Agriculture - Cropping Pattern, Irrigation, Land Reforms

[TOPIC CLASSIFICATION]

• Topic type: Agriculture Geography & Policy
• PYQ frequency: High
• Exam stage: Prelims + Mains
• Primary GS paper: GS3

---

[EXAMINER REASONING]

1. Trap: Confusing cropping pattern (proportion of area under different crops) with cropping system (sequence of crops on same land). Examiners test this through map-based and statement questions.
2. Most confused: Net sown area vs gross cropped area vs cropping intensity. Gross cropped area = Net sown area x Cropping intensity. India's cropping intensity ~151% (2021-22).
3. Key anchor: Article 48 (agriculture organisation), State List Entry 14 (agriculture), Entry 18 (land), Concurrent List Entry 20 (economic planning). Land reforms are state subject; Model Land Leasing Act 2016 by NITI Aayog.
4. Current affairs hook: Budget 2024-25: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) allocation Rs 10,954 crore; Per Drop More Crop micro-irrigation target 28.5 lakh ha; Digital Crop Survey in 400 districts; Land records modernization (DILRMP) 90% villages digitised.
5. Mains hinge: Frame around tension - water-intensive crops (paddy, sugarcane) in water-scarce regions (Punjab, Maharashtra) vs crop diversification; tenancy formalisation vs landowner resistance; ceiling surplus distribution vs litigation.

---

Core Concept

India's cropping pattern is determined by agro-climatic zones (15 zones, 72 sub-zones), soil types, irrigation availability, and price signals. Rice-wheat system dominates the Indo-Gangetic Plain (Punjab, Haryana, western UP) covering 13.5 million hectares, sustained by assured irrigation and MSP procurement. This has caused groundwater depletion (Punjab extraction 166% of recharge), soil salinity, and stubble burning. In contrast, coarse cereals (jowar, bajra, ragi), pulses, and oilseeds are rainfed crops in central and peninsular India. Cropping intensity varies from 185% (Punjab) to 110% (Rajasthan), reflecting irrigation access.

Irrigation coverage: Net irrigated area 73.2 million hectares (2021-22), 51% of net sown area. Sources: Tube wells 48%, canals 23%, wells 17%, tanks 3%, other 9%. Major programs: PMKSY (2015) with three components - Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop (micro-irrigation). Micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) covers 14.5 million ha (2023), targeting 28.5 lakh ha/year. Command Area Development (CAD) programme for last-mile connectivity in canal commands.

Land reforms post-independence: (1) Abolition of zamindari (1950s) - successful, 2.5 crore tenants became owners; (2) Tenancy reforms - security of tenure, fair rent, ownership rights; implementation uneven (West Bengal's Operation Barga successful); (3) Ceiling on land holdings - ceiling laws varied by state; surplus land 2.8 million ha distributed to 5.7 million beneficiaries; (4) Consolidation of holdings - completed in Punjab, Haryana, UP; pending elsewhere; (5) Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) - 90% villages digitised, unique land parcel identification number (ULPIN) rolled out. Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act 2016 (NITI Aayog) for legalising tenancy; adopted by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand.