Factors Affecting the Agriculture - UPSC World Geography

Agriculture, the backbone of civilization, is a multifaceted industry influenced by a plethora of factors. From environmental conditions to economic policies, and technological advancements to socio-cultural dynamics, the agricultural sector operates within a complex web of interconnected variables. These factors collectively shape the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of agricultural systems, profoundly impacting food security, rural livelihoods, and global economies. Understanding the interplay of these influences is paramount for devising effective strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate risks, and ensure the long-term viability of food production systems in a rapidly changing world.

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DETERMINANTS OF AGRICULTURE

A region’s agricultural framework and productivity are intricately shaped by a multitude of factors, blending together physical, institutional, infrastructural, and technological elements:

The collective influence of these factors intricately shapes cropping patterns, agricultural development, and crop productivity in a region. By considering these various factors, agricultural practices can be better tailored to optimise productivity, sustainability, and economic viability within different geographic and socio-economic contexts.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Various physical factors significantly influence agriculture in a given region.
These factors, including terrain, topography, climate, and soil, collectively determine the agricultural productivity of an area.
It’s essential to understand that these factors do not operate independently; instead, agricultural practices in a specific location result from the interplay of multiple physical elements.
Let’s delve into the distinct aspects of these physical factors:

TERRAIN TOPOGRAPHY AND ALTITUDE

A region’s agricultural landscape is significantly influenced by geo-ecological conditions, such as terrain, topography, slope, and altitude.

Each of these factors plays a distinct role in determining suitable crops and farming practices.

For instance, paddy cultivation necessitates level fields to retain standing water, while tea plantations thrive in undulating terrains where stagnant water could harm the crops.
Coconut orchards typically flourish at lower altitudes near sea level, while apple orchards in tropical and subtropical conditions are more successful at altitudes exceeding 1500 meters above sea level.
Yet, cultivating crops at elevations of 3500 meters in tropical and subtropical regions is rare due to low air pressure, temperature variations, and oxygen scarcity that create significant obstacles for crop growth and dairy cattle management.

High mountainous soils are often underdeveloped due to their steep slope, leading to soil erosion and making them unsuitable for agriculture.

Topography significantly impacts agriculture through its relation to soil erosion, complexity of tillage, and challenges in transportation.
Agricultural mechanization is also heavily influenced by the topography, as rough and hilly lands may render the use of machinery impractical.
Rainfall distribution is also affected by topographical features, where the windward side typically receives more rainfall compared to the leeward side.
This variation in rainfall determines the type of crops that can be cultivated; for example, West Bengal’s jute cultivation is viable due to sufficient rainfall, while Rajasthan’s arid climate makes it less suitable for such crops.
Slope aspects, including its steepness and sun exposure, also heavily impact agricultural practices.
Steeper slopes are less conducive to traditional farming, thus often necessitating terrace farming for viable cultivation.

The nature of the surface area is equally crucial for agricultural activities. Gullied lands, suffering from severe erosion and nutrient deficiencies, hinder farming practices. An example of this is the Chambal ravines in regions of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, rendering thousands of hectares of arable land unproductive due to erosion and soil nutrient loss.

TEMPERATURE

Climate exerts a significant influence on agricultural land use and cropping patterns, dictating the growth of all forms of agriculture primarily through temperature variations and moisture conditions.

The temperature has a critical role in regulating the growth of crops.
Agricultural scientists have found that each crop thrives within specific temperature ranges and has distinct zero and optimum temperature thresholds for various growth stages.
For example, wheat grows in cool climatic conditions in Punjab, but such conditions are not suitable for the same crop in Kerala.
Frost kills or damages crops like rice, sugarcane, jute, cotton, chilli, and tomatoes.
Different crops require specific temperature conditions for their growth and development stages.
Moisture, vital to all crops, is taken from the soil or obtained through irrigation.
Optimal moisture conditions, similar to temperature ranges, are necessary for crop development.
Excess water in the soil can hinder plant growth due to alterations in soil chemistry and biological processes.
Heavy rainfall often damages crops, affects pollination, and complicates harvesting.
Drought, a catastrophic condition resulting from inadequate soil moisture, has severe consequences on crop yields.
Regions prone to drought face devastating effects on agriculture.
The frequency and intensity of drought in these areas are determined by the availability and distribution of rainfall, with different plants requiring varying moisture levels.
Snow negatively impacts the ground temperature, hindering germination and crop growth. Snowmelt can lead to hazardous floods in summer, significantly affecting crops and livestock.
Winds play a dual role in affecting crops.
Directly, strong winds can break plant structures, dislodge crops, and strip fruit and nut trees. Indirectly, wind contributes to increased evaporation and transpiration, potentially depleting plant moisture levels.

Understanding and considering these factors are pivotal for optimal agricultural practices, especially in regions where agriculture is a vital component of the economy.

SOILS

Soil stands out as a primary determinant in agricultural activities, significantly influencing cropping patterns, their combinations, and overall production.

The quality of soil, comprising its fertility, texture, structure, and humus content, directly impacts the crops grown and their productivity.
For instance, alluvial soils, commonly found in river valleys, are considered favorable for cultivating wheat, barley, gram, oilseeds, pulses, and sugarcane.
On the other hand, the clayey loam soil present in the Ganga-Brahmaputra deltaic regions is conducive for producing rice and jute, resulting in good harvests.

Distinct types of soil are aligned with particular crops in various regions.

For example, black soil in Maharashtra is renowned for cotton farming, while sandy soil in Rajasthan is suitable for cultivating guar and pulses like green gram, black gram, and red gram.

However, some soil types, particularly saline and alkaline soils, are generally considered unsuitable for agriculture unless they undergo reclamation through chemical fertilizers and biological manures.
Regions with such soils, such as parts of Punjab and Haryana, often necessitate interventions for soil improvement to make them agriculturally viable.

INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS

LAND HOLDINGS

The average size of landholdings in India has been decreasing consistently due to an increasing number of landholders.
In 1970-71, the average landholding was approximately 2.28 hectares, but by 2010-11, it had decreased to 1.15 hectares.
A majority of Indian farmers—more than 82%—are classified as small and marginal farmers, owning less than 2 hectares of land (as per the Government of India, 2011).
The prevalence of these tiny landholdings among the majority of farmers creates concerns about the viability and sustainability of agriculture in a country with a large population to feed.
Moreover, landholdings often get further fragmented due to inheritance laws mandating the equal division of property among heirs, leading to smaller plots of land for individual farmers. The economic foundation for these small and marginal farmers is relatively poor, which negatively impacts the overall growth of the agriculture sector.
This high level of land fragmentation hampers the effective spread of modern agricultural technologies.

CREDIT

Adequate credit is vital for the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to meet their investment and working capital requirements.
However, despite a substantial network of Rural Financial Institutions (RFIs), a significant portion of the rural population remains underserved by the formal banking sector in India. Factors contributing to inadequate credit flow to the agriculture sector include long gestation periods, a lack of trained technical staff to identify potential activities in the agricultural field, poor eligibility criteria, and security issues.
The different types and sources of agricultural credit in India are crucial for facilitating the financing needed for agricultural activities to meet the demands of Indian farmers.

FAQs on Determinants of Agriculture

Q1: How do terrain and topography influence agricultural practices?

A: Terrain and topography play a crucial role in determining suitable crops and farming practices. For example, level fields are essential for paddy cultivation, while undulating terrains are suitable for tea plantations.

Q2: Why are altitude and slope important in agriculture?

A: Altitude influences the success of crops; for instance, coconut orchards thrive at lower altitudes, while apple orchards are successful at higher altitudes. Slope impacts soil erosion, tillage complexity, and even the viability of agricultural mechanization.

Q3: How does rainfall distribution vary based on topographical features?

A: Topographical features influence rainfall distribution, with windward sides receiving more rainfall than leeward sides. This impacts the types of crops that can be cultivated in a region.

Q4: How does temperature affect crop growth?

A: Temperature is critical for crop growth, and different crops thrive within specific temperature ranges. Frost, excessive heat, and temperature variations can impact crops differently.

Q5: Why is moisture important for crops?

A: Optimal moisture conditions are necessary for crop development, and both excess water and drought conditions can hinder plant growth. Heavy rainfall and drought have significant consequences on agriculture.

Q6: How do winds affect crops?

A: Winds can directly damage plants and indirectly contribute to increased evaporation, impacting plant moisture levels. Strong winds can break plant structures and dislodge crops.

Q7: How does soil quality influence agriculture?

A: Soil quality, including fertility, texture, structure, and humus content, directly impacts the crops grown and their productivity. Different soil types are aligned with specific crops in various regions.

Q8: Are there unsuitable soil types for agriculture?

A: Yes, saline and alkaline soils are generally considered unsuitable for agriculture unless reclaimed through interventions like chemical fertilizers and biological manures.

Q9: Why is the average size of landholdings decreasing in India?

A: The average size of landholdings in India is decreasing due to an increasing number of landholders, with a majority being small and marginal farmers. Inheritance laws further fragment land, posing challenges to the viability of agriculture.

Q10: How does small landholding impact the adoption of modern agricultural technologies?

A: Small landholdings hinder the effective spread of modern agricultural technologies, impacting the overall growth of the agriculture sector.

Q11: Why is credit crucial for the agricultural sector?

A: Adequate credit is vital for meeting investment and working capital requirements in agriculture. It enables farmers to sustain and improve their agricultural practices.

Q12: What are the challenges in credit flow to the agriculture sector in India?

A: Challenges include long gestation periods, a lack of trained technical staff, poor eligibility criteria, and security issues. Despite a network of Rural Financial Institutions, a significant portion of the rural population remains underserved by the formal banking sector.

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Factors Affecting the Agriculture – UPSC World Geography Notes