Rajasthan Agronomic Classification GK

PART - 17: Agronomic Classification of Rajasthan

Detailed Index

Section Topic Exam Importance
17.1 Seasonal Crop Classification โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.2 Economic & Utility-based Classification โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.3 Moisture-based Farming โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.4 Special Farming Systems โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.5 10 Agro-Climatic Zones โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.6 National Standing in Agriculture โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.7 Land Use & Agronomic Indices โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
17.8 Key Exam Pointers โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

๐Ÿ“– 17.1 Seasonal Crop Classification

In Rajasthan, agricultural crops are divided into three major seasonal categories based on sowing, growth period, and harvesting time:

                         [Seasonal Crop Cycle of Rajasthan]
                                      โ”‚
         โ”Œโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ผโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”
         โ–ผ                            โ–ผ                            โ–ผ
[1. Kharif (Siyalu / Sawani)]   [2. Rabi (Unalu)]            [3. Zaid]
 โ€ข Sowing: June - July          โ€ข Sowing: October - November  โ€ข Sowing: March - April
 โ€ข Harvest: September - October โ€ข Harvest: March - April      โ€ข Harvest: May - June
 โ€ข Main: Bajra, Maize, Guar     โ€ข Main: Wheat, Mustard, Gram  โ€ข Main: Watermelon, Cucumber, Vegetables
Crop Category Local Name Sowing Period Harvesting Period Climatic Requirements Major Crops
Kharif Siyalu / Sawani (Harvested at onset of winter) June to July (with monsoon arrival) September to October (beginning of autumn) High temperature (30ยฐC-40ยฐC), high humidity & adequate monsoon rainfall Cereals: Bajra, Maize, Sorghum, Paddy Pulses: Mung, Moth, Urad, Cowpea, Pigeon pea Oilseeds: Groundnut, Soybean, Sesame, Castor Cash Crops: Cotton, Guar, Sugarcane
Rabi Unalu (Harvested at onset of summer) October to November (with temperature drop) March to April (with summer arrival) Temperate & dry weather during initial growth, clear sunshine & high temperature during ripening Cereals: Wheat, Barley Pulses: Gram, Pea, Lentil Oilseeds: Mustard, Taramira, Linseed, Sunflower Spices: Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic
Zaid Zaid Crops March to April May to June Dry atmosphere, intense sunshine & availability of continuous artificial irrigation Fruit Vegetables: Watermelon, Muskmelon, Cucumber, Kakri, Mateera, Tinda, Bottle gourd Fodder Crops: Lucerne (Rizka), Chari, Sudan grass Short-duration Pulses: Mung & Urad (60-day varieties)

๐Ÿ“– 17.2 Economic & Utility-based Classification

Classification of crops according to farmer's production objective, market value, and consumption pattern:

                   [Economic Utility-based Crop Classes]
                                   โ”‚
   โ”Œโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ผโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”
   โ–ผ               โ–ผ               โ–ผ               โ–ผ               โ–ผ
[Cereals]       [Pulses]        [Oilseeds]      [Cash Crops]    [Spices]
โ€ข Bajra, Wheat  โ€ข Gram, Moth,   โ€ข Mustard,      โ€ข Cotton, Guar  โ€ข Cumin,
                  Mung            Soybean                         Isabgol

1. Food Grains (Cereals & Millets)

Category Crops Key Facts
Coarse Cereals (Nutri-Cereals โ€” 'Shri Anna') Bajra (Pearl Millet) Rajasthan ranks first in India in both area and production. Lifeline of western Rajasthan (sandy soil).
Sorghum (Jowar) 'Poor man's bread' / Fodder & food; prominent in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Tonk, Pali.
Maize Main food crop of southern Rajasthan (Mewar โ€” Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Banswara); grown in red-loam soil.
Barley Salt-tolerant Rabi crop; used in malt & beer industry in Jaipur, Sikar, Ganganagar.
Fine Cereals Wheat Largest Rabi cereal crop of the state; concentrated in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Kota, Alwar, Jaipur (alluvial soil).
Paddy Water-intensive crop; limited to Chambal Command (Kota, Bundi - 'Basmati'), Mahi Command (Banswara) & Ghaggar flood basin (Hanumangarh).

2. Pulses (Natural Fertility Enhancers)

  • Ecological Importance: Leguminous crops have Rhizobium bacteria nodules in their roots, which perform Biological Nitrogen Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and naturally restore lost soil fertility. (Exception: Rajma/Kidney beans do not fix nitrogen).
  • Major Crops:
Crop Key Facts
Gram (Chana) Top position in Rabi pulses; Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu.
Moth Bean Drought-resistant crop; Bikaner, Churu, Barmer (primary raw material for Bikaneri Bhujia industry).
Mung (Green Gram) Nagaur (Mung capital of state), Pali, Jodhpur, Jalore.
Urad (Black Gram) Hadoti region (Kota, Baran, Jhalawar) & Bhilwara.
Cowpea (Choula) On barani land in Shekhawati & Nagaur.

3. Oilseeds

Rajasthan is among the leading states in oilseed production in the country:

Oilseed Category Major Crops Major Producing Districts Specific Geographical Point
Rabi Oilseeds Rapeseed & Mustard Bharatpur, Alwar, Ganganagar, Tonk, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan ranks first in mustard production in India. National Mustard Research Center (DRMR) is located at Sevwar (Bharatpur).
Taramira Nagaur, Jaipur, Churu, Sikar Drought-resistant oilseed growing in very low rainfall & sandy-pebbly land.
Linseed Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Nagaur Useful for industrial oil & fiber (Flax).
Kharif Oilseeds Soybean Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Chittorgarh Concentrated in medium black (Vertisols) soil of Hadoti; rich source of protein (40%) & oil (20%).
Groundnut Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Sikar Lunkaransar area of Bikaner is called 'Rajasthan's Rajkot' for groundnut production.
Sesame (Til) Pali, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur Ancient indigenous oilseed grown in unirrigated barani areas.
Castor Jalore, Barmer, Sirohi For industrial lubricant oil in arid & saline areas.

4. Commercial / Cash Crops

Crop Key Facts
Cotton Locally called 'Baniya' and its fiber 'White Gold'. Main varieties: American Cotton (Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh) & Indigenous/Malvi Cotton (Hadoti & Mewar).
Guar (Cluster Bean) Rajasthan produces about 70% of world's guar. Industrial use: 'Guar Gum' from its seeds is heavily exported to America & Europe for shale gas extraction (Fracking process) and food processing.
Sugarcane Highly water-demanding crop; limited to Sri Ganganagar, Bundi, Kota, and Chittorgarh.

5. Spices & Medicinal Crops

[Jodhpur / Barmer / Nagaur] โ”€โ”€> Cumin & Mathania Red Chilli
[Jalore / Sanchore / Barmer] โ”€โ”€> Isabgol (Psyllium Husk - 'Ghoda Jeera')
[Hadoti (Kota, Baran)]     โ”€โ”€> Coriander & Garlic
[Nagaur (Merta City)]      โ”€โ”€> Green Fenugreek (Kasuri / Paan Methi - distinctive aroma)
[Chittorgarh / Pratapgarh] โ”€โ”€> Opium ('Black Gold')
[Pali (Sojat)]             โ”€โ”€> Henna (GI Tag obtained)
Spice/Medicinal Crop Key Facts
Isabgol Also called 'Ghoda Jeera'. Jalore & Sanchore are India's largest production centers. Medicinal husk made for stomach ailments.
Coriander Ramganjmandi (Kota border) in Baran district is Asia's largest coriander market.
Paan Methi Fenugreek of Nagaur district is world-famous for its distinctive aroma.
Opium Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, Jhalawar (contract farming under strict Narcotics Department surveillance). Locally called 'Amal' or 'Black Gold'.

๐Ÿ“– 17.3 Moisture-based Farming

Farming System Annual Rainfall Range Water Source Technical Features & Region in Rajasthan
1. Dry Farming < 500 mm (< 50 cm) Completely rain-dependent โ€ข Moisture conservation methods (mulching, deep plowing) โ€ข Low water & early maturing crops (Moth, Bajra, Guar) โ€ข Region: Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Phalodi
2. Dryland Farming 500-750 mm Rain-based, occasional irrigation facility โ€ข Water harvesting (Farm Ponds) & Intercropping โ€ข Crops: Sorghum, Mung, Maize, Sesame โ€ข Region: Western slopes of Aravalli, Shekhawati, Central Rajasthan
3. Irrigated Farming Rainfall inadequate, but water sources available Canals, Tube wells, Wells & Dams โ€ข Two to three crops per year (Intensive cropping intensity >150%) โ€ข Crops: Wheat, Narma Cotton, Sugarcane, Paddy, Mustard โ€ข Region: Ganganagar-Hanumangarh (IGNP), Kota-Bundi (Chambal Canal), Jaipur (Tube wells)

๐Ÿ“– 17.4 Special Farming Systems

1. Valra System (Shifting Agriculture)

In the tribal areas of southern Rajasthan (Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, Sirohi), the 'slash and burn' agriculture practiced by Bhil, Garasia, and Damor tribes by cutting and burning forests is called 'Valra'. It has two forms:

Form Description
Chimata When tribal farmers burn forests on hill slopes and cultivate in the ashes.
Dajiya When plains are cleared of trees and bushes for level land cultivation.

(Note: Banned by the government due to soil erosion and forest destruction).

2. Khadin System of Jaisalmer

Aspect Description
Inventor Unique water harvesting & cropping technique developed by Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer in the 15th century.
Working Rainwater is stopped by building a strong semi-circular earthen dam (Dhora) on three sides in the lower part of desert slopes (depression between two sand dunes).
Crop Cycle Rainwater stays for months and completely percolates into the ground. When water dries in October-November, excellent Rabi crops (Gram, Wheat, Mustard) are grown in the deep moisture left in the soil without any additional irrigation.

3. Mixed Farming

Aspect Description
Form When a farmer practices animal husbandry (cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, camel) along with crop production for economic security.
Relevance in Rajasthan Due to frequent droughts and famines, about 80% of Rajasthan's rural society depends on mixed farming; when crops are destroyed, milk and animal products save livelihoods.

4. Organic Farming

Aspect Description
Dungarpur District Rajasthan's First Certified Organic District.
Method Use of cow dung manure, vermicompost, Jeevamrit, and neem-based pesticides instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

๐Ÿ“– 17.5 10 Agro-Climatic Zones โ€” Master Matrix

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agriculture Department have divided Rajasthan into 10 Agro-Climatic Zones based on soil, rainfall, temperature, and crop pattern. This is the most important topic for RPSC examinations:

                          [10 Agro-Climatic Zones of Rajasthan]
                                         โ”‚
     โ”Œโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ผโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”
     โ–ผ               โ–ผ                   โ–ผ                   โ–ผ               โ–ผ
 [Zone I: Arid]  [Zone II: Inland]  [Zone III: Eastern]  [Zone IV: Southern] [Zone V: South-Eastern]
 โ€ข IA, IB, IC    โ€ข IIA, IIB         โ€ข IIIA, IIIB         โ€ข IVA, IVB          โ€ข V (Hadoti)
Zone Code Name of Agro-Climatic Zone Included Districts Avg Rainfall Major Crops Exam-Useful Specificity
I A Arid Western Plain Zone Barmer, Balotra, Jodhpur City, Jodhpur Rural, Phalodi (W) 20-37 cm Bajra, Moth, Mung, Guar, Sesame, Cumin CAZRI & AFRI institutes are located in this zone (Jodhpur).
I B Irrigated North-Western Plain Zone Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Anupgarh 10-30 cm American Cotton (Narma), Wheat, Mustard, Kinnow, Gram Most irrigated zone of the state. Ghaggar canal area & IGNP canal command.
I C Hyper-Arid Partially Irrigated Western Zone Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu, Phalodi (E) 10-30 cm Bajra, Moth, Guar, Groundnut (irrigated), Isabgol Largest agro-climatic zone of Rajasthan by area.
II A Inland Drainage Intervening Zone Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Neem ka Thana, Nagaur, Didwana-Kuchaman 30-50 cm Bajra, Guar, Mung, Gram, Fenugreek, Mustard Also called 'Shekhawati Zone'. Major pulse & Paan Methi area.
II B Transitional Plain of Luni Basin Jalore, Sanchore, Pali, Sirohi (excluding hilly area) 30-50 cm Bajra, Sesame, Wheat, Cumin, Isabgol, Castor Called 'Godwar Region'. Intensive commercial cultivation of Isabgol & Cumin.
III A Semi-Arid Eastern Plain Zone Jaipur, Jaipur Rural, Dausa, Dudu, Ajmer, Beawar, Tonk 50-70 cm Wheat, Barley, Mustard, Bajra, Sorghum, Groundnut Alluvial-loam soil; Agricultural University Jobner (Jaipur) is located in this zone.
III B Flood Prone Eastern Plain Zone Alwar, Khairthal-Tijara, Bharatpur, Deeg, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur 50-80 cm Mustard, Wheat, Bajra, Gram Highest mustard producing zone of the state. Flood area of Banganga & Chambal basin.
IV A Sub-Humid Southern Plain & Aravalli Hill Zone Bhilwara, Shahpura, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Udaipur (N) 50-90 cm Maize, Sorghum, Groundnut, Wheat, Gram, Opium Foothills of Aravalli; red-yellow & brown soil; maize & opium cultivation.
IV B Humid Southern Plain Zone Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Salumber, Udaipur (S) 70-110 cm Maize, Paddy, Urad, Soybean, Gram Smallest agro-climatic zone of Rajasthan by area. Red-loam soil.
V Humid South-Eastern Plain Zone Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar 70-100 cm+ Soybean, Coriander, Garlic, Orange, Wheat, Paddy, Mustard Hadoti Plateau; deep medium black (Vertisols) soil. Highest rainfall zone of the state.

๐Ÿ“– 17.6 National Standing in Agriculture

Based on the latest production data from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India:

Crop / Product Rajasthan's Rank in India Estimated Contribution to India's Total Production Major Producing Division / District
Bajra (Pearl Millet) 1st About 40-45% Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Shekhawati
Rapeseed & Mustard 1st About 40-45% Bharatpur, Alwar, Ganganagar, Tonk
Total Oilseeds 1st About 20-22% Entire Rajasthan (Mustard + Soybean + Groundnut)
Total Pulses 2nd / Top tier About 18-20% Nagaur, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu
Gram (Chana) 2nd (after M.P.) About 19-22% Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu
Soybean 3rd (after M.P., Maharashtra) About 8-10% Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Chittorgarh
Groundnut 2nd (after Gujarat) About 18-20% Bikaner (Lunkaransar), Jodhpur, Jaipur
Guar (Guar Seed) 1st About 70-75% Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu
Isabgol / Cumin / Fennel Top About 40-50% Jalore, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur

๐Ÿ“– 17.7 Land Use & Agronomic Indices

1. Cropping Intensity

The percentage ratio of how many times crops are grown on the same land in one agricultural year:

$$\text{Cropping Intensity (%)} = \left(\frac{\text{Gross Cropped Area}}{\text{Net Sown Area}}\right) \times 100$$

  • Rajasthan's average cropping intensity is around 140%-145% (170%+ in Ganganagar and near 110% in Jaisalmer).

2. Net Sown Area

  • About 52%-53% of Rajasthan's total reported area (342.87 lakh hectares) is net sown area.

3. Barren & Uncultivable Land

  • About 10%-11% of the state is permanently unproductive as rocky hills, sand dunes, and ravines.

4. Fallow Land

Type Description
Current Fallow Land left empty in the current year to increase fertility.
Old Fallow Land left empty without sowing for 1 to 5 consecutive years.

๐Ÿ“– 17.8 Key Exam Pointers

Fact Description
Largest Agro-Climatic Zone Zone I C (Hyper-Arid Partially Irrigated Western Zone - Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu)
Smallest Agro-Climatic Zone Zone IV B (Humid Southern Plain Zone - Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh)
Most Irrigated Zone Zone I B (Irrigated North-Western Plain - Ganganagar, Hanumangarh)
Types of Valra Chimata: Shifting cultivation on hill slopes by Bhil tribe. Dajiya: Cultivation by clearing plains forests.
White Gold vs Black Gold White Gold = Cotton (Baniya). Black Gold = Opium (Petroleum is also called this in mineral context).
DRMR Location Sevwar (Bharatpur), Established: 20 October 1993.
CAZRI Location Jodhpur, Established: 1959.
Sojat Henna Henna of Sojat in Pali district has been granted Geographical Indication (GI Tag) by Government of India.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria in Pulses Rhizobium.
Invention of Khadin By Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer in the 15th century.

Exam Revision

Kharif (Siyalu/Sawani): Sown Jun-Jul, Harvested Sep-Oct (Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Cotton, Guar, Groundnut, Soybean) -> Rabi (Unalu): Sown Oct-Nov, Harvested Mar-Apr (Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard, Taramira, Spices) -> Zaid: Sown Mar-Apr, Harvested May-Jun (Watermelon, Muskmelon, Vegetables) -> 10 Agro-Climatic Zones: Largest = Zone I C (Hyper-Arid Western: Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu), Smallest = Zone IV B (Humid Southern: Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh), Most Irrigated = Zone I B (Ganganagar, Hanumangarh) -> Special Farming: Valra (Chimata on hill slopes, Dajiya in plains by Bhils), Khadin (water harvesting in depressions by Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer in 15th century) -> Rajasthan #1 in India: Bajra, Mustard, Total Oilseeds, Guar (70% world production) -> DRMR Sevwar Bharatpur, CAZRI Jodhpur (1959), AFRI Jodhpur -> White Gold: Cotton; Black Gold: Opium -> First Organic District: Dungarpur -> 17.8 Key Exam Pointers

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