Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Agricultural intensity refers to the ratio of cultivated area to the total geographical area, and more importantly, the number of crops grown on a given piece of land during a year. It’s a crucial indicator of land utilization and agricultural productivity. India, with its diverse agro-climatic zones, exhibits significant variations in agricultural intensity. While some regions practice multiple cropping, maximizing land use, others remain largely dependent on monsoon rainfall and single cropping, resulting in lower intensity. Understanding these regional disparities is vital for formulating effective agricultural policies and ensuring food security.
Defining Agricultural Intensity
Agricultural intensity is generally measured through cropping intensity, which is the ratio of the area sown more than once to the total cultivated area. It’s expressed as a percentage. A higher percentage indicates greater land utilization and potentially higher productivity. Other factors contributing to agricultural intensity include irrigation coverage, use of high-yielding varieties (HYVs), fertilizer application, and mechanization.
Regional Distribution of Agricultural Intensity in India
The regional distribution of agricultural intensity in India is highly uneven, influenced by a complex interplay of geographical, climatic, and socio-economic factors. We can broadly categorize the regions into three intensity levels:
1. High Agricultural Intensity Regions (Cropping Intensity > 200%)
- Rice-Wheat Regions: The Indo-Gangetic Plain (Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh) exhibits the highest agricultural intensity, primarily due to fertile alluvial soil, abundant groundwater, and well-developed irrigation infrastructure. Cropping intensity often exceeds 200%, with rice-wheat being the dominant cropping system.
- Coastal Regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu: These regions benefit from assured rainfall and irrigation facilities, allowing for multiple cropping of rice, coconut, spices, and other horticultural crops.
- Western Maharashtra: Sugarcane cultivation, coupled with irrigation projects, contributes to high agricultural intensity in this region.
2. Medium Agricultural Intensity Regions (Cropping Intensity 150% - 200%)
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: While fertile, these regions face challenges related to irrigation infrastructure and fragmented landholdings, resulting in moderate cropping intensity, primarily focused on rice and wheat.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Irrigation projects like Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam have boosted agricultural intensity, with rice, cotton, and sugarcane being major crops.
- Parts of Gujarat: Areas with canal irrigation and groundwater availability exhibit moderate intensity, focusing on cotton, groundnut, and cereals.
3. Low Agricultural Intensity Regions (Cropping Intensity < 150%)
- Rainfed Regions of Rajasthan: Dependence on erratic monsoon rainfall limits cropping intensity to a single crop in many areas. Millets and oilseeds are common crops.
- Hilly Regions of the Himalayas: Terraced farming and limited arable land restrict agricultural intensity. Horticulture and small-scale farming are prevalent.
- Northeastern States: Difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, and shifting cultivation practices contribute to low agricultural intensity. Jhum cultivation is a characteristic feature.
- Parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: Dependence on monsoon and limited irrigation facilities result in lower cropping intensity, with rice and millets being the primary crops.
Table: Regional Agricultural Intensity in India (Approximate)
| Region | Cropping Intensity (%) | Dominant Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-Gangetic Plain | >200 | Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane |
| Coastal Kerala & Tamil Nadu | 180-200 | Rice, Coconut, Spices |
| Eastern Uttar Pradesh & Bihar | 150-180 | Rice, Wheat |
| Rajasthan (Rainfed) | <120 | Millets, Oilseeds |
| Northeastern States | <100 | Rice (Jhum Cultivation) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, agricultural intensity in India is characterized by significant regional disparities. The high-intensity regions, primarily in the north and south, benefit from favorable conditions and irrigation, while the low-intensity regions, largely rainfed, face constraints limiting their productivity. Addressing these disparities through investments in irrigation, infrastructure development, and sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country. Promoting diversification and climate-resilient agriculture are also essential for long-term sustainability.
Answer Length
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