Topic-1

Indian Agriculture-Importance,
Problems and Reforms Page No. 131
Indian Agriculture: Topic-2
Importance, Problems Types of Farming in India Page No. 138
Topic-3
Topic-1 and Reforms Agricultural Seasons and Food Crops
Page No. 141
Concepts Covered  Salinisation  Pruning
 Absentee Landlord  Kisan Call Centers
Topic-4
 National Agriculture Policy
Cash Crops-Sugarcane and Oilseeds
Page No. 146
Topic-5
Cash Crops-Cotton, Jute, Tea and
Coffee Page No. 150

Revision Notes
Introduction (i) Agriculture is essential because it feeds millions of
¾ Agriculture is the most important occupation in people and its ever increasing population.
India. It is the primary activity of the country. (ii) It also helps in raising livestock with suitable
¾ The word Agriculture is derived from two Latin environmental conditions and provides fodder to
words–‘ager’ meaning land and ‘culture’ meaning them. Over 60% of India’s land is arable and about 70%
of the rural families are engaged in this occupation for
cultivation.
their livelihood.
¾ Agriculture means the cultivation of the soil in order
(iii) Agriculture helps in creating job opportunities to
to grow crops and rear livestock.
millions of people. Agriculture is the single largest
¾ Agriculture is the process of producing food, fodder private sector occupation and provides employment
fibre, fuel and other goods by the systematic raising to about 58.4% of country’s workforce.
of plants and animals. (iv) It supports many important industries with
¾ India has a vast expanse of agricultural land due the supply of raw materials like cotton and jute
to rich fertile soil and a good network of perennial textile industries, sugar industries, vanaspati, food
rivers. processing, etc.
¾ In support, India has suitable climatic conditions, (v) Various small scale and cottage industries like
good amount of sunshine throughout the year, long handlooms, spinning oil milling, rice thrashing,
growing seasons, etc. etc., are dependent on agriculture for their raw
¾ Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. material.
It occupies a significant position in the overall (vi) Agriculture also provides a good market for the
economy of the country as it contributes about 17% farm inputs like implements, fertilisers, pesticides,
of total GDP. machinery, etc.
¾ It plays an important role in the Indian economy (vii) India’s foreign trade and exports are deeply
due to the following reasons : associated with agriculture. It accounts for more
than 18% of the total export earnings.
¾¾ India is witnessing a slow agricultural growth (iii) Institutional Factors :
despite its efforts to achieve high agricultural yield. (a) The average size of land holdings is very small and
¾¾ It is due to unreliable rainfall, poor irrigation system, is subject to fragmentation due to land ceiling acts
farmers' inaccessibility to markets, lack of proper and family disputes.
market infrastructure, poor farming techniques, (b) The land holdings are uneconomic due to their
etc. small size and as such the yields are low.
¾¾ Many factors attributes to its low development as (c) The small land holdings do not generate good
compared to other developed countries. These
income which results in selling of a small portion of
factors are categorised into four groups as:
land by the small farmers to repay their debt.
(i) Environmental Factors
(d) The land tenure system in India is a problem for the
(ii) Economic Factors farmers which is making their life miserable.
(iii) Institutional Factors (e) Though the tenancy problem has been solved to
(iv) Technological Factors. certain extent but the Indian farmers are suffering
(i) Environmental Factors: from insecurity of tenancy.
(a) Erratic and unreliable rainfall. (f) The Absentee Landowners make their land
(b) Lack of adequate irrigation facilities and dependence cultivated through tenants and share-croppers
on monsoon.
which results in less production due to their little
(c) Soil degradation from erosion and salinisation
interest.
destroys productivity.
(d) The repetition of growing same crops like rice and (iv) Technological Factors :
wheat lead to soil infertility. (a) A majority of Indian farmers are still dependent
(e) Inadequate use of manure and fertilisers, on the primitive and poor techniques of producing
negligence of crop rotation, use of poor quality crops.
seeds, inadequate water supply, etc., leads to low (b) They use inadequate and obsolete implements and
productivity. fail to apply modern science and technology to
(f) Use of simple and old agricultural tools, use of no agriculture in India due to their poverty.
or less machines for ploughing, sowing, irrigating,
¾¾ Reforms :
pruning, harvesting and threshing results in low
yield. (i) Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy.
(g) In recent years, the net sown area has reduced Due to too many factors affecting agriculture of
due to the shift in cultivation from food crops to India, the GDP in the past was declining and was a
cultivation of fruits, vegetables, oil seeds, etc. serious concern.
(ii) Economic Factors : (ii) The Government of India took various measures
(a) The Indian farmers chiefly practice subsistence to overcome the declining Gross Domestic Product
farming where large manual labour is employed to (GDP).
work on farms but grow only to suffice their family’s (iii) It established the Indian Council of Agriculture
needs and not much is left for sale in the market.
Research (ICAR), Agricultural Universities,
(b) Farmers are using primitive methods and
Veterinary Services, Horticulture Development,
obtain poor yields as they lack in scientific and
technological knowledge. Research and Development in the Field of
(c) The location of the market is an important factor. Meteorology and Weather Forecast and Kisan Call
Markets located at a far off distance costs high Centres.
transportation. (iv) The Green Revolution and the National Agricultural
(d) Lack of transportation facilities. Policy (NAP) introduced by the Indian Government
(e) Availability of cheap and efficient labour for the is the turning point in the development of Indian
cultivation of crops is important, e.g., Intensive agricultural sector.
agriculture requires large supply of cheap labour. (a) The Green Revolution :
(f) Agriculture is becoming mechanised and requires
(i) The Green Revolution is one of the major break-
huge capital investments to purchase machinery,
through in the agricultural sector in India.
fertilisers, pesticides, and High Yielding Variety
(HYV) seeds. The Indian farmers are poor to buy all (ii) It is considered as the greatest revolution that brought
these materials. a transformation from food scarcity to food self-
(g) Globalisation has posed a great threat to the Indian sufficiency.
farmers. The international market is a big challenge (iii) The Green Revolution was a technology package
to the farmers because new agricultural products comprising material components of improved
are being imported easily to India. High yielding varieties of two staple cereals--rice
(h) The price of the farm products in the international
and wheat--with the help of irrigation, fertilisers,
market is declining while in India the price is
increasing. pesticides, and associated management skills.
(i) Reduction in import duties on agricultural products (iv) The Green Revolution had a great impact on Indian
proved detrimental to Indian agriculture. Agriculture. They are as follows :
1. It enhanced agricultural production and (vi) The Government of India provides subsidy on
transformed Indian agriculture from subsistence fertilisers.
farming to commercial farming or market-oriented (vii) In order to reduce the burden on chemical fertilisers
farming. and to increase the yield of organic food, the
2. There was a spectacular increase in the production Government of India launched a national project
of wheat. Besides wheat, rice, sugarcane, and on Organic Farming.
oilseeds also showed significant changes in their (viii) To avoid the excessive use of chemical fertilisers,
productions. soil testing laboratories have been set up to check
the health and the fertility of soil.
3. A remarkable improvement was also seen with an
increase in yield per hectare. (b) National Agricultural Policy (NAP):
The National Policy on Agriculture seeks to :
4. The strategy also benefitted the associated industries
(i) Tap the growth potential of Indian agriculture
like transportation, marketing, food processing,
(ii) Strengthen rural infrastructure
etc. which have helped to generate additional job
(iii) Generate the growth of agro-business
opportunities both in agricultural and non-agricultural
sectors. (iv) Create employment in rural areas
(v) Face the challenges arising out of Economic
5. It has paved its way to latest and modern technology
Liberalisation and Globalisation.
to raise the productivity per unit of land.
The salient features of the National Agricultural
6. The Green Revolution and new strategy also made Policy are as follows:
a significant change in cropping pattern. (i) Over four per cent annual growth rate aimed over
7. It improved the economy of the farmers and next two decades.
increased rural prosperity. (ii) Greater private sector participation through
8. The import of food grains has considerably declined. contract farming.
9. With the adoption of HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, (iii) To minimise fluctuation of prices to protect the
irrigation methods, the production has enhanced to farmers from risks.
a quiet high level. (iv) National Agricultural Insurance scheme to be
(v) During 1960’s, India adopted the New Agricultural launched.
Strategy. It was to replace the traditional Agricultural (v) Remove restrictions on the movement of agricultural
practices by modern technological agricultural commodities throughout the country.
methods and practices. (vi) Exemption from payment of capital gains tax on
compulsory acquisition of agricultural land.
(vi) The main elements of the New Agricultural
(vii) Progressive institutionalisation of rural and farm
Strategy are :
credit.
1. Use of large capital and technological inputs. (viii) High priority to rural electrification.
2. Adoption of modern scientific methods of farming. (ix) Plant varieties to be protected through Legislations.
3. Use of HYV (High Yielding Varieties) seeds. (x) Monitoring of international prices.
4. Extension of irrigation facilities, particularly ground (xi) Adequate and timely supply of quality inputs to
water resources. farmers.
5. Proper use of chemical fertilisers. (xii) Setting up of agro-processing units and creation of
off-farm employment in rural areas.
6. Improvement in marketing and storage facilities.
(xiii) High priority to be given for the development of
7. Use of insecticides and pesticides.
animal husbandry, poultry, dairy, and aquaculture.
8. Consolidation of landholdings.
9. Supply of agricultural credit.
10. Rural electrification.
¾¾ Besides Green Revolution, many steps have been
taken to improve the agricultural production in
India. They are as follows:
(i) Passing of legislations to prevent sub-division and
fragmentation of lands beyond a certain limit.
(ii) Introduction of various land reforms.
(iii) Rational utilisation of country’s water resources for
optimum use of irrigation potential.
(iv) The Government declares prices for the protection
of farmers, minimises fluctuations in commodity
prices and monitors international prices.
(v) Setting up of Kisan Call Centres also known as Farm
Tele-Advisor (FTAs).
 Types of Farming in India
Topic-2 Concepts Covered  Subsistence Farming  Shifting Agriculture  Plantation Farming
 Commercial Farming  Intensive Farming  Extensive Farming  Mixed Farming

Revision Notes
¾ The farming system is based on the nature of land, ¾ The different types of farming practiced in India are
climatic conditions, technological knowledge and as follows–
irrigation facilities. (i) Subsistence Farming
¾ In India different types of farming are practiced in (ii) Shifting Agriculture
different parts of the country. (iii) Plantation Farming

(iv) Commercial Farming (b) Crops like tea, coffee, rubber, spices etc., are grown
(v) Intensive Farming under plantation farming mainly for trade and
(vi) Extensive Farming profit.
(vii) Mixed Farming. (c) This type of farming is practiced in vast lands
(i) Subsistence Farming : extending from a few hectares to thousands of
(a) Subsistence Farming is a self-sufficient farming hectares.
in which the farmer grows enough food to feed (d) Only one type of crop is cultivated in the entire year
himself and his family. like rubber, bananas, tea, coffee, cocoa etc.
(b) The farmers have small lands and do not use (e) Modern methods, techniques and machineries are
fertilisers and thus the yield is low. used for growing crops.
(c) The output is mostly for local requirements with (f) Huge capital is invested in Scan to know more
little or no surplus trade. buying machineries, fertilisers, about this topic
(d) The land holdings are small and scattered. pesticides and building factories
(e) The farmer uses simple and primitive tools with for processing of crops.
traditional method of agriculture. (g) Due to the large size of the
(f) Thus, farming tends to be very intensive and double plantation, large numbers of Subsistence
or triple-cropping is practiced. Such type of farming labourers are required to tend Farming
is called the intensive Subsistence Farming. to the crops and work in the
(g) A good amount of hand labour is required. nearby processing factories.
(h) This type of farming is highly dependent on (h) The plantation crops earn a good amount of foreign
monsoon since there is no irrigation facilities and exchange as they are exported in huge quantities.
also depends on the natural fertility of the soil. (iv) Commercial Farming:
(ii) Shifting Agriculture : (a) Commercial farming is a farming where crops
(a) Shifting agriculture is known as “Slash and Burn are grown for sale in the market for commercial
Method”. purposes.
(b) It is a primitive method of farming in which a patch (b) The crops like sugarcane, oilseeds, jute and cotton
of forest is cleared by felling trees or by burning the that are sold in the market are also called Cash
trees. Crops.
(c) The patch of land is cultivated with primitive tools (c) It largely depends on machines, uses HYV seeds,
like sticks and hoes with no use of machines. chemical fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides to
(d) The cultivation on this land is done temporarily, i.e., obtain higher yield.
for two to three years or until the soil fertility is lost. (d) This type of farming is practiced in large farms
(e) Then the farmer shifts to another piece of land and spreading over hundreds of hectares of land.
repeats the same method. (e) The degree of commercialisation of agriculture
(f) This type of agriculture is a great menace to varies in different parts of the country, e.g., Rice is
environment. grown as a commercial crop in Punjab and Haryana
but it is a subsistence crop in Odisha.
(g) It encourages soil erosion and causes floods.
(f) Since most of the states have small landholdings as
(h) The crops grown in this type of farming are–maize,
such commercial farming is not popular throughout
millets, barley, buckwheat, root crops, rain-fed rice
the country.
and vegetables
 (v) Intensive Farming :
(i) The yield per hectare is quite low since no fertilisers
are used. (a) Intensive farming is a system of farming that
involves higher input of labour, increased use of
(j) They are called by different names in different
fertilisers, pesticides, high quality seeds, etc. and
regions in India. It is called Jhum in Assam, Poonam
higher level of output also in relation to the size of
in Kerala, Koman or Bringa in Odisha, Khil in the
Himalayan region, Podu in Andhra Pradesh, Kuruwa the land area.
in Jharkhand and Bewar, Masha, Penda and Hera in (b) It is practised in the regions where the density of
different parts of Madhya Pradesh. population is high.
(k) Shifting agriculture is discouraged by the (c) It requires good amount of irrigation as it is
government because frequent shifting from one characterised by a high incidence of multiple
land to another land has affected the ecology of the cropping.
regions. (d) More use of labour and capital.
(iii) Plantation Farming : (e) In this type of farming, the yield per hectare is high.
(a) It is a commercial type of Scan to know more
about this topic
(f) Rice and wheat are the main crops that are grown in
farming in which a single cash intensive farming.
crop is cultivated on a large (g) Close to markets.
scale in the farm. The farm (vi) Extensive Farming :
land is called an estate. It is
(a) Extensive Farming unlike intensive farming
a Monoculture Agriculture Planting of Tea
System. requires less labour to farm large areas of land.

(b) It uses machinery and scientific methods to produce farming, bee keeping, sericulture, piggery, goat and
large quantity of crops. sheep rearing, agro forestry, etc.
(c) Mechanisation is effectively used over large and flat (d) The main benefit of this type of farming is that it
areas. ensures a steady income for the farmers because if
(d) Large and inexpensive farming technique practiced any one business or farming fails, the other means
in a moderately populated area. can support.
(e) Per hectare production may be less but the total (e) It maintains soil fertility, soil biodiversity, minimises
output is very high in this type of farming. soil erosion and helps to conserve water.
(f) Crop specialisation is one of the major characteristics (f) Farmers can grow Sorghum, Pusa giant napier,
of this type of farming. Berseem, etc., as fodder crops for their cattle along
(g) The main crops grown are rice, wheat, sugarcane, with food crops.
etc.
(h) One of the advantages of extensive farming is that
local environment and soil are not damaged by
overuse of chemicals.
(i) This type of farming is not common. It is practised
in parts of Terai region of Sub-Himalayas and in
parts of North-Western India.
(j) Remote location far off from market.
(vii) Mixed Farming :
(a) Mixed farming is a type of farming in which a
farmer conducts different agricultural practices on
a single farm to increase income through different
sources and rears cattle simultaneously.
(b) In this type of farming, food and fodder crops are
given equal importance.
(c) Here, along with farming, the other occupations
which carried out are: poultry, farming, dairy
 Agricultural Seasons and Food Crops
Topic-3 Concepts Covered  Different Types of Crops on the Basis of Season of Sowing
 Methods of Cultivation of Rice and Other Food Crops

Revision Notes
¾¾ Crop: A crop is a plant that is cultivated or grown. (i) Kharif Season:
It can be grown on a large scale for commercial • In Kharif season, the crops are grown in the months
purpose or on a small scale for self-consumption. of June and July and harvested in September and
¾¾ In India, different crops are grown in different October.
seasons. • Rice, jowar, sugarcane, bajra, ragi, maize, cotton
¾¾ There are three major agricultural seasons in India- and jute are some of the important Kharif crops.
(i) Kharif Season (ii) Rabi Season:
(ii) Rabi Season • In Rabi season, the crops are sown in October and
(iii) Zaid Season November and harvested in March and April.
• Crops like wheat, barley, rapeseed, linseed, gram, (ii) The Wet Method of rice cultivation or Puddle
peas, mustard, potatoes, etc., are grown as Rabi (i) The Dry Method of rice cultivation:
crops. ¾ Rice grown by dry methods are confined to rain-fed
(iii) Zaid Season: areas and do not have any irrigation facilities.
• There are some crops which are grown just after ¾ Here, seeds are scattered with hands in areas of
the Rabi season in the summer months. They are moderate rainfall and are sown in rows with the
known as Zaid crops. help of drills in the areas of heavy rainfall.
• Zaid crops are sown in February and March ¾ Wet method of cultivation is practiced in areas
and harvested in May, e.g., maize, watermelons, which have a good supply of water. The field is
cucumbers, etc. ploughed and filled with 3 cm to 5 cm of standing/
stagnated water.
• In India agriculture occupies about 60% of the total
¾ Farmers make their fields ready before the rainy
cropped area.
season. The weeds get cleared and the field is
• With the advent of Green Revolution Technology, ploughed to a depth of few inches. Then, manure
India focused on the goal of food grain self- and fertilisers are added to the soil. At last, the
sufficiency. The Green Revolution benefited whole surface of the farm is covered with water
increase in crop production, especially Wheat and of about 2.5 cm. The field is now ready to receive
Rice. seedlings from the nursery.
• With all the conditions being favourable for ¾¾ The steps followed to cultivate rice are :
agriculture available in India, Indian farmers grow (i) Sowing
almost each and every crop. (ii) Processing
• The Green Revolution benefitted increase in crop (i) Sowing
production, especially in wheat and rice production. ¾¾ In India Rice is sown in the following ways :
• The important crops grown in India are rice, wheat, (a) Broadcasting Method
pulses, millets, barley, jowar, gram, oats, maize, rye, (b) Drilling Method
etc. They fall in the category of food crops called (c) Dibbling Method
Cereals. (d) Transplanting Method
• The cereals occupy about 54% of total cropped area (e) Japanese Method
in India. (a) Broadcasting Method : After ploughing, the seeds
¾¾ Rice : Rice and wheat are staple food of India and are scattered all over the field before the onset of
pulses are rich in proteins, forming a very important monsoon.
part of the Indian diet. (b) Drilling Method : In this method the seeds are
(i) It is the most important staple food crop of India. sown in the furrows with the help of a drill made of
(ii) India is one of the world’s largest producers of Bamboo.
white and brown rice. (c) Dibbling Method : It refers to sowing of seeds at
(iii) Rice is an indigenous crop and is grown in all parts regular intervals in the ploughed furrows.
of the country especially in the North eastern part (d) Transplanting Method : Seedlings, the tiny plants
of India and in the coastal parts of Southern India. are first grown in nurseries and after four to five
(iv) Rice is grown in the rain-fed areas where the annual weeks when the saplings attain a height of 25 cm to
rainfall is heavy and is thus a Kharif crop. 30 cm they are transplanted to prepared rice fields.
It is a popular method because it gives a higher
(v) The climatic conditions of rice are as follows :
yield.
1. Temperature : above 25 °C
• Advantages of Transplanting Method :
2. Rainfall : above 100 cm
(1) It enables to select only healthy seedlings for the
3. Soil : Deep fertile clayey or loamy soils plants.
The soil should be able to stagnate water in the field.
(2) Less wastage of seeds.
¾¾ In India the Rice crops are grouped into two
(3) It minimises weed pressure by resowing.
categories :
(4) It gives higher yield.
(i) The Upland Rice : It is grown on mountainous
regions, sown in March-April and harvested in (e) Japanese Method : It was introduced in 1953 and
September - October, the crop is locally used and is the most popular method. In this method, High
depends entirely on rainfall. Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds called Japonica are
used.
(ii) The Lowland Rice : It is grown in low lying areas,
sown in June and harvested in October, requires • Important features of Japanese method of rice
plenty of water and is locally used and supplied to cultivation :
other regions too. (i) Use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) of seeds.
¾¾ Methods of Cultivation : Rice is cultivated by two (ii) Saplings are sown in the nursery and raised in the
methods in India. They are : nursery beds for four to five weeks.
(i) The Dry Method of rice cultivation (iii) Manure is extensively used to enhance the yield.
 (ii) Processing of Rice : The grown crop goes under ¾¾ Millets :
certain processes before it become consumable. (i) Millets refers to coarse grains like Jowar, Bajra and
They are: Ragi which serve as food grains. They are generally
(a) Harvesting : The cutting and gathering of matured used by people living in rural areas.
crops is called harvesting. A sickle is used to cut the (ii) The straw of these grains are a valuable cattle
stalk and kept to dry in the fields for 3-4 days. It is fodder.
labour intensive process. (iii) These crops can grow in infertile soil withstand
harsh climatic conditions. As Millets do not need
(b) Threshing : It is done by beating the sheaves against much rainfall to grow, they are also known as ‘Dry
the wooden bars for separating the grains from the Crops’.
stalks. (iv) They grow for a short period of time, i.e., for 3 to 4
(c) Winnowing : It is the process of removing the months.
unwanted husk from the grains. (a) Jowar :
(d) Milling : It is done to remove the yellowish husk (i) It is both, a Kharif and a Rabi crop.
from the grains. Traditionally it was done by hitting (ii) It grows well in dry areas even without irrigation.
in a wooden mortar but now it is done by machines. (iii) Temperature : Between 27 °C and 32 °C
¾¾ The leading producers of rice in India are : West (iv) Rainfall : Under 45 cm. The crop can grow in Arid
Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and Semi-arid areas.
Pradesh and North-eastern states of India. (v) Jowar can grow on different kinds of soil ranging
from heavy and light alluvium, red, grey soil and
¾¾ Wheat :
yellow loams.
(i) It is a staple food for the people of Northern and (vi) It is widely grown in Maharashtra, Madhya
North-western parts of the country. Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
(ii) It grows best in cool, moist climate and ripens in a Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
warm and dry climate. (b) Bajra :
(iii) It is mostly confined to the cool Winter regions. (i) It is a rain-fed Kharif crop and is grown as a pure
(iv) In south, the growing period is shorter than in the and mixed crop. Scan to know more
North. (ii) It is grown along with cotton, about this topic
jowar, and ragi.
(v) Wheat is a Rabi crop. (iii) It is sown in June-July and
(vi) The climatic conditions are : harvested in September-
1. Sown in October-November and harvested in October.
(iv) Temperature : 25 °C and 30 °C. Wheat Cultivation
January in south, by March-April in North.
in India
2. Temperature : 10 °C to 15 °C is suitable for sowing (v) Rainfall : Less than 50 cm.
and 20 °C to 25 °C during harvest. (vi) Bajra is grown on Red soil or sandy loamy soil.
3. Rainfall : 50 cm to 100 cm. (vii) It is grown mainly in Rajasthan, Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
4. Soil : It grows best in well-drained loamy and clay
(c) Ragi or Buckwheat :
loam - Black soil.
(i) It is grown in drier parts of South India almost
¾¾ Methods of Wheat cultivation : throughout the year with the help of Irrigation.
1. Sowing : (ii) Temperature: 20 °C to 30 °C.
(i) The seeds can be sown by using drilling or the (iii) Rainfall : 50 cm to 100 cm.
Broadcasting method. (iv) Ragi is sown between May and June and harvested
(ii) The seeds germinate in about three or four days. between September and October.
(iii) The temperature should be low during the growing (v) It can grow in drier conditions and can withstand
severe drought conditions.
season.
(vi) It is grown on red, light black and sandy loam soil
2. Harvesting : in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and on Alluvial loam
(i) Wheat is harvested in April when the temperature soil in Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Gujarat.
is 27 °C. (vii) It gives higher yield than jowar and bajra and lower
(ii) The crop is harvested by using a sickle. yield than wheat and rice.
(iii) States like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, (viii) Karnataka is the leading producer of Ragi in India.
The other producers of Ragi in India are Tamil
Rajasthan and Bihar use Machines for Harvesting.
Nadu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Andhra
(iv) Threshers are used to separate the grain from the Pradesh.
husk. ¾¾ Pulses :
¾¾ India has shown a tremendous increase in the (i) Pulses form an important part of the Indian diet
production of wheat in comparison to other crops because they are full of protein.
grown in the country. (ii) Pulses are grown as rotation crops as they are
¾¾ The leading producers of wheat in the country are leguminous crops that fix atmospheric nitrogen in
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and the soil and increase the natural fertility of the soil.
Madhya Pradesh. (iii) Pulses are good cattle fodder too.
(iv) The two most important pulses are Gram and Tur.
Other important pulses are Urad, Moong, Masur,
Kulthi, Matar, Khesari and Moth.
(v) Temperature : 20°C to 25°C.
(vi) Rainfall : 50 cm to 75 cm.
(vii) Pulses grow on dry light soil, light loamy and
Alluvial soil, Black and Red soil too, i.e., can grow in
any kind of soil.
(viii) Tur, Urad and Moong are raised as Kharif crop in
most part of India but Khesari and Masur, matar and
Gram are raised as Rabi crops in North India.
(ix) Gram is raised as Rabi crop and is sown mixed with
Wheat.
(x) India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses
in the world.
(xi) The important pulses producing states in India
are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
 Cash Crops-Sugarcane and Oilseeds
Topic-4 Concepts Covered  Types of Cash Crops  Methods of their Cultivation-Sett, Ratooning,
Crystallization, Harrowing

Revision Notes
¾¾ Cash crops are those crops which are basically 5. Areas of low rainfall need Irrigation.
grown for sale and export, e.g. tea, sugarcane, etc. 6. The crop grows well in well drained Rich alluvial,
¾¾ The cash crops provide raw material to agro-based Heavy loam or Lava soil.
industries and support the farmers financially to 7. It is also grown on Black soil, Reddish loam and
improve their living conditions and their farming Laterite soil in the Peninsular region.
practices.
8. Sugarcane is soil-exhausting crop and thus needs
¾¾ The main cash crops are classified as:
fertilisers, manures and good irrigation facilities.
(A) Plantation Crops:
• Methods of Cultivation :
(a) Sugarcane
1. Sowing: Sugarcane is a labour intensive crop.
(B) Oilseed Crops: Sugarcane is planted by the following methods :
(a) Groundnut (i) Sett Method :
(b) Mustard (i) In this method new canes are planted by taking
(c) Soya bean cuttings from old sugarcane plants.
(C) Fibre Crops: (ii) These cuttings are called Setts from which buds
(a) Cotton sprout to form new stalks after Scan to know more
(b) Jute a few days. about this topic
(iii) From these cuttings four to five
(D) Beverage Crops:
stalks grow.
(a) Tea
(iv) A sugarcane plant takes 10 to 15
(b) Coffee months to mature. Sugarcane Seed
(A) Plantation Crops : Plantation crops are high value (ii) Ratooning Method : Production
crops of great economic importance, cultivated on
• It is a method in which during
large scale agricultural unit usually of a single crop.
harvesting of Sugarcane plant, the roots and the
For example, Sugarcane.
lower parts of the plant are left in the field to give
• It belongs to grass family and grows to a height of
the ratoon or the subtle crop.
more than 3.5 m.
• The sugar in the sugarcane plant is stored in the • The successive crops that grow from the left out
stem. subtle is called the Ratoon.
• Sugarcane is the main source of sugar, gur and • Sugarcane keeps producing for two to three years
khandsari. and with each successive year the production is
• The sugar cane yield per hectare is higher in south lesser than the previous year.
due to the tropical climate of Peninsular India and • Advantages of Ratooning :
long crushing season of about 8 months. 1. It saves labour as the crop need not be planted
• Climatic conditions required for sugarcane are : again.
1. Temperature: Grows best in areas with temperature 2. This method is inexpensive as no preparation of the
between 20 °C and 24 °C. field is required .
2. Frosts are dangerous and injurious for sugarcane 3. The ratoon matures early.
crop.
• Disadvantages of Ratooning :
3. During ripening and harvesting period dry cool
winter season is necessary. 1. Ratoons produce low quality crop as with successive
4. It requires 100 cm-150 cm of rainfall throughout the year the canes are thinner with low sucrose content.
year. 2. There is high risk of pests and diseases.
(iii) By Seeds : (viii) Old and obsolete machinery are used in most of the
• Sugarcane was grown by sowing seeds but now this Indian sugar mills and needs rehabilitation.
method is obsolete. (ix) Sugar industry is facing competition with Gur and
• It is planted in furrows and covered with soil. Khandsari since Khandsari industry is free from excise
duty and can offer higher prices of cane to the cane
• It is grown as a mixed crop in some states of India.
growers.
2. Harvesting : (x) Sugarcane cultivation needs good amount of water
• Sugarcane is harvested when the crop matures in but lacks irrigation facilities.
10-12 months. (xi) The government has fixed prices for the sugarcane
• It is done before the cane begins to flower. farmers which is not profitable for them.
• The sugarcane harvesting season begins in October- ¾¾ Role of Government in Solving Problems of
November and ends in April. Sugarcane Farmers :
• Harvesting is done manually by hand knives, (i) To set up a number of cooperative societies.
cutting blades or hand axes. (ii) To develop various means of irrigation to provide
• It requires skilled labourers as the stalks must be cut regular supply of water to the Sugarcane fields.
very close to the ground level because the maximum (iii) To provide adequate and timely loans to farmers on
sucrose content is in the bottom of the stem. easy terms so that they can buy farm machinery and
other agricultural items.
3. Processing :
(iv) To educate farmers with latest farming techniques
• After harvesting, the canes are taken to the sugar
and help farmers through specially developed
mills as soon as possible so that they can be
programmes on radio and television.
processed within 48 hours of cutting to preserve the
(B) Oilseeds : Oilseeds are raw materials for Industries
Sucrose content.
like Vegetable oil, hydrogenated oil, Paints,
• In the mills, the canes are crushed between the Varnish, Soap, Pharmaceuticals, etc. For example:
rollers to extract a large part of the juice. Groundnut, Mustard, Soya bean, etc.
• To remove the soluble and insoluble impurities, the • India produces a wide variety of Oilseeds.
juice is boiled with lime. • India has the largest area and production of oilseeds
• The non-sugar impurities are removed by in the world and they are a great source of foreign
continuous filtration. exchange.
• Then the juice is concentrated by removing the • The principal oilseeds are:
water through vacuum evaporation. (a) Groundnut
• Crystallisation takes place and forms Raw Brown (b) Mustard
Sugar. (c) Soyabean
• The by-products of sugarcane are Bagasse, • All these oilseeds are used for different purposes like
Molasses and Press-mud. some are used for cooking and some as industrial
• In India, two thirds of the sugar produced is used raw materials in the manufacture of paints,
by the Gur and Khandsari Industries. varnishes, hydrogen oil, soaps and lubricants.
¾¾ Problems of Sugarcane Cultivation : • Groundnut is the leading oilseed followed by
Mustard.
(i) Sugarcane is a soil-exhausting crop and thus needs
good amount of fertilisers which increases the cost • After the extraction of oil from the oilseeds the
of production. residue left is known as the oil cake.
(ii) In India, the yield per hectare is extremely low as • Oilcake is used as animal fodder and is also used as
compared to other countries of the world. good manure in the farms.
(iii) Sugarcane has a short crushing season normally • India is one of the largest producers of oilseeds in
from four to seven months in a year which results the world.
in financial problems for the industry as the mills (a) Groundnut :
and the workers remain idle. • Groundnut is a Kharif crop in most parts of India
(iv) The location of sugar mills are far from the fields, except Odisha and the Southern states where it is a
thus, a delay of more than 24 hours results in the Rabi crop.
reduction of sucrose content in the canes. • It is mainly used for the manufacture of
(v) Sugarcane is an annual crop but the land available hydrogenated oil and is used in making margarine,
for Sugarcane is less as compared to other crops, soap, medicines, cooking oil, etc.
thus, the farmers are unable to cultivate any other • It is also known as Peanut and Monkey nut.
crop.
• It is eaten raw, roasted and salted.
(vi) The production cost of sugarcane in India is the
• Its oil cake is an excellent cattle feed.
highest in the world due to uneconomic process of
production, inefficient technology and heavy excise • There are two types of Groundnut Plants :
duty. 1. The Runner Type
(vii) Small and uneconomic size of mills. 2. The Bunch Type
• Climatic conditions: • In North, it is mainly used for cooking and the oil
1. Temperature: 20 °C to 25 °C cake is used as animal fodder.
2. Rainfall: Between 50 cm-100 cm • The leaves of the mustard are eaten as vegetable in
3. Black soil, sandy loams and loamy soil are ideal for North and is also used as a manure.
the crop. • Mustard grows well in cool climatic conditions and
4. The crop is highly susceptible to frost, prolonged is widely grown along the Ganga-Sutlej Plains.
drought, continuous rain and stagnated water. • Climatic conditions :
• Methods of Cultivation-
1. Temperature: 10 °C to 20 °C
(i) Sowing:
2. Rainfall: 25 cm to 40 cm.
1. After ploughing the seeds are sown by scattered or
Broadcasting or Drilling method. 3. Soil: Alluvial loam is the best soil and even it grows
2. In most part of India, the seeds are sown in the in sandy to heavy clay soils.
month of June or July but in South it is sown in the • Methods of Cultivation :
month of February and March.
1. The crop is grown in the winter season.
3. The seeds are placed at 5–6 cm depth in the soil.
2. It is grown with wheat, gram and barley in rows.
4. Adequate water in the top 60 cm of layer of soil
is important for high yield and good quality of 3. It is sown by broadcasting or drilling method.
groundnut seeds. 4. Harvesting is to be carried out as soon as the pods
5. Weeds cause damage to the crop so mechanically begins to turn yellow and the seed becomes hard.
and chemically it is controlled.
5. Sickle is used to cut the mustard plants.
6. The mature fruits have wrinkled shells with one to
6. The plants are tied and kept for five to six days to
four seeds per pod.
dry.
(ii) Harvesting:
7. Threshing is carried out with a stick and winnowing
1. The crop should be harvested at the right time for
obtaining higher yields of pods and oil. is done to separate the grain from the husk.

2. To facilitate easy harvesting, irrigation before 8. It is extensively found in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,
harvesting is ideal which make the soil loose. Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar,
3. The Groundnut plant along with roots is uprooted Odisha, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir.
from the soil by hand or by machine. (c) Soyabean:
4. After the peanuts dry sufficiently, they are threshed, • Soyabean is grown as a Kharif Crop in India.
removing the peanut pods from the rest of the bush. • It is high in protein and is in great demand.
5. The groundnuts are then packed and sent for • It is considered to be a substitute for animal protein.
processing either to mills or to the market for
• It is consumed as soya milk or tofu (cheese).
trading.
• Climatic Conditions :
(viii) India is the second largest producer of Groundnut
in the world. 1. Temperature: 13 °C to 24 °C
2. Rainfall: 40 cm to 60 cm
(ix) It is widely grown in Peninsular India, Telangana
and Tamil Nadu, being the largest producers in the 3. Soil: Moist alluvial soil and friable loamy acidic soils
but grows best on sandy loam having good organic
southern part of the country.
matter.
(x) In India, Gujarat is the leading producer of
• Methods of Cultivation :
Groundnuts followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka,
1. Soya bean is sown in 40 cm to 50 cm apart through
Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar
drilling method.
Pradesh and Punjab.
2. Irrigation is not required and is rain-fed.
(b) Mustard :
3. At the time of sowing one deep ploughing and two
• Mustard is edible oil and one of the most important harrowing should be given to maintain optimum
oilseeds produced in India. moisture.
• Mustard grows well in temperate regions thus it is 4. Harvesting is carried out in mid-October as usual by
widely grown in northern India in states like Uttar threshing machine.
Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. • Soya bean is produced in Madhya Pradesh,
• It is a Rabi Crop and is also grown mixed with Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Madhya Pradesh
Wheat, Gram and Barley. (M.P.) is the leading producer of soya beans.
 Topic-5 Cash Crops: Cotton, Jute, Tea and Coffee
Concepts Covered Methods of Cultivation and Irrigation of Different Crops


Revision Notes
¾¾ Fibre crops : Fibre crops are field crops grown for • Methods of Cultivation :
their fibres (strong thread like materials) which are (i) Sowing :
traditionally used in making textiles, rope, twine 1. The seeds are sown by the broadcasting or drilling
and similar materials. For example, Cotton, Jute. methods.
(a) Cotton : 2. The duration of crop season is 6 to 8 months.
• Cotton is one of the most important fibre and major 3. The sowing is ideal before the onset of monsoon i.e.,
cash crop grown in India. May till September-October.
• It plays an important role in the textile industry and 4. Drip Irrigation is the most effective way of watering
agricultural economy of the country. in cotton farming.
Scan to know more
• It is a tropical crop and is raised as a Kharif Crop. (ii) Harvesting : about this topic
• Cotton in India provides direct livelihood to about 1. Cotton can either be picked by
6 million farmers and about 40 million-50 million hand or by machines.
people are employed in Cotton trade. 2. The Cotton balls after ripening
• Cotton is grown in black soil which is also called burst into white, fluffy and Major Cotton
Regur soil, black Cotton soil and Black clay soil. shiny balls of fibre. Producing States
3. In Punjab and Haryana cotton
• Climatic Conditions :
is harvested in December-January that is before the
(i) Temperature: Between 21 °C and 27 °C. winter frost can damage the crop.
(ii) Rainfall: Moderate rainfall from 50 cm to 80 cm is 4. In the peninsular part of India, it is harvested
ideal. between January and May because there is no
(iii) A long growing period of at least 200 frost-free days danger of winter frost in these areas.
is necessary for the plant to mature. (iii) Processing :
(iv) Cotton grows on a variety of soils ranging from well The cotton crop after harvesting goes through the
drained deep alluvial soils in the North to deep and following process:
medium black clay soils in the Deccan and Malwa 1. The freshly picked cotton is pressed into large bales.
Plateau and Gujarat. 2. The cotton gin mechanically separates the fibres
(v) The quality of cotton depends on length of fibres, from the seed and turns it into ginned cotton also
fitness, strength and structure of its fibre. called lint.
3. This process of separation of cotton fibre from the 5. New Alluvium fertile soil in the Ganga delta region
cotton seed is called Ginning. is most suitable for Jute Cultivation.
4. The cotton lint or fibre is pressed into large bales • Methods of Cultivation :
and transported to the textile mills. (i) Sowing :
5. At the Mill, the bales are cleaned by washing and 1. The land should be ploughed properly before
then combed and made into an untwisted rope sowing the Jute seed.
called a silver.
2. Since the jute seed is small, land should be prepared
6. A spinning frame turns these silvers directly into to fine tilth.
cotton yarns.
3. Sowing of seeds is done by drilling or broadcasting
7. Lastly, the yarn is dyed and looms are used to
methods.
weave it into ready-to-use fabrics.
4. The seeds are sown in the month of February on
¾¾ Varieties of Cotton :
lowlands and in March-May on uplands.
There are three varieties of Cotton grown in India:
(ii) Harvesting :
1. Long Staple: 24 mm to 35 mm
1. The Jute crop takes 8-10 months to mature.
2. Medium Staple: 20 mm to 24 mm
3. Short Staple: less than 20 mm 2. The harvesting period starts from July and continues
till October.
¾¾ Cotton is extensively produced in Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and 3. The harvesting is done by hand by pulling up the
Punjab. stem or cut to the ground and tied into bundles.
¾¾ In India, the chief cotton growing areas are : (iii) Processing :
(i) North-Western Deccan Region 1. After harvesting, the sheaves of jute bundles are
immersed in flood water or stagnant water for
(ii) Central and Southern Deccan of Karnataka
about two-three weeks for retting.
(iii) North-west Region.
2. Retting is a microbiological process which loosens
(b) Jute : the outer bark and facilitates removal of the fibre
• Jute is obtained from the inner bark of two important from the stalk.
species:
3. After retting the bark is peeled from the plant and
(i) The White Jute fibre is removed.
(ii) The Tossa Jute 4. Then the fibres are stripped, washed, rinsed and
• The White Jute is hardy, highly adaptable and cleaned and dried in the Sun and pressed into bales.
grows well on both lowlands and uplands. (xi) West Bengal is the leading producer of jute in the
• The Tossa Jute is grown only on uplands. country followed by Assam, Bihar, Odisha and
• Jute is used for manufacturing a variety of products Uttar Pradesh.
like rugs, clothes, gunny bags, hessian, ropes, (D) Beverage crops: Crops that give suitable drink other
carpets, strings, tarpaulins, upholstery, etc. than water like tea, coffee, and juices.
• Jute is in great demand Internally and Globally (a) Tea:
because of it’s Eco friendliness, Bio-degradable
¾¾ Tea :
nature and change of mindset of Consumers
towards Jute products over synthetic products. • It is an important beverage for the people of India as
it works as a stimulant.
• Jute is referred to as ‘Golden Fibre’ for its colour,
silky shine and high cash value as it earns good • Tea gardens are set up in the hill slopes where
Revenue. shade trees are planted in advance.
• It is also called the ‘Brown Paper Bag’ in wholesale • It grows well on hill slopes due to the favourable
trades especially as the jute fabric is used to make climatic conditions, high altitude and also because
sack cloth. These sacks are further used to pack it prevents from water stagnation.
grains, cement, fertilisers, etc. • Though tea requires heavy rainfall but water logging
• Mesta is inferior substitute for Jute, can withstand at the roots of the plant is injurious. Even prolonged
drought conditions and can be grown anywhere dry spells are unfavourable for the growth of the
under wider climatic and soil conditions. Tea plantations.
• Rough bags are made out of Mesta. • A good amount of iron, humus, nitrogenous
• Jute is 100% biodegradable, recyclable and fertilisers like Ammonium and Sulphate are ideal
environmental friendly. for Tea growth which gives a higher yield.
• Climatic Conditions : • High humidity, heavy dew and morning fog are
1. Temperature: Between 24 °C and 35 °C. good for the growth of new leaves.
2. Rainfall: About 150–200 cm is ideal. • Climatic Conditions:
3. Warm and wet climate with relative humidity of 1. Temperature: 20 °C to 35 °C
90% are favourable. 2. Rainfall: 150 cm - 250 cm
4. Jute requires two–three inches of rainfall weekly 3. Soil: Well drained, deep friable loamy soil, rich in
during the sowing period. humus and Iron.
• Most of the tea plantations in India are found at the room with a room temperature of 40 °C for two–
elevation ranging between 600 m to 1800 m. three hours. The leaves turn copper red to brown
• Methods of Cultivation: These are two ways in colour and starts to unfold its unique aroma.
which the seeds are sown. They are as follows : iv. Drying : After fermentation, the leaves are
(i) From Seeds: High quality seeds are sown in transported through tiered dryers on metal
conveyor belts and is dried for approximately 20
nurseries and then once they grow into tiny plants
minutes which ultimately gives leaves its dark
called seedlings, transplanted in the tea estates at
brown to black colour.
the distance of one metre from all sides. This is a
transplantation method of tea cultivation. When v. Blending : The tea-tasters and expert blenders
blends the various grades of tea to maintain
the tea saplings grow 20 cm of height, they are
consistency of flavour as the taste of the tea differ
transplanted in the garden.
according to the different geographical factors.
(ii) From Cuttings:
(b) Green Tea : These are of good flavour and are
• Tea plants are grown in nurseries from cuttings of stronger stimulants due to their higher tannin or
High Yielding Variety of Crops. This is known as tannic acid content.
Clonal Planting. i. Withering : The good qualities of tea leaves are
2. Harvesting : spread out on laths and are placed out in the Sun to
• Tea shrubs take three years to five years to mature. wither.
• Then they produce shoots, which are called as ii. Heating : The tea leaves heated for 10 minutes with
‘Flush’. Flush consists of two tender leaves and a 280 °C in cast-iron pans. Then the leaves are pressed
bud. against the hot surface.
• The high quality tea is obtained from Flush. iii. Rolling : The tea leaves are rolled in a rolling
machine for 10–15 minutes between two rotating
It is done by two ways: metal plates.
(i) Plucking of tea leaves iv. Drying : The leaves are dried with a temperature of
(ii) Pruning of tea leaves 60 °C for 20–30 minutes.
• Plucking of leaves is done by women labourers. (c) Oolong Tea : It is a kind of tea which is produced
• Tea is picked every 10 days in the lower altitudes through a process including withering the plant
but in higher altitudes they are picked every 15 under strong sun and oxidation before curling and
days. twisting. Withering, rolling, shaping and firing
are similar to Black Tea but baking or roasting is
• Tea picking is carried out from early April to mid-
exclusive to Oolong Tea.
November.
(d) Brick Tea : This variety of tea is also called
• Two tender leaves and a bud or shoot are usually compresses tea. They are blocks of whole or finely
plucked from each stem and is considered to be fine ground black tea or green tea leaf dust that have
plucking. been packed in molds and pressed into rectangular
• Pruning tea leaves is an essential part of tea lock form.
cultivation as it helps in maintaining the proper ¾¾ India is the world's second largest producer of tea
shape of tea bush to a height of about one metre. and the fourth largest exporter of tea. Assam, West
• The objective of pruning is to have new shoots Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Arunachal
bearing plenty of soft leaves and also to facilitate the Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Sikkim,
plucking of leaves. Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Manipur, etc., are the
states where tea is widely grown. Even the country
3. Processing : Tea is classified into four types as
accounts for being the largest consumer of tea.
follows:
(b) Coffee :
(a) Black Tea
(i) It is the second most important beverage crop in
(b) Green Tea India.
(c) Oolong Tea (ii) Coffee is one of the oldest plantation crops of India.
(d) Brick Tea The first seedlings of Coffee were sown in the
(a) Black Tea : Bababudan Hills in Karnataka.
(iii) Coffee cultivation requires plenty of cheap and
i. Withering : The tea leaves are spread out on racks
skilled labour for various operations like sowing,
and left for 14-18 hours to dry. They are also dried
transplanting, pruning, plucking, drying, grading
in the sun and left for a day or two. and packing.
ii. Rolling : Through CTC (Crushing, Tearing and (iv) The three main varieties of coffee grown in India
Curling) method, the leaves are processed. are:
The leaves are rolled mechanically for 30 minutes (a) Arabica Coffee
between steel rollers to break up the cells to squeeze (b) Robusta Coffee
out the Juices. (c) Liberica Coffee
iii. Fermentation : The tea leaves are spread out on (v) (a) Arabica Coffee: It is a superior quality coffee
large boards in 10-15 cm thick layers in a special and most expensive one.
(b) Robusta Coffee: It is cheaper one as the cost of 3. The coffee cherries are then dried in the sun and are
production of this variety is less in comparison to further fermented by drying in the Sun for a week.
the yield per acre. 4. After drying, the machines peel off the two layers of
(c) Liberica Coffee: It is used for making instant Coffee. inner husks.
The coffee plant cannot stand direct sunrays and
is thus grown under shady trees such as silver oak, 5. The coffee beans are then sorted according to their
orange, banana, jackfruit, cardamom, etc. size and quality and then packed in sacks for export.
(vi) Climatic Conditions : 6. The beans are roasted at temperatures of about 99 °C
1. Temperature : and then ground into coffee powder. Roasting gives
(a) Between 14 °C and 26 °C. the brown colour, aroma and taste.
(b) It can neither stand frost, snow nor high ¾¾ The traditional Coffee producers in India are
temperatures above 30 °C and strong sunshine. Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
2. Rainfall : Between 125 cm and 250 cm of annual ¾¾ The other states where Coffee is grown are Andhra
rainfall. Stagnant water is harmful and is thus Pradesh, Odisha.
grown on hill slopes at elevations from 600 metres
to 1600 metres.
3. Soil : Well drained, rich friable loams containing
a good deal of humus and minerals like iron and
calcium are ideal for coffee cultivation, laterite soil
rich in iron for coffee cultivation.
• Methods of Coffee Cultivation :
1. Sowing :
(a) Coffee seeds are sown in December-January in the
bed 1.5 cm–2.5 cm apart.
(b) They are propagated from seeds as seedlings or
cuttings in a nursery and then transplanted in the
large Coffee fields.
(c) Pruning is regularly done to ensure easy picking
and heavy bearing of Coffee Berries.
2. Harvesting :
(a) Arabica Coffee is harvested in October to November
and Robusta Coffee is harvested in January,
February to April.
(b) Coffee berries are picked by hand.
(c) The two methods of coffee harvesting is:
(i) Selective Harvesting
(ii) Strip Harvesting
(i) Selective harvesting: Selective harvesting is the
picking of only ripe Coffee Berries by hand.
3. Processing:
• There are two methods of coffee processing i.e.,
obtain in coffee beans from the plucked berries.
They are:
(i) The Wet Parchment Method: In the Wet Parchment
Method, the fruit covering of the beans is removed
before they are dried and then pulping, fermenting,
washing and drying takes place.
(ii) The Dry Parchment Method: The Dry Parchment
Method has the following process:
1. The Coffee berries are sorted, cleaned and the ripe,
overripe and damaged cherries are separated.
2. The dirt, soil, twigs and leaves are removed from
the cherries.