AGRICULTURE

Agriculture
By Amit Garg

Amit Garg
 Index
1. Introduction to Agriculture
2. Basic Principles of Agriculture
3. Agriculture Practices
4. Agriculture in National Economy
5. Cropping Patterns
6. Growing Conditions
7. Negative Impact of Introducing Short Duration & High Yielding
Varieties

2
8. Crop Production
9. Dry Land Farming
10. Precision Farming
11. Agriculture Credit
12. Agriculture Related Schemes
13. Revolutions
14. Problems in Agriculture

3
1. Introduction to Agriculture:
• Agriculture is the branch of applied sciences. The term agriculture has been derived from the Latin word
‘ager’ meaning land or field and ‘cultura’ meaning cultivation. Further it is also defined as the science of
producing crops and livestock from the natural resources of the earth.
It has following branches or domains:

AGRICULTURE EXTENSION
•AGRONOMY
•HORTICULTURE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
•ENTOMOLOGY
•PLANT PATHOLOGY PLANT BREEDING
•PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
•SOIL CHEMISTRY
•AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
4
Gross Cropped Area (GCA)
The cumulative area sown once and also more than once in a given year is the gross cropped area (GCA).
The region counted is double in GCA when the crop is cultivated on an area of land twice in a year.
Net Sown Area (NSA)
The region sown with crops is the Net Sown Area (NSA), but it is reported once. GCA and NSA help
measure the strength of crops
● India’s total geographical area is 329 million hectares. Out of this, 195 million hectare is
gross cropped area and 141 million hectare is net sown area. On the other hand, net
irrigated area is only 65.3 million hectares. Rest of the land is rainfed.
● Cropping Intensity Approx 140%
● Maximising Cropping Intensity will not be sustainable as overuse of Land will reduce
productivity

5
 2. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE

1.
Based on biological potential and biological diversity.
Conservation areas are rich in biological diversity,
Waste lands have diminished biological potential

6
2.
Effectiveness in water saving, equity in water sharing and delivery.
Sustainable management of available surface and ground water,
Integrated policy for conjunctive use of river, rain, ground, sea and sewage water

7
 3.
Integrated systems of energy management
It is essential for achieving desired yield levels
Involving of renewable and non-renewable resource of energy in balanced way.

8
4.
Biodynamic systems significant in compost & humus to improve soil health.
Integrated nutrient supply system suitable for crop rotation & biofertilizers.
Need for reduction in use of market purchased inputs.

9
5.
Genetic diversity for achieving sustainable advances in productivity.
Genetic homogeneity leads to greater genetic vulnerabilities to biotic & abiotic.
Crop diversity and variety will help in enhancing yield stability.

10
6.
Control of weeds, insect-pests & pathogens.
Genetic diversity is helpful in possessing multiple resistance to biotic & abiotic stresses.
Conservation of natural enemies important for multiple resistant to pest.

11
3. Agriculture Practices
• SUBSISTENCE FARMING
• SHIFTING AGRICULTURE
• PLANTATION AGRICULTURE
• INTENSIVE FARMING

• DRY AGRICULTURE
• MIXED AND MULTIPLE AGRICULTURE
• CROP ROTATION
• TERRACE CULTIVATION

12
SUBSISTENCE FARMING
• Majority of farmers in the country practise subsistence farming.
• characterised by small and scattered land holdings
• use of primitive tools.
• farmers do not use fertilisers and high yielding variety of seeds .
• Facilities like electricity and irrigation are generally not available.
• The whole family works on the farm
• Yield is not very high
• Most of the yield is consumed by the family

13
SHIFTING AGRICULTURE

• After the land is cleared, crops are grown for two to three years
and then the land is abandoned as the fertility of the soil decreases.
• The farmers then move to new areas and the process is repeated.
• Dry paddy, maize, millets and vegetables are the crops commonly
grown in this type of farming.
This practice is known by different name in different regions of India :
• Jhum in Assam,
• Ponam in Kerala,
• Podu in Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Odisha
• Bewar and Bera in various parts of Madhya Pradesh.

14
PLANTATION AGRICULTURE

• It is a single crop farming of rubber, tea, coffee, cocoa, spices,

coconut and fruit crops like apples, grapes, oranges, etc. Introduced
by the British in the 19th century
• It is capital intensive
• It demands good managerial ability, technical know-how, sophisticated
machinery, fertilisers, irrigation, and transport facilities.
• Plantation agriculture is an export-oriented agriculture. Most of the crops
grown in plantation agriculture have a life cycle of more than two years.
• Natural rubber, coconuts, oil palm, tea, cocoa, and coffee are all tree crops .
• Plantation agriculture is confined within tropical areas, i.e., both sides of the
equator

15
INTENSIVE FARMING
• Intensive farming (also intensive agriculture) is the practice where
a lot of labour and capital is employed to maximize agricultural
produce or yields.
• It is characterized by a low fallow ratio.
• Intensive use of pesticides, fertilizer and other production inputs
for crops and medication as well as concentrated feeding for the
animal stock.
• Also known as industrial agriculture. Intensive Agriculture
Development program (IADP) was the first major experiment of
Indian government in the field of agriculture.
16
DRY AGRICULTURE

17
 Mixed farming

• Mixed farming is referred to cultivation of crops and raising

of animals simultaneously.

18
MULTIPLE AGRICULTURE
• The multiple farming is used to denote the practice of
growing two or more crops together.
• In such case a number of crops having varying maturing
periods are sown at the same time.
• This practice is followed in areas having good rainfall or
facilities of irrigation.

19
Crop rotation
• Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types
of crops in the same area across a sequence of growing seasons.
• monocropping, gradually depletes the soil of certain nutrients
• crop rotation can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and
herbicides by better using ecosystem services from a diverse set
of crops.
• Additionally, crop rotations can improve soil structure and organic
matter, which reduces erosion and increases farm system
resilience.

20
CROP ROTATION

• Pulses or any leguminous crop is grown after the cereal crops.

• Legumes have the ability of fixing nitrogen to the soil.
• Highly fertilizer intensive crops like sugarcane or tobacco are rotated with cereal
crops.
The selection of crops for rotation depends upon the local soil
conditions and the experience and the understanding of the farmers.

21
TERRACE
CULTIVATION

• The hill and mountain slopes are cut to form terraces and the land
is used in the same way as in permanent agriculture.
• Soil erosion is also checked due to terrace formation on hill slopes.

22
4. AGRICULTURE IN NATIONAL ECONOMY
•Agriculture forms the backbone of the Indian economy
despite of industrialization rising rapidly till date agriculture
occupies a place of pride. It contribute nearly 14.1% which is
providing employment to about 51.1% of working population
and accounting for a sizeable share in the country’s foreign
exchange earning. It provides the food grains to feed the
population of size 130 crore. It also supplies raw material to
many industries.

23
24
25
• These two graphs shows how Indian agriculture suffered during the
colonial era and post independence percentage share declined
gradually. According to FAO 51.1% population is till employed in
primary sector. Cultivators decreased whereas agricultural laborer's
increased post independence but overall work force in primary sector
decreased.
• The rate and pattern of investment in other economic sectors have
not been such to draw away surplus rural labour and relieve the
pressure of population on land.
• The existing role of agriculture in Indian economy points out the
necessity for the development of it to fullest extent for the prosperity
of the economy.
26
 Different Sectoral Aspects
Agriculture & Allied Food grains Agricultural Exports Livestock Sector Fisheries Food Processing
sectors Production Industry
Growth Rate of GVA 2017-18🡪 285.0 mt 2019-20🡪 Rs. 252 The Livestock sector In 2018-19 India This industry is
at basic prices 2018-19🡪 285.2 mt thousand crores grew at CAGR of reached maximum growing at an
2017-18🡪 5.9% 2019-20🡪 296.7 mt Major export 8.24% from 2014-15 production of 14.16 Average annual
2018-19🡪 2.4% 2020-21🡪 144.5 mt destinations were to 2018-19. million metric tons. Growth Rate of
2019-20🡪 4.0% USA, Saudi Arabia, 2014-15🡪 24.32% GVA by this sector 9.99% at 2011-12
2020-21🡪 3.4% Iran, Nepal, & 2018-19🡪 28.63% stood at Rs. 2,12,915 base price.
Bangladesh. growth at constant crores.
FPI Agri Manf.
Products exported prices National GVA🡪 1.24%
were🡪 Marine, Agricultural GVA🡪
Basmati rice, Red 7.28% 9.99 3.12 8.25
meat, Spices, % % %
Non-Basmati Rice, Above mentioned
Raw cotton, oil meals, percentage is a
Sugar, Castor oil & comparative growth
tea. of respective sector
India contributes with BP in 2011-12.
2.5% OF WORLD
AGRI-TRADE.
27
 5. Cropping Patterns
• It is defined as a particular pattern of crop is Relay
followed through out the year on a given cropping
piece of land. It is determined by following
factors: Inter
cropping
Mono-croppi
ng
a) Government policies,
Types of
b) Rainfall, soil, climate,
Cropping
c) Land type, and land tenure system, Pattern
d) Prices, income, input prices and
Mixed
farmland holding size, farming
Poly Cropping

e) Customs, traditions.
Organic
• Purpose of cropping pattern is to provide farming
enough food to the family, generate fodder
for the cattle, and make sufficient cash for
handling tillage to post harvest activities with
survivability of dependents.
28
Rabi Zaid Kharif
Sown during starting of It is a short season fall Sown during late
winter mid in between of rabi and summers or before
October-mid kharif arrival of monsoon
November. Also known as summer means during June to
In general, required season crops, mid July.
cool climatic conditions Generally, short It required more water
and use left over duration varieties are and moisture laden
moisture in soil for grown comprises of conditions for growth
growth means required fruits, vegetables and along with optimum
less water. fodder crops. light variability.
Recently its cropped They required longer Area under cultivation
area has been duration of day light has almost increased by
increased by 36 Lakh with dry and warm 8.5%.
ha. conditions. As of now 10.63 crore
As of now total new If irrigation facilities are ha of area has been
sown area under it provided in some areas sown.
stood at 571 lakh ha. rice can also grow. Rice witness an
Rain and cool increase of 12% in sown
conditions are good for area and
growth as germination Oil seeds witness spike
consume left over over 14%.
moisture. 29
• Monoculture- It is the
cultivation of single crop in a
given piece of land
throughout the year.
• Rotation- It is the cultivation
of 2 crops a year on given
peace of land with suitable
options.
• Fallow cropping- It states that
land should be left empty
after one season to regain its
fertility.

30
Relay Cropping
Relay cropping is a method of multiple cropping where one
crop is seeded into standing second crop well before
harvesting of second crop. Relay cropping may solve a
number of conflicts such as inefficient use of available
resources, controversies in sowing time, fertilizer
application and soil degradation.

31
32
33
Cover Crop
In agriculture, cover crops are plants that are planted to
cover the soil rather than for the purpose of being
harvested. Cover crops manage soil erosion, soil fertility,
soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and
wildlife in an agroecosystem—an ecological system
managed and shaped by humans.

34
Legume cover crops (red clover, crimson clover, vetch, peas,
beans) can fix a lot of nitrogen (N) for subsequent crops, generally
ranging from 50-150 pounds per acre, depending on growing
conditions.
Non-legume cover crops include the cereals (rye, wheat, barley, oats,
triticale), forage grasses (annual ryegrass) and broadleaf species
(buckwheat, mustards and brassicas, including the forage radish).
Non-legumes are most useful for scavenging nutrients, providing
erosion control, suppressing weeds and producing large amounts of
residue that adds soil organic matter.

35
Row Inter Crop
Row intercropping involves two or more crops grown in the same field simultaneously with
one or more of the crops grown in a distinct row arrangement. The productivity of row
intercropping is influenced by the specific combination of crops, their spacing, and planting
dates.

36
Multi Storied Cropping
Growing Plants of different height in the same field at the same time is
termed as multi storied Cropping

37
Strip Crop
Strip cropping is a method of farming which involves
cultivating a field partitioned into long, narrow strips which
are alternated in a crop rotation system. It is used when a
slope is too steep or when there is no alternative method of
preventing soil erosion. The most common crop choices for
strip cropping are closely sown crops such as hay, wheat,
or other forages which are alternated with strips of row
crops, such as corn, soybeans, cotton, or sugar beets.

38
Agroforestry
Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are
grown around or among crops or pastureland. This diversification of the
farming system initiates an agroecological succession, like that in natural
ecosystems, and so starts a chain of events that enhance the functionality
and sustainability of the farming system. Trees also produce a wide range
of useful and marketable products from fruits/nuts, medicines, wood
products, etc. This intentional combination of agriculture and forestry has
multiple benefits, such as greatly enhanced yields from staple food crops,
enhanced farmer livelihoods from income generation, increased
biodiversity, improved soil structure and health, reduced erosion, and
carbon sequestration.

39
40
• Rice Cultivation- Region specific crops with
required conditions are in use for commercial
production.
• Quality type is of superior and nutritive.

41
6. Growing Conditions

42
Loamy Soil
Sand (40%) + Silt (40%) + Clay (20%)

43
Rice Kharif Crop
Rice crop needs a hot and humid climate. It is best suited to regions
which have high humidity, prolonged sunshine and an assured supply of
water. The average temperature required throughout the life period of the
crop ranges from 21 to 37º C.
It is a tropical plant requires high heat and high humidity for its
successful growth.
Av Annual Rf required 150 CM but lesser Rf as harvesting time
approaches.

44
Wheat
Temp 10 - 15 º C during Sowing
21-26 º C during Harvest
Rainfall 50 -75 Cm
Soil- Well drained Clayey Loams

45
Bajra
Agro-climate required for Bajra Cultivation: Bajra grows well in dry and warm climate conditions
and it’s drought tolerant crop which requires low annual rainfall ranging between 40 cm to 60 cm.
Ideal temperature for bajra cultivation is between 20 oC to 30 oC. Moist weather is advantageous
during its vegetable growth. In North India, bajra is grown as kharif crop and in some southern
parts is grown as summer crop providing irrigation.

Soil requirement: Bajra can be grown in wider range of soil. However, It thrives best in black
cotton soil, sandy loam soil having well drainage. It grows successfully well in soil with low pH.
Bajra can be easily grown in region where other crops like wheat and maize would not survive.

Spacing: Row to row 40-45 cm, plant to plant 10-12 cm and depth 2-3 cm.
Sowing Time: June to July

46
Barley
Barley may be grown in subtropical climatic condition. The crop requires around 12-15
0C during growing period and around 30 0C at maturity. It can not tolerate frost at any
stage of growth and incidence of frost at flowering at highly detrimental for yield. The
crop posses vary high degree of tolerance to drought and sodic condition.
Barley is mainly grown in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana,
Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Jammu Kashmir.

Soil Requirement
Barley is being grown in three distinct type of soil groups mainly Sandy Loam, Loam
and Medium & Heavy Black Soils. Sandy to moderately heavy loam soils of
Indo-Gangetic plains having neutral to saline reaction and medium fertility are the most
suitable type for barley cultivation. However, it may be grown on variety of soil types,
viz, saline, sodic and lighter soils. Acidic soils are not fit for barley cultivation, as such.

47
Cotton
Kharif Crop of Tropical and Sub Tropical Areas
Temp 21 C - 30 C but not below 21 C
210 Frost free days
Rainfall 50-75 cm or irrigation facility
Soil:- Deep Black Soil (Regur) even grows in alluvial soils and Laterite Soil

48
Jute
2nd Important Fiber crop of India, crop of hot and humid climate.
Temp 24 C - 35 C
Rainfall- Heavy rainfall more than 150 CM with 80%-90% of humidity
Soil:- Alluvial Soil also grown in light sandy or Clayey Loams

49
Sugarcane
Temp 20 C- 26 C
Rainfall 150 Cm or irrigation facilities with high humidity.
Soil:- Deep Rich, Loamy Soils are ideal, Black soil is also suitable

50
Tobacco
Plant of tropical and subtropical climates
Frost is harmful
Temp 16 c - 40 c
Rainfall 50 Cm - 100 Cm or irrigation facility
Soil- Well drained, Sandy Loam
Gujarat( 90% of Tobacco from Vadodara and Kheda Distt)
West Godavari, East Godavari, Prakasham, Kurnool and Nellore are the main
Producing Distt

51
Tea
Tropical and Sub tropical Plant, Which thrives well in hot and humid climate.
Temp 24 C- 30 C
Rainfall 150 Cm-300Cm
Soil- Forest soil rich in Humus and iron content is best suited
Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala

52
Coffee
Crop of Hot and Humid Climate
Temp 15 C- 28 C but Frost is harmful
Rainfall 150 Cm- 200 Cm
Soil:- Well drained rich loamy soil
Rich in Humus, Iron and Calcium
Karnataka(80%)
Kerala (13%)

53
Rubber
Temp 25C- 35C
Rainfall about 300Cm well distributed throughout the year
Soil:- Well drained loamy Soil Varying from Laterite to Clayey Loam.
Kerala (90% of the Total Production)

54
Maize
Rainfed Kharif crops
Temp 21C- 25 C
Rainfall Below 75 Cm
Soil- Well drained alluvial or Red loams

55
Maize
producing
states

56
Jowar Both (Kharif and Rabi Crop)
Temp 27 C - 32 C for Kharif Crop and not below 16 C for Rabi crops
Rainfall 30 Cm- 100 Cm
Soil Variety of Soil including Clayey, Sandy

57
Ragi
Temp 20c-30c
Rainfall 50Cm-100Cm
Soil- Red, light black and sandy loams

58
Gram
Temp 20C- 25C
Rainfall 40 Cm- 50 Cm
Soil- Grows well in Loamy Soil

59
 7. Negative Impact of Introducing Short Duration & High Yielding
Varieties
• The introduction of HYV’s & short duration varieties made more crops possible which
consequently led to intensive cropping which results in decline in fertility and caused
deficiency of Zn, Mn in Punjab region due to introduction of paddy-wheat rotation.
• Intensive cropping has also caused more incidences of insect-pests and diseases.
Increased usage of fertilizers has caused environmental pollution and salinity problem
arose due to excessive usages of water for irrigation further which leads to water logging
problems in region.
• After green revolution usage of pesticides increased rapidly which impacts adversely on
micro-organisms and environment. Further their usage made resistant towards pest and
insects.
• The practice of mono-culture has become common which is in violation of principles of
crop rotation which consequently led to decline in diversification of crops. Whereas the
HYV’s of rice, wheat and other cereals have pushed pulses and oil seeds to marginal areas
due to which their production stagnated for long time.
60
A representative graph of some import
crops with degree of comparison from 1950
to till date.
Pulses remained stagnate in production for
long decades due to nonspecific policy for
increasing production and less institutional
support for R&D in pulses.
Rice and Wheat picked growth mid 60’s
onwards due to green revolution and being
both as staple food of the country along
with assured MSP provided for them.
Pulses and oil-seeds picked up production
in recent decades due to dietary shift in
people for healthy and nutritional values
hidden in proteins.
Till the end of 20th century masses were
least concerned for diet but during initial
years of 21st century “THALI” drift towards
more protein rich foods.

61
 8. CROP PRODUCTION
One problem or the other is associated with the crop production in our country and consequently is responsible for poor
productivity of crops. Below in the table few have been discussed:

Oil seeds & Pulses Need to improve productivity: Reasons for low productivity are: Genetic
Measures taken are: increase the area under factors, Management factors, Institutional
cultivation, increase the productivity, location factors, Socio-economic factors.
oriented research, Exploit unutilized resources.
Rice Increase productivity: land development, irrigation Production constraints due to following:
facilities, drainage system in lower lands, Bio-physical constraints, socio-economic
conservation of water, consolidation of land constraints, technological constraints &
holdings, desilting, electrification of villages, Institutional constraints.
marketing and procurement.
Cotton Way of increasing production: fine seedbed, good Constraints: Bud and ball shedding, climatic
quality of seed, Bt cotton variety, seed socking with factors, soil moisture and nutrients , Bad ball
succinic acid, sowing in May, irrigation at opening, red leaf disease, boll drying,
pre-sowing, pre- flowering, and post flowering, untimely sowing, improper irrigation,
Spray NAA. inadequate and management, problem of
pest and diseases.
62
Soyabean Increase production: Expansion of area under Constraints: Water stress, heat stress, lack of
cultivation, expansion of productivity of crop per diversification of crop, lack of resistant variety, biotic
unit area, genetic improvement, efficient and stress, imbalance in nutrient management, inefficient
sustainable agronomic management, management of weeds, poor photosynthetic
augmentation of soyabean rhizosphere, efficiency, poor reproductive potential, low seed
enhancement of physiological traits, breeding for viability, rust and fungal epidemics.
resistant varieties, in-situ water conservation,
managing moisture stress, altering row spaces.
Ground nut Increase production: Increase horizontal spread Constraints: Indeterminate growth habit, low harvest
of crop, use intercropping, develop stable plant index, improper distribution of dry matter, poor
type, improve harvest index, introduce tolerant realization of reproductive potential, improper
varieties to draught, pest, insects etc, rainfall distribution, climatic factors, inadequate
institutional measures. agronomic practices.
Rabi Maize Reasons for high yields: Favorable weather Constraints: Unsuitable seed bed preparations, pest
conditions, timely sowing, proper establishment and diseases problems, lack of suitable varieties,
of plant stands, efficient fertilizer utilization, longer growing season, marketing problem, poor
effective water management, better weed fertilizer management.
management, Reduced pest and disease
problems, better post harvest management,
good grain-strove ratio.
63
 • Crop production presents enormous diversity owing to differences in latitude, altitude, and variability of rainfall and
edaphic factors. Thus, it may not be possible to enumerate and describe all types of cropping systems. Important element
of farming in India is the production of grains, and the dominant food-chain is grain-man. Country is broadly divided into 5
agricultural regions:

1. Rice Region 2. Wheat Region 3. Millet-Sorghum 4. Temperate Himalayan 5. Plantation crops

region region region
It extend from the Occupying most of Comprising Rajasthan, It covers Kashmir, H.P, In Assam and hills of
eastern part to include northern, western, and M.P, and the Deccan Uttrakhand, and some southern India good
a very large part of the central India. Plateau in the center of adjoining areas. quality tea is produced.
north-eastern and the the Indian Peninsula. Potatoes are as There is a production of
south-eastern India important as cereals high-quality coffee in
with another strip along and the tree fruits form the hills of the western
the western coast. a large part of peninsular India.
agricultural production. Rubber is mostly grown
in Kerala. Several spices
are also grown in Kerala
and parts of Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu.

• There had been a substantial investment in major irrigation projects in the colonial days. The post-independence era saw many
multipurpose irrigation projects, lately interest in medium and minor irrigation works ahs increased especially after the draught
of 1966. all these factors have led to the present cropping systems which are getting more and more intensive in respect of the
intensity of inputs utilized in the production of these crops. It was only in late 1980’s when country attained self sufficiency in
food grains and indiscriminate use of resources for intensive cropping started showing its ill effects on sustainability. 64
 9. DRY LAND
FARMING

• It is the cultivation of crops in an area where the source of water is only rainfall which varies
from 400mm/annum to 700mm/annum. Such amount of rainfall is sufficient to grow a
number of crops, its distribution is very erratic and most of the time precipitation is less
than evapotranspiration. >80% of the rainfall is received in 10-15 days period. The rainfed
agriculture is the cultivation of crops in an area where the source of water is also rainfall
that is >700mm/annum. Such amount of rainfall is helpful in avoiding stress conditions.
Most of the time precipitation is > evapotranspiration and sufficient moisture is available for
a period of 70-90 days. 62% of net cultivated area is under dry land farming, and rainfed
cultivation and contributes 40% of the total production.

65
• Some important crop varieties suitable for dryland cultivation are:
1. Jowar,
2. Bajra,
3. Wheat,
4. Barley,
5. Moong,
6. Urad,
7. Cowpea,
8. Gram,
9. Mustard.

66
 MODEL OF DRY LAND FARMING SYSTEM
• Low monitory system which is consist of
following elements:
• Moisture conservation
• Suitable inter-cropping system
• Choices of crop and variety
• Early sowing,
• Optimum plant population
• Weed management
• Pest management

67
• High cost Inputs it is consisting of :
• Fertilizer use,
• Use of tractor power,
• Water harvesting,
• Inter-row water harvesting,
• Modified inter-row water harvesting,
• Inter-plot water harvesting,
• Transfer of technology

68
• Integrated Dry Land technology:
• Conservation of in-situ soil moisture,
• Selecting suitable crop and substitution,
• Stabilizing optimum population,
• Maintaining soil fertility,
• Use of anti-transpirants.

69
70
 10. Precision Farming
• Precision farming refer to a crop management strategy that employs detailed, site-specific information to well manage production inputs and
outputs. The crop management is knowingly as the soil and crop characteristics unique to each part of the field to optimize the production inputs
within small portions of the field to increase crop yield.
• It essentially requires the use of latest and advanced tools including communication and information technologies. It is also known as smart
farming.

The crop production and minimizing the environmental impact

is the crux of precision farming. It works on the principal of 5
R’s:

Right
Input

Right Right
Manner amount

Right Right
time Place

71
• Components of Precision farming:
• Geo-location of data and information data base,
• Characterizing variability,
• Decision making two strategies for dealing with variabilities: Predictive approach, Control approach,
Sampling, Remote sensing, Proxy-detection, Aerial or satellite remote sensing,
• Technology:
• Global Positioning System Receivers,
• Differential Global Positioning System,
• Geographic Information Systems,
• Remote sensing,
• Variable Rate Applicator:
• Map-based VRA.
• Sensor-based VRA

72
Steps Involved in Precision
Agriculture:
• Identification and Characterization of Variability:
• Grid soil sampling,
• Crop survey
• Use of precision technologies for assessing variability,
• Implementing practices to manage variability:
• Variable rate application,
• Yield monitoring and mapping,
• Quantifying on farm variability,
• Evaluation of Precision farming:
• Economic analysis,
• Environmental assessment,
• Rate of Transfer of Technology,
• Sensors commonly used in precision farming:
• Soil sensors: Neutron probe moisture meter,
Time domain reflectometry, Radio spectrometry,
Reflectance spectrometers.
• Plant Sensors: SPAD( Soil Plant
Analysis Development) meter,
Chlorophyll-meter, Infra-red thermometer,
GreenSeeker, Crop Circle, etc.
73
11. Agriculture Credits
• The large proportion of resource constrained small and marginal
farmers in India, timely availability of adequate credit is fundamental
for the success of farming activities.
• The agricultural credit flow target for
2019-20🡪 ₹13,50,000 crores
Achieved🡪 ₹13,92,469.81 crores.
• The agriculture credit flow target for
2020-21🡪 ₹15,00,000 crores
Achieved till 30th Nov🡪 ₹ 9,73,517.80 crores

74
 • It is an institutional mechanism to provide
assured credit to farmer with least exploitation
of man-power. Here farmers are not
Formal Credit conditionally obliged to pay back on natural
calamity adversities but failure of paying back
makes burden on government to supplement the
losses.
• It is a way of providing funding to farmers
outside the purview of authorized institutions.
Most of farmers opt to finance their crops from
such source to avoid bulky mechanism of
Informal Credit
paperwork which is associated with formal credit
line, but this line of credit is risky and charge very
high rate of interest rates which push a farmer
deep into vicious cycle.

75
 12. Agriculture Related Schemes
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): major component of the mission, ‘On Farm
Water Management’ (OFWM) is being implemented with the objective of increasing water use
efficiency by promoting modern technologies such as micro irrigation and sustainable water
management practices, efficient water consumption, better distribution channels along with
secondary storage facilities.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Provide insurance coverage and financial support to the
farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop because of natural calamities, pests &
diseases. Stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. Encourage farmers
to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. Ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): The Centre has structured the scheme with merging
previous irrigation and water management programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefit
Programme (AIBP), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and On Farm Water
Management (OFWM) scheme. The Centre has approved Rs. 50,000 crore for five years for the
implementation of the flagship irrigation scheme across India.

76
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): “Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana” is an
elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) under National Mission of
Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). The scheme focuses on reducing the ill effects of
overuse of fertilisers and agrochemicals by promoting organic manures, bio-fertilisers,
and bio-pesticides. It helps improve the soil fertility by improving organic carbon in the
soil which results in enhancing moisture holding capacity in the field too.
Micro Irrigation Fund scheme: The objective of the fund is to facilitate the states in
availing an interest subvented loan for expanding coverage of micro irrigation facilities
by taking up special and innovative projects and for incentivising micro irrigation
beyond the provisions available under PMKSY to encourage farmers to install micro
irrigation systems.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Under the scheme, the Government of India provides farm
credit at a very subsidised rate of 4 percent per annum. Since 2019, the Centre has
extended the benefits of Kisan Credit Card to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries
farmers for their working capital requirement and raising the existing limit of collateral
free loan from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs.1.60 lakh.

77
 13. Agricultural Revolutions
Green Revolution Protein Revolution Yellow Revolution Black Revolution
Fore Father’s M.S.Swaminathan Term Coined by Mr. Sam Pitroda
Narender Modi
Product Agriculture food Agriculture (higher Oil seeds Petroleum
grains Production)
Year 1966-1967 2014-2020 1986-1990
Aim To fill the hunger Higher Production Oilseed Production To increase
gap and to provide (Technology-driven (Especially Mustard petroleum
basic staple food to 2nd Green and Sunflower) production, the
all with increasing revolution) Government
production per unit planned to
area. accelerate the
production of
ethanol and to mix
it up with petrol to
produce biodiesel.
78
 Blue Revolution Brown Revolution Golden Fiber Golden Revolution
Revolution
Fore Father’s Dr. Arun Krishnan Hiralal Chaudhuri Mr. Nirpakh Tuteja

Product/Field Fish & Aqua Leather, Coco Jute Fruits, Honey,

Horticulture
Year 1973-2002 1990’s 1991-2003
Aim vision to achieve To increase the The main
economic production of jute objective is to
prosperity of the as jute plant is increase the
country and the useful in productivity of
fishers and fish increasing organic fruits per unit area
farmers as well as fertility of the crop and production of
contribute for other plants honey.
towards food and usage.
nutritional
security through
full potential
utilization of
water resources
for fisheries
79
development in a
 Grey Revolution Pink Revolution Silver Revolution Silver Fiber
Revolution
Fore Father’s Mr. Durgesh Patel Mrs. Indira
Gandhi
Products/Field Fertilizers Pharmaceuticals, Egg’s Cotton
Prawns, Onion
Year 1960’s-1970’s 1970’s 2000’s 2000’s
Aim To increase the To increase onion A spectacular To increase the
production of production as it increase in the production of raw
fertilizer to has become production of cotton for
counter the ill essential food eggs as well as increasing its
effects of green item at present. poultry export.
revolution on soil production.
fertility.

80
 Red Revolution White Revolution Operation Green Round Revolution
Fore Father’s Mr. Vishal Tewari Mr. Varghese
Kurien
Product/Field Meat, Tomato Milk, Dairy Potato
Products
Year 1980’s 1970-1996 1965-2005
Aim To increase the To increase milk To increase the
per unit production, production of
productivity of availability and potatoes to make
Tomato and help the dairy them available as
production of industry to sustain raw material for
meat. itself food processing
economically by industry in making
developing a chips.
co-operative,
while providing
employment to
the poor farmers.

81
By Amit Garg

14. Problems in Agriculture

• 1. Instability: It is because of erratic rainfall pattern.
• 2. Cropping Patterns: Due to structural distortion of agriculture sector.
• 3. Land ownership: Most of the lands are fragmented or either major holdings are
in single hand or divided in family from generation to generation making size of
holding very small and non-compatible with higher machineries.
• 4. Land tenure: Old is Rotten a new phrase fits in this, as old age system of colonial
era still visible in new format of renting land or leasing land.
• 5. Agricultural Labourers: Disguised unemployment is common on fields and
manual workers are cheaper than renting higher machineries.
• 6. Marketing: Most of the mandis were used to be dominated by middle men,
they exploited the farmers worst than what Englishmen did in their times.
• 7. Indebtedness of farmers: Failure of crops due to calamities push farmers into
debt trap.

82