Eastern India (Continued)

Eastern India (Continued)

West Bengal

Main Crops: Rice, jute, tea, potatoes, and vegetables.

Irrigation: Approximately 40% of agricultural land is irrigated, primarily through the Damodar Valley and Hooghly River systems.

Technological Advancements: Focus on improving irrigation efficiency, hybrid seed varieties for rice, and organic farming in tea estates.

Figures: Rice production exceeds 15 million tonnes, while jute and tea production are critical to the state’s economy, with around 1 million tonnes of jute and 600,000 tonnes of tea produced annually.

---

Southern India (Continued)

Andhra Pradesh

Main Crops: Rice, groundnut, cotton, maize, and pulses.

Irrigation: Approximately 50% of agricultural land is irrigated, with key irrigation sources including the Krishna and Godavari river systems.

Technological Advancements: Andhra Pradesh has adopted modern farming practices, including precision irrigation, genetically modified crops, and the promotion of organic farming.

Figures: Rice production is around 13 million tonnes, and groundnut production exceeds 3 million tonnes annually. Cotton production stands at 3.5 million bales.

Karnataka

Main Crops: Rice, ragi, groundnut, coffee, and sugarcane.

Irrigation: About 35% of agricultural land is irrigated, mainly through river systems like the Krishna and Cauvery.

Technological Advancements: Karnataka is a leader in using technology for coffee cultivation and precision farming. The state also invests in modern irrigation systems like drip irrigation for crops like sugarcane.

Figures: Coffee production stands at 400,000 tonnes annually, while rice production is about 4 million tonnes.

---

Central India (Continued)

Uttarakhand

Main Crops: Rice, wheat, maize, and vegetables.

Irrigation: Approximately 30% of agricultural land is irrigated, with a reliance on river systems like the Ganges and local water sources.

Technological Advancements: Uttarakhand has promoted organic farming, especially for horticultural crops, and has modernized its irrigation systems for better water management.

Figures: Rice production stands at 2.5 million tonnes, and maize production is approximately 600,000 tonnes annually.

Chhattisgarh

Main Crops: Rice, maize, and pulses.

Irrigation: About 30% of agricultural land is irrigated, relying on river systems and small irrigation projects.

Technological Advancements: Focus on improving soil health and promoting crop diversification. Efforts are underway to modernize irrigation and farm mechanization.

Figures: Rice production is around 5 million tonnes annually, while pulses production stands at 1.2 million tonnes.

---

Western India (Continued)

Goa

Main Crops: Rice, cashew, coconut, and vegetables.

Irrigation: About 25-30% of agricultural land is irrigated, using small-scale irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting.

Technological Advancements: Goa focuses on organic farming for crops like rice and cashew, while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Figures: Rice production is about 0.6 million tonnes, and cashew production stands at around 50,000 tonnes annually.

---

Union Territories (Continued)

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Main Crops: Coconut, cashew, rice, and vegetables.

Irrigation: Reliant on rainfall and local water sources; irrigation infrastructure is still developing.

Technological Advancements: Focus on organic farming and improving water management techniques.

Figures: Coconut production exceeds 2 million coconuts annually, and rice production stands at approximately 0.5 million tonnes.

Chandigarh

Main Crops: Wheat, vegetables, and fruits.

Irrigation: Around 50% of agricultural land is irrigated, primarily through canal systems.

Technological Advancements: Chandigarh has adopted precision farming for vegetable cultivation and water-efficient irrigation systems.

Figures: Wheat production is around 100,000 tonnes, and vegetable production exceeds 250,000 tonnes annually.

---

Agricultural Land Use in India: National Perspective

India has a total of around 159 million hectares of agricultural land, accounting for nearly 60% of the total land area. The sector provides livelihoods to over 50% of the population. This vast agricultural landscape supports the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, ranging from food grains like rice and wheat to cash crops such as cotton, tea, and sugarcane.

Irrigation in India

Approximately 45-50% of India’s agricultural land is irrigated, with states like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu having relatively higher irrigation percentages. The Indira Gandhi Canal, Bhakra Nangal Dam, and Cauvery irrigation systems play pivotal roles in supplying water to large parts of India’s farming landscape.

Fertilizers and Soil Health

The use of fertilizers in India has increased significantly, with both chemical fertilizers (like urea, DAP, and potash) and organic fertilizers playing crucial roles. India is one of the largest consumers of chemical fertilizers globally, with an annual consumption of 30 million tonnes. However, there has been a rising emphasis on organic farming in several states, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kerala, where organic produce is marketed as a premium product.

---

Livestock and Fisheries

India is not only a major producer of crops but also leads in livestock and fisheries production:

1. Milk: India is the world's largest producer of milk, contributing about 22% of global production. With more than 180 million tonnes of milk produced annually, dairy farming is integral to rural economies, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

2. Poultry: India ranks third in egg production and fourth in broiler meat production globally. The poultry industry contributes $12 billion to India's economy annually, with significant output in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

3. Fisheries: India is the second-largest producer of fish globally, contributing about 8% of world fish production. Coastal states like West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are the major contributors to fish production, which exceeds 12 million tonnes annually. India's seafood exports are valued at $7.5 billion.

---

Agricultural Imports and Exports

Exports: India’s agricultural exports are a key component of its foreign trade. The major export items include rice, spices, tea, coffee, and seafood. India exports agricultural goods worth $40 billion annually, with basmati rice, spices, and fruits like mangoes being some of the top products.

Imports: India also imports significant quantities of agricultural products, including edible oils, pulses, and fruits. India imports about $20 billion worth of agricultural goods annually. The country imports over 6 million tonnes of pulses, primarily from countries like Canada and Australia, to meet domestic demand.

---

Conclusion

India's agricultural sector is diverse, with each state and Union Territory contributing significantly to national food security and global exports. The country faces several challenges, including water scarcity, outdated farming techniques, and land degradation, but is also embracing innovative solutions like precision farming, organic farming, and improved irrigation systems to boost production and ensure sustainable agriculture. With its vast land, diverse climate conditions, and growing technological advancements, India remains poised to continue playing a pivotal role in global agriculture, striving to balance food security, sustainability, and economic growth.