Major Crops of Rajasthan Agriculture — types and characteristics, production and distribution of Bajra, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, Mustard, Sugarcane in Rajasthan
Q.1. What are the main characteristics and leading producing areas of Millet (Bajra) in Rajasthan?
Answer:
Millet (Bajra) is a major Kharif crop of Rajasthan. It grows well in dry climatic conditions with a temperature range of 35–40°C and sandy soil. Rajasthan ranks first in India for millet production, contributing about 38.98% to the country’s total output. Improved varieties include Raj 171, Moti, and Mahi Kanchan. Major producing districts are Alwar (1st), Jaipur (2nd), Barmer (largest sown area), Bharatpur, Nagaur, and Jodhpur. Millet is now also recognized as “Shri Ann” (Nutri Grain).
Q.2. What are the ideal conditions for wheat cultivation in Rajasthan, and which districts are major producers?
Answer:
Wheat is a major Rabi crop. It requires 10°C temperature at sowing and 20–28°C at harvesting. Loamy alluvial soil is best suited for wheat cultivation. Rajasthan ranks fifth in India in wheat production. Leading districts include Sri Ganganagar (1st), Hanumangarh (2nd), Bundi, Chittorgarh, Kota, and Alwar. Major improved varieties are Kalyan Sona, Sonalika, and Raj 3077.
Q.3. Describe the type and distribution of Maize (Corn) cultivation in Rajasthan.
Answer:
Maize is a Kharif crop grown mainly in red hilly soils and semi-arid climates. It is widely used as food grain in southern Rajasthan. The state ranks ninth in India in maize production. Major producing districts are Chittorgarh, Banswara, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Bundi, and Bhilwara. Improved varieties such as Mahi Kanchan and Mahi Dhawal were developed by the Agricultural Research Centre, Banswara. Bhilwara also has maize-based industrial clusters.
Q.4. What are the main features and production status of Cotton cultivation in Rajasthan?
Answer:
Cotton is an important commercial Kharif crop. It requires tropical climate with 20–30°C temperature and grows best in light black or loamy soils. Rajasthan ranks fourth in India in cotton production, with an estimated output of 25.53 lakh bales (170 kg each) in 2022–23. Major producing districts are Hanumangarh (1st) and Sri Ganganagar (2nd). BT Cotton has become popular among farmers.
Q.5. What are the key features of Mustard production and distribution in Rajasthan?
Answer:
Mustard is a major Rabi oilseed crop. Rajasthan ranks first in India, contributing 46.63% of total national production. It thrives in loamy soil with 25–30°C temperature. Main producing districts are Sri Ganganagar (1st), Alwar (2nd), Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Sawai Madhopur. The National Mustard Research Centre is located at Sewar, Bharatpur.
Q.6. What are the climatic requirements and major producing areas of Sugarcane in Rajasthan?
Answer:
Sugarcane is a Kharif crop that needs tropical climate and 20–35°C temperature. It grows best in loamy-lava soil with irrigation support. Major producing districts are Sri Ganganagar (1st) and Chittorgarh (2nd), followed by Udaipur and Bundi. The estimated production for 2022–23 was 2.18 lakh metric tonnes.