The Rabi crop sowing season in India for 2025 has shown notable increases in various crops compared to the previous year. As of February 4, 2025, total Rabi crop sowing has reached 6,610,300 hectares. This is an increase from 6,514,200 hectares in 2024. The current figures exceed the average normal acreage by over 250,000 hectares. However, concerns remain regarding mustard sowing and the potential impact of rising temperatures.
Wheat Cultivation
Wheat has seen increase in cultivation this year. It has been sown across 3,243,800 hectares, up from 3,183,300 hectares last year. The normal acreage for wheat is 3,123,500 hectares. Despite this positive trend, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings about above-normal temperatures in February. Past experiences, such as the heat in February 2022, have shown that such conditions can severely damage wheat and other crops.
Paddy and Pulses Production
Paddy cultivation also reflects a positive trend, with 425,400 hectares sown, compared to 405,900 hectares last year. Pulses have seen an increase as well, with 1,408,900 hectares sown this year, up from 1,378,000 hectares last year. Chickpeas, lentils, peas, and urad are the main types of pulses planted. Despite this increase, the area sown for chickpeas has decreased by 244,000 hectares compared to the previous year, raising concerns about India’s reliance on imports.
Other Rabi Crops
The area for millets and coarse grains has remained stable at 552,500 hectares. Sorghum, maize, and barley contribute to this figure. Additionally, oilseed cultivation has reached 974,700 hectares, with mustard being the primary crop at 893,000 hectares. However, this is a decline from last year’s 918,300 hectares.
Pest and Disease Management
In Tamil Nadu, the agricultural sector is facing challenges due to pests and diseases affecting coconut crops. The Black Headed Caterpillar has been identified as threat, exceeding the economic damage threshold. Authorities have advised farmers to monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions.
Government Initiatives
To address the declining production of pulses, the Government of India has implemented a Pulses Mission. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports. However, the effectiveness of this mission remains to be seen as the country continues to grapple with fluctuating agricultural outputs.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Discuss the significance of pulses in India’s agriculture and food security.
- Critically discuss the role of government initiatives in enhancing crop production.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by Indian farmers in pest management.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns, affecting sowing and harvest times.
- Rising temperatures can cause heat stress on crops, reducing yields, as seen in the 2022 wheat damage.
- Increased frequency of extreme weather events (droughts, floods) disrupts farming practices.
- Altered rainfall patterns impact irrigation and water availability for crops.
- Long-term changes in climate zones may shift suitable crop production areas, requiring adaptation.
2. Discuss the significance of pulses in India’s agriculture and food security.
- Pulses are a major source of protein for the Indian population, crucial for nutrition.
- They play an important role in soil health through nitrogen fixation, enhancing fertility.
- India is the largest consumer of pulses, making domestic production vital for self-sufficiency.
- Fluctuations in pulse production can lead to increased imports, affecting food security and prices.
- Government initiatives, like the Pulses Mission, aim to boost production and reduce import dependence.
3. Critically discuss the role of government initiatives in enhancing crop production.
- Government programs aim to increase productivity through subsidies and support for farmers.
- Initiatives like the Pulses Mission target specific crops to improve domestic production and reduce imports.
- Investment in research and development helps in creating resilient crop varieties against climate change.
- Extension services provide farmers with knowledge on best practices and pest management strategies.
- However, the effectiveness of these initiatives can be hindered by implementation challenges and local governance issues.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by Indian farmers in pest management.
- Pests like the Black Headed Caterpillar threaten crops, as seen in Tamil Nadu’s coconut plantations.
- Farmers often lack access to timely information and resources for effective pest control.
- Over-reliance on chemical pesticides can lead to resistance and environmental harm.
- Limited financial resources restrict farmers’ ability to invest in integrated pest management solutions.
- Climate change exacerbates pest problems, leading to increased infestations and crop losses.
