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On agriculture
On Ecology
| On agriculture
On Ecology
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‘Walra’ – Local term for shifting agriculture in Rajasthan, especially among tribal communities of Udaipur. In this method, a patch of forest land is cleared, cultivated temporarily, and then abandoned to allow natural regeneration.
Types –
- Dajia -Shifting agriculture done in the plains
- Chimata -Shifting agriculture done over mountains.
Bajra, also known as pearl millet, thrives in the semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan, making it a highly suitable kharif crop for the region. Rajasthan leads in bajra production nationwide.
Suitable Production Conditions:
- Temperature: Moderate temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C favor its growth.
- Rainfall: Bajra requires low rainfall, ideally between 20-35cm.
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loam soil is ideal for cultivation.
- Major Varieties: Rajasthan 171, Pusa Composite 383, R.C.B.
Major Production Areas:
Schemes like NFSM-NUTRI Cereals mission (21 Dist.) and Bajra Seed Minikits under Rajasthan Millet Promotion Mission have helped Rajasthan emerge as a leading producer. Leading Bajra Producing Districts :
- Barmer: highest bajra-producing district in Rajasthan in terms of area. Recently, A Dedicated research center for bajra has been announced in Barmer
- Alwar: Alwar emerges as the top producer of bajra in Rajasthan based on maximum production.
- Other regions: Sawai-Madhopur, dausa, karauli,tonk
Extra :
- 5 F benefits of bajra : Food, Febric, Fertiliser, Fuel and Fodder
- Union Budget 2023-24 : Millets → Shree Ann
Horticulture can be defined as the branch of agriculture focused on the production, storage, preservation, and management of fruits, vegetables, and spices within an enclosed area. It involves intensively cultured plants for food, medicinal, or aesthetic purposes.
Current status of horticulture crops in Rajasthan
- Horticulture Crops in Rajasthan (2024): Area: 87.969 ha th
- Fruits and Vegetables in the 2023-24 agriculture year:
- Fruits (2023-24): Production (in metric tons): 11,975,555
- Vegetables (2023-24): Production (in metric tons): 2,711,816
- Rajasthan rank second in garlic production and Fifth in onion production
| Fruits | Banana | Ber | Custard Apple | Mango | Papaya | Pomegranate |
| Top district in production | Chittorgarh | Jaipur | Rajsamand | Banswara | Sirohi | Barmer |
| Vegetable | Onion | Tomato | Potato | Cauliflower | Watermelon | Muskmelon | Kheera |
| Top district in production | Sikar | Jaipur | Dholpur | Sikar | Sikar | Chittorgarh | Bikaner |
Spice Crop- Top Producing District
| Coriander | Cumin | Fennel | Garlic | Ajwain | Chilli | Ginger | Turmeric |
| Baran | Jodhpur | Sirohi | Jhalawar | Bundi | Jhalawar | Sawai Madhopur | Pratapgarh |
- Flowers -Top district in production
- Genda– Chittorgarh,Phulwari- Jaisalmer, Rose- Ajmer
Importance
- Food & Nutrition Security: Horticultural crops like fruits and vegetables are essential for providing vitamins and minerals, especially to rural and tribal people in Rajasthan.
- Income Generation for Farmers: Horticulture provides farmers with extra income, helping reduce their dependence on one crop and improving their financial stability.
- Rural Economic Development: Horticulture helps create jobs and improve living conditions in rural areas of Rajasthan, reducing poverty.
- Contribution to India’s Spice and Medicinal Plant Production: Rajasthan contributes around 10% to India’s total spice production and 15% to the production of medicinal and aromatic plants
- Raw Material for Food Processing: Horticultural crops in Rajasthan are essential for making products like juices, pickles, and dried fruits.
Major Initiatives Taken for the Promotion of Horticulture in Rajasthan:
- National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Aims to increase the area, production, and productivity of horticulture crops like fruits, spices, and flowers in 31 districts.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Focuses on date palm cultivation, horticulture development in non-NHM areas, and vegetable clusters in urban areas. Strengthens centers of excellence in various districts
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Covers insurance for horticultural crops at premium rates of 5% against crop failures.
- The Directorate of Horticulture, established in 1989-90
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) – Horticulture as a key activity undertaken in the scheme.
- Research Institutes -CAZRI Jodhpur ,Agriculture Research Station at Jaipur and Bikaner etc. These institutes focus on horticultural research and development.
- Centers of excellence – Date (Jaisalmer), Fig – Sirohi, Citrus Plants / Medicinal and Species Plants – Jhalawar , Vegetables – Bundi, Custard Apple – Chittorgarh, Pomegranate and Dragon Fruit – Bassi (Jaipur), Gooseberry (Amla), Mango, Olive – Dholpur
Rajasthan’s horticulture sector fosters economic growth, enhances food security, supports sustainable development, and provides livelihood opportunities. Government programs and research help improve productivity, income, and rural development.
