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Agro-Climatic Zones of India | Cropping Patterns in Different Agro-Climatic Zones

India's diverse climate and topography result in a wide variety of agro-climatic zones, each supporting distinct cropping patterns. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective agricultural planning and management. This blog delves into the cropping patterns prevalent in different agro-climatic zones of India, offering insights into how climatic and soil conditions influence agricultural practices.


Table of Contents

Definition of  Agro-climatic Zones

Agro-climatic zones are geographic areas characterized by a unique combination of climate, soil type, and topography, which determines the types of crops that can be grown and the agricultural practices that can be employed. These zones take into account factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and altitude. 
  • The Planning Commission of India divided the country into 15 agro-climatic zones, while the ICAR later classified it into 127 agroecological zones based on soil, landform, and climate.

Classification of Agro-Climatic Zones 

Agro-climatic zones can be classified based on several criteria, including:
  • Temperature: Zones can be categorized as tropical, subtropical, temperate, and polar.
  • Rainfall: Areas can be classified as arid, semi-arid, humid, and perhumid based on their annual rainfall.
  • Soil Type: Soil characteristics, including texture, fertility, and pH, also contribute to the classification of these zones.

Significance of Agro-Climatic Zones

Understanding agro-climatic zones is crucial for several reasons:

A. Crop Selection
Different agro-climatic zones support different types of crops. For instance, the Himalayan region with its colder climate is suitable for growing apples and potatoes, while the warm and humid coastal regions are ideal for coconut and rice.

B. Resource Management
Knowledge of agro-climatic zones aids in the optimal use of resources such as water and fertilizers. In arid zones, where water is scarce, farmers can implement rainwater harvesting techniques and select drought-resistant crop varieties. 
  • Example: In Rajasthan (a semi-arid zone), farmers use drip irrigation and grow drought-resistant crops like bajra (pearl millet) to maximize water efficiency.
C. Climate Resilience
Agro-climatic zones provide insights into climate adaptation strategies. Farmers can choose crop varieties that are better suited to changing climatic conditions, reducing vulnerability to climate-related risks. 
  • Example: In regions prone to droughts, such as parts of Maharashtra, farmers are adopting short-duration pulses that require less water, helping to sustain production during dry spells.
D. Economic Planning
Understanding the agro-climatic profile of a region helps in developing agricultural policies and programs that enhance productivity and economic viability. Governments can promote crops that are best suited to the zone, leading to increased income for farmers.
  • Example: The government of Punjab has promoted wheat and rice cultivation due to the favourable climatic conditions, leading to substantial economic growth in the region. 

Agro-Climatic Zones of India

The Planning Commission of India is divided into 15 agro-climatic zones based on climate, soil type, and cropping practices. These zones help in the systematic planning of agricultural practices and crop selection. The main zones include:

  1. Western Himalayas (Zone 1)
  2. Eastern Himalayas (Zone 2)
  3. Ganga Plains (Zone 3)
  4. Trans-Ganga Plain (Zone 4)
  5. Central Plateau and Hill Region (Zone 5)
  6. Southern Plateau (Zone 6)
  7. Western Dry Region (Zone 7)
  8. Eastern Dry Region (Zone 8)
  9. Western Coastal Plains (Zone 9)
  10. Eastern Coastal Plains (Zone 10)
  11. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Zone 11)
  12. North-Eastern Hill Region (Zone 12)
  13. Southeastern Hill Region (Zone 13)
  14. Southern Zone (Zone 14)
  15. Desert Region (Zone 15)

Cropping Patterns by Agro-Climatic Zones

Western Himalayas (Zone 1)

  • Climate: Temperate, with significant variations in altitude.
  • Crops: Wheat, barley, maize, and pulses. Apples and walnuts are also cultivated in higher altitudes.
  • Patterns: Mainly cereals and pulses in the lowlands; fruits and vegetables in the higher altitudes.

Eastern Himalayas (Zone 2)

  • Climate: Sub-tropical to temperate.
  • Crops: Rice, maize, ginger, and turmeric.
  • Patterns: Intensive cultivation of rice and vegetables due to abundant rainfall.

Ganga Plains (Zone 3)

  • Climate: Subtropical with high rainfall.
  • Crops: Rice, wheat, sugarcane, and legumes.
  • Patterns: Double cropping is common; rice in the Kharif season and wheat in the Rabi season.

Trans-Ganga Plain (Zone 4)

  • Climate: Semi-arid.
  • Crops: Wheat, barley, pulses, and oilseeds.
  • Patterns: Predominantly wheat and barley, with pulses and oilseeds during the Rabi season.

Central Plateau and Hill Region (Zone 5)

  • Climate: Semi-arid to arid.
  • Crops: Sorghum, pearl millet, pulses, and oilseeds.
  • Patterns: Focus on drought-resistant crops and mixed cropping to optimize land use.

Southern Plateau (Zone 6)

  • Climate: Semi-arid to tropical.
  • Crops: Cotton, groundnut, pulses, and coarse cereals.
  • Patterns: Mixed cropping with an emphasis on cotton and groundnut; irrigation helps in maintaining productivity.

Western Dry Region (Zone 7)

  • Climate: Arid.
  • Crops: Millets, pulses, and oilseeds.
  • Patterns: Extensive cultivation of drought-resistant crops and focus on water conservation practices.

Eastern Dry Region (Zone 8)

  • Climate: Semi-arid.
  • Crops: Sorghum, millet, and pulses.
  • Patterns: Mainly coarse cereals and pulses; adoption of water-saving techniques like rainwater harvesting.

Western Coastal Plains (Zone 9)

  • Climate: Tropical.
  • Crops: Rice, coconut, cashew, and spices.
  • Patterns: High productivity in rice and cash crops; cultivation of spices and fruits in specific regions.

Eastern Coastal Plains (Zone 10)

  • Climate: Tropical to subtropical.
  • Crops: Rice, jute, oilseeds, and pulses.
  • Patterns: Predominantly rice cultivation with significant jute production in specific areas.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Zone 11)

  • Climate: Tropical rainforest.
  • Crops: Coconut, rice, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Patterns: Emphasis on coconut and tropical fruits, with diverse cultivation practices.

North-Eastern Hill Region (Zone 12)

  • Climate: Sub-tropical to temperate.
  • Crops: Rice, maize, oranges, and tea.
  • Patterns: Focus on high-value crops like tea and fruits; mixed cropping in hilly terrains.

Southeastern Hill Region (Zone 13)

  • Climate: Sub-tropical to temperate.
  • Crops: Tea, rice, and horticultural crops.
  • Patterns: Extensive tea plantations and cultivation of high-value horticultural crops.

Southern Zone (Zone 14)

  • Climate: Tropical.
  • Crops: Rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
  • Patterns: Predominant rice cultivation with significant sugarcane and cotton production.

Desert Region (Zone 15)

  • Climate: Arid.
  • Crops: Millets, pulses, and oilseeds.
  • Patterns: Focus on drought-resistant crops and conservation farming techniques.

In summary, agro-climatic zones are vital in shaping agricultural practices and productivity. By understanding the significance of these zones, farmers and policymakers can make informed decisions that enhance agrarian output, optimize resource use, and improve food security. As climate change continues to impact agricultural systems, a thorough understanding of agro-climatic zones will be even more critical in developing adaptive strategies for sustainable agriculture.

READ MORE: Concepts of various cropping & farming systems - Click Here

Previous Year's Question: 
How Are Agro-Climatic Zones Determined? (2015, 10 Marks)

Answer:
Introduction
Agro-climatic zones are critical for effective agricultural planning and management. They are determined based on various climatic, edaphic, and agronomic factors that influence crop growth and agricultural practices.

1. Criteria for Determining Agro-Climatic Zones
a. Climate:
  • Temperature: Average temperature ranges, seasonal variations, and frost occurrences.
  • Rainfall: Amount, distribution, and reliability of rainfall.
  • Humidity and Sunshine: Impact on crop growth and disease prevalence.
b. Soil Characteristics:
  • Soil Type: Texture, fertility, and depth.
  • Soil pH: Suitability for different crops.
  • Drainage: Impact on crop suitability and waterlogging.
c. Topography:
  • Altitude: Influence on temperature and crop selection.
  • Slope: Affects erosion and water retention.
d. Crop Suitability:
  • Existing Crops: Patterns of current crop cultivation.
  • Crop Adaptability: Potential for growing new crops based on local conditions.
2. Methodology
a. Collection of Data: 
  • Climate, soil, and topography data is gathered through surveys and meteorological records.
b. Analysis and Classification:
  • Data is analyzed to identify regions with similar climatic and soil conditions.
  • Zones are classified based on the homogeneity of these conditions.
c. Consultation with Experts:
  • Agronomists, soil scientists, and climatologists collaborate to refine zoning based on practical and scientific insights.
3. Application
a. Agricultural Planning: 
  • Zoning helps in planning crop rotation, irrigation, and soil management practices.
b. Policy Formulation:
  • Helps in formulating region-specific agricultural policies and support systems.
c. Resource Management: 
  • Ensures efficient use of resources like water and fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of each zone.
Conclusion
Agro-climatic zones are determined through a comprehensive analysis of climate, soil, topography, and crop suitability. This classification supports effective agricultural planning and resource management, contributing to enhanced productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

Read Also: Fact Affecting the Distribution of Crops in India - Click Here

Read Also: Cropping Season in India - Click Here
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