Page 55 - SST Class 04

India : Crops

13
and Livestock

Crops and I

Food is our most important need. Plants are the only source of food. As natural vegetation
cannot meet our food needs, we grow crops. Different crops are grown to meet diverse
needs including food and industrial needs. They play such an important role in our life that
we ought to know more about them.

India is called an agricultural country because about 52 percent of working people are
directly engaged in agriculture and livestock.

Crops

Owing to diverse landforms, climates and seasons, different types of crops are grown
in India. Ours is a leading country in many crops.

Crop Seasons

A crop year can be
divided into two seasons :
Rabi and Kharif . The Rabi
crops are sown in winter
months and are reaped by
the late spring season. On

the other hand, the Kharif
crops are sown in the
rainy season and are
reaped by the winter
Rice field Vegetable market
season. India has made
much progress in farming. Our irrigation and farming techniques have improved
while we have better fertilizers and seeds. Due to these factors, these crop seasons are
not much followed.

India : Crops and Livestock 55