Agro Climatic Zones of India

Introduction to Agro Climatic Zones

Agro Climatic Zones are regions characterized by specific climatic conditions, soil types, and topography that influence agricultural practices. Understanding these zones is crucial for optimizing agricultural production, implementing sustainable farming practices, and developing effective policies for food security. India, with its diverse climatic conditions and geography, is divided into several agro climatic zones, each supporting different agricultural activities.

Classification of Agro Climatic Zones in India

India’s agro climatic zones are primarily classified based on rainfall, temperature, soil type, and cropping patterns. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has classified India into 15 agro climatic zones, which are:

  1. Tropical Wet Zone: Characterized by high rainfall (2000-4000 mm) and warm temperatures.

    • Crops: Rice, coconut, rubber, and spices.
    • Regions: Coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  2. Tropical Dry Zone: Receives moderate rainfall (1000-2000 mm) with warm temperatures.

    • Crops: Sorghum, pearl millet, groundnut, and cotton.
    • Regions: Parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
  3. Subtropical Humid Zone: Experiences high rainfall (1200-2000 mm) and moderate temperatures.

    • Crops: Rice, jute, tea, and various fruits.
    • Regions: West Bengal, Assam, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
  4. Subtropical Arid Zone: Receives low rainfall (400-600 mm) and high temperatures.

    • Crops: Barley, gram, and some drought-resistant crops.
    • Regions: Western Rajasthan and parts of Punjab.
  5. Temperate Zone: Characterized by moderate rainfall (800-1200 mm) and cooler temperatures.

    • Crops: Wheat, maize, and various fruits (apples, cherries).
    • Regions: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.
  6. Cold Desert Zone: Receives very low rainfall (<200 mm) with harsh winters.

    • Crops: Barley, wheat, and some pulses.
    • Regions: Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
  7. High Altitude Zone: Characterized by low temperatures and high altitudes.

    • Crops: Potatoes, barley, and various medicinal herbs.
    • Regions: Sikkim and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
  8. Coastal Zone: Features high humidity and moderate rainfall.

    • Crops: Rice, sugarcane, and various fruits.
    • Regions: Coastal states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
  9. Island Zone: Characterized by high humidity and rainfall.

    • Crops: Coconut, rubber, and spices.
    • Regions: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep.
  10. Semi-Arid Zone: Receives moderate rainfall (600-1000 mm) with varying temperatures.

  • Crops: Pulses, oilseeds, and cotton.
  • Regions: Parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
  1. Northern Hill Zone: Features rugged terrain and variable rainfall.
  • Crops: Potatoes, maize, and various fruits.
  • Regions: Parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
  1. Eastern Himalayas: Characterized by high rainfall and rich biodiversity.
  • Crops: Tea, rice, and various horticultural crops.
  • Regions: Parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
  1. Western Himalayas: Experiences lower rainfall than the eastern counterpart.
  • Crops: Apples, pears, and cereals.
  • Regions: Parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
  1. Ganges Valley: Features fertile alluvial soil and adequate rainfall.
  • Crops: Rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
  • Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
  1. Deccan Plateau: Characterized by dry conditions and moderate rainfall.
  • Crops: Sorghum, pulses, and cotton.
  • Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Agricultural Practices in Different Zones

  • Tropical Wet Zone:

    • Irrigation: Primarily rain-fed, with some regions using drip irrigation for high-value crops.
    • Crop Diversity: High diversity of cash crops like rubber and spices.
  • Tropical Dry Zone:

    • Water Conservation: Practices like rainwater harvesting and drought-resistant crop varieties are common.
    • Mixed Cropping: Encouraged to enhance soil fertility and mitigate risks.
  • Subtropical Humid Zone:

    • Intensive Farming: Focus on high-yield varieties and modern farming techniques.
    • Horticulture: Significant emphasis on fruits and vegetables due to favorable climatic conditions.
  • Subtropical Arid Zone:

    • Drought Management: Adoption of drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation methods.
    • Pastoralism: Livestock farming is common due to the semi-arid environment.
  • Temperate Zone:

    • Cash Crops: Cultivation of cash crops like apples and horticultural varieties.
    • Organic Farming: Increasing interest in organic practices to enhance soil health.
  • Cold Desert Zone:

    • Traditional Practices: Utilization of traditional knowledge for crop selection.
    • Diverse Cropping: Focus on hardy crops suitable for harsh conditions.
  • High Altitude Zone:

    • Medicinal Plants: Cultivation of medicinal herbs and local crops.
    • Terrace Farming: Common due to hilly terrain.
  • Coastal Zone:

    • Aquaculture: Significant emphasis on aquaculture and coastal agriculture.
    • Coconut Farming: Major cultivation of coconut and cashew.
  • Island Zone:

    • Sustainable Practices: Promotion of sustainable agriculture and conservation of biodiversity.
    • Coconut and Rubber: Major cash crops supporting the economy.
  • Semi-Arid Zone:

    • Crop Rotation: Encouraged to enhance soil fertility and reduce pest incidence.
    • Agroforestry: Integration of trees with agriculture for sustainability.

Significance of Agro Climatic Zones in India

The agro climatic zones of India play a crucial role in the country’s agriculture and economy:

  1. Crop Diversity: The varied climatic conditions facilitate the cultivation of diverse crops, ensuring food security and nutritional diversity.

  2. Economic Contribution: Agriculture is a significant contributor to India’s GDP. Each agro climatic zone supports different crops, enhancing the overall economic stability of the nation.

  3. Employment Generation: The agricultural sector employs a substantial portion of the rural population, fostering socio-economic development and reducing poverty.

  4. Regional Development: Understanding agro climatic zones aids in planning and implementing region-specific agricultural policies, leading to balanced regional development.

Challenges Faced by Agro Climatic Zones

Despite their significance, agro climatic zones in India face several challenges:

  1. Climate Change: Changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and extreme weather events threaten agricultural productivity and food security.

  2. Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater and inadequate irrigation facilities pose significant risks, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones.

  3. Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices can lead to soil degradation, affecting productivity and sustainability.

  4. Market Access: Farmers often face challenges in accessing markets for their produce, affecting their income and livelihood.

Policy Initiatives and Future Directions

To address the challenges faced by agro climatic zones, several policy initiatives can be implemented:

  1. Irrigation Infrastructure: Investment in irrigation infrastructure, including rainwater harvesting systems and check dams, can improve water availability.

  2. Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming and agroecology, can enhance productivity while conserving resources.

  3. Research and Development: Strengthening agricultural research and extension services to develop climate-resilient crop varieties and practices is crucial for adapting to changing conditions.

Maximize the benefits of mock tests for IAS and KAS preparation with guidance from Amoghavarsha IAS Academy . For more details, visit https://amoghavarshaiaskas.in/.

Youtube: click here

Enroll Now !
Media & News
Similar Articles for UPSC Aspirants

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Register Now !
Previous slide
Next slide