Indian Agriculture is rich and diverse. The country’s agriculture has evolved over millions of years. India also has diverse agro climatic conditions from the fertile plains to the terraced fields in the Himalayas.
The company ranked second in the world in farm output. Along with this, India is the second largest producer of dry fruits and other agricultural products like tuber crops, farmed fish, pulses, coconut, eggs, sugarcane and other vegetables. India is also the second largest producer of major food staples like rice and wheat. In terms of the Indian economy, farming employs 50% + of the Indian workforce and contributes 20% to the GDP.
10 Types of Agriculture in India
Following are the 10 types of agriculture in India. You can get a complete explanation about farming types that you should consider while starting your career in agriculture. Have a look down below.
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Traditional Subsistence Farming
Traditional subsistence farming means the small farmers who have held small lands doing farming for many generations. These small farmers are the backbone of rural India. These types of farmers produce different types of crops mainly for their family consumption. This traditional farming practice has a deep connection with the cultural fabric of rural communities and agriculture.
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Commercial Farming
Indian agriculture is developing and running with a fast paced world. Farmers in India are now focussing on raising livestock and producing crops for sale in the market. Most large scale enterprises are adopting innovative technologies and farming practices to increase their returns and profit. In this fast paced world, Mahindra novo 655 is the most technology advanced tractor.
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Organic Farming
Environmental concerns are growing in the world and it is not hidden to anyone. For eg. Coronavirus, the dreadful virus that encourages Indians to prefer healthy food compared to fast foods. These kinds of health concerns increased the demand for organic farming in India. This sustainable practice eschews synthetic chemicals and pesticides, emphasizing natural methods to cultivate crops. It aligns with contemporary eco-consciousness and traditional wisdom. For your organic farming activities, you can use Mahindra JIVO 225 DI for high returns.
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Horticulture and Floriculture
Horticulture is the plant farming dealing with generally fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and garden crops. Floriculture is also known as flower farming in which farmers grow and market flowers. And, we all know that India has vibrant colors in terms of cultural festivals to the fields of floriculture and horticulture. These are produced and grown for international as well as domestic markets.
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Aquaculture
Aquaculture is raising, breeding and harvesting shellfish, fish and aquatic plants. This type of farming is carried out in water. It is a source of food and commercial products for farmers. As we all know that India has numerous water bodies and vast coastline areas which are ideal for aquaculture. The nation’s export revenue and protein production also depend on shrimp cultivation, Fish farming and other aquatic endeavors.
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Sericulture
Sericulture is the production and growing of silkworms and extracting silk from them. In this process the caterpillars which are also known as Bombyx Mori are commonly used in sericulture. The art of production of silk has its roots in ancient Indian history. This specialized form of agriculture supports a successful silk industry.
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Dryland Farming
Dryland farming is producing crops according to the moisture present on the land. Basically, it involves a crop cycle and crop planning according to the amount of moisture present in the soil by continuously assessing. India’s arid and semi-arid regions necessitate specialized farming techniques. Dryland farming involves cultivating drought-resistant crops and adopting water conservation methods to thrive in regions with erratic rainfall.
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Agroforestry
Combining agriculture and forestry, agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into traditional farming practices. This sustainable approach not only enhances biodiversity but also provides additional income streams through timber, fruits, and other forest products.
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Terrace Farming in Hilly Regions
In the hilly terrain of states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, terrace farming is a marvel of engineering and tradition. Stepped fields prevent soil erosion and enable cultivation on otherwise challenging slopes.
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Precision Farming
Embracing technology, precision farming optimizes inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Through the use of sensors, drones, and data analytics, farmers can make informed decisions, enhancing productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vast and varied types of agriculture in India reflect the nation’s rich agricultural heritage and its ability to adapt to diverse geographical and climatic conditions. From time-honored traditions to cutting-edge technologies, Indian agriculture is a dynamic and evolving force that not only sustains livelihoods but also contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth and cultural identity. As we traverse this agricultural mosaic, we witness the resilience and ingenuity of farmers who continue to shape the future of India’s agrarian landscape.