Record Foodgrain Production in 2023-24

Record Foodgrain Production in 2023-24

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Why in News

The Union Agriculture Ministry has released its fourth and final estimates for major agricultural crop production for the financial year 2023-24. The report highlights a record-breaking foodgrain production while forecasting a decline in the output of pulses, oilseeds, and sugarcane. This announcement is significant for policymakers, the agricultural sector, and the overall economy of India, particularly in the context of food security and farmer welfare.

Key Highlights of Agricultural Production in 2023-24:

Wheat

Season: Wheat is a Rabi crop sown between September and December, and harvested between February and May.

Cultivation Area: India cultivates wheat over approximately 29.8 million hectares.

Indian Wheat Type: Predominantly soft to medium-hard with medium protein content, similar to U.S. hard white wheat.

Wide Adaptability: Grows in tropical, sub-tropical, temperate zones, and cold regions up to 60°N latitude.

Climate Tolerance: Withstands severe cold and snow, resuming growth in warm spring weather.

Ideal Climate: Best grown in regions with cool, moist conditions during growth, followed by warm, dry weather for ripening.

Germination Temperature: Optimal germination occurs at 20-25°C, though seeds can germinate between 5-35°C.

Ripening Temperature: Ideal average temperature for ripening is around 14-15°C.

Indian Top Producers: Uttar Pradesh > Madhya Pradesh > Punjab > Haryana > Rajasthan.

Top Producers: China, the EU, and India produce over 41% of the world’s wheat.

RICE

Geographical Range: Rice is cultivated across India from 8° to 35°N latitude, from sea level up to 3,000 meters.

Climatic Requirements: Rice thrives in hot and humid climates with high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and a reliable water supply.

Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range for rice throughout its lifecycle is 21°C to 37°C, with a maximum tolerance of 40°C to 42°C.

Global Position: India is the second-largest rice producer globally, after China, and holds a 40% share in global rice exports.

Basmati Rice: India is the leading exporter of Basmati rice, with major production in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Top Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar contribute around 72% of India’s total rice-growing area and over 75% of the country’s rice production.

Millets

Millets are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food.

The key varieties of millets include Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Ragi, Small Millet, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and others.

Major producers include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.

Millets are a powerhouse of nutrients, which score over rice and wheat in terms of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber content, as well as amino acid profile.

In India, millets are primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs than other similar staples.

India, Nigeria and China are the largest producers of millets in the world, accounting for more than 55% of the global production.

 In India, pearl millet is the fourth-most widely cultivated food crop after rice, wheat and maize.

Major producers of millets include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.                        

Decline in Pulses, Oilseeds, and Sugarcane Production

Pulses

Pulses are leguminous crops that produce edible seeds. They are a vital source of protein and nutrients, especially in vegetarian diets.

Key Varieties: Major pulses include Tur (Arhar), Gram (Chickpea), Urad, Moong, Masoor (Lentil), Peas, and Lobia.

Major Producers: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Nutritional Importance: Pulses are rich in proteins, fiber, and essential amino acids; they also fix nitrogen in the soil, promoting soil fertility.

Water Requirement: Pulses are generally rainfed crops, requiring less water and are primarily grown during the rabi and kharif seasons.

Global Leaders: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world, producing around 25% of the global output.

Oilseeds

Oilseeds are crops grown primarily for the extraction of oil from their seeds. The oil is used for cooking, industrial purposes, and in biodiesel production.

Key Varieties: Major oilseeds include Groundnut (Peanut), Soybean, Rapeseed & Mustard, Sunflower, Sesame, Castor, and Linseed.

Major Producers: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Nutritional Importance: Oilseeds are a major source of vegetable oils and are rich in healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

Water Requirement: Oilseeds, particularly groundnut, are grown as rainfed crops and require moderate rainfall.

Global Leaders: India is a major producer of oilseeds, ranking as one of the top global producers of groundnut and rapeseed/mustard.

Rapeseed and Mustard

Rapeseed and mustard are oilseeds primarily cultivated for the extraction of edible oils. The oil is widely used in cooking and for industrial purposes.

Key Varieties: Includes Yellow Sarson, Brown Sarson, Raya, and Taramira. Canola is a variety of rapeseed known for its low erucic acid content.

Major Producers: Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal.

Nutritional Importance: Mustard oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and has a healthy balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass cultivated mainly for sugar production. It is also used to produce ethanol and for cogeneration in sugar mills.

Key Varieties: Co 0238, Co 86032, Co 95020, and other improved varieties are widely cultivated.

Major Producers: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Punjab.

Industrial Importance: Sugarcane is the primary source for sugar, ethanol, and bagasse (used for electricity generation).

Water Requirement: Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, requiring irrigation, especially in non-rainfed areas. It is grown predominantly in the tropical and subtropical regions.

Global Leaders: Brazil, India, and China are the largest producers of sugarcane, with India being the second-largest producer in the world.