Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Cropping systems in India are a complex interplay of agro-climatic factors, with soil type and irrigation availability being paramount determinants. These systems define the arrangement and sequence of crops cultivated on a piece of land over a year, optimizing resource utilization. Cereals and millets form the backbone of India's food security, traditionally cultivated across diverse landscapes. The strategic selection of these cropping systems is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices, particularly given India's varied soil profiles and uneven access to irrigation, ranging from highly irrigated plains to rainfed drylands. Understanding these intricate systems is vital for enhancing productivity, ensuring food and nutritional security, and building climate resilience in Indian agriculture.
Cereal-Based Cropping Systems
Cereals like rice, wheat, and maize are fundamental to Indian agriculture. Their cultivation patterns are heavily influenced by the availability of fertile soils and assured irrigation.1. Alluvial Soils (Indo-Gangetic Plains, River Deltas)
Alluvial soils are among the most fertile, rich in potash and phosphoric acid, but often deficient in nitrogen. They are light, easy to plough, and ideal for irrigation-based farming. These regions typically have high to assured irrigation availability.
- Rice-Wheat System: This is the most dominant cropping system, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal). Rice is grown in the Kharif (monsoon) season, requiring significant water, followed by wheat in the Rabi (winter) season, which also benefits from assured irrigation through canals and groundwater.
- Rice-Rice System: Prevalent in deltaic regions of states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, where continuous irrigation is available. Two crops of rice are grown sequentially due to ample water resources and suitable climatic conditions.
- Rice-Mustard/Rice-Potato-Wheat: Found in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, characterized by fertile alluvial soils and good irrigation. Farmers diversify with mustard or potato in rotation after rice.
- Maize-Wheat/Maize-Mustard: Common in alluvial soils with moderate irrigation, especially in Bihar and other eastern states. Maize is a versatile crop, often followed by wheat or mustard.
2. Black Soils (Deccan Plateau)
Black soils, or Regur soils, are known for their excellent moisture retention capacity and are rich in iron, lime, and magnesium, but deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus. Irrigation availability here varies from limited to moderate.
- Jowar (Sorghum)-Wheat/Jowar-Pulses: In regions of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka with black soils and limited to moderate irrigation, jowar is a major Kharif crop. It is often followed by wheat in irrigated areas or pulses (like chickpea or pigeon pea) under rainfed conditions to enhance soil fertility.
- Maize-Wheat: Practiced in some black soil areas, particularly with access to irrigation.
Millet-Based Cropping Systems
Millets are often referred to as "nutri-cereals" due to their high nutritional value and resilience. They are predominantly grown in arid and semi-arid regions, on less fertile soils, and with limited irrigation, making them crucial for food security in drought-prone areas. India is the world's largest producer of millets, contributing 38.4% of global production (FAO, 2023).1. Arid and Semi-Arid Sandy Soils (Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat)
These soils are typically sandy, coarse-textured, low in organic matter, and have poor moisture retention. Irrigation is often scarce, relying heavily on rainfall.
- Pearl Millet (Bajra)-Pulses (Cowpea, Green Gram): This is a characteristic cropping system in the arid and semi-arid sandy soils of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Pearl millet is drought-resistant and thrives in these conditions. Intercropping with pulses helps improve soil fertility and provides additional income.
- Pearl Millet-Groundnut/Castor: Also seen in these regions, with groundnut or castor being cash crops that can withstand drier conditions.
2. Red Soils (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha)
Red soils are generally less fertile, acidic, and get their color from high iron oxide content. They require regular manuring and moisture management. Irrigation varies from rainfed to supplementary irrigation.
- Finger Millet (Ragi)-Groundnut/Pulses: Predominant in the red soils of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Finger millet is a hardy crop well-suited to these soils, often intercropped or rotated with groundnut or various pulses (e.g., pigeon pea, horse gram).
- Minor Millets (Foxtail, Kodo, Little Millet)-Pulses: Cultivated in red and laterite soils, especially in rainfed areas of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of the Deccan. These millets are resilient and grown with minimal inputs, often intercropped with pigeon pea or green gram.
3. Mountain/Hilly Soils (Himachal Pradesh, Northeast India)
These soils vary but are generally thin, prone to erosion, and often acidic. Agriculture is primarily rainfed.
- Maize-Pulses/Maize-Vegetables: Common in the hilly regions, where maize is a staple. Intercropping with pulses or vegetables provides diverse produce and supports household nutrition.
- Finger Millet-Pulses: Also practiced in higher altitude areas of the Himalayas and Northeast India.
Summary Table of Cropping Systems
The following table summarizes the cereal- and millet-based cropping systems based on soil type and irrigation availability:
| Soil Type | Irrigation Availability | Cereal-Based Cropping Systems | Millet-Based Cropping Systems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alluvial Soil | Assured to High | Rice-Wheat, Rice-Rice, Rice-Mustard/Potato-Wheat, Maize-Wheat/Mustard | - (less common due to high fertility and water availability) |
| Black Soil | Limited to Moderate | Jowar-Wheat/Pulses, Maize-Wheat | Sorghum (Jowar)-Pulses (Pigeon pea, Chickpea) |
| Red Soil | Rainfed to Supplementary | Maize-Pulses | Finger Millet-Groundnut/Pulses, Minor Millets-Pulses |
| Arid/Semi-Arid Sandy Soil | Scarce/Rainfed | - (less common due to low water retention) | Pearl Millet-Pulses (Cowpea, Green gram), Pearl Millet-Groundnut/Castor |
| Mountain/Hilly Soil | Rainfed | Maize-Pulses/Vegetables | Finger Millet-Pulses |
The choice of cropping system is not static and evolves with technological advancements, climate change, government policies (e.g., Minimum Support Price), and market demand. Millets, in particular, are gaining renewed focus due to their climate resilience, low water requirement, and nutritional superiority, aligning with national goals for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Conclusion
India's agricultural landscape is characterized by diverse cereal and millet cropping systems, intricately linked to regional soil types and irrigation availability. From the highly irrigated alluvial plains supporting intensive rice-wheat rotations to the rainfed arid regions where drought-tolerant millets thrive, these systems embody the nation's adaptability in food production. The shift towards promoting nutri-cereals like millets, recognized globally during the International Year of Millets 2023, underscores their importance for nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming. Continued emphasis on region-specific, scientifically sound cropping systems, coupled with efficient water management and policy support, is vital to bolster India's agricultural productivity and ensure a robust and equitable food future.
Answer Length
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