / nutri-cereals |
| Maize use | Food and fodder |
| Top oilseed state | Madhya Pradesh |
| Island region crop | Coconut important |
FAQs On Agriculture In India
What is agriculture?
Agriculture is the art, science and business of producing crops and livestock for economic purposes.
What does the word agriculture mean?
Agriculture comes from Ager, meaning soil, and Culture, meaning cultivation.
What are allied agricultural activities?
Livestock, fisheries and poultry are allied agricultural activities.
What is subsistence agriculture?
Subsistence agriculture is farming where produce is mainly used for self-consumption and there is little or no surplus for the market.
What is commercial agriculture?
Commercial agriculture is large-scale farming done to sell produce in the market for profit.
Why is Indian agriculture monsoon dependent?
Indian agriculture is monsoon dependent because many areas still lack assured irrigation facilities.
What is Jhuming?
Jhuming is slash and burn or shifting agriculture, where farmers clear a patch of land, cultivate it for a few years and then move to another patch.
What is precision farming?
Precision farming uses software, sophisticated machinery and satellite systems for optimal use of inputs like water, soil, land and fertilisers.
What is plantation farming?
Plantation farming is commercial farming where a single cash crop is grown on a large scale, such as tea.
What is mixed farming?
Mixed farming includes cultivation of crops along with rearing of animals or livestock.
When did the Green Revolution start in India?
The Green Revolution started in India in 1968.
Who is known as the father of the Green Revolution?
Norman Borlaug is known as the father of the Green Revolution.
Who implemented the Green Revolution in India?
M. S. Swaminathan implemented the Green Revolution in India.
What were the components of Green Revolution?
Important components included HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, rural electrification, roads, marketing, farm mechanisation and agricultural universities.
What is cropping pattern?
Cropping pattern means the proportion of land under different crops at different points of time.
What factors determine cropping pattern in India?
Cropping pattern is determined by rainfall, temperature, climate, technology and soil type.
What is mono-cropping?
Mono-cropping means growing the same crop on the same land year after year.
What is mixed cropping?
Mixed cropping means growing two or more crops on the same land at the same time.
What is intercropping?
Intercropping means growing more than one crop on the same field at the same time in a definite row pattern.
What is crop rotation?
Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops on the same land in a planned sequence.
What are the three cropping seasons in India?
The three main cropping seasons are Rabi, Kharif and Zaid.
What are Rabi crops?
Rabi crops are sown from October to December and harvested from April to June. Wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard are examples.
What are Kharif crops?
Kharif crops are sown from June to July and harvested from September to October. Rice, maize, cotton, jute and soybean are examples.
What are Zaid crops?
Zaid crops are grown between Rabi and Kharif, from March to July. Seasonal fruits, vegetables and fodder crops are examples.
What are food crops?
Food crops are crops grown for human consumption, such as rice, wheat, maize, millets and pulses.
What are cash crops?
Cash crops are grown mainly for sale and profit, such as cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco and oilseeds.
What are plantation crops?
Plantation crops are cash crops grown on large estates, such as tea, coffee, coconut, rubber and spices.
What is horticulture?
Horticulture is the cultivation, production and sale of fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and ornamental plants.
Which country is the largest producer of rice?
China is the largest producer of rice, while India is the second largest producer.
Which state is the largest producer of rice in India as per the chapter?
West Bengal is listed as the top rice-producing state.
Which state is the largest producer of wheat in India as per the chapter?
Uttar Pradesh is listed as the top wheat-producing state.
What are millets also called?
Millets are also called nutri-cereals or coarse grains.
Which state is the largest producer of millets as per the chapter?
Rajasthan is listed as the top millet-producing state.
Which state is the largest producer of maize as per the chapter?
Karnataka is listed as the top maize-producing state.
Which state is the largest producer of oilseeds as per the chapter?
Madhya Pradesh is listed as the top oilseed-producing state.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Agriculture In India
- Soil – Mixture of rock debris and organic materials on Earth’s surface.
- Agriculture – Ager means soil and Culture means cultivation
- Agriculture definition – Art, science and business of producing crops and livestock
- Allied activities – Livestock, fisheries and poultry
- Subsistence agriculture – Produce mainly for self-consumption
- Commercial agriculture – Large-scale production for market and profit
- Commercial examples – Tea in Assam, coffee in Karnataka, coconut in Kerala
- Mechanisation – Increased after Green Revolution
- Mechanisation regions – Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh
- Monsoon dependence – About two-thirds of Indian agriculture depends on monsoon rains
- Jhuming – Slash and burn agriculture
- Jhuming local names – Bewar or Dahiya in Madhya Pradesh; Pama Dabi, Koman or Bringa in Odisha
- Precision farming – Uses software, machinery and satellite systems
- Plantation farming – Commercial single cash crop farming, example tea
- Mixed farming – Crops plus livestock
- Mixed cropping – Different crops grown together
- Green Revolution – Started in 1968
- Father of Green Revolution – Norman Borlaug
- Green Revolution in India – Implemented by M.S. Swaminathan
- Green Revolution components – HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, credit, roads, marketing, mechanisation and agricultural universities
- First Green Revolution limitation – Focused on grain production and favoured large farmers
- Second Green Revolution – Initiated in eastern states through BGREI
- Green Revolution – Food production
- Yellow Revolution – Oilseeds
- White Revolution – Milk
- Blue Revolution – Fish
- Pink Revolution – Shrimp and food processing
- Brown Revolution – Coffee and cocoa
- Red Revolution – Meat and tomato
- Golden Revolution – Fruits, apple, honey and horticulture
- Grey Revolution – Fertilisers
- Silver Revolution – Eggs and poultry
- Golden Fibre – Jute
- Silver Fibre – Cotton
- Cropping pattern – Proportion of land under different crops at different times
- Cropping pattern factors – Rainfall, temperature, climate, technology and soil type
- Mono-cropping – Same crop on same land year after year
- Mixed cropping – Two or more crops grown together
- Intercropping – More than one crop grown in definite row pattern
- Crop rotation – Different crops grown in planned succession
- Legumes – Improve soil fertility in crop rotation
- Rabi – Sown October to December, harvested April to June
- Rabi crops – Wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard
- Kharif – Sown June to July, harvested September to October
- Kharif crops – Rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, cotton, jute, groundnut, soybean
- Zaid – March to July, between Rabi and Kharif
- Zaid crops – Seasonal fruits, vegetables and fodder crops
- Food crops – Rice, wheat, maize, millets and pulses
- Cash crops – Cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco and oilseeds
- Plantation crops – Tea, coffee, coconut, areca nut, rubber and spices
- Horticulture – Fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and ornamental plants
- Rice temperature – 22°C to 32°C with high humidity
- Rice rainfall – 150 cm to 300 cm
- Rice soil – Deep clayey and loamy soil
- Top rice states – West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar
- India rice rank – Second after China
- Wheat temperature – 10°C to 15°C at sowing, 21°C to 26°C at ripening and harvesting
- Wheat rainfall – 75 cm to 100 cm
- Top wheat states – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan
- India wheat rank – Second after China
- Millets – Nutri-cereals or coarse grains
- Millets rainfall – 50 cm to 100 cm
- Top millet states – Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
- Maize temperature – 21°C to 27°C
- Top maize states – Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
- Oilseed top states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh
- Groundnut – Kharif crop
- Linseed and mustard – Rabi crops
- Sesamum – Kharif in North India and Rabi in South India
- Castor seed – Both Rabi and Kharif crop