Shift in cropping pattern dynamics in India and its impact

Cropping patterns in India

Cropping pattern refers to the
distribution of different crops within a specific area at a given time.
It indicates the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops that
follow in an area. In India, cropping patterns have traditionally been
shaped by the monsoons, which determine the agricultural calendar of the
country. India’s agricultural landscape is broadly divided into Kharif
(monsoon), Rabi (winter) and Zaid cropping seasons.

Kharif Cropping

The Kharif cropping begins in July and
lasts around September or October. This season heavily relies on
monsoon rains, which significantly influence the types of crops grown
and their yields. Major Kharif crops include rice, maize, sorghum,
millet, pulses (arhar and moong), and oilseeds (groundnut and soybean). Among these, rice is the most prominent Kharif crop, especially in states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, where it forms the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy.

Rabi Cropping

Rabi cropping typically begins with the
onset of winter in October and concludes with the harvesting season
around March or April. This season plays a crucial role in ensuring food
security in India, contributing significantly to the country’s total
food grain production. The primary Rabi crops include wheat,
barley, mustard, gram, and lentils. Wheat stands out as the most
important Rabi crop, occupying a significant portion of the total
cultivated area during this season. Wheat production has been
consistently rising, with estimates for 2022-23 reaching a record
1105.54 lakh tonnes, reflecting an upward trend in production.

Zaid Cropping

Zaid crops are grown in the short
intervening season between Kharif and Rabi, typically from March to
June. Common Zaid crops include watermelon, cucumber, pumpkin, bitter
gourd, and fodder crops. These crops require warm, dry weather and
longer daylight hours. They are cultivated using residual moisture in
the soil or with the help of irrigation. The area under cultivation of
Zaid crops has increased progressively by 2.7 times, from 29.71 lakh
hectares in 2017-18 to 80.46 lakh hectares in 2020-21.

Factors determining cropping patterns

The cropping patterns in India are shaped by environmental, economic, cultural, and policy-related factors.

Environmental factors: With the
country’s diverse agro-climatic zones and variable soil types dictating
the suitability of different crops, the environment plays a critical
role in determining agricultural output. The prevalence of pests and
diseases in specific areas also leads farmers to choose crops that are
less susceptible to local threats.

Technological adoption and varietal improvement: The
use of modern farming techniques, high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, and mechanization has enabled farmers to cultivate crops that may not have
been traditionally viable in certain regions, thereby altering
traditional cropping patterns. The Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) has made substantial contributions through varietal
improvement programmes. Between 2014 and 2022, ICAR released 1,956
high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties and hybrids of field crops, of
which 1,622 are climate-resilient.

Social and cultural factors: The
deeply ingrained socio-cultural factors significantly influence the
crops grown in various regions. Long-standing traditions, local customs,
and cultural practices often dictate crop choices, with certain crops
being cultivated for specific religious festivals or community needs.
The size of landholdings also plays an important role: small-scale
farmers often focus on subsistence crops, while larger landowners may
prioritise cash crops for the market.

Government interventions: Policy changes significantly
influence cropping patterns. Government policies related to subsidies,
credit facilities, crop insurance, and agricultural extension services
can either encourage or discourage the cultivation of certain crops. For
the 2023-24 season, the Minimum Support Price (MSP)
for Kharif and Rabi crops has been increased across various crops to
ensure farmers receive fair compensation despite potential market
fluctuations.