Major Crops of India, State Wise List, Classification, Government Initiatives

India is one of the largest agricultural countries in the world, producing a wide variety of crops due to its diverse climate, soil, and irrigation facilities. Crops in India are mainly classified into food crops, cash crops, fibre crops, oilseeds, and plantation crops. These crops not only meet the country’s domestic consumption needs but also contribute to exports and rural employment. 

Understanding the Major Crops of India and their distribution is essential for food security and economic planning.

Classification of Major Crops in India

• Food Crops: Crops grown primarily for human consumption, including cereals like rice, wheat, and millets, as well as pulses.
• Cash Crops: Crops cultivated for commercial purposes, such as cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco.
• Fibre Crops: Crops like cotton, jute, and hemp used in textiles and industrial applications.
• Plantation Crops: Long-duration crops like tea, coffee, rubber, and spices grown mainly in hilly regions.
• Oilseed Crops: Crops like groundnut, mustard, soybean, and sunflower cultivated for oil extraction.
• Horticultural Crops: Fruits, vegetables, and flowers grown for domestic consumption and export.

Major Crops of India

1. Rice

• Rice is a staple food crop for a large part of India, especially in eastern and southern states.
• Requires high temperature (20-37°C), high humidity, and abundant water for cultivation.
• India is the second-largest producer of rice in the world.
• Primarily a Kharif crop, sown with the onset of monsoon and harvested in autumn.
• Important varieties include Basmati, Sona Masuri, Ponni, and non-Basmati hybrids.
• Grown in alluvial soils of river valleys and irrigated plains.
• Major Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

Also Read: Rice Cultivation in India

2. Wheat

• Wheat is a Rabi crop and staple food in northern and north-western India.
• Requires cool and dry climate with moderate rainfall (50-75 cm) and fertile, well-drained loamy soil.
• Grown under irrigated conditions, making it suitable for areas like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• India ranks among the top three wheat-producing countries globally.
• Varieties include Sharbati, Lok-1, PBW-343, and HD-2967.
• Plays a major role in food security and national buffer stocks.
• Major Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat.

Also Read: Wheat Cultivation in India

3. Maize (Corn)

• Maize is a versatile crop used for human consumption, animal feed, and industrial purposes.
• Can be cultivated in both Kharif and Rabi seasons depending on climatic conditions.
• Requires moderate rainfall (50-100 cm), well-drained fertile soil, and warm temperature.
• Varieties include sweet corn, hybrid maize, and popcorn, with high-yield hybrids increasing productivity.
• India is among the top 10 maize-producing countries.
• Contributes to processed foods, poultry feed, and starch industries.
• Major Producing States: Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Also Read: Maize Cultivation in India

4. Millets (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi)

• Millets are drought-resistant cereals suitable for semi-arid and arid regions.
• Require minimal irrigation, grow in poor or less fertile soils, and are nutritionally rich.
• Includes Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi, widely used for human consumption and fodder.
• Serve as subsistence crops in dry regions, ensuring food security.
• Can withstand high temperatures and low rainfall, making them climate-resilient.
• India is a major producer of millets, supporting rural livelihoods.
• Major Producing States: Rajasthan is the largest producer, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Also Read: Millets in India

5. Pulses

• Pulses are a vital protein source, complementing cereals in the Indian diet.
• Mostly grown as Rabi crops, requiring moderate water and well-drained soil.
• Improve soil fertility by nitrogen fixation, making them important in crop rotation.
• Common varieties: Gram (chana), Moong, Urad, Arhar (Tur), Masoor.
• Essential for nutrition, protein supply, and soil conservation.
• India is the largest producer of pulses, contributing 25% of global production, the largest consumer with 27% of world consumption, and also accounts for 14% of global imports.
• Major Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka

6. Sugarcane

• Sugarcane is a major cash crop cultivated for sugar, jaggery, and ethanol.
• Requires tropical to subtropical climate, high temperature, and abundant water.
• Long-duration crop grown mainly in irrigated regions due to high water requirement.
• Varieties include Co 86032, Co 0238, and others suitable for sugar mills.
• Supports sugar, ethanol, and paper industries, generating rural employment.
• India ranks second globally in sugarcane production.
• Major Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

7. Cotton

• Cotton is the primary fibre crop for India’s textile industry.
• Requires warm, frost-free climate and moderate rainfall (50-100 cm).
• Can be grown under rainfed or irrigated conditions depending on region.
• Varieties include Hirsutum (long-staple) and Desi cotton (short-staple).
• Supports cotton textile industry, exports, and employment in rural areas.
• India is among the top five cotton-producing countries globally.
• Major Producing States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana

Also Read: Cotton Production in India

8. Tea

• Tea is a plantation crop grown mainly in hilly and high rainfall areas.
• Requires acidic soil, humidity, well-distributed rainfall (200-250 cm), and cool climate.
• Varieties include Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, each with unique characteristics.
• India is the second-largest tea producer and a major exporter.
• Plantation sector provides employment in rural and tribal areas.
• Tea is used domestically and internationally as a beverage commodity.
• Major Producing States: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala

9. Coffee

• Coffee is grown in tropical regions with high rainfall and shade conditions.
• Requires well-drained soil, moderate temperature (15-28°C), and humidity.
• Produces Arabica and Robusta varieties, used domestically and exported.
• Plantation crop providing employment in hilly and forested areas.
• India ranks among top 10 coffee producers globally.
• Major for export revenue and specialty coffee industry.
• Major Producing States: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

10. Rubber

• Rubber is a plantation crop cultivated for latex production.
• Requires tropical climate, rainfall above 2000 mm, and temperatures 25-35°C.
• Supports industrial sectors like tires, gloves, and adhesives.
• Plantation cultivation ensures employment in rural southern India.
• India is among the top 10 rubber producers, mainly in tropical south.
• Varieties include RRII 105, RRII 414, and high-yield clones.
• Major Producing States: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

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Major Crops Producing States in India​

India’s diverse climate and fertile soils support the cultivation of a wide variety of crops across different states. Each state specialises in certain major crops based on regional climate, soil type, and irrigation facilities, contributing significantly to national agricultural production. Here is the List of Major Crops Producing States in India​.

Major Crops and Cropping Seasons

India’s agriculture follows three main cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid, determined by the monsoon and climatic conditions. Different crops are cultivated in these seasons based on temperature, rainfall, and soil requirements.

Factors Influencing Crop Distribution in India

Crop distribution in India is influenced by natural and human factors, determining which crops are suitable for different regions. Key factors include:

• Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and humidity directly affect crop growth.
  • Example: Rice requires annual rainfall above 100 cm and temperatures of 20-37°C, which is why it is mainly grown in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.
  • Wheat grows best in cool, dry climates with rainfall 50-75 cm, making Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh major producers.
• Soil Type: Fertility and soil texture influence crop suitability.
  • Example: Alluvial soils of the Indo-Gangetic plains support rice and wheat, while black soils of Maharashtra and Gujarat are ideal for cotton cultivation.
  • Laterite soils in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are suited for tea and coffee plantations.
• Irrigation Availability: Access to water determines high-yield crop cultivation.
  • Example: Sugarcane, which requires 150-250 cm of water, is grown in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, where irrigation infrastructure is well-developed.
• Topography: Landforms and elevation impact crop choice.
  • Example: Hilly areas like Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris grow tea due to sloping terrain and high rainfall, while the plains of Punjab and Haryana favour wheat and rice.
• Technology and Inputs: High-yield varieties (HYVs), fertilisers, pesticides, and mechanisation improve productivity.
  • Example: Adoption of HYV wheat and rice varieties during the Green Revolution doubled yields in Punjab and Haryana between 1965-1975.
• Socio-Economic Factors: Market demand, government policies, and cropping patterns influence decisions.
  • Example: Cotton cultivation in Gujarat and Maharashtra is promoted due to domestic textile industry demand and government support for cash crops.

Government Initiatives Related to Major Crops

The Indian government has implemented several schemes and programs to enhance crop production, improve farmers’ income, and ensure food security. These initiatives focus on insurance, diversification, technology adoption, and crop management.

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

• • Provides crop insurance against natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
  • Ensures farmers receive compensation for crop losses, reducing financial risk.
  • In 2022-23, over 50 million farmers were covered under this scheme, with claims of around ₹30,000 crore paid.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM):
  • Aims to increase production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals.
  • Promotes high-yield varieties, improved seeds, fertilizers, and crop management practices.
  • Between 2019-2023, NFSM contributed to ~10-15% increase in pulse production in targeted districts.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):
  • Encourages crop diversification, modernization, and infrastructure development.
  • Supports irrigation projects, farm machinery, and post-harvest storage.
  • States like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh used RKVY funds for modern storage and drip irrigation projects.
• Soil Health Card Scheme:
  • Provides farmers with soil nutrient status and fertilizer recommendations.
  • Promotes balanced fertilization and enhances crop productivity.
  • As of 2023, 12 crore soil health cards were issued to farmers across India.
• National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP):
  • Focuses on increasing oilseed crop production to reduce dependency on imports.
  • Supports high-yielding varieties, technology, and extension services.
  • Oilseed production increased from 27 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 35 million tonnes in 2023.

Challenges Related to Crop Production in India

• Climate change and erratic rainfall reduce crop yields; e.g., 2022 monsoon caused an almost 15% decline in Kharif rice in eastern states.
• Soil degradation and nutrient depletion from monocropping and overuse of fertilisers affect fertility; Punjab and Haryana face declining soil health.
• Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation limit high-water crops like sugarcane; Maharashtra suffers from falling water tables.
• Post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and transport infrastructure lead to 20-25% loss in fruits and vegetables.
• Low mechanisation and limited technology adoption reduce productivity, especially in rainfed regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Pest and disease outbreaks damage crops; e.g., 2020 locust swarms affected wheat and millet in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Market and price volatility impact farmers’ income; cotton and soybean farmers in Maharashtra faced losses due to low MSP in 2021-22.

Way Forward

• Promote climate-resilient and drought-tolerant crop varieties to withstand erratic weather, as seen with drought-resistant jowar and pulses in Maharashtra, increasing yields by 15–20%.
• Improve irrigation efficiency through drip, sprinkler systems, and watershed management, like the Mula Pravara project in Maharashtra, reducing water use by 40% for sugarcane.
• Encourage modern farming techniques such as mechanisation, precision agriculture, and high-yield seeds, similar to Punjab’s adoption of PBW-343 wheat during the Green Revolution.
• Strengthen storage, cold chain, and processing infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses, exemplified by the Amul cold chain system in Gujarat.
• Provide better market access, MSP support, and crop insurance to stabilize farmers’ income, as under PMFBY where 50 million farmers received ₹30,000 crore in claims in 2022–23.
• Enhance research, extension services, and farmer training for sustainable agriculture practices, like ICAR-KVK programs increasing yields by 10–15%.
• Promote crop diversification and organic farming to improve soil health and reduce dependency on a few crops, following Sikkim’s 100% organic farming policy.