Farming Practices and Water Management in India

Floods and Droughts

• Multipurpose river valley schemes help control floods and droughts.

Farming Types in India

• Intensive Farming: High input of labor and resources for maximum output.
• Extensive Farming: Utilizes larger land areas with lower inputs.
• Humid Farming: Relies on high rainfall regions for crop growth.
• Irrigated Farming: Depends on irrigation systems for water supply.
• Dry Farming: Practiced in arid areas; focuses on moisture conservation using techniques suited for red soil.
• Shifting/Migratory Farming: Farmers move from one place to another to cultivate.
• Subsistence Farming: Crops grown primarily for personal consumption.
• Commercial Farming: Aimed at market production for profit.
• Plantation Farming: Large-scale cultivation of single crops (e.g., tea, coffee).
• Mixed Farming: Combines crops with livestock or other activities for diversified income.
• Terraced Farming: Used on slopes to prevent soil erosion, maximizing arable land.

Dry Farming

• Emphasizes soil moisture conservation and limited rainwater use.
• Best suited to red soils.

Mixed Farming

• Integrates crops with livestock or supplementary activities.
• Provides diversified income sources.

Green Revolution

• Marked by high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds.
• Increased use of fertilizers for greater agricultural output.

Subsistence Agriculture

• Focuses on production solely for farmer's consumption.
• Small farms managed by family labor.

Plantation Crops

• Grown on large, scientifically managed farms.
• Require significant capital; examples include tea, coffee, and rubber.

Agricultural Products Categories

• Food Grain Crops: Include rice, wheat, and pulses.
• Commercial Crops: Include cotton, jute, rubber, tea, and coffee.

Crop Rotation

• Involves growing different crops on the same field sequentially.
• Helps preserve soil nutrients, e.g., legumes after cereals.

Zayad

• An extra crop grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons, mainly seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Kharif and Rabi Crops

• Kharif Crops: Sown during June, harvested in November (e.g., rice, cotton).
• Rabi Crops: Sown in October-November, harvested in March-April (e.g., wheat, barley).

Rice Cultivation Conditions

• Requires warm, humid climate with temperatures ideally between 22°C to 32°C.
• Prefers heavy rainfall (150-300 cm) and standing water for optimal growth.

Japanese Rice Cultivation

• Features include better seed quality, nursery sowing, and row transplanting for efficient management.
• Regular manuring and consistent irrigation improve yield.

Transplanting Method

• Seedlings planted in small, prepared plots for better growth control.
• Essential for crops sensitive to waterlogged conditions, like tea.

Pruning in Tea Cultivation

• Enhances lateral growth and allows for efficient leaf plucking.
• Facilitates the growth of new shoots.

Tea Export Decline

• Exports reduced due to intense competition in global markets.

Coffee Planting Techniques

• Intercropping with shade-providing plants like oranges and cardamom promotes healthier coffee plants and adds income sources.
• Silver oak and banana trees also provide shade and support for coffee cultivation.

Rubber Tree Tapping

• Typically conducted in the morning for optimal latex flow and minimal rain interference.

Rubber Production in Kerala

• Dominant state for rubber cultivation, benefiting from high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and well-drained land.

Afforestation vs. Deforestation

• Afforestation: Planting new forests for soil protection.
• Deforestation: Destruction of forests leading to soil erosion.

Shifting vs. Plantation Agriculture

• Shifting Agriculture: Traditional, capital-light, practiced in remote areas.
• Plantation Agriculture: Market-oriented, scientifically managed with significant investment.

Additional Agricultural Notes

• Rice plantation yields can increase by 30-40% with proper methods.
• Jowar primarily produced in Maharashtra; millet varieties include Jowar, Bajra, Ragi.
• Cotton cultivation states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab.

Tea and Coffee Production

• India is the largest tea producer; Kolkata is the main exporting port.
• Major coffee-producing states include Karnataka and Kerala; significant varieties are Coffee Arabica and Coffee Robusta.

Silk and Sericulture

• Key states for silk production include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Assam; known as sericulture.