Agriculture in India: Crops Overview

A crop that is sown in the rainy season (July-October) and harvested in the winter season (October-December).

A crop that is sown in the winter season (October-December) and harvested in the summer season (April-June).

The cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants. It generally involves smaller scale, more intensive care compared to large-scale farming.

A type of tea plant that grows in tropical and subtropical climates and requires abundant rainfall and fertile soil. It’s considered a rich source of antioxidants and is widely enjoyed worldwide.

The process of cultivating coffee beans, which are then used to make the beverage we know and love. It involves specific growing conditions and meticulous processing.

A type of oilseed that is primarily grown in the rainy season and is a major contributor to India's oilseed production. It's also used in cosmetics and other products.

A type of oilseed that is cultivated in the winter season and is valued for its nutritional content. It is a staple in Indian cuisine.

A type of oilseed that is cultivated both in the rainy and winter seasons. It's known for its versatility in various industries.

The most important food crop in India, making it the second largest producer in the world after China. It's a Kharif crop requiring high temperatures (above 25°C) and high humidity with rainfall over 100 cm annually. It can even grow in areas with less rainfall thanks to irrigation.

Wheat, the second most important cereal crop in India, is a Rabi crop requiring a cool growing season and bright sunshine for ripening. It is primarily grown in the north and northwest plains of India, along with the black soil region of the Deccan.

Maize, a versatile crop used for both food and fodder, is a Kharif crop requiring temperatures between 21°C and 27°C. It's grown mostly in areas with old alluvial soil, and in some regions like Bihar, it's also cultivated during the Rabi season.

Millets, which include jowar, bajra, and ragi, are coarse grains with high nutritional value and are particularly rich in iron, calcium, and other micronutrients. They are grown in dry regions across India and are often considered drought-resistant.

A Kharif crop that requires a high temperature above 25°C and high humidity with an annual rainfall over 100 cm. It is a major food crop in India and is grown in the plains, coastal areas, and deltaic regions.

A Rabi crop that requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine for ripening. It is the second most important cereal crop in India and is grown in the Northern and North-Western plains of India.

A versatile crop that is used for both food and fodder. It is a Kharif crop that is often grown in areas with old alluvial soil. It is also grown as a Rabi crop in some states.

A group of coarse grains with high nutritional value, such as jowar, bajra, and ragi. They are grown in dry regions in India and are often called "superfoods".

Cotton, jute, hemp and natural silk are the main fiber crops grown in India. These crops are crucial for the textile industry and provide livelihoods for many people. The first three are plant-based fibers, while silk is obtained from cocoons of silkworms fed on mulberry leaves.

Sericulture is the practice of rearing silkworms for the production of silk fibers. These silkworms are fed on mulberry leaves and spin cocoons from which silk is obtained.

Jute is a natural fiber obtained from the jute plant. It is known as the "golden fiber" and is widely used for making gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarns, carpets, and other artifacts.

Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant. India is a major producer of cotton and is used in the production of various textile products.

Cotton cultivation thrives in well-drained fertile soils, particularly in the floodplains where the soil is renewed annually. It requires high temperatures, bright sunshine, and a long frost-free period to grow.

India is one of the world's leading producers of vegetables, contributing significantly to global supply. Key vegetables include peas, cauliflower, onion, cabbage, tomato, brinjal, and potato.

Apples, pears, apricots, and walnuts are widely grown in the cooler regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, making India a significant exporter of these fruits.

Oranges from Nagpur and Cherrapunjee, bananas from Kerala, Mizoram, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, litchis and guavas from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, grapes from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra are some of the notable fruits grown in India.

A major food source in India, this crop needs hot and humid conditions with rainfall over 200 cm, and thrives in sandy and shallow black soil.

This crop, a major industrial raw material, thrives in tropical and sub-tropical regions and requires moist and humid conditions. It is mainly produced in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, with India holding the fourth spot globally in natural rubber production.

These legumes are a vital source of protein and are crucial for soil fertility due to nitrogen fixation. They are grown in various states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, making India both the largest producer and consumer of these.

A tropical and subtropical crop, needing temperatures from 21°C to 27°C and good rainfall. Its main source of sugar, gur, and molasses, makes it a significant crop in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

A staple in the Indian diet, known for its high protein content. Thriving in hot and humid conditions, it requires a minimum rainfall of 75 cm to 100 cm. India is a major producer, relying heavily on this crop's output.

A key plantation crop, its cultivation is an example of plantation agriculture. In 2008, India emerged as the second largest producer of this crop globally. Tea's introduction into India was attributed to the influence of the British.

A significant oilseed crop, India ranks second in global production after China. It is a vital source of oil and requires a specific climate for optimal growth.

This type of agriculture involves large-scale cultivation of a single crop on a vast area. It is often associated with cash crops and requires significant labor and resources.