NABARD Master Notes PI F Lyst2553

ARD
TOPIC - AGRICULTURE
Master Notes I AS PER SYLLABUS
Agriculture: definition, meaning and its branches, Agronomy: definition, meaning and
scope of agronomy. Classification of field crops. Factors affecting on crop production,
Agro Climatic Zones; Cropping Systems: Definition and types of cropping systems.
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Contents
1 Present scenario of Agriculture 3
1.1 Crowding in of Private investment in agriculture 3
1.2 Trends in Agriculture growth and GVA 4
1.3 Gross Capital Formation 6
1.4 Food Grain Production 6
1.5 Share of Sectors 8
2 Agriculture: definition, meaning and its branches 8
3 Branches of Agriculture 8
4 Agronomy 9
4.1 Definition 10
4.2 Meaning 10
4.3 Scope of Agronomy 10
4.4 Principles of Agronomy 10
4.5 Major Principles of Agronomy: 10
5 Classification of Field crops 11
5.1 Agronomy/ Economic classification: 11
5.2 Botanical Classification 16
5.3 Climate 17
5.4 Root Depth 18
5.5 Ontogeny (Life cycle) 18
5.6 Climatic Season 18
5.7 Season 18
6 Factors affecting crop Production 19
6.1 Climatic Factors 19
6.2 Edaphic Factors 21
6.3 Biotic Factors- Factors Having Life 23
6.4 Physiographic Factors 24
6.1 Genetic Factors 24
7 Agro Climatic Zone (ACZ) 25
7.1 Classification of ACZ by Planning Commission 27
7.2 ICAR - CLASSIFICATION 27
8 Cropping System and Pattern 27
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9 Important Institutions 30
10 Practice Questions 32
1 Present scenario of Agriculture

Before going into the static part of syllabus first analyze the current scenario of agriculture
pertaining to certain sectors which are generally asked in the examination.
1.1 Crowding in of Private investment in agriculture
The crowding out effect is an economic theory Crowding-in is a phenomenon that occurs
that argues that rising public sector spending when higher government spending leads to an
drives down or even eliminates private sector increase in economic growth and therefore
spending. encourages firms to invest due to the presence
of more profitable investment opportunities.
To spend more, the government needs added
revenue. It obtains it by raising taxes or by
borrowing through the sale of Treasury
securities. Higher taxes can mean reduced
income and spending by individuals and
businesses.
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1.2 Trends in Agriculture growth and GVA
A trend in the percentage share of agriculture and allied sectors to total GVA of the
economy at current prices for the last ten years is presented in Figure 3. The share of the
sector in total GVA of the economy has a long-term trend of around 18 per cent. The
share of the agriculture & allied sector in total GVA, however, improved to 20.2 per cent
in the year 2020-21 and 18.8 per cent in 2021-22.
A trend in the distribution of share of GVA of agriculture among its constituents is

presented in Figure 4. Higher growth in allied sectors as compared to crop sector has
obvious implications in terms of increasing importance of the former in total agricultural
GVA vis-a-vis the later. It may be observed that the share of the livestock and fishing &
aquaculture in total agricultural GVA has been improving during the period. Recognising
the increasing importance of allied sectors, the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income
(DFI, 2018) considers dairying, livestock, poultry, fisheries and horticulture as engines of
high growth and has recommended a focussed policy with a concomitant support
system.
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As per economic survey 2021-22, Agriculture and allied sectors have been the least
impacted by the pandemic and the sector is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2021-22
after growing 3.6 per cent in the previous year.
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1.3 Gross Capital Formation
Investment is critical to the growth of a sector. The Gross Capital Formation (GCF) in
agriculture and allied sectors relative to GVA in the sector has been showing a fluctuating
trend as shown in Figure 5. Fluctuation in the GCF in the sector arises mainly because of
wide fluctuations in private investment in agriculture and allied sectors. As may be
observed in the Figure 5, while public investment has remained stable between 2-3 per
cent over the years, the private investment has fluctuated and the total agricultural GCF
has moved in sync with variation in private investment.
Recognising that there exists a direct correlation between capital investments in

agriculture and its growth rate, there should be a focused and targeted approach to
ensure higher public and private investment in the sector. Higher access to concessional
institutional credit to farmers and greater participation of private corporate sector, whose
investment rates are currently as low as 2 to 3 per cent in agriculture1 , may help in
improving private investment in agriculture. Private corporate investments need to be
crowded in by offering an appropriate policy framework and increase in public
investment along the entire agricultural value system.
1.4 Food Grain Production

• As per Fourth Advance Estimates for 2021-22, the production of food grains and oil
seeds has been increasing Year-on-Year (YoY).
• Production of pulses has also been notably higher than the average of 23.8 million
tonnes in the last five years. However, as indicated earlier changing climate has
been impacting agriculture adversely.
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• The year 2022 witnessed an early heat wave during the wheat-harvesting season,
adversely affecting its production. The year experienced a decline in the sown area
for paddy cultivation too in the Kharif season due to delayed monsoons and
deficient rainfall.
• As per First Advance Estimates 2022-23 (kharif only) the paddy area was about 3.8
lakh hectares less than the sown area of 411.2 lakh hectare during 2021-22 (kharif
season).
• Further, in the current rabi season the area under rabi paddy has expanded by 6.6
lakh hectares as compared to last year (Crop Weather Watch Group 12 January
2023).
• As per the First Advance Estimates for 2022-23 (Kharif only), total food grains
production in the country is estimated at 149.9 million tonnes which is higher than
the average Kharif food grain production of the previous five years (2016-17 to
2020-21).
• Despite a fall in the sown area of Kharif paddy, the total production of Kharif rice
during 2022-23 is estimated at 104.9 million tonnes, which is higher than the previous
five years (2016-17 to 2020-21) average Kharif rice production of 100.5 million
tonnes.
AE Time
Ist AE The concept of advance estimates was introduced in the Indian economy in 2016-17
when the first advance estimate report was published by CSO.
The intention behind introducing the first advance estimates was to incorporate e
essential inputs for the budget exercise of the country.
Usually, the first advance estimates are released soon after the third fiscal quarter
(Q3), but it does not include the data from this quarter.
2nd AE The data from the third quarter (Q3) is covered under the second advance
estimates, which are released in February.
3rd AE May
4th AE Aug
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1.5 Share of Sectors
The growth of agriculture & allied sectors as shown in the Figure 1(Above) should be read
with Figure 2 depicting the growth in the four constituents of agriculture & allied sectors
namely crops, livestock, forestry & logging and fishing & aquaculture. It is observed that
livestock and fisheries have been experiencing buoyant growth and has helped the
sector perform well. For instance in 2018-19 the growth in the agriculture was buoyed by
the performance of livestock and fisheries even though the growth of GVA for crops was -
1.6 per cent.
2 Agriculture: definition, meaning and its branches
AGER Soil CULTURA Cultivation Origin-Latin
Mesolithic period Neolithic Age Bronze Age The Iron Age

• Hunters and Herders • The beginning of • Chalcolithic culture • Sickle was used
• This period is Agriculture • Invention of plough
characterized by • Cultivation of millets • Use of wheel.
tiny stone and pulses in south
implements called India
microliths • Discovery of silk
3 Branches of Agriculture
Video Lecture on Branches of Agriculture: https://youtu.be/lZhvpD2p-dQ
Agriculture is mainly divided into following seven branches –
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Crop Protection Animal
Allied Group
Group Husbandry Group
•Agronomy •Animal •Agri Engg.
•Horticulture Husbandry •Home Science
•Forestry •Pisciculture
1. Agronomy
2. Horticulture- Fruits- Pomology; Vegetables- Olericulture
3. Forestry- Silviculture
4. Animal husbandry
5. Fishery science- Pisciculture
6. Agricultural Engineering and
7. Home science - includes subjects like biology, psychology, bio-chemistry,
economics, rural development, child development, sociology and family
relations including other science subjects.
Cultivation of Plough was Cultivation of rice Use of iron Plough Introduction of several crops to India i.e. potato, tapioca,
crops- Wheat & invented, irrigated tomato, chillies, pineapple,
Barley farming started groundnut, tobacco, rubber, American cotton
7500 BC 2900 BC 2200 BC 1400 BC 1600 BC
Discovered Oxygen Discovered MB law of minimum Annals of Father of

Plough Agriculture agricultural
chemistry’
Priestly Thomas JV Liebig Arthar JV Liebig
Jefferson Young
Dept of Agri. IARI Pusa IARI Shifted to Pantnagar Ag 1965-66 Semi-dwarf rice varieties TN1 &
Bihar Delhi Univ. IR 8 from Taiwan and
1880 1903 1936 1962 Green Rev Philippines
respectively is formed as base
for green revolution.
Q. Green Revolution started for which of the following crops? Select most appropriate
answer.
a. Wheat
b. Paddy
c. First wheat then Paddy
d. First Paddy then wheat
e. Both crops together
4 Agronomy
Link for Video Lecture: https://youtu.be/xaif7hlM25g
Link for Video Lecture: https://youtu.be/wg4gpMnzFcs
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4.1 Definition
Agronomy, The term is derived from the Greek words “Agros” meaning “Field” and
“nomos” meaning “to manage.” So, Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science which
deals with principles and practices of soil, water and crop management.
4.2 Meaning
Agronomy is considered as the mother or primary branch of agriculture. Like agriculture, it
is nothing but an integrated and applied aspect of different disciplines of pure sciences. It
has three distinct branches:
• Crop Science (mainly field crops)

• Soil science
• Environmental Science ( that deals with applied aspects)
“The central theme of agronomy is of soil-crop-environment relationship”
The core of agronomy is the field of crop plants with the theme of controlling the
environment (micro climate). The nature of agronomy is based on soil-plant- environment
relationship
4.3 Scope of Agronomy

• Yield maximization with introduction of new cultivars/ HYVs
• Reduced cost of production due to proper crop management
• Better water use efficiency due to agronomic knowledge
• Special tillage and intercultural operations for better crop growth and maximizing
harvesting index
• Appropriate soil fertility management can increase crop yields with lesser use of
fertilizer for increased profit
• Reduced post harvest loss due to agronomic knowledge and practices
• Intensive cropping patterns and integrated farming systems for sustainable
agricultural growth and increased food production per unit area to feed teeming
millions every year.
4.4 Principles of Agronomy

The principle of agronomy is based on two major purposes
• Develop an understanding of the important principles underlying the management.
• Develop the ability to apply these principles to production situations.
4.5 Major Principles of Agronomy:

1. Agro-meteorology: Study of climatic factors related to agriculture.
2. Soils & Tillage: Tillage is the agricultural preparation of the soil by ploughing, ripping, or
turning it. There are two types of tillage: primary and secondary tillage. Soil is a natural
body consisting of layers of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from
the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical
characteristics.
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3. Soils & Water conservation: Water conservation refers to reducing the usage of water
and recycling of waste water for different purposes like cleaning, manufacturing,
agriculture etc.
4. Dry land Agriculture: Dry land farming is an agricultural technique for cultivating land
which receives little rainfall.
5. Mineral Nutrition of plants, Manures & Fertilizers: Plant nutrition is the study of the
chemical elements that are necessary for plant growth.
6. Irrigation & water management: Water management is the activity of planning,
developing, distributing and optimum use of water resources under defined water polices
and regulations
7. Weed Management: Management of unwanted plant in field.
8. Cropping & Farming systems: Shall be discussed in detail
9. Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture refers to the ability of a farm to produce
fertile soil and cows, without causing severe or irreversible damage to ecosystem health
5 Classification of Field crops

The field crops can be classified in multiple number of ways like their life cycle, Botany,
season, climate etc.
Trick: ABC – ROCS
Link for Video lecture: https://youtu.be/xaif7hlM25g
Agronomy, Botany, Climate, Root depth, Ontogeny, Climate, Season
Agronomic Cereal, Grain, Legume, Oil seed, Sugar, Fiber, Fodder, Rubber, Tuber,
(Economic) Root, Medicinal
Botany Dicot & Monocot
(Scientific)
Root Depth Shallow, Intermediate, Deep
Ontogeny Annual, Bineal, Perennial
(life cycle)
Climate Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Polar
Season Rabi, Khariff, Zaid
Co2 Fixation C3, C-4, CAM
Pollination Self, Cross and Often Pollinated
5.1 Agronomy/ Economic classification:

• Cereal-Crops/(Grain-Crops)
These are the grasses grown for their edible seeds. Examples include wheat, rice,
maize, barley, oat, sorghum, millet and others. Cereal grains are the seeds from
plants of the grass family (Poaceae or Gramineae)
• Forage-Crops
These are the crops which are cultivated for green chop, hay, silage or soiling, or
they are grazed by animals. In terms of dry matter, these crops have over 25% fiber
contents. Forage crops belong to the Graminae and Leguminosae families like
clovers and grasses respectively.The crops like sorghum, maize and other coarse
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crops when harvested as whole and used to feed animals, these are termed as
Fodder crops
Berseem • Egyptian clover,

• King of fodder crops
Lucerne • Alfalfa,
• Lucerne is also termed `Queen of
forages',
• King of drought tolerance
Senji • Sweet clover
Napier • Elephant grass
• Uganda grass
• Oilseed-Crops
These are crops cultivated specifically for the purpose of extracting oils from their
seeds. For example, mustard, rapeseed, canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower,
sesame, castor bean, linseed and flax. Groundnut and rape seed mustard account
about 85 percent of the total production of oilseeds in the country. In other words,
groundnut among the major oilseeds is accounted as about two third, mustard
seed one fourth of linseed and sesame five percent of castor, and three percent of
total production. Edible oil seed crops are classified as
❖ conventional (rapeseed, mustard, sesame, groundnut),
❖ non-conventional (sunflower, safflower, soybean) and
❖ non-tree oilseeds (cotton, maize and rice bran). Non-tree oilseed crops are
contributing upto 70% towards the national edible oil production in the country
whereas the non-conventional oilseed crops share about 6% in the local oil
production (GOP, 2006-07).
CROP OIL CONTENT

Brown Mustard • 43%
Sesame • Sesame seed is rich in oil, contains high amounts of (83-90%)
unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (37-47%), oleic acid
(35-43%), etc
Black Mustard • 29%
Toria • 35%
Yellow Mustard • 45%
Canola Oil • Canola oil is a vegetable oil derived from a variety of rapeseed
that is low in erucic acid
• <2% erusic acid
Soyabean • 18–19% oil
• Contains 55% Linoleic acid
Groundnut • Groundnut seeds contain about 45–56% oil and 22–30% protein
• Pod is economic portion in groundnut and contains 50% of oil content
Bran oil • Rice bran oil has a composition similar to that of peanut oil, with
38% monounsaturated, 37% polyunsaturated, and 25% saturated
fatty acids.
Niger • Seed is the economic portion and used in soap making, paint, varnish &
light lubricant
Linseed • Linolenic acid 68%
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• Fiber-Crops
These crops are specially grown to extract fiber. This fiber is used to make clother,
ropes, bags etc. For example cotton, jute, flax, sunhemp. Plants are grown for
obtaining fibre. Different kinds of fibre are, i) seed fibre – cotton; ii) Stem/ bast fibre –
Jute, mesta; iii) leaf fibre – Agave, pineapple
• Sugar-Crop
Edible sugar is made from the juice extracted from these crops. For example,
sugarcane, sugar beet and sweet sorghum.
• Pulse-Crops
These are the members Leguminosae which are cultivated for their edible seeds.
For example, chickpea, mung bean, mash bean, lentil, cowpea, faba bean, lima
bean, and Green gram (Vignana radiata) pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan).
• Root and Tuber Crops
These crops are grown for their underground economical part like rhizome, bulb,
tuber, corms and stem tubers. For example, onion, garlic, groundnut, potato, radish,
carrot and turnip.
• Vegetable-Crops
Crops which are grown for their edible leaf, shoot, fruits and seeds. For example,
cabbage, spinach, garden pea, squash, pumpkin, tomato, eggplant, okra, lady
finger, broccoli, aspargus, cauliflower and cucumber etc.
• Condiment Crops
Corriander, mint and chillies are cultivated and used as condiments.
• Narcortic-Medicinal-Crops
Tobacco, poppy, tea, coffee and pepper-mint are the crops which find their use as
narcotic or drug crops.
• Millets
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• They are hardy, resilient crops that have a low carbon and water footprint, can
withstand high temperatures, grow on poor soils with little or no external inputs and
are thus termed as the ‘miracle grains’ or ‘crops of the future’.
• The most heat- and drought-resistant cereal of all is pearl millet, which can be
grown in hot climates, light soils, and semi-arid environments.
• The most protein (12.5%) is found in proso millet.
• The best source of crude fiber and iron is barnyard millet.
• In India, millets are primarily a kharif crop.
• Government of India realized the importance of millets in building nutritional
security in the country and made several efforts such as gazetting millets as Nutri-
Cereals, the celebration of the National Year of Millets in 2018
• The Government of India, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
spearheaded the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution for declaring
the year 2023 as International Year of Millets.
• The proposal of India was supported by 72 countries, and UNGA declared 2023 as
the International Year of Millets in March 2021
MAJOR MILLETS MINOR MILLETS
Ragi also known as finger millet is known for its Kangri/Kangni or Kakum also known as Foxtail
weight loss capabilities and is a coarse food Millet is the second-most widely grown millet in
grain consumed mainly by rural and southern the world
parts of India.
Jowar also known as Sorghum is often regarded An ancient millet called jhangara or sanwa,
as the "new quinoa" due to its gluten-free and also known as barnyard millet, is often farmed
whole-grain properties. Also called Camel Plant in Uttarakhand's hilly regions
Bajra, commonly referred to as the pearl millet, An annual plant that can withstand drought,
originates in Rajasthan and is now highly valued kodo, koda, or arke millet is widely grown in
across the country due to its ayurvedic and India,
scientific benefits.
Little millet, also known as kutki or shavan, is

typically eaten like rice.
Proso (Cheena) also referred to as white millet,

Kashif millet, or hog millet is a distinctive Indian
millet. Also called common millet
Production
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• India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millet, which is 80 per cent of Asia’s
and 20 per cent of global production.
• While the Global average yield of Millet is 1229 kg/ha, the yield in India is 1239
kg/ha.
• In India - Pearl millet (60%) followed by Sorghum (27%), Finger millet (11%) and Small
millets (2%) are the major millets produced in India (as per the 4th Advance
estimate 2021- 22)
• Under National Food Security Mission (NFMS) programme, the NFSM-Nutri Cereals is
being implemented in 212 districts of 14 states.
• India has more than 500 Start-ups working in the millet value-added chain, while
Indian Institute of Millets Research has incubated 250 Start-ups under Rashtriya Krishi
Vikas Yojana - Raftar.
• India’s major millet exporting countries are U.A.E, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Oman,
Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, U.K and U.S.A
• NITI Aayog signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with United Nations World Food
Program (WFP) on December 20, 2021. The partnership focuses on mainstreaming
millets and supporting India in taking lead globally in knowledge exchange using
the opportunity of 2023 as an International Year of Millets
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has specified a comprehensive group standard
for millets vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Second
Amendment Regulations, 2023 notified in the Gazette of India and the same will be enforced
w.e.f. 1st September 2023. FSSAI has now framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of
millets specifying 8 quality parameters i.e., maximum limits for moisture content, uric acid content,
extraneous matter, other edible grains, defects, weevilled grains, and immature and shrivelled
grains, so as to ensure availability of good quality (standardized) millets in domestic and global
markets.
The group standard is applicable to the following millets.:
• Amaranthus (Chaulai or Rajgira)
• Barnyard Millet ((Samakechawal or Sanwa or Jhangora)
• Brown top (Korale)
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• Buckwheat (Kuttu)
• Crab finger (Sikiya)
• Finger Millet (Ragi or Mandua)
• Fonio (Acha)
• Foxtail Millet (Kangni or Kakun)
• Job's tears (Adlay)
• Kodo Millet (Kodo)
• Little Millet (Kutki)
• Pearl Millet (Bajra)
• Proso Millet (Cheena)
• Sorghum (Jowar)
• Teff (Lovegrass)
• Initiatives for Millets as “The Food of the Future” & Organic farming & millet
promotion “Savayava Bhagya Yojana” - Karnataka
• Institute- Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) – Hyderabad - Indian Institute of
Millet Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad will be supported as a centre of excellence,
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while announcing the Union Budget 2023-
2024. India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of Shree Anna, the
FM said adding that IIMR will be supported to make a global hub of the same.
5.2 Botanical Classification

Monocot and dicot differ in their roots, stem, leaves, flowers and seeds. The main
difference between monocot and dicot is that monocot contains a single cotyledon in its
embryo whereas dicot contains two cotyledons in its embryo.
Monocots:
(1) Poaceae: e.g. Cereals i.e. paddy, wheat, sorghum, Maze

(2) Zingiberaceae: e.g. Ginger
(3) Liliaceae : e.g. Onion
Dicots:
(1) Malvaceae: e.g. cotton, okra,
(2) Cruciferae : e.g. cabbage, musta
(3) Solanaceae: e.g. tobacco, potato, brinjal
(4)Leguminoceae: e.g. groundnut, pigeon pea, gram, pea,
(5) Tiliaceae: e.g. jute, sun hemp
(6) Linaceae: eg. Linseed
(7) Euphorbiaceae : e.g. castor
(8) Composite : e.g. sunflower
(9) chenopodiaceae: e.g. sugar beet
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5.3 Climate
Characteristics of different zones
Temperate zone:
Vegetative and flower buds of most of the temperate zone fruits enter into dormancy in
late summer or autumn and require a substantial amount of winter cold before they can
resume growth in the following spring.
➢ Temperate fruit plants are exacting in their climate requirement.

➢ They are grown only in place where winter is distinctly cold, require as exposure of
specific chilling temperature for certain period without which they do not flower.
➢ These fruit plants are generally deciduous and stand frost. E.g. apple, almond,
peach, pear, plum, strawberry, apricot, persimmon, cherimoya, pecan nut, walnut,
hassle nut, cherry, pistachios and kiwifruits etc.
In India, temperate zone climatic environment occurs at sufficiently high elevations.
Type of temperate fruit Example

1. Simple fruits
a. Fleshy • Pome - apple, pear
• Drupe (Stone) - cherry, peach, plum and apricot
b. Dry
• Nut - Walnut, almond, chestnut, hazelnut and
pecan nut.
• Achne - Strawberry.
2. Aggregate fruits • Raspberry
3. Multiple (composite) fruits • Mulberry
Subtropical zone:
➢ The fruit crops grown under a climatic condition between temperate and the
tropical are known as subtropical fruit crops.
➢ They may be either deciduous or evergreen and are usually able to withstand a low
temperature but not the frost.
➢ They are also quite adoptive to fluctuations of light and dark period during day and
night. Some subtropical fruit plants require chilling for flower bud differentiation.
Example; grape, citrus, durian, jackfruit, etc.,
Tropical zone:
➢ Tropical fruit plants are generally evergreen and are extremely sensitive to cold.
➢ The plants are generally grown in climatic conditions prevailing in the region
between the tropic of cancer (230 (27) N latitude) and the tropic of Capricorn (230
(27) S latitude).
➢ They do well under lesser fluctuations of diurnal temperature, light and dark periods
they require a moist warm climate but are capable of withstanding dry weather in
some cases e.g; mango, banana, papaya, sapota, etc.
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5.4 Root Depth
➢ Shallow Depth – 15 cm
➢ Deep Depth – 45-60 cm
5.5 Ontogeny (Life cycle)

Ontogeny is the origination and development of an organism; usually from the time of
fertilization of the egg to the organism’s mature form—although the term can be used
to refer to the study of the entirety of an organism's lifespan.
• Annual Wheat, rice, maize, mustard
• Bineal Sugar beet, beet root,
• Perenial Napier fodder grass, coconut,
5.6 Climatic Season

The crops are classified according to their growing geographical regions
Coconut, Wheat, All pines,

sugarcane barley Rice, pasture
cotton grasses
POLAR
TROPICAL
SUB TROPICAL
TEMPERATE
**Rice can be grown in both tropical and sub-tropical zones.
5.7 Season
Season – Short time; Climate - Long time
Crops are grouped under the seasons in which their major field duration falls.
a) Kharif crops: Crops grown during June-July to September–October which require a
warm wet weather during their major period of growth and shorter day length for
flowering. Ex. Rice, maize, castor, groundnut.
b) Rabi crops: Crops grown during October–November to January-February, which
require cold dry weather for their major growth period and longer day length for
flowering. Ex. Wheat, mustard, barley, oats, potato, bengal gram, berseem, cabbage and
cauliflower.
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c) Summer crops: Crops grown during February–March to May–June which require warm
dry weather for growth and longer day length for flowering. Ex.Black gram, greengram,
seasome, cowpea etc.
This classification is not a universal one. It only indicates the period when a particular crop
is raised. Ex. Kharif rice, kharif maize, rabi maize, summer pulse etc
6 Factors affecting crop Production

Click Link for Video: https://youtu.be/WF1neYob4GQ
There are many factors which affects growth of crops .Crop growth is diverse mix of
multiple factors which we shall be discussing now.
Classification - Broadly we can classify it into two groups Environmental (External) &
Genetic (Internal or Hereditary)
CLIMATIC
ENVIORMENTAL
EDAPHIC
BIOTIC
PHYSIOGRAPHIC
AGRONOMIC
GENETIC
GENETIC
/Herediatry
Illustration: Classification of crop production factors
6.1 Climatic Factors

The climatic factors include rainfall and water, light, temperature, relative humidity, air,
and wind.
Factor Remark
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Temperature • The range of temperature for maximum growth of most of
the agricultural plants is between 15 and 40◦C.
• The minimum, maximum (above which crop growth ceases)
and optimum temperature of individual’s plant is called as
cardinal temperature.
Crops Min Optimum Max
temperature temp temperature
ºC ºC
Rice 10 32 36-38
Wheat 4.5 20 30-32
Maize 8-10 20 40-43
Sorghum 12-13 25 40
Tobacco 12-14 29 35
Relative Humidity • Relative humidity is ratio between the amount of moisture

(RH) presenting the air to the saturation capacity of the air at a
particular temperature.
• Relative humidity of 40-60% is suitable for most of the crop
plants.
Precipitation • In heavy and evenly distributed rainfall areas, crops like rice
in plains and tea, coffee and rubber in Western Ghats are
grown.
• Low and uneven distribution of rainfall is common in dry-land
farming where drought resistance crops like pearl millet,
sorghum and minor millets are grown.
• Average Rainfall 125 cm out of which 75% received June to

September
• According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), a
rainy day has been defined as a day with rainfall of 2.5 mm
or more rainfall.
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Solar Radiation • Photoperiodism is a response of plant to day length
• Short day – Day length is <12 hours (Rice, Sunflower and
cotton)
• long day – Day length is > 12 hours (Barley, oat, carrot and
cabbage)
• day neutral – There is no or less influence on day length
(Tomato and maize).
• Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR - 0.4 – 0.7μ)
Wind Velocity • Wind movement for 4 – 6 km/hour is suitable for most crops.
• Anemometer is used to measure wind velocity.
Atmospheric Gases • CO2 – 0.03%, O2 - 20.95%, N2 - 78.09%, Argon - 0.93%, Others
- 0.02%.
Physiographic factors = Topography + Altitude + Steepness + Exposure to light & wind
6.2 Edaphic Factors

Means factors which are related to soil, the table below depicts important edaphic
factors.
Factor Remark
Soil Moisture Soil Moisture Terminologies:
Click Link to
understand
concept of soil
moisture
Concept of Soil
Moisture
• Field capacity: is the amount of water remaining in the soil a

few days after having been wetted and after free drainage
has ceased. The matric potential at this soil moisture condition
is around - 1/10 to – 1/3 bar.
21
• Permanent wilting point: is the water content of a soil when
most plants (corn, wheat, sunflowers) growing in that soil wilt
and fail to recover their turgor upon rewetting. The matric
potential at this soil moisture condition is commonly estimated
at -15 bar.
• Gravitational water: Free water that moves through the soil
due to the force of gravity. Gravitational water is found in the
macropores. It moves rapidly out of well-drained soil and is not
considered to be available to plants.
• Capillary water: that remains in the soil after
gravitational water is drained out, that is subject to the laws
of capillary movement, and that is in the form of a film around
the soil grains.
• Hygroscopic Water: absorbed from the atmosphere and held
very tightly by the soil particles, so that it is unavailable to
plants in amounts sufficient for them to survive.
Soil • It affects the physical and chemical processes going on in the

Temperature soil.
• It influences the rate of absorption of water and solutes.
• Soil temperature controls the microbial activity.
Soil Organism
22
Soil Organic It improves the texture of the soil.
matter
Soil Mineral
Matter
Soil Ph
Soil Air • Potato, tobacco, cotton linseed, tea and legumes need higher O2 in soil
air
• Rice requires low level of O2 and can tolerate water logged condition.
6.3 Biotic Factors- Factors Having Life

➢ Flora- Competitive and complementary nature among field crops when grown
together
➢ Fauna- Honey bees and wasps help in cross pollination and increases yield and
considered as beneficial organisms.
23
6.4 Physiographic Factors
The factors include the following aspects:
Physiological Factor Characteristics
Topography The nature of surface earth (leveled or sloppy) is known as
topography. Topographic factors affect the crop growth
indirectly.
Altitude Increase in altitude causes a decrease in temperature and

increase in precipitation and wind velocity (hills and plains)
Steepness of Slope It results in run off of rain water and loss of nutrient rich top
soil.
Exposure to Light and Wind A mountain slope exposed to low intensity of light and
strong dry winds may results in poor crop yields (coastal
areas and interior pockets).
6.1 Genetic Factors

Are those factors which affect plant growth and development involving genes, the
chromosomes, the genomes, and all those which determine gene expression with the
exclusion of environmental factors
24
7 Agro Climatic Zone (ACZ)
Click link for Concept of ACZ: https://youtu.be/Joh68XsZh4M
An agro-climatic zone is a land unit uniform in respect of climate and length of growing
period (LGP) which is climatically suitable for a certain range of crops and cultivars (FAO,
1983).
Organization ACZ/AER
Planning Commission 15
ICAR 127
NBSS & LUP 20
Western Himalayan Sub-zones of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh hills
zone The region consists of skeletal soils of cold region, podsolic mountain meadow soils
and hilly brown soils
Eastern Himalayan Sikkim and Darjeeling hills, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur,
zone Tripura, Mizoram, Assam and Jalpaiguri and Coochibihar districts of West Bengal fall
under this region, with high rainfall and high forest cover.
Shifting cultivation is practiced in nearly one-third of the cultivated area
Lower Gangetic This zone consists of West Bengal-lower Gangetic plain region. The soils are mostly
Plains zone alluvial and are prone to floods.
Middle Gangetic This zone consists of 12 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and 27 districts of Bihar plains
Plains zone About 39% of gross cropped area is irrigated and the cropping intensity is 142%
Upper Gangetic This zone consists of 32 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Irrigation is through canals and tube
Plains zone wells. A good potential for exploitation of ground water exists.
Trans-Gangetic This zone consists of Punjab, Haryana, Union territories of Delhi and Chandigarh and
Plains zone Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan. The major characteristics of this area are: highest
net sown area, highest irrigated area, high cropping intensity and high groundwater
utilization
Eastern Plateau This zone consists of eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, southern part of West Bengal
and Hills zone and most of inland Orissa. The soils are shallow and medium in depth and the
topography is undulating with a slope of 1-10%. Irrigation is through tanks and tube
wells.
Central Plateau This zone comprises of 46 district of Madhya Pradesh, part of Uttar Pradesh and
and Hills zone Rajasthan. The topography is highly variable nearly 1/3rd of the land is not available
for cultivation. Irrigation and cropping intensity are low. 75% of the area is rainfed
grown with low value cereal crops. There is an intensive need for alternate high value
crops including horticultural crops.
Western Plateau This zone comprises the major part of Maharastra, parts of Madhya Pradesh and one
and Hills zone district of Rajasthan. The average rainfall of the zone is 904 mm. The net sown area is
65% and forests occupy 11%. The irrigated area is only 12.4% with canals being the
main source
Southern Plateau This zone comprises 35 districts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu which
and Hills zone are typically semi-arid zones. Dryland farming is adopted in 81% of the area and the
cropping intensity is 111 percent
East Coast Plains This zone comprises of east coast of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Soils are
and Hills zone mainly alluvial and coastal sands. Irrigation is through canals and tanks.
West Coast Plains This zone comprises west coast of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharastra and
and Ghats zone Goa with a variety of crop patterns, rainfall and soil types.
Gujarat Plains and This zone consists of 19 districts of Gujarat. This zone is arid with low rainfall in most parts
Hills zone and only 32.5% of the area is irrigated largely through wells and tube wells.
Western Dry zone This zone comprises nine districts of Rajasthan and is characterized by hot sandy
desert, erratic rainfall, high evaporation, scanty vegetation. The ground water is deep
and often brackish. Famine and drought are common features of the region
Islands zone This zone covers the island territories of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadeep which
25
are typically equatorial with rainfall of 3000 mm spread over eight to nine months. It is
largely a forest zone with undulated lands.
Q. What is difference between Agroclimatic Zone (ACZ) and Agro Ecological Zone (AEZ)
Ans: Explained in video https://youtu.be/Joh68XsZh4M
26
7.1 Classification of ACZ by Planning Commission
Planning Commission of India (1989) divided country into different agro climatic regions
based on homogeneity in rainfall, temperature, topography, cropping and farming
systems and water resources. India is divided into 15 agro-climatic regions
7.2 ICAR - CLASSIFICATION

The State Agricultural Universities were advised to divide each state into sub-zones, under
the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) under ICAR. Based on the rainfall
pattern, cropping pattern and administrative units, 127 agro-climatic zones are classified.
The zones of state are given below.
8 Cropping System and Pattern

Video Lecture on this topic: https://youtu.be/WI7Wci0jzjI
Cropping pattern is the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops and fallow on
a given area. Cropping system comprises all cropping patterns grown on the farm and
27
their interaction with farm resources, other household enterprises and the physical,
biological, technological and sociological factors or environments".
• Sequential cropping - A form of multiple cropping in which paddy is grown in

sequence on the same field, with the succeeding crop planted after the harvest of
the preceding crop.
INTERCROPPING
• Mixed cropping - Growing of two or more varieties of paddy simultaneously and
intermingled without row arrangements, where there is significant amount of
intercrop competition.
• Mono-cropping system - A system of cultivation in which a paddy is grown over a
large area of land often for several years.
• Ratooning - One of the important methods of intensive cropping, allowing the
stubbles of paddy crop to strike again after harvesting and to raise another crop.
• Relay planting - The second crop is planted into an established stand of a main
crop. The second crop develops fully after the main crop is harvested . Rice- rice
fallow pulse
• Row intercropping - Growing two or more crops simultaneously where one or more
crops are planted in rows. Often simply referred to as intercropping. Maize +
greengram (1:1), Maize + blackgram (1:1), Groundnut + Rredgram (6:1)
• Strip intercropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously in strips wide enough
to permit independent cultivation but narrow enough for the crops to interact
agronomically. Ex. Groundnut + redgram (6:4) strip.
28
29
9 Important Institutions
1. Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack

2. Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora
3 Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur
4. Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry
5. Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow
6. Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore
7. Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur
8. Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore
9. Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi
10. Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore
11. Central Institute of Sub Tropical Horticulture, Lucknow
12. Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar
30
13. Central Institute of Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
14. Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi
15. Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
16. Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum
17. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod
18. Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair
19. Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut
20. Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dehradun
21. Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, Bhopal
22. Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal
23. ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region including Centre of Makhana, Patna
24. Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad
25. Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
26. ICAR Research Complex Goa
27. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani
28. National Institue of Abiotic Stress Management, Malegaon, Maharashtra
29. Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal
30. Central Institute on Post harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana
31. Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi
32. Central Institute of Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai
33. National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata
34. Indian Agricultural Statistical Research Institute, New Delhi
35. Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan
36. Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom
37. Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hissar
38. National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore
39. Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar
40. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi
41. Central Institute Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai
42. Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore
43. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin
44. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubneshwar
45. National Academy of Agricultural Research & Management, Hyderabad
National Research Centres - 17
1. National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi
2. National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi
3. National Research Centre for Litchi, Muzaffarpur
4. National Research Centre for Citrus, Nagpur
5. National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune
6. National Research Centre for Banana, Trichi
7. National Research Centre Seed Spices, Ajmer
8. National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur
9. National Research Centre on Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim
10. National Research Centre Agroforestry, Jhansi
11. National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner
12. National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar
13. National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad
14. National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati
15. National Research Centre on Yak, West Kemang
16. National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland
17. National Centre for Agril. Economics & Policy Research, New Delhi
Important International Institutions on Agricultural Research
• AVRDC- Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre, Taiwan
• CIAT – Centro International de Agricultura Tropical , Cali, Colombia
• CIP – Centro International da la Papa ( International potato research institute (Lima, Peru, South
• America)
• CIMMYT – Centro International de Mejoramiento de Maizy Trigo.(International Centre for maize
• and Wheat development (Londress, Mexico)
• IITA –International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Ibadon in Nigeria, Africa)
• ICARDA – International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (Aleppo, Syria)
• ICRISAT – International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (Pattancheru in
• Hyderabad, India)
• IIMI- International Irrigation Management Institute, Colombo, SRILANKA
IRRI – International Rice Research Institute (Los Banos, Philippines)
ISNAR- International Service In National Agricultural Research The Hague, Netherlands
31
WARDA - West African Rice Development Association Ivory coast, Africa.
IBPGR - International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy
CGIAR – Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, Washington D.C
FAO – Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome
WMO- World Meteorological Organization, Vienna
10 Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following system is related to Vegetable cultivation and forest Tree
management? [NABARD-2017]
a. Pomology+Agroforestry
b. Olericulture+Agroforestry
c. Olericulture + Silviculture
d. Pisciculture+Olericulture
e. None
Q2. Cultivation of Grapes is known popularly as which of the following? [NABARD-2017]

a. Olericulture
b. Pomology
c. Viticulture
d. Pisciculture
e. None
Q3. Who is referred as father of Agronomy?

a. Dokuchev
b. Pietro de'Crescenzi i
c. Brady
d. Both a and b
e. None
Q4. Indian Institute of Pulse Research is located in which of the following city?
a. Lucknow
32
b. Kanpur
c. Indore
d. New Delhi
e. None
Q5. Annual average Rainfall of India as per IMD is?

a. 75 cm
b. 100 cm
c. 110 cm
d. 125 cm
e. None
Q6. Maximum Area of India receives rainfall in the range?

a. 0-750 mm
b. 750-1500 mm
c. 1500 – 2000 mm
d. 2000mm +
e. None
Q7. Cereal like paddy, wheat etc. belong to which family?

a. Leguminoceae
b. Poaceae
c. Malvaceae
d. Solanaceae
e. None
Q8. King of Fodder crops is which of the following?
a. Napier
b. Berseem
c. Alfa-Alfa
d. Senja
e. None
Q9. Which of the following is bineal crop based on Ontogeny?
a. Paddy
b. Black Gram
c. Ragi
d. Carrot
e. All
Q10. Canola Oil are known for less erusic acid content, it is below what % ?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
33
e. None
Q11. Which of the following represents an example of Composite fruit?
a. Raspberry
b. Strawberry
c. Mulberry
d. Cranberry
e. All
Q12. Nival Zone crops are found in ?
a. Plains
b. Low altitude
c. Medium altitude
d. Very high altitudes
e. None
Q13. Coconut represents which type of crop based on climate?
a. Temperate
b. Tropical
c. Sub Tropical
d. Polar
e. None
Q14. Which of the following element represents important feature of Dry land Integrated
farming system?
a. Pig
b. Cow
c. Goat
d. Buffalo
e. None
Q15. Jute and Cotton fibre crops are which type of crops based on season?
a. Rabi
b. Kharif
c. Zaid
d. All
e. None
Q16. Major portion of Punjab,Haryana,Delhi Comes under which AGROCLIMATIC zone?
a. Lower gangetic Plain
b. Trans gangetic Plain
c. Upper gangetic plain
d. Middle gangetic plain
e. None
Q17. Which state has the highest number of Agro climatic zones?
a. Punjab
b. Haryana
c. Madhya Pradesh
34
d. Uttar Pradesh
e. Nobe
Q18. Minimum temperature for growth of Rice is (in degree celsius) how much?
a. 10
b. 12
c. 15
d. 18
e. 20
Q19. Crop + Dairy + Biogas + Mushroom + Silvi-culture pertains to which farming system?
c. Dry
land
base
d
a. Wetland b. Gardenland farmi
based based ng d. Moistland e. None of
farming farming syste based the
system system m ecosystem above
Q20. Which of the following is wrongly matched with respect to optimum temperature (in
degree celsius) for growth-
a. Paddy- 32
b. Wheat-20
c. Maize-20
d. Sorghum-18
e. All are correct
Q21. Which of the following is not a Edaphic factor?
a. Soil air
b. Soil water
c. Soil Microbes
d. Soil temperature
e. All are Edaphic factors
35
NEXT - PART II
Problems of dry land agriculture; Seed production, seed processing, seed village;
Meteorology: weather parameters, crop-weather advisory; Precision Farming, System of
Crop Intensification, organic farming; Soil and Water Conservation : Major soil types, soil
fertility, fertilisers, soil erosion, soil conservation, watershed management
36

NABARD Master Notes PI F Lyst2553

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ARD

Master Notes I AS PER SYLLABUS

1 Present scenario of Agriculture

1.1 Crowding in of Private investment in agriculture

A trend in the distribution of share of GVA of agriculture among its constituents is

Recognising that there exists a direct correlation between capital investments in

1.4 Food Grain Production

2 Agriculture: definition, meaning and its branches

AGER Soil CULTURA Cultivation Origin-Latin

Mesolithic period Neolithic Age Bronze Age The Iron Age

Agriculture is mainly divided into following seven branches –

7500 BC 2900 BC 2200 BC 1400 BC 1600 BC

Discovered Oxygen Discovered MB law of minimum Annals of Father of

Link for Video Lecture: https://youtu.be/wg4gpMnzFcs

• Crop Science (mainly field crops)

“The central theme of agronomy is of soil-crop-environment relationship”

4.3 Scope of Agronomy

4.4 Principles of Agronomy

4.5 Major Principles of Agronomy:

5 Classification of Field crops

Trick: ABC – ROCS

Link for Video lecture: https://youtu.be/xaif7hlM25g

Agronomy, Botany, Climate, Root depth, Ontogeny, Climate, Season

5.1 Agronomy/ Economic classification:

Berseem • Egyptian clover,

CROP OIL CONTENT

Little millet, also known as kutki or shavan, is

Proso (Cheena) also referred to as white millet,

5.2 Botanical Classification

(1) Poaceae: e.g. Cereals i.e. paddy, wheat, sorghum, Maze

➢ Temperate fruit plants are exacting in their climate requirement.

In India, temperate zone climatic environment occurs at sufficiently high elevations.

Type of temperate fruit Example

5.5 Ontogeny (Life cycle)

5.6 Climatic Season

Coconut, Wheat, All pines,

**Rice can be grown in both tropical and sub-tropical zones.

6 Factors affecting crop Production

Illustration: Classification of crop production factors

6.1 Climatic Factors

Relative Humidity • Relative humidity is ratio between the amount of moisture

• Average Rainfall 125 cm out of which 75% received June to

Physiographic factors = Topography + Altitude + Steepness + Exposure to light & wind

6.2 Edaphic Factors

• Field capacity: is the amount of water remaining in the soil a

Soil • It affects the physical and chemical processes going on in the

6.3 Biotic Factors- Factors Having Life

Altitude Increase in altitude causes a decrease in temperature and

6.1 Genetic Factors

Ans: Explained in video https://youtu.be/Joh68XsZh4M

7.2 ICAR - CLASSIFICATION

8 Cropping System and Pattern

• Sequential cropping - A form of multiple cropping in which paddy is grown in

1. Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack

Q2. Cultivation of Grapes is known popularly as which of the following? [NABARD-2017]

Q3. Who is referred as father of Agronomy?

Q5. Annual average Rainfall of India as per IMD is?

Q6. Maximum Area of India receives rainfall in the range?

Q7. Cereal like paddy, wheat etc. belong to which family?

Q21. Which of the following is not a Edaphic factor?

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