Engineers India Research Institute

Agriculture Overview:

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy. About 65% of Indian population depends directly on agriculture and it accounts for around 22% of GDP. Agriculture derives its importance from the fact that it has vital supply and demand links with the manufacturing sector. During the past five years agriculture sector has witnessed spectacular advances in the production and productivity of food grains, oilseeds, commercial crops, fruits, vegetables, food grains, poultry and dairy. India has emerged as the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world in addition to being the largest overseas exporter of cashews and spices. Further, India is the highest producer of milk in the world.

Climate:

India has Monsoon climate in which a year has been divided into two distinct seasons of summer and winter. Rainfall occurs mainly in summer.

Weather Forecasting System:

India has a strong weather forecasting system developed and maintained by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Apart from weather forecasting and severe weather warning, it also gives agro meteorological services to farmers in India.

Agro Climatic Zones:

India has diverse agro-climatic zones from north to south and from east to west. It has been divided into fifteen different agro-climatic zones, which signifies its diversified agricultural production from tropical to temperate crops.

Major Crops:

Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Pulses, Cotton, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Tea, Coffee, Coconut, Cashew, Rubber, Spices, Cauliflower, Onion, Cabbage, Mango, Banana, Sapota, Acid lime.

Farm Size:

Indian Agriculture is characterized by small and marginal operational holdings. About 85% of total cultivated land has been fragmented into less than 10-hectare land. About 60% of farmland is less than 4 hectare in size.