Further Expansion of Agricultural Landscape in India with Detailed Figures and Facts by State and Union Territory

Further Expansion of Agricultural Landscape in India with Detailed Figures and Facts by State and Union Territory

India’s agricultural sector continues to play a pivotal role in its economy, sustaining the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. The country’s vast agricultural land, its diverse climatic regions, and its ability to produce a wide variety of crops have made it one of the top agricultural producers globally. Here is an in-depth look at the agricultural status, productivity, livestock, irrigation, and technological advancements across various states and Union Territories of India.

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Western India (Continued)

Gujarat

Main Crops: Cotton, groundnut, wheat, and tobacco.

Irrigation: Around 30-35% of the total agricultural land is irrigated, with reliance on the Narmada Canal and groundwater.

Technological Advancements: Gujarat is known for its pioneering efforts in micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler), and the state is a leader in seed production and hybrid cotton.

Figures: Gujarat produces over 10 million tonnes of cotton annually, and its groundnut production stands at 4 million tonnes.

Maharashtra

Main Crops: Cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, and pulses.

Irrigation: Approximately 20-30% of land is irrigated, with significant reliance on the Godavari and Krishna river systems.

Technological Advancements: Maharashtra has adopted modern technologies such as drip irrigation, hybrid seeds, and mechanization for cotton and sugarcane farming.

Figures: Maharashtra is the largest producer of sugarcane, producing about 70 million tonnes annually, while cotton production stands at 7 million bales.

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South India (Continued)

Karnataka

Main Crops: Rice, maize, groundnut, and coffee.

Irrigation: Around 35% of agricultural land is irrigated, with the state depending on the Krishna, Cauvery, and Tungabhadra river systems.

Technological Advancements: Focus on organic farming, water conservation techniques, and the use of hybrid seed varieties.

Figures: Rice production stands at over 5 million tonnes annually, and Karnataka contributes significantly to the coffee production, producing over 300,000 tonnes.

Tamil Nadu

Main Crops: Rice, sugarcane, groundnut, and cotton.

Irrigation: Approximately 40% of agricultural land is irrigated through canal systems and groundwater.

Technological Advancements: The state leads in water-use efficiency and adoption of hybrid varieties, particularly in rice cultivation.

Figures: Rice production is over 7 million tonnes, and sugarcane production exceeds 50 million tonnes annually.

Andhra Pradesh

Main Crops: Rice, cotton, maize, and tobacco.

Irrigation: About 35-40% of agricultural land is irrigated. The state is known for its use of both canal and groundwater irrigation.

Technological Advancements: Introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs), precision agriculture, and advanced irrigation practices.

Figures: Rice production exceeds 15 million tonnes, and cotton production stands at 5 million bales annually.

Telangana

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

Irrigation: Around 40% of agricultural land is irrigated, with significant use of micro-irrigation.

Technological Advancements: Adoption of precision farming, better water-use efficiency, and hybrid crop varieties.

Figures: Rice production exceeds 6 million tonnes annually, and cotton production is approximately 2.5 million bales.

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Central India (Continued)

Chhattisgarh

Main Crops: Rice, maize, and pulses.

Irrigation: Approximately 30% of agricultural land is irrigated. The state is highly dependent on monsoon rains, with limited irrigation infrastructure.

Technological Advancements: Focus on improving soil health, organic farming, and crop diversification.

Figures: Rice production stands at 5 million tonnes annually, with maize production at 1 million tonnes.

Madhya Pradesh

Main Crops: Wheat, rice, soybeans, and pulses.

Irrigation: About 30% of agricultural land is irrigated. Madhya Pradesh has increased its irrigation coverage significantly over the years.

Technological Advancements: Introduction of hybrid seeds, modern irrigation methods, and mechanization.

Figures: Soybean production is 5 million tonnes annually, and wheat production exceeds 10 million tonnes.

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East India (Continued)

Jharkhand

Main Crops: Rice, maize, and pulses.

Irrigation: Approximately 20-25% of agricultural land is irrigated. The state has a heavy reliance on rainfall for agriculture.

Technological Advancements: Focus on rainwater harvesting and improving irrigation efficiency.

Figures: Rice production stands at 2 million tonnes, and maize production is over 1 million tonnes.

West Bengal

Main Crops: Rice, jute, potatoes, and pulses.

Irrigation: About 35-40% of the land is irrigated, with significant usage of river irrigation.

Technological Advancements: Use of high-yielding rice varieties and better water management techniques.

Figures: Rice production exceeds 15 million tonnes, and jute production stands at over 1 million bales annually.

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Union Territories (Continued)

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Main Crops: Coconut, rice, and fruits like bananas and papaya.

Irrigation: Around 25-30% of the land is irrigated, with most water supplied through rainfall and minor irrigation schemes.

Technological Advancements: Focus on organic farming and improving crop yields through better farming practices.

Figures: Rice production is around 40,000 tonnes, and coconut production exceeds 500,000 nuts annually.

Lakshadweep

Main Crops: Coconut, papaya, and vegetables.

Irrigation: Limited irrigation facilities, primarily dependent on rainwater and small-scale water harvesting methods.

Technological Advancements: Improvement in coconut cultivation methods and water-efficient farming practices.

Figures: Coconut production exceeds 1 million coconuts annually.

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National Agricultural Scenario – Additional Insights

1. Agriculture and Economic Contribution:

The agriculture sector contributes approximately 17% to India’s GDP, with nearly 60% of the rural population depending on agriculture for their livelihood.

Agriculture supports over 150 million farmers in India, with 62% of the population directly or indirectly involved in agricultural activities.

2. Agricultural Exports and Imports:

Exports: India is a significant exporter of agricultural products, with exports totaling over $40 billion annually, including rice, tea, coffee, spices, sugar, and marine products.

Imports: India imports key agricultural products such as edible oils (mainly palm oil and soybean oil), pulses, and fruits, with annual imports exceeding $20 billion.

3. Livestock Production:

India is the largest producer of milk globally, with production exceeding 180 million tonnes annually.

Poultry production stands at 90 million tonnes, with India being the third-largest producer of eggs worldwide.

4. Aquaculture and Fisheries:

India is the second-largest producer of fish globally, with total fish production of about 12 million tonnes annually, contributing significantly to the nation’s export basket.

Major fish-producing states include West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

5. Technological Advancements:

The adoption of smart farming techniques such as drone technology, GIS mapping, and precision irrigation is increasing, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to promote organic farming, crop diversification, and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

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Conclusion

India’s agricultural sector is undergoing significant transformation, propelled by technology, governmental initiatives, and efforts to increase productivity and sustainability. The states and Union Territories, despite their challenges, have embraced innovations in irrigation, crop management, and livestock care. Moving forward, India’s agricultural landscape will continue to evolve, with a focus on climate resilience, better water management, and inclusive growth for all stakeholders involved.

Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), and the Soil Health Management Program, India is positioning itself to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and reduce dependency on imports. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of modern technology, organic farming, and precision agriculture will significantly contribute to improving yields and transforming India into a global agricultural powerhouse.