The Indian agricultural sector has been in the news recently, with a worrying report on the Rabi crops. The critical factor of rainfall, essential for wheat growth during winter, has been severely lacking in northwest and central India due to an abnormal lack of western disturbances. This article discusses the reasons for this abnormal weather pattern, the nature of Rabi crops, and other types of crops grown in India.
Impact of Inadequate Rainfall on Rabi Crops
Rabi crops are sown around the Retreating Monsoon and Northeast monsoon season, beginning in October. They are typically harvested during April and May, in the summer season. Major Rabi crops include wheat, gram, peas, barley, etc., which require a warm climate for seed germination and a cold climate for crop growth.
Worryingly, there has been an abnormal lack of western disturbances over northwest and central India, leading to insufficient rainfall and moisture, crucial for growing wheat during the winter. The impact of such weather conditions extends beyond agriculture, affecting rural economies and food security.
Understanding the Causes of the Limited Rainfall
The first two weeks of October 2022 saw incessant rainfall in the region, but the absence of rain since early October can be traced back to the lack of western disturbances in November and a complete absence in December. Western disturbances are extratropical storm systems originating from the Arctic, Mediterranean, and West Asian regions, bringing winter rainfall to northwest and some parts of central India.
This paradoxical weather scenario is linked to several active weather systems, including a possible impact of the continuing La Niña phenomenon in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and a warming Arctic region.
Varieties of Crops Grown in India: Kharif and Zaid Crops
India’s diverse climate allows for the cultivation of various types of crops throughout the year. Apart from Rabi crops, Kharif and Zaid crops are also extensively grown.
Kharif crops are sown during the southwest monsoon season, around end May to early June, and harvested after the monsoon rains begin in October. They depend greatly on rainfall patterns. Major Kharif crops include rice, maize, and pulses like urad, moong dal, etc., requiring an ample amount of water and hot weather for growth.
Zaid crops, on the other hand, fill the agricultural gap between Rabi and Kharif crops. They are typically sown and harvested between March and July. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, fodder crops, etc., are considered important Zaid crops.
Cultivation Trends: Insights from UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has included questions related to crop cultivation trends in India in previous years’ question papers. One such question from 2019 examined the area under various Kharif crops cultivation and found the highest area under rice cultivation. Additionally, the cultivation area of cotton was found to be higher than that of sugarcane, providing insights into the changing agricultural practices in India.
Another question from 2013 saw the examination of different Kharif crops, confirming cotton, groundnut, and rice as key crops of this category.
The conditions and patterns of crop cultivation in India are subject to many factors, including changing weather patterns due to global warming and climate change. Thus, understanding these aspects is crucial for effective agricultural planning and policy formulation.
