Cropping Patterns and Irrigation for UPSC Prelims
1. Introduction to Cropping Patterns and Irrigation
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing ~50% of the workforce and contributing ~15% to GDP. Cropping patterns, the spatial and temporal arrangement of crops, and irrigation systems, which ensure water supply, are critical for sustaining agricultural productivity. These systems vary across India due to diverse climatic, soil, and topographical conditions. Understanding cropping patterns and irrigation is essential for UPSC Prelims, as they influence food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
Key Facts
- Agriculture Area: ~140 million hectares of net sown area in India
- Irrigation Coverage: ~49% of cultivated land is irrigated
- Major Crops: Rice, wheat, pulses, sugarcane, cotton
- Significance: Supports 60% of India’s population through agriculture
Important Facts for UPSC
- 58% of India’s farmland is rain-fed, dependent on monsoon.
- India is the largest producer of pulses and second-largest of rice and wheat.
- Irrigation accounts for 80% of India’s total water usage.
2. Types of Cropping Patterns in India
Overview
Cropping patterns define the type, sequence, and timing of crops grown on a piece of land, influenced by climate, soil, and water availability.
Major Types
| Pattern |
Description |
Examples |
| Monocropping |
Growing one crop repeatedly on the same land |
Sugarcane in UP, tea in Assam |
| Mixed Cropping |
Growing multiple crops simultaneously |
Wheat + mustard in Punjab |
| Intercropping |
Growing two or more crops in a specific pattern |
Soybean + pigeon pea in MP |
| Crop Rotation |
Sequential cultivation of different crops |
Rice-wheat in Indo-Gangetic Plains |
| Multiple Cropping |
Growing two or more crops in a year |
Rice-pulses-wheat in Haryana |
Important Facts for UPSC
- Rice-wheat rotation dominates 10 million hectares in Northwest India.
- Mixed cropping reduces risk in rain-fed areas like Rajasthan.
- Intercropping improves soil fertility and pest control in organic farming.
3. Regional Variations in Cropping Patterns
Overview
Cropping patterns vary across India due to differences in climate, soil, and irrigation facilities.
Regional Patterns
| Region |
Major Crops |
Characteristics |
| Indo-Gangetic Plains |
Rice, wheat, sugarcane |
Fertile alluvium, intensive irrigation |
| Deccan Plateau |
Cotton, pulses, millets |
Black soils, rain-fed agriculture |
| Coastal Plains |
Rice, coconut, spices |
High rainfall, laterite soils |
| Northeast India |
Rice, tea, jute |
Heavy rainfall, shifting cultivation |
| Arid Northwest |
Millets, oilseeds |
Low rainfall, sparse irrigation |
Important Facts for UPSC
- Punjab and Haryana produce 50% of India’s rice-wheat surplus.
- Maharashtra leads in cotton due to black soils in Vidarbha.
- Shifting cultivation (jhum) is practiced in Northeast states like Nagaland.
4. Factors Influencing Cropping Patterns
Overview
Cropping patterns are shaped by environmental, economic, and social factors, determining crop choice and rotation.
Key Factors
| Factor |
Description |
Impact |
| Climate |
Rainfall, temperature, humidity |
Rice in high rainfall areas; millets in arid zones |
| Soil Type |
Fertility, texture, drainage |
Cotton on black soils; rice on alluvial soils |
| Irrigation |
Availability of water |
Intensive cropping in Punjab; rain-fed in Deccan |
| Market Demand |
Prices, consumer preferences |
Sugarcane in UP due to sugar industry |
| Technology |
Seeds, fertilizers, machinery |
High-yield varieties in Green Revolution areas |
Important Facts for UPSC
- Monsoon rainfall determines 58% of cropping patterns in rain-fed areas.
- Alluvial soils cover 40% of India’s farmland, ideal for rice-wheat.
- Hybrid seeds boosted yields by 50% in Punjab since the 1960s.
5. Irrigation Systems in India
Overview
Irrigation is critical for stabilizing agriculture in India, where 58% of farmland depends on erratic monsoons.
Types of Irrigation
| Type |
Description |
Regions |
Share (%) |
| Canals |
Channels from rivers, reservoirs |
Punjab, UP, Andhra Pradesh |
24 |
| Tube Wells |
Groundwater extraction via pumps |
UP, Punjab, Haryana |
64 |
| Tanks |
Water storage in natural/man-made basins |
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka |
4 |
| Drip/Sprinkler |
Water-efficient micro-irrigation |
Maharashtra, Gujarat |
2 |
| Others |
Traditional wells, lift irrigation |
Rajasthan, Northeast |
6 |
Important Facts for UPSC
- Groundwater irrigates 64% of India’s farmland, highest globally.
- Canals from Bhakra-Nangal irrigate 10 million hectares in Northwest India.
- Micro-irrigation covers only 2% of farmland, despite water efficiency.
6. Major Irrigation Projects
Overview
Large-scale irrigation projects enhance agricultural productivity and water management.
Key Projects
- Bhakra-Nangal (Punjab, Haryana): On Sutlej River, supports Green Revolution.
- Sardar Sarovar (Gujarat, MP): On Narmada, irrigates 1.8 million hectares.
- Indira Gandhi Canal (Rajasthan): Transforms Thar Desert, irrigates 1.5 million hectares.
- Ken-Betwa Link (MP, UP): First river-linking project, under implementation.
Important Facts for UPSC
- Bhakra-Nangal generates 1,500 MW power, irrigates 10% of Punjab’s farmland.
- Sardar Sarovar displaced 200,000 people, sparking environmental debates.
- National River Linking Project (NRLP) aims to irrigate 35 million hectares.
7. Challenges in Cropping and Irrigation
Cropping Challenges
- Monocropping Risks: Soil degradation, pest outbreaks (e.g., wheat in Punjab).
- Climate Variability: Monsoon failures affect 58% rain-fed areas.
- Low Diversification: Over-reliance on rice-wheat reduces resilience.
Irrigation Challenges
- Groundwater Depletion: Over-extraction in Punjab, Haryana (e.g., 80% wells critical).
- Inefficient Systems: Canals lose 40% water to seepage.
- Uneven Access: Northeast, arid regions have low irrigation coverage.
Important Facts for UPSC
- Groundwater levels in Punjab dropped 10 meters in 20 years.
- Only 10% of Northeast’s farmland is irrigated, lowest in India.
- Soil salinity affects 6.7 million hectares due to poor irrigation practices.
8. Government Initiatives and Policies
Overview
The government promotes sustainable cropping and irrigation through policies and schemes.
Key Initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched 2015, aims to irrigate every field.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes crop diversification, organic farming.
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance against drought, floods.
- Micro-Irrigation Fund: ₹5,000 crore for drip/sprinkler systems.
Important Facts for UPSC
- PMKSY targets 10 million hectares of new irrigation by 2026.
- NMSA promotes millets to diversify 20% of rain-fed areas.
- PMFBY covered 50 million farmers in 2023, insuring ₹1.5 lakh crore.
9. Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts
Socioeconomic Impacts
- Economic Growth: Irrigation boosts yields by 50%, raising rural incomes.
- Food Security: India produces 300 million tonnes of food grains annually.
- Rural Employment:
Environmental Impacts
- Soil Degradation: Monocropping, over-irrigation cause salinity, nutrient loss.
- Water Stress: Irrigation consumes 80% of freshwater, depleting aquifers.
- Biodiversity Loss: Intensive farming reduces agro-biodiversity.
Important Facts for UPSC
- Irrigated agriculture contributes 75% of India’s food grain production.
- Over-irrigation in Punjab causes waterlogging in 20% of farmland.
- Crop diversification can reduce water use by 30% in dry regions.
10. Significance for Geography
Geographical Significance
Cropping patterns and irrigation reflect India’s diverse climate, soils, and topography, shaping agricultural regions.
Environmental Significance
Sustainable practices are needed to mitigate soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate impacts.
Socioeconomic Significance
Agriculture drives rural economies, food security, and livelihoods, requiring efficient resource management.
UPSC Relevance
Cropping patterns and irrigation are core topics in Indian geography, tested for their regional variations, challenges, and policies.
Important Facts for UPSC
- Agriculture consumes 80% of India’s freshwater, highest globally.
- Green Revolution doubled food grain production from 1960–1990.
- National Water Policy, 2012, promotes efficient irrigation practices.
UPSC Preparation Tips
- Memorize major cropping patterns, crops, and irrigation types.
- Understand regional variations (e.g., rice-wheat in Punjab, millets in Rajasthan).
- Focus on factors influencing patterns (climate, soil, irrigation).
- Link irrigation to major projects (Bhakra, Sardar Sarovar) and challenges.
- Practice map-based questions on agricultural regions and irrigation projects.
- Revise key terms (monocropping, intercropping, groundwater depletion) and policies (PMKSY).