Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India

India’s agricultural sector is one of the largest and most diverse globally, characterized by distinct cropping seasons, regional specialization, and government support mechanisms. The country’s agricultural output is shaped by varied climatic conditions, soil types, and established policies that ensure food security while supporting farmer livelihoods.

Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India

Cropping Seasons in India

Indian agriculture operates within three main cropping seasons based on monsoon patterns and climate:

Kharif Season (Monsoon Crops): Sown from June-July and harvested in September-October, Kharif crops require 150-300 cm of annual rainfall. Major crops include rice, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, groundnut, jute, soybean, tur, moong, and urad.​

Rabi Season (Winter Crops): Sown in October-December (after monsoon ceases) and harvested in March-May, Rabi crops require 75-100 cm of rainfall. Major crops are wheat, barley, gram, mustard, rapeseed, peas, and linseed.​

Zaid Season (Summer Crops): Sown in March-May with a short 60-90 day growth cycle, Zaid crops require warm, dry weather. These include watermelon, cucumber, pumpkin, muskmelon, and fodder crops, primarily grown in Gangetic regions and northern India.​

Part A: Foodgrains

Rice Production and Distribution

Climate and Soil Requirements: Rice thrives in temperatures between 22-32°C with high humidity. It requires 150-300 cm of annual rainfall and deep clayey or loamy soils for optimal growth. Soil temperature for germination should reach 30-37°C.​

Top Rice Producing States (2023-24):

Telangana has emerged as India’s largest rice producer with 16.87 million tonnes (12.2% of national production), surpassing traditional leaders West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The state’s success is driven by expanded irrigation, improved seed varieties, and intensified cropping practices.​

Total National Production: 1,378.25 lakh million tonnes (2023-24)​

Major Rice Varieties: High-yielding varieties include IR-8, IR-36, IR-64, Basmati, and Jasmine. Aromatic varieties like Basmati (North India) and Ponni (Tamil Nadu) command premium prices in export markets.​

Regional Characteristics: Eastern India’s river deltas feature alluvial soils renewed annually by floods, making them naturally fertile for multiple rice crops yearly. Northern plains benefit from extensive irrigation infrastructure and green revolution technologies. Southern states focus on irrigated rice cultivation with traditional water management systems.​

Government Support: The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute in Cuttack (Odisha) develops high-yielding varieties. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) enhances productivity through improved practices and crop demonstrations. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi provides direct income support, while Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana offers crop insurance coverage.​

Wheat Production and Cultivation

Climate Requirements: Wheat requires cool winters (10-15°C at sowing) and warm periods (21-26°C during ripening and harvesting) with bright sunlight. It needs 75-100 cm of rainfall annually and well-drained fertile loamy or clayey loamy soils.​

Top Wheat Producing States:

Production Geography: The Indo-Gangetic plains represent the primary wheat-growing region due to fertile alluvial soils and favorable climatic conditions. Western disturbances bring light rainfall during winter months, ideal for wheat cultivation. Secondary growing areas include Gujarat and Maharashtra, though with smaller quantities due to varying irrigation availability.​

Challenges: Punjab and Haryana face soil degradation and salinity issues. Falling groundwater tables represent a critical sustainability concern, with water levels declining 1-2 meters annually in some regions.​

Government Initiatives: Minimum Support Price (MSP) operates at government procurement centers. The National Food Security Mission targets productivity enhancement. The ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (Karnal, Haryana) develops improved varieties and technologies.​

Millets (Coarse Cereals/Nutri-Cereals)

Classification and Requirements:

Key Features: Millets are drought-resistant crops ideally suited to arid and semi-arid regions where water is limited. They demonstrate less sensitivity to soil deficiencies than other cereals and thrive in inferior soils where conventional crops struggle.​

Regional Distribution: Rajasthan leads in bajra production, accounting for 25-30% of national output. Maharashtra dominates jowar cultivation in central India. South India, particularly Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, specializes in ragi production.​

Nutritional Significance: Millets are classified as “nutri-cereals” due to their high mineral and protein content, making them increasingly important for food security and nutritional supplementation programs.

Maize Production

Requirements: Maize requires soil temperature of 21°C for optimal germination, 20-30°C for growth, 50-100 cm of rainfall, and well-drained loamy soils.​

Top Producing States: Karnataka leads maize production, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. The crop serves multiple purposes: human food, animal feed (primary use), industrial raw material, and biofuel feedstock.

Part B: Pulses

Climate Requirements: Pulses demonstrate diverse temperature requirements. Gram (chickpea) thrives at 20-25°C with 40-45 cm rainfall. Tur (pigeonpea) prefers 20-30°C with 60-90 cm rainfall in black or red soils. Urad (blackgram) and Moong (greengram) require 20-30°C and 60-90 cm rainfall. Lentil (Masur) tolerates 15-25°C with 40-75 cm rainfall.​

Major Pulses Production States (2023-24):

Production Trends: National pulses production increased dramatically from 163.23 lakh tonnes (2015-16) to 244.93 lakh tonnes (2023-24), representing growth of approximately 50% over eight years.​

Government Initiatives: The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) operates a Price Support Scheme with MSP procurement. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) operates in 28 States and 2 Union Territories, targeting production enhancement. The Crop Diversification Programme in Haryana, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh encourages farmers to shift from water-intensive rice to pulses and oilseeds.​

Research Infrastructure: ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR) in Kanpur serves as the primary research hub. IIPR Regional Station in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh conducts Central India-focused pulses research with mandates for quality seed production and farmer training.​

Pulses Mission: A new government initiative adopts a holistic approach integrating soil health management, mechanization, balanced fertilizer application, and plant protection. The mission ensures rolling five-year seed production plans by states, with breeder seed monitored by ICAR through the SATHI portal (seedtrace.gov.in).​

Part C: Oilseeds

Requirements: Most oilseeds require 20-30°C temperature, 50-75 cm rainfall, and well-drained soils. Specific variations apply by crop type.​

Major Oilseed Producing States (2023-24):

Groundnut Specialization: Among major groundnut-producing states, Gujarat leads in both area and production, followed by Andhra Pradesh. These two states, along with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, concentrate approximately 70% of India’s groundnut cultivation area and 75% of production. The crop is primarily sown as a Kharif crop (May-June), with delayed sowing possible if monsoons are late.​

Soybean Leadership: Madhya Pradesh is the undisputed “Soybean Capital of India,” commanding the national market with massive production margins. Maharashtra is the secondary major producer.​

Rapeseed and Mustard: Rajasthan dominates rapeseed and mustard production, followed by Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. These Rabi season crops concentrate in northern and northwestern states.​

Part D: Cash Crops

Sugarcane Production

Climate Requirements: Sugarcane thrives at 21-27°C with 75-150 cm rainfall and requires deep rich loamy soils. The crop has a 10-12 month growing period.​

Major Producing States (2023-24):

Regional Characteristics: Uttar Pradesh’s dominance stems from fertile alluvial soils of the Ganga basin, consistent irrigation infrastructure, and robust government support. Maharashtra faces ongoing drought risk and monsoon variability. Production has shifted increasingly from southern states like Karnataka to northern states, primarily due to superior irrigation and SAP (sugar accumulation percentage) levels.​

Cotton Production

Climate Requirements: Cotton requires 21-30°C temperature, 50-100 cm rainfall, and thrives in black soils (Deccan regions), alluvial soils, or red and laterite soils. Frost-free periods are essential.​

Cotton Production by State:

Cotton Varieties: Short-staple varieties (20-30 mm fiber length) are common, though long-staple varieties command premium prices. Bt Cotton (genetically modified) has been widely adopted for pest resistance. Hybrid and improved cultivars continue development through research institutions.​

Government Support: ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research in Nagpur conducts cotton improvement research. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop insurance. MSP support and technology dissemination programs assist growers.​

Jute Production

Climate and Soil Requirements: Jute requires 20-25°C temperature, 150-300 cm rainfall with high humidity, and alluvial soils annually renewed by floods.​

Major Producing States:

Key Advantage: West Bengal’s delta soils are naturally maintained as the most fertile through annual flood renewal, making jute cultivation ideal. The crop is traditionally known as the “Golden Fiber” for its economic value.​

Government Support: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (Kolkata) conducts jute research and development.​

Tea Production

Climate Requirements: Tea thrives at 20-30°C with 150-300 cm well-distributed rainfall. It requires well-drained, deep friable loamy soil at altitudes of 600-2000 meters, preferably on sloped terrain with good drainage.​

Major Tea Producing States:

Tea Seasons (Flushes): First Flush (March-April) commands premium prices for quality. Second Flush (May-June) develops muscatel flavor. Monsoon Flush (July-September) provides robust character. Autumn Flush (October-November) delivers mellow profiles.​

Government Support: Tea Board of India maintains quality standards and facilitates exports. Quality control divisions collaborate on quality upgradation initiatives.

Coffee Production

Climate Requirements: Coffee requires 15-28°C temperature, 150-250 cm rainfall, well-drained deep friable loamy soil, and 600-1200 meters altitude (Arabica) or up to 1800m (Robusta). Partial shade is beneficial for plantation management.​

Coffee Production:

Coffee Varieties: Arabica varieties (high altitude, 1000-1500m) represent 60-65% of Indian coffee production, commanding premium prices for quality. Robusta varieties (500-1000m altitude) comprise 35-40%, valued for disease resistance and robustness.​

Coffee Board of India: Established in 1942, the Coffee Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Coffee Research Institute ranks as a premier research station for Southeast Asia. Key divisions include Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology in Mysore, developing disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties through biotechnology.​

Spices Production

Production Overview (2023-24):

Total National Spice Production: Approximately 120 million tonnes (estimated)​

Government Initiatives: The Spices Board of India (established 1987) develops, promotes, and regulates the export of 52 spices. The SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector) scheme operates with Rs. 422.30 crore outlay through FY 2025-26. Key scheme components include Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, Cardamom Productivity Program, and GI-tagged Spices Promotion.​

Spices Parks Infrastructure: Eight crop-specific parks provide common processing facilities (cleaning, sorting, grading, grinding, oil extraction, packaging) across Kerala (Cardamom and Pepper), Chhattisgarh (Turmeric and Allied Spices), Tamil Nadu (Chillies and Turmeric), Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (Mint), and Madhya Pradesh. These parks offer plots to exporters, traders, and farmer producer organizations.​

Part E: Vegetables and Tuber Crops

Production Trends (2024-25):

Major Vegetable Producing States (2023-24):

Specialized Vegetable Focus: Potato production reached 595.72 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 with substantial growth. Onion production surged 19% to 288.77 lakh tonnes, with sowing area expanding from 3.62 to 3.91 lakh hectares. Tomato production remained relatively stable at 215.49 lakh tonnes.​

Vegetable Temperature Requirements:

Part F: Regional Cropping Patterns

Heavy Rainfall Areas (>150 cm annually): East India (West Bengal, Assam, Odisha) and West Coast plains (Kerala, Coastal Karnataka) cultivate rice, tea, coffee, jute, sugarcane, rubber, and coconut with abundant fodder for livestock support.​

Medium Rainfall Areas (75-150 cm): Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Eastern Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha (Maharashtra) support rice in higher rainfall zones and wheat in lower rainfall zones, with soybeans, cotton, and millets throughout, employing mixed cropping with pulses for risk reduction.​

Low Rainfall Areas (25-75 cm – Semi-arid): Northwestern and Central India regions employ dryland farming, cultivating millets (jowar, bajra, ragi) as primary crops, supplemented by oilseeds (groundnut, sunflower, rapeseed, mustard), pulses (moong, urad, gram), and irrigated wheat.​

Part G: Government Support Systems

Major Agricultural Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides Rs. 6,000 annual direct income support to farmers in three installments, supplementing agricultural income and supporting livelihoods.​

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Launched in 2016, PMFBY represents the largest crop insurance scheme historically and globally the third-largest by premium. The scheme has insured 29.19 crore farmer applications since inception, disbursing over Rs. 95,000 crore in claims.​

Coverage Details: PMFBY covers standing crop failures from sowing to harvesting, prevented sowing/planting risks (75% area unsown), mid-season adversity, localized calamities, and post-harvest losses. Premium costs are shared equally by farmers and government. Coverage applies to all notified food crops, oilseeds, and annual commercial/horticultural crops.​

Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides farmers soil nutrient status information, guiding balanced fertilizer application and promoting organic fertilizer use including Neem Coated Urea.​

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on irrigation expansion and efficient water management under the “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to every field) initiative, including canal modernization and sprinkler/drip irrigation systems.​

National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Implemented across 28 States and 2 Union Territories (J&K, Ladakh), NFSM enhances rice, wheat, and pulses production through high-yielding varieties, modern practices, and cluster demonstrations.​

Crop Diversification Programme (CDP): Haryana, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh implement CDP encouraging farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to pulses and oilseeds, with government subsidies and support.​

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA): Ensures assured procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at MSP. NAFED and NCCF guarantee 100% procurement in participating states over four years, with 25% procurement limits lifted for 2023-24 to 2024-25.​

Key Agricultural Research Institutions

ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): Established in 1929, ICAR operates the largest agricultural research network. The Crop Science Division is the largest ICAR division carrying research programs through 21 national institutes, 3 bureaux, 2 project directorates, 2 national research centers, and 25 All-India Coordinated Research Projects operating across 732 centers.​

Major ICAR Institutes for Crop Research:

Variety Release Statistics (2014-2022): ICAR under National Agricultural Research System has released 1,956 high-yielding stress-tolerant crop varieties/hybrids, including 924 cereals (442 rice, 127 wheat), 291 oilseeds, 304 pulses, 239 fiber/commercial crops, 118 forage crops, and 64 sugarcane varieties.​

AICRP/AINP Programs: All-India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) on Kharif Pulses and Rabi Pulses operate network research across multiple locations for regional crop adaptation and variety testing.​

Coffee Board of India: Established 1942, the Coffee Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, focusing on research, development, extension, quality upgradation, and market promotion. The Coffee Research Institute ranks as Southeast Asia’s premier research station.​

Spices Board of India: Established 1987, the Spices Board develops and regulates 52 spices and spice products, managing production, processing, domestic marketing, and international trade promotion.​

Part H: Crop Climate and Soil Classification