Crops
A crop is a plant or an animal product that is allowed to grow and also harvested for for-profit purposes. The crops can be consumed for daily uses as food like grains, vegetables, etc., and can be traded commercially. Most farmers do grow different types of crops in India and other countries on various farms. We can also grow some farm products in our gardens by following proper growing and harvesting processes. Soil plays an essential part in different crops growing big. The agricultural science that studies crops is called Agronomy.
Agriculture is a dominant sector in India, contributing 17% to the total GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The increasing population of India is dependent on this sector for its living.
Types of Crops
The crops are classified mainly into six groups.
Food Crops
These food crops are harvested and consumed for daily purposes by human beings. For example, fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, grains, etc.
Feed Crops
Feed crops are harvested to feed livestock like a cow, goats, etc. Crops like oats, alfalfa, grass, grains, etc. are food for feeding farm animals. They grow in agricultural land and have enough nutrients to make them healthy. There are subtypes of feed crops:
Forage crops like grasses, alfalfa, etc.
Principle crops like corn, barley, etc.
Fiber Crops
Fiber crops are grown for their fibers that contain a large amount of cellulose that is good for strength. For example, cotton, jute, coir, etc. They are traditionally crafted in big factories and then placed in markets for trading—for example, cotton clothes, jute bags, etc.
Oil Crops
The oil crops like canola and corn are consumed by industries. The oils like olive oil, sesame oil, etc. are harvested for consumption in cooking, hair, etc.
Ornamental Crop
Normally, ornamental crops are used in a house or for commercial use. They are grown in nurseries and are harvested for landscape gardening. In many developing countries like Kenya, they take a great part in economic activities.
Industrial Crops
The crops that are produced in industries or factories are called industrial crops. For example, we get rubber naturally from rubber plants, used for floorings, balloons, shoes, etc.
Different Types of Crops in India that Grow Depending Upon Different Seasons.
Kharif Crops
The Kharif crops are cultivated during the monsoon season in India, i.e. from June to September. These crops are also known as monsoon crops—for example, bajra, ragi, groundnut, cotton, etc. The time for crop cultivation is during the monsoon season, June, and harvested by September. Let us learn about a few Kharif crops and their daily use.
Rice
Being staple food, it grows in high rainfall areas.
It requires plenty of water for cultivation.
Maize
It is the most important cereal in our country.
In some countries, it is called corn.
Rabi Crops
The second type of crop in India is the Rabi crop. The word Rabi is derived from an Arabic meaning spring. The period for these crops is from October to March. They are grown in the winter season and harvested at the beginning of the spring season. For example, wheat, gram, mustard, peas, barley, etc. These crops are not easily affected by rainfall as they need less amount of water to grow.
Wheat:
It is also one of the most important staple foods.
The chapatti that we have is originally made from wheat.
Mustard:
We capture mustard from mustard seed plants.
We extract oil from it and use it in cooking.
Zaid Crop
This is the third type of crop in India. The crops grow in the Zaid season, i.e. between March to June. This is the shortest season compared to Kharif and Rabi's seasonal crops. For example, bitter gourd, watermelon, etc.
Cucumber:
We all generally prefer our salads.
It has health benefits too like promoting hydration, rich in vitamins, etc.
Pumpkin:
It is considered for weight loss.
It boosts our immune system.
FAQs on Types of Crops in India
1. What are the Different Types of Crops in India?
There are three different types of crops in India that grow seasons-wise.
2. Set a Few Examples of Kharif Crops.
Rice, millets, etc.
3. Which Type of Season is Preferred for Rabi Crops?
Rabi is one of the types of crops in India that grow from October to March.
4. Write One Use of the Following Kharif Crops.
Pulses- They are high in fiber and play a good role in preventing illnesses like diabetes.
Bajra- We use bajra in the form of flour.
5. How Much Does the Agricultural Sector Contribute to India’s GDP?
17% of the Agricultural Sector Contribute to India’s GDP.
6. Name a Few Animals to Whom You Can Feed with Feed Crops.
Cows, goats, etc.
7. In India, what is Commercial farming?
In India, certain crops are grown and harvested solely for the purpose of trade. Commercial Farming is the type of farming that involves new techniques and tools, which contribute largely to the Indian economy. Crops grown for Commercial purposes are also exported to other countries. Commercial farming requires the use of various fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides in order to enhance the growth of crops. In fact, the growing population of India relies a great deal on agriculture and agriculture contributes 17% towards the GDP.
8. Mention a few causes for low agricultural productivity?
Absence of proper and adequate irrigation facilities, the excesses of agricultural labor whose marginal products contribute to zero, inadequate use of certain high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, etc., the use of old and outdated methods of production, as well as the inadequate use of various non-farm services such as finance, marketing, etc., and the small and fragmented land holdings; the reactionary land tenure system are some of the causes for the low agricultural productivity.
9. How to increase agricultural productivity?
Agricultural productivity can be increased in certain ways. The extension of the artificial irrigation facilities that are available throughout the country, the strengthening of the flood control measures which cause great harm every year, the extensive use of the HYV seeds, fertilizer, the use of the various modern techniques of production that are available, allowing the fallow land to be made cultivable; solving and preventing the problems of land erosion, granting of various liberal grants of loans to farmers, etc. are a few ways to increase productivity. Most importantly, changes must be made to the structures and institutions.
10. Why is Vedantu an important portal for examination preparation?
Regular study and practice are important for all. Vedantu offers students with the NCERT Physics Chapter wise solutions that are well-researched, and tailor-made according to all the necessary topics. These solutions that have been formulated by the highly experienced academicians at Vedantu have benefited hundreds of students in the past. The NCERT chapter-wise solutions are considered important study material that has been made according to the latest syllabus.
11. Where can I get notes on Crops and types of Crops?
The NCERT and other study materials available today help students in understanding concepts and in helping them in scoring high marks. Various study materials are available online to help us understand Crops and their types. The NCERT study material along with solved questions has helped children with the practice that is of extreme importance for their exam preparation. These questions with solutions available at the NCERT have the questions of the textbooks too.
