All living organisms need food to survive. Crops provides food and food provides the energy required for essential body functions like digestion, respiration, and growth. While plants can produce their own food through photosynthesis, animals and humans depend on plants and other animals for their nutritional needs.
Sources of Food
Humans obtain food from two primary sources:
- Plants – Grains (wheat, rice), vegetables, fruits, and pulses.
- Animals – Milk, eggs, meat, and fish.
Large-Scale Food Production
With India’s vast population, producing food on a large scale is crucial. Proper crop production and management ensure that there is enough food for everyone.
Agricultural Practices: The Science of Farming
History of Agriculture
Early humans were nomads who gathered wild plants and hunted animals. Over time, they learned to cultivate crops like wheat and rice, marking the beginning of agriculture—the science of farming.
What is a Crop?
A crop refers to plants of the same kind grown on a large scale for food. Examples include:
- Cereals (wheat, rice)
- Vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes)
- Fruits (mangoes, apples)
Types of Crops in India
India’s diverse climate allows for different types of crops:
1. Kharif Crops (Rainy Season: June–September)
- Grown during the monsoon.
- Examples: Paddy (rice), maize, cotton, soybeans.
2. Rabi Crops (Winter Season: October–March)
- Grown in winter with irrigation support.
- Examples: Wheat, gram, mustard, peas.
3. Other Crops (Summer Season)
- Pulses and vegetables grow in summer.
- Different regions grow specific crops based on climate.
Basic Practices of Crop Production
To ensure a good harvest, farmers follow these agricultural practices:
- Preparation of Soil – Loosening and turning the soil.
- Sowing – Planting seeds in the soil.
- Adding Manure & Fertilisers – Enriching soil nutrients.
- Irrigation – Supplying water to crops.
- Protection from Weeds – Removing unwanted plants.
- Harvesting – Cutting mature crops.
- Storage – Preserving grains for future use.
1. Preparation of Soil
Why is Soil Preparation Important?
- Helps roots grow deep and breathe easily.
- Improves soil fertility by allowing air and water penetration.
How is Soil Prepared?
- Ploughing (Tilling): Turning and loosening soil using a plough (wooden or iron).
- Levelling: Smoothening the soil for uniform sowing and irrigation.
- Breaking Crumbs: Crushing large soil lumps for better seed growth.
Tools Used
- Plough: Traditional tool for tilling.
- Hoe: Removes weeds and loosens soil.
- Cultivator: Tractor-driven, saves time and labour.
2. Sowing Seeds
Selecting Good Seeds
- Healthy seeds sink in water, while damaged ones float.
- High-yield seeds ensure better crop production.
Methods of Sowing
- Traditional Method: Using a funnel-shaped tool to drop seeds.
- Seed Drill: Tractor-driven machine that sows seeds uniformly.
- Transplantation: Growing seedlings in nurseries first (e.g., paddy).
3. Adding Manure and Fertilisers
Why Are Nutrients Needed?
- Continuous farming depletes soil nutrients.
- Manure and fertilisers replenish essential minerals.
Manure vs. Fertilisers
| Manure | Fertilisers |
|---|---|
| Organic (plant/animal waste) | Chemical (factory-made) |
| Improves soil structure | Provides quick nutrients |
| Eco-friendly | Overuse harms soil |
Crop Rotation
- Alternating crops (e.g., wheat with legumes) maintains soil fertility.
- Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil naturally.
4. Irrigation: Watering the Crops
Why is Irrigation Necessary?
- Seeds need moisture to germinate.
- Water transports nutrients within plants.
Sources of Irrigation
- Wells, rivers, ponds, tubewells, dams.
Methods of Irrigation
- Traditional:
- Moat (pulley system)
- Dhekli (lever and bucket)
- Rahat (wheel-based)
- Modern:
- Sprinkler System: Sprays water like rain.
- Drip Irrigation: Saves water by dripping directly to roots.
5. Protection from Weeds
What Are Weeds?
- Unwanted plants (e.g., wild grass) that compete with crops.
How to Remove Weeds?
- Manual Removal: Using a khurpi (hand tool).
- Tilling: Uprooting weeds before sowing.
- Weedicides: Chemical sprays (used carefully).
6. Harvesting & Storage
Harvesting Methods
- Manual: Sickles for cutting crops.
- Mechanical: Combine harvesters for large farms.
Post-Harvest Processes
- Threshing: Separating grains from husk.
- Winnowing: Removing chaff using wind.
Storage Techniques
- Drying: Sun-drying prevents pests.
- Silos & Granaries: Large-scale storage.
- Neem Leaves: Natural pest repellent at home.
Food from Animals
Animals provide:
- Milk, eggs, meat, fish.
- Animal husbandry involves rearing livestock for food.
Farmer’s Story: Traditional vs. Modern Farming
A visit to Shri Patel’s farm revealed:
- Traditional Methods: Bullock ploughs, rain-dependent farming.
- Modern Methods: Tractors, soil testing, fertilisers.
- Earthworms: Improve soil aeration naturally.
FAQs
1. Why can’t paddy grow in winter?
Paddy requires plenty of water, which is available only in the rainy season.
2. Why is loosening soil important?
Loose soil allows roots to breathe and grow deeper, improving plant health.
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