Agriculture is the dominant aspect of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the prominent occupations for the people of Jammu & Kashmir is Agriculture. 80% of the total populace of the state is dependent on agriculture as the source of revenue. Rice, maize and wheat is the major crops of the locale. Jammu and Kashmir is known for its mono-cropped and rain-fed economy with 40% area in the Jammu division and 60% in Kashmir . 40 quintals per hectare paddy produces in Kashmir valley which is perhaps the highest in the country. Farmers are raising paddy as an additional crop in Jammu regions. Mushrooms have yielded good profit to the farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. The farmers of Kashmir valley are coming up with cropping wheat, oil seeds and other cash crops in recent areas. Different of Agricultural products of Jammu and Kashmir: Rice Rice, a kind of Kharif crop cultivated in the state of J & K between March-April and harvested in autumn. 374000 acres having a yield of 25.5 quintals per acre is the total amount of rice cultivated in the valley of Kashmir. Wheat Wheat is a Rabi crop sown in August and harvested in March or April in Jammu and Kashmir. Wheat requires a cool and moist climate and thus the weather of Jammu and Kashmir Kathua, Ranbirsingpora, Samba and Reasi are important wheat producing regions of the state. Jammu region is cultivated around 31000 acres, in Kashmir 78000 acres and in Ladakh 7000 acres of wheat. Maize Maize requires hot dry climate to sown and thus the month of May/July is the best period and harvested in August/September. Rainfall required for maize varies from 75 cms to 125 cms. Other important crops of the state include: Fruits as apples, pears, cherries, plums Tobacco Pulses Rape seed Saffr

Irrigation - Importance and Types

Irrigation Irrigation plays an important role in the

agriculture of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Our State does not receive rain throughout the year and sometimes it is quite insufficient and it is neither uniform nor certain. In Jammu region temperature conditions favour cultivation of crops throughout the year but due to non availability of water in the region the plant growth is limited. Rainy season provides sufficient water from July to September. In winter also this region receives several showers of rain. The remaining months of the year are dry. This problem had since been solved by irrigation and 25% of the total cultivated land is irrigated. Out of 6,00,000 Hectares of cultivated land 1,50,000 is cultivated through irrigation. In Kashmir valley it rains mostly in winter when temperature is too low for plant growth. When the temperature begins to rise in May and onwards the rainfall decreases and except some showers of rain in July-August most of the growing season remains dry. Since ages the farm economy has been dependent on a single crop and the cultivator cannot take chances with it. He always requires sufficient water supply for his fields, therefore, he depends mostly upon canals for irrigation. Many snow fed streams running down the slopes of the mountains makes it very easy for him to construct small canals or pools. In this way 60% of the cultivated land in the valley is irrigated. Methods of Irrigation The following methods of irrigation are in use in the State of Jammu and Kashmir: (a) Canals form the most important system of irrigation in the Outer- plains and in the broad valley of Kashmir where the soil is soft and alluvial and canals can be easily dug. Moreover, the Jhelum and its tributaries are all snow-fed and they never run dry. They supply water to the canals throughout the year. About 486072 acres of land in Kashmir are irrigated by canals. (b) Lift Irrigation by pumping water to higher level and then carrying it to the field through

canals. (c) Wherever water is available at the depth of one or two metres, it is drawn out by lever system and then supplied to the fields directly. At present about 6000 such wells are working in the valley. Canals in the Valley of Kashmir 1. The Martand Canal is the oldest canal in Kashmir. It is about 50 Kms. long. It irrigates about 9.5 thousand acres of land around Matan, Dichhanpur, Khavapura and Anantnag. It takes its water from the river Liddar at Ganeshpora. 2. The Shakful Canal takes its water from the Nullah Sind. It irrigates many villages from Manigam to Safapore. Flowing at a higher level., the canal has been utilised to produce electric power. 3. The Sharabkul Canal takes its water from the Harwan lake. It flows up to Chashma Shahi to the east of Dal lake. Its water is mostly used for small patches of cultivation. It also irrigates orchards. 4. The Lalkul Canal takes its water from the Nullah Pohru at Bubhama near Kupwara. It irrigates fields in Uttarmachhipora, Kupwara, Drugmul, Sopore and Handwara. It is about 3 Kms. long and irrigates about 7500 acres. 5. The Zainagir Canal is a famous canal. It is 47 Kms long, takes its water from the river Madhumati. It flows through Bandipore on the bank of the Wullar Lake at Sonawari. It moves in loops till it enters Sopore irrigating about 13300 acres of land. 6. The Dadikul Canal. Takes its water from the Nullah Liddar at Kotsu near Chatapura. It is 19 Kms. long and irrigates about 8000 acres of land in the Khuram, Bichhanpura, Anantnag and Sarharna area. 7. The Nur Canal is about 13 Kms. long and takes its water from the river Jhelum at Shadipur and then flows into the Wullar lake. It

irrigates Andarkut village. It is a model of the canal that was constructed by Soya during Avantivarman's reign. 8. The Sumbal Canal takes its water from the Nullah Sukhang at Kosa. It is 35.5 Kms. long and irrigates Sonawari area and flows back into the river Jhelum at Shadipur. More than 5000 acres of land are irrigated by this canal. 9. The Zarkul Canal takes its water from the Nullah Sind at Prang and irrigates about 20000 acres of land. It is an old canal and was constructcd during the reign of Zain-ul-Abdin, Badshah. It irrigates upper-land karewa on the Mansbal Lake, Manasbal, Lar, Asham and Ganderbal. 10. The Zainapur Canal takes its water from the river Vishav at Bharijug. It is 32 kms long and irrigates 6000 acres of land in Kulgam, and Zainapur area. 11. The Nandikul Canal takes its water from from the Nullah Anantnag at Lassipur and was originally constructed during reign of Avantivarman. It is 30 Kms. long and irrigates 8000 acres of land in the northern areas of Anantnag. 12. The Parimpur Canal takes its water from the Dudh-Ganga at Parimpura. It is 8 Kms. long. 13. The Mahind Canal was constructed in 1956. It takes its water from Nullah Liddar at Sakhras. It is l6 Kms. long and irrigates about 2500 acres of land in Seyria, Vichhanpura and Anantnag. 14. The Avantipur Canal takes its water from the Nullah Liddar at Doohjan. It is 36 Kms. long and irrigates 5000 acres of land of the east of Pampore. It was constructed in 1953. 15. The Kayal Canal takes its water from the Nullah Rambrara at Patipore. It is 50 Kms. long and irrigates about 5500 acres of land. It was constructed in 1953. 16. The Rishipora Canal takes its water from

the river Vishav at Mitrajan. It is 18 Kms. long and irrigates about 3000 acres of land. It was constructed in 1956. 17. The Babul Canal takes its water from the Nullah Ferozpore at Tangmarg. It is 22.5 Kms. long and irrigates about 4500 acres of land below Gulmarg. It was also constructed in 1956. Besides these, Chandosa, Beoarachani, Gand, Malora, Rikhiletar, Gorkha, Awanpura and Brinjal are other small canals in the valley that irrigate about 15000 acres of land in the surrounding areas. Over 486072 acres of land are irrigated by the canals, wells and lift-irrigation system in Kashmir Valley; the district of Anantnag constitutes 50% of this total.

Ge

on1. Rice. Cultivation of rice requires hot and moist climate. It is a Kharief crop and is sown in March-April and harvested in Autumn. Sufficient water must cover the fields. It is grown mostly in the valley of Kashmir at 2100 metres above sea level. Total area under rice cultivation in the valley of Kashmir is 374000 acres having a yield of 25.5 quintals per acre. 2. Wheat. It is a rabi crop and its plant requires a cool and somewhat moist climate in the beginning and warm and dry weather at the harvest time. The average rainfall should be between 50 to 70 cms. and that too at intervals. It is sown in August and harvested in March, April. It is cultivated in the entire Outer Plain and the Outer Hills. Important wheat producing areas are Kathua, Ranbirsingpora, Samba and Reasi. In Kashmir, it is grown like grass. Total area under wheat cultivation in Jammu region is 3 l000 acres, in Kashmir 78000 acres and in Ladakh 7000 acres. 3. Maize. It requires hot dry climate. Rainfall required for maize varies from 75 cms to 125 cms. It is sown in May-July and harvested in August-November. It is cultivated on Karewa lands in the valley of Kashmir on about 303,000 acres. 4. Tobacoo. It requires a warm and moist climate and a rich soil containing lime. Frost kills it. It is

largely grown in the valley of Kashmir. 5. Rape seed, mustard, linseed, sesamum, totoria, cottonseed are the chief varieties of oilseeds. They require hot and moist climate. They are grown all over Kshmir province but the chief oil seed producing areas are Anantnag and Srinagar. 6700 acres in Kashmir region produce oil seeds. 6. Pulses. Hot and dry climate suit their cultivation. They are largely grown on small patches of land and the pulses of Kashmir Valley are well known for their quality. 7. Saffron is a cash crop and cultivated on the Pampore in the month of July-August Karewas in specially made square beds. Each bed measures l.5m and is provided with narrow trench on all sides to prevent the accumulation of water. The soil is alluvial and lucstrine. About 3000 acres are under saffron cultivation in Pampore. PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory Pro trial version www.pdffactory.comGeography of Jammu & Kashmir 9-20 . 8. Amarnath (Ganhar) is sown after 3 or 4 ploughings. The grain when ready is parched, ground and eaten with milk. It is largely sown in the valley of Kashmir. 9. Fruits like apples, pears, cherries, plums, grapes, pomegranates, mulberry, peaches, apricots, walnuts and almonds require a cool climate moderate rainfall and bright sunshine. The climate of Kashmir suits their cultivation They are, as such, mostly grown in the valley. Fruit cultivation has been known in Kashmir since very early times. In recent years fruit cultivation has extended with readily available facilities of better seed, nursery culture, insecticides and very cheap and better transport facilities for their export. Fruit cultivation at present is an important source of wealth to the State. About 3.50 lakh tons of fruits are produced annually, out of which more than 2.00 lakh tons are exported to the foreign countries. Supply of machinery, equipment and technical advice to the orchardists by the State Govt. free of charge has greatly helped fruit cultivation. The training of gardeners and the establishment of a fruit research centre is no doubt helping the fruit industry a lot. The valley of Kashmir is also known for the cultivation of potatoes, turnips, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflowers, raddish, onions, lotus-stalk, brinjal, gourd and bitter gourd etc. 1. Silk. It is obtained from silk worms which feed on mulberry trees. These trees require a warm and

moist climate. Silk cocoons are,therefore, grown in abundance in the valley of Kashmir Two silk factories, one in Jammu and the other in Srinagar, manufacture silkyarn from these cocoons. 2. Wool. It is obtained from sheep and in the State they are mostly reared in the valley of Kashmir on the

grassy meadows. Quality sheep from Australia have been imported for sheep breeding in KCrops Of Uttaranchal
The major crops produced in the state include Rice, Wheat, Barley, Corn, Mandua, Hangora etc. The state is a major supplier of fruits like Apple, Leachy, Pulam, Naashpati, and Maalta etc. There are various organizations which are involved in the state to help in improving the productivity as well as to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants in the state. One such project is functioning near Pinder Valley in Chamoli district of the state which aims to produce fruits and vegetables by utilizing poly houses.

Uttaranchals distinct agro-climatic condition is favourable for the development of Horticulture. The soil conditions are good for the production of fruits and vegetables. The climatic and soil conditions allow growing sub-tropical and temperate fruits, vegetables and ornamentals. The various fruits grown in the state include mango, citrus, litchi, guava and jackfruit etc.

Kashmir. Agriculture and Crops Grown

Agriculture in Uttarakhand is broadly defined to cover all land based activities such as Cropping, Animal Husbandry, horticulture, Forestry and their linkages and support system and prime source of sustenance for the most mountain communities. Five major farming systems are prevalent namely 1. Cereal based production system 2. 3. 4. 5. Horticulture or agri horti based production system Vegetables, Floriculture based production system Livestock based production system Agri horti silvi Pastoral based production system

Agriculture is the main livelihood activity of all the hill districts. Since most of the land is under forest cover, there is very little land available for agriculture. The state has just 13.29% (2008-09) of the total land under cultivation while about 65% of population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Further, agriculture is largely rain-fed, irrigation facilities are minimal, and land holdings are small and fragmented. Despite these, some hill districts have already diversified into alternative farm-based activities like cultivation of fruits and vegetables, aromatic and medicinal plants and some have also tried to extract the potential of animal husbandry (dairy and poultry). The cropping pattern of the hill districts is mainly based on traditional agriculture. In the hill

districts, rice, wheat, mandwa, and sanwa remain the main crops with the maximum area under cultivation. Production is mainly for self-consumption and distribution in village markets. 3

Agriculture Trade & Economy

Uttarakhand is primarily an agricultural state although its share in the countrys total area and production is very small. The contribution of agriculture to the states domestic product is about 22.4per cent and the population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood is about 75-85 per cent. The development of the hills is primarily linked to the development of agriculture and its allied activities. Since the hills are constrained in the development of large-scale industrialization, and due to infrastructure constraints the development of the service sector is also constrained, the growth and development of the agriculture sector remains the prime focus. People in the hills have been primarily engaged in subsistence agriculture.4
Agriculture For the most part, the land is unfit for agriculture because of the precipitous and rocky slopes. However, certain hill slopes have been converted into farm lands using terrace farming techniques and is used for cultivation. The rural populace grows crops such as cardamom, oranges, apples, tea and orchids. Rice is grown on terraced hillsides in the southern reaches. Sikkim has the highest production and largest cultivated area of cardamom in India. Numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the Teesta and its tributary, the Rangeet. The Teesta, described as the "lifeline of Sikkim", flows through the state from north to south. About a third of the land is Agricultural Products: The principal crops are maize, paddy, millet, wheat and barley. Orange, potatoes, apples and cardamom are also produced. Sikkim has the largest area and the highest production of large cardamom in India. Tea is grown in Sikkim. Sikkim is very rich in varieties of orchids. Agriculture is the mainstay of majority of rural populace and its economy is linked with agriculture that serves as the source of livelihood and economic security of sizeable native population. It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the rural population depends on agriculture and allied sectors for economic, food, and nutritional security. With less than 14 per cent land available for productive cultivation, the share of agriculture to gross state domestic product (GSDP) has declined from 48.7 per cent in 1980-81 to just 18.8 per cent in 2006-07. heavily forested.

West Bengal agriculture has occupied around 3 percent of India's productive land. More than 8 percent of India's food are being generated by the agricultural sector of West Bengal. Small and marginal farmers rule over the West Bengal agriculture and cultivates more than 68 percent of the total area.

The agriculture in West Bengal is one of the most significant means to earn livelihood especially in the rural sectors. This has been enabled by various schemes of the Green Revolution and the land reforms. West Bengal comprises of 8 percent of India's population and the majority of them are engaged in farming and other agricultural activities. The principal food crop cultivated in West Bengal agriculture is rice. Other food crops of West Bengal include maize, pulses, oil seeds, wheat, barley, potatoes, and vegetables. The most vital cash crop of West Bengal is Tea and it is also exported every year. Darjeeling tea is most well-known all over India. West Bengal agriculture supplies about 66 percent of the jute requirements of India. The soil and heavy rainfall witnessed by India are absolutely perfect for jute cultivation. The two other crops that are cultivated highly in the agricultural sector in West Bengal are tobacco and sugarcane. The chances of increasing the area of cultivation are so less that the agricultural

department of West Bengal decided to increase the fecundity of various crops cultivated over there by using superior quality seeds, fertilizers, various plant protection schemes as well as improved packages of practice. The department of agriculture in West Bengal also decided to distribute extra and vested land area to the actual agricultural laborers with the help of land reforms. This will act an added advantage to the productivity of the crops in West Bengal. There has been a significant rise in the cropping of West Bengal from 131 percent to 162 percent during the last 2 decades. West Bengal agriculture has been sustaining its consistency in attaining a track record in food grains production. The state also ranks first in producing rice among all other states in India. The agriculture in West Bengal also witnessed a remarkable rise from 0.24 million tones to 0.55 million tones in the last decade in its production of oil seeds. West Bengal agriculture also ranks second in potato production in India as it produces about 28 percent of the total potatoes cultivated in India. Apart from these food crops, West Bengal agriculture produces more than 60 percent of India's raw jute fiber. West Bengal agriculture has been flourishing heavily and it has become one of the most essential part in West Bengal's economy as it has been fueling it with its high productivity as well as export trade in some sectors.

This type of farming is done in the hilly terrain like North-East and Mizoram. In this farming, after cutting one crop the land is left as it is for some years. Nothing is grown there. The weeds or bamboo which grow on that land are not pulled out. They are cut and burnt. The ash makes the land fertile. While burning, care is taken so that the fire does not spread to other parts of the forest. When the land is ready for farming it is lightly dug up, not ploughed. Seeds are dropped on it. In one farm different types of crops like maize, vegetables, chillies, rice can be grown. Jhoom or Jhum Farming is the most ancient form of farming practiced by mainly the tribal peoples of northeastern states of India like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland and some districts of Bangladesh also. Jhum/Jhoom farming or cultivation method is usually practiced in the hilly areas having thickly forest area. In Jhoom farming a portion of forest is cut down and all the trees and weeds or grasses are burnt and left for some time say 6 monthes, or a year. It is believed that this burnt ash of trees and weeds makes the soil fertile. After the soil is fertile enough seeds and crops are planted. Crops which do not require large amount of water are usually cultivated. But in this type of farming, after few cycles (getting crop for 2 to 4 seasons) soil looses its fertility and the people move to some other place for farming. In this type of farming due to cutting down of trees soil erosion is a major problem also you have to destroy the whole forest and you can use the land only till the soil is fertile, after that land is of no use. Due to these reasons in some areas like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Jhum farming has been stopped.

. The important fruits currently grown in the state include citrus fruits, pineapple, papaya, banana etc. The mandarin orange grown in Meghalaya is considered to be of very high quality. In addition to this, a large variety of vegetables are grown in the state including cauliflower, cabbage and radish. . The major crop plants of Meghalaya are Paddy, Maize, Millets, Pulses, Potato, Jute and Mesta, Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Sugar Cane, Oil Seeds. Both arecanut and betelvine are important cash crops of the State. Khasis are used to chew betel nuts and betel leaves since time immemorial. The State is basically a home of many horticultural plants such as fruit bearing trees, cultivated fruit bearing plants, citrus varieties of fruits. Vegetables are grown extensively in the central plateau of the Khasi Hills with loamy soil and also in the plains of the Garo Hills. Recently Tea and Coffee are being grown in lands abandoned after jhuming. Plants that Cure and Heal Different parts of many plants growing in Meghalaya have been put to medicinal use. Among the important and recognised medicinal plants found and cultivated in Meghalaya are Ipecac, Rauvolfia serpentina, Cinchona, Abromine, Chaulmoogra Oil, Croton Oil, Eucalyptus, Castor Oil, Chiretta, Solanum khasianum, Casearia vareca, Zanthoxylum armatum, Hedyotis scandens, Paederia foetida, Salix alba, Anacardium occidentale, Cinnamomum, Taxus baccata.

Agriculture
Agriculture is the dominant economic activity of the state. The main crops grown in Meghalaya are rice, millet, corn (maize), potatoes, pepper, chilies, cotton, ginger, jute, betel nuts, fruits (including oranges and mangoes), and vegetables. Communal land ownership is common, but jhum (shifting cultivation) has eroded the soil.

to.