Introduction
The Indian civilization has always been agrarian. Right from the Vedic Saraswati civilization to the modern times, farmers have cultivated this rich land and cherished their bond with Mother Nature. It is no wonder then that India is a land of abundance and wisdom.
Agriculture farming in India is a century-old activity, and is currently the highest contributor to the GDP of India. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and farmers constitute 58% of India’s population. It means much of India remains untouched by the mindlessness of consumerism. Under its Agriculture Export Policy, the Government of India aims to increase agricultural export by over $60 billion by 2022. This means, the agricultural activity in India will be doubling. If we describe the farmers of India, they constitute 58% of the country's population. Agriculture is the primary source of income for the mentioned percentage of the population.
The Indian food industry also aims to grow by leaps and bounds. Already, the Indian food market stands as the 6th-largest globally with food processing covering over 32% of the country’s food industry. Thus, we see that India is enriched by both traditional and commercial forms of agriculture.
Agricultural Methods of the Indian Farmer
Agriculture farming in India is the oldest activity and has been the major livelihood for farmers. Over the years, farming methods in India have changed, thanks to the technology invention making the lives of farmers easy. Socio-cultural practices, climatic conditions, and other aspects have also contributed to the innovation in Indian farming. Currently, both traditional farming methods in India and modern farming are practiced.
Let us check some of the old and modern farming techniques in India
Primitive Farming - One of the oldest techniques in India, primitive farming is practiced in small farms with traditional instruments like a hoe, digging sticks, etc. Farmers depend upon soil fertility, environmental conditions and other factors like heat for the harvest. This method is usually employed by those who use the output for their consumption. This technique is also called “Slash and Burn” farming where farmers burn the land once the crops have been harvested.
Subsistence Farming - Cultivation takes places across wide and larger land areas with two types of crops : wet and dry. Wet crops include paddy and dry crops grown are wheat, maize and pulses. This method demands extensive use of chemical fertilizers and different methods of irrigation.
Commercial Farming - This technique is a modern day farming method where the farmers use a variety of new-age tools for surplus profits. Insecticides and fertilizers are also used because the crops grown are spread across large patches of land. It contributes a great percentage to the country’s GDP. While farmers in Haryana, Punjab and West Bengal practice commercial farming techniques, farmers of Orissa continue to prefer subsistence farming for large productions.
Plantation Farming - It is another subset of commercial farming. It makes use of both labor and technology to ensure the process is sustainable as plantations are spread across huge patches of land. It includes both agriculture and industry because of the nature of the crops grown.
Modern Farming Methods in India
Besides the above-mentioned farming techniques in India, there are other methods followed in different regions of the country. Much of these don’t fall under traditional farming methods in India. This includes:
Aeroponics System
Aeroponics is the process where plants are grown in the air or mist environment without the use of soil. It is the subset of hydroponics, and suspends the plant root in the air to work. Farmers, by using this method will have better control over the amount of water to use.
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is a closed-loop system that relies majorly on the symbiotic relationship between aquaculture and agriculture for fertilization. This farming method combines conventional aquaculture with hydroponics.
Hydroponics
The hydroponics method is a less-soil type of farming, and it doesn't require any type of soil. The process involves growing healthy plants without the inclusion of solid medium using nutrients including water solution which is mineral-rich. Hydroponic farming is the subset of hydroculture, and the nutrients used in hydroponic farming systems have different sources.
Monoculture
This method is the raising of a single crop in a specific area of farming. However, in a country like India, the Monoculture technique of farming isn't widely followed. Indoor farming like growing medicinal plants falls under the monoculture. In plain words, monoculture is a modern agriculture practice where a single crop or plant is grown.
FAQs on Farming in India
1. What are the main characteristics of farming in India?
Farming in India is primarily characterised by its reliance on the monsoon, a large labour force, and generally small landholdings. It is often of a subsistence nature, meaning farmers grow crops mainly for their own family's consumption. However, commercial farming is also growing, leading to a diverse range of crops across different regions and seasons.
2. What are the major types of farming methods practiced across India?
India exhibits a variety of farming methods due to diverse geographical conditions and technological advancements. The major types include:
- Primitive Subsistence Farming: Practiced on small patches of land with simple tools and depends on monsoon and natural fertility.
- Intensive Subsistence Farming: Practiced in areas of high population pressure, aiming for maximum output from limited land.
- Commercial Farming: Involves growing crops for sale in the market, often using modern inputs like HYV seeds and fertilisers.
- Plantation Agriculture: A type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown over a large area, like tea, coffee, or rubber.
3. Which states are considered the leading agricultural producers in India?
While agriculture is widespread, some states contribute significantly to India's total agricultural output. Key agricultural states include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. These states are known for producing major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and various pulses, supporting the nation's food security and economy.
4. What is organic farming, and why is it important in modern agriculture?
Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilisers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones. It focuses on using natural substances like bio-fertilisers and bio-waste (animal, food, aquatic waste) to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance. It is important because it promotes sustainable agriculture, reduces chemical residues in food, protects the environment by minimising pollution, and caters to a growing demand for healthier food options.
5. How do different cropping seasons influence farming practices in India?
Cropping seasons are crucial in India, largely determined by the monsoon and other climatic factors. India has three main cropping seasons:
- Kharif (Monsoon) Season: Crops like rice, maize, jowar, bajra, and cotton are grown with the onset of the monsoon in July-August and harvested in September-October.
- Rabi (Winter) Season: Crops such as wheat, barley, peas, gram, and mustard are sown in October-December and harvested in April-June.
- Zaid Season: A short season between Kharif and Rabi, mostly for the cultivation of short-duration crops like vegetables, fruits, and fodder crops.
These seasons dictate the types of crops grown, irrigation needs, and farming activities throughout the year.
6. Why is agriculture often referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy?
Agriculture is considered the backbone of the Indian economy because it employs a significant portion of the population, provides food security for the vast populace, and supplies raw materials to various agro-based industries. It contributes substantially to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and plays a vital role in exports, generating foreign exchange. The overall well-being of the rural population and national prosperity are intrinsically linked to the health of the agricultural sector.
7. How has the Green Revolution significantly transformed farming practices in India?
The Green Revolution, introduced in the 1960s, brought about a remarkable transformation in Indian agriculture. It primarily focused on increasing food grain production by introducing High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, especially for wheat and rice, coupled with increased use of fertilisers, pesticides, and improved irrigation facilities. This led to a substantial rise in food production, making India self-sufficient in food grains and moving it from a food-deficient nation to an exporter. While boosting productivity, it also highlighted the need for sustainable practices and addressed regional disparities in development.
8. What are the key challenges currently faced by Indian farmers, and how are efforts being made to address them?
Indian farmers face several challenges, including dependence on unpredictable monsoons, fragmented landholdings, lack of access to credit and modern technology, inadequate storage facilities, and fluctuating market prices. Efforts to address these include promoting **irrigation facilities**, encouraging **farm mechanisation**, providing **crop insurance** schemes, offering **Minimum Support Prices (MSPs)** for major crops, improving market linkages, and promoting **digital agriculture** to disseminate information and services directly to farmers. Climate change impacts are also being mitigated through climate-resilient farming practices.
9. In what ways can modern technology and sustainable practices improve Indian agriculture?
Modern technology and sustainable practices can significantly enhance Indian agriculture by improving efficiency and environmental health. This includes using precision farming techniques (like drone surveys and soil sensors), advanced irrigation methods (drip and sprinkler systems), and mechanisation for timely operations. Sustainable practices like crop rotation, integrated pest management, organic farming, and the use of renewable energy sources (solar pumps) reduce environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and ensure long-term productivity and food security.
10. How do government policies and initiatives support the development of farming in India?
The Indian government implements various policies and initiatives to support agricultural development. These include providing subsidies on fertilisers and electricity, offering Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for easy access to credit, implementing crop insurance schemes (like PMFBY) to protect against losses, and establishing **Minimum Support Prices (MSPs)** to ensure fair prices for crops. Additionally, government initiatives focus on improving irrigation infrastructure, promoting agricultural research and education, and developing rural markets to empower farmers and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
