CHAPTER- 1 CROP PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
NOTES
1. Living beings utilize the energy obtained from food to carry out various biological processes, such as digestion, respiration, and excretion.
2. Crop- When plants of the same variety are grown on a large scale in one place, it is called a crop. Example- a wheat crop means that all the plants grown in the field are wheat.
3. India is a vast country. Climatic conditions such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall vary from one region to another. Despite this diversity, crops can broadly be classified into two categories: 1. Kharif crops, 2. Rabi crops.
- Kharif Crops- The crops that are sown during the rainy season are called Kharif crops. In India, the rainy season generally lasts from June to September. Example- paddy, maize, soybean, groundnut, cotton, etc.
- Rabi Crops- The crops grown during the winter season (from October to March) are called Rabi crops. Example- wheat, gram, peas, mustard, flaxseed, etc.
- In addition, pulses and vegetables are grown in many places during the summer season.
4. Agricultural Practices- 1. Preparing the soil, 2. Sowing, 3. Applying manure and fertilizers, 4. Irrigation, 5. Protection from weeds, 6. Harvesting, 7. Storage.
1. Preparing the Soil- Preparing the soil is the first step before growing a crop. Turning the soil and making it loose is a very important agricultural activity. This allows the roots to penetrate deep into the soil. Loose soil helps in the growth of earthworms and microorganisms present in the soil. Turning and loosening the soil is crucial for growing crops.
- Ploughing- The process of turning and loosening the soil is called ploughing. It is done using a plough, which can be made of wood or iron. For sowing and irrigation, it is essential to level the field. This task is performed using a leveler.
- Agricultural Tools- To achieve good yield, it is essential to loosen the soil before sowing. This task is performed using various tools. The main tools include the plough, hoe, and cultivator.
- Plough- The plough has been used since ancient times for ploughing, mixing manure/fertilizers, removing weeds, and scraping the soil. It has a strong iron triangular blade known as the "phal." The main part of the plough is made of long wood, called the "plough-shaft." Nowadays, iron ploughs are rapidly replacing traditional wooden ploughs.
- Hoe- This is a simple tool used for removing weeds and loosening the soil.
- Cultivator- Nowadays, ploughing is done using a tractor-operated cultivator. The use of a cultivator saves both labor and time.
2. Sowing- Sowing is the most important stage of crop production. Farmers prioritize high-yielding, good-quality, clean, and healthy seeds.
- Seed Selection- Damaged seeds become hollow and, as a result, are lighter. Therefore, they float on water. Separating good and healthy seeds from damaged ones is an effective method.
- Traditional Tools- The traditional tool used for sowing seeds is shaped like a "keep." When the seeds are placed inside the keep, they pass through two or three pointed pipes. These points pierce the soil and place the seeds into the ground.
- Seed Drill- Nowadays, a tractor-operated seed drill is used for sowing. It ensures that the seeds are sown at equal distances and depths. Maintaining proper spacing between seeds is crucial to prevent overcrowding of plants, allowing them to receive adequate sunlight, nutrients, and water.
3. Manure and Fertilizer Mixing- Substances added to the soil to maintain nutrient levels are called manure and fertilizers.
- Continuous cultivation of crops depletes certain nutrients in the soil. To compensate for this loss, farmers add manure to the fields. This process is called manuring.
- Manure is an organic substance obtained from plant or animal waste.
- Fertilizers are chemical substances that are rich in specific nutrients. Fertilizers are manufactured in factories. Example- urea, ammonium sulfate, super phosphate, potash, and NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).
- Rhizobium bacteria are found in the root nodules of leguminous plants and help in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.
Benefits of Manure-
- It increases the water retention capacity of the soil.
- It makes the soil loose and porous, which facilitates easy gas exchange.
- It increases the number of beneficial bacteria.
- This organic manure improves the structure of the soil.
4. Irrigation- Water is of special importance for the growth and development of plants. Water is absorbed by the roots of plants, along with minerals and fertilizers.
- The transfer of dissolved nutrients in water occurs in every part of the plant. To ensure healthy crop growth, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture by regularly watering the fields. Providing water to the fields at regular intervals is called irrigation.
Sources of Irrigation- Wells, tube wells, ponds/lakes, rivers, dams, and canals, etc.
Traditional Methods of Irrigation- 1. Mote (Ghirni), 2. Chain Pump, 3. Dhekli, 4. Rahat (Lifting Mechanism).
Modern Methods of Irrigation-
i. Sprinkler System- This method is used for uneven land where water is available in limited quantity. The water is sprayed on the plants in such a way that it resembles rainfall.
- Sprinkling is extremely useful for the cultivation of lawns, coffee, and many other crops.
ii. Drip System- In this method, water drips drop by drop directly onto the plant roots. This is called the drip system. It is the best method for watering fruit plants, gardens, and trees.
- In this method, water is not wasted at all. Therefore, it is a boon for areas with water scarcity.
5. Weeds- Many other unwanted plants naturally grow alongside crops in the fields. These unwanted plants are called weeds. The method of removing weeds is called weeding.
- The best time to remove weeds is before they flower and produce seeds. Weeds are removed by uprooting them with their roots or cutting them close to the ground at regular intervals. This task is done with the help of a hoe or sickle.
- Weeds are also controlled using chemicals called herbicides, such as 2, 4-D.
- Herbicides are mixed with water as needed and sprayed in the fields with the help of a sprayer. The spraying of these chemicals can also affect the health of the farmer. Therefore, while spraying, they cover their mouth and nose with a cloth.
6. Harvesting- Harvesting of crops is an important task. It refers to cutting the crop once it is fully ripe.
- In our country, harvesting is done by hand using a sickle, or a machine called a harvester is used.
- Threshing- The process of separating seeds/grains from the husk of the harvested crop is called threshing.
- In smaller fields, the grains of the crop are separated by beating or threshing manually.
7. Storage- Storing the produce is an important task. If the crop grains need to be kept for a longer period, they must be protected from moisture, pests, rats, and microorganisms.
- Farmers store their crop produce in jute sacks or large metal containers. Large-scale storage of seeds is done in silos and storage houses, which help protect them from pests such as rats and insects.
- Dry neem leaves are used in households for storing grains. In large storage houses, chemical treatments are also applied to protect the grains from pests and microorganisms.
Animal Husbandry- Domesticated animals kept in homes or on farms require proper food, shelter, and care. When this is done on a large scale, it is called animal husbandry.
- Fish is a good diet for health. Fish liver oil, such as cod liver oil, is obtained from fish and contains a high amount of vitamin D.
