Improvement in Food Resources

Introduction

With a growing population, there is a constant need for more food. This can be achieved by increasing the efficiency of production for both crops and livestock.

---

1. Improvement in Crop Yields

Various crops like cereals (wheat, rice, maize), pulses (gram, pea), oil seeds (soyabean, groundnut), and vegetables/fruits provide different nutrients.

Crop Season

• Kharif Season: Crops grown from June to October (Rainy season). Examples: Paddy, soyabean, pigeon pea, maize.
• Rabi Season: Crops grown from November to April (Winter season). Examples: Wheat, gram, peas, mustard.

Approaches to Improve Yield

1. Crop Variety Improvement: Selecting varieties with good yields, disease resistance, and response to fertilizers.
2. Crop Production Improvement: Proper use of nutrients, irrigation, and cropping patterns.
3. Crop Protection Management: Protecting crops from weeds, pests, and diseases.

---

2. Nutrient Management

Plants require nutrients for growth, obtained from air, water, and soil.

• Macronutrients: Required in large quantities (e.g., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
• Micronutrients: Required in small quantities (e.g., Iron, Manganese, Zinc).

Manure vs. Fertilizers

• Manure: Organic matter prepared by decomposition of animal excreta and plant waste. It improves soil structure and water-holding capacity.
• Fertilizers: Commercially produced plant nutrients. They provide quick results but can harm soil health and cause water pollution if overused.

---

3. Irrigation

Since Indian agriculture is mostly rain-fed, proper irrigation is crucial.

• Wells: Dug wells and tube wells.
• Canals: Large systems drawing water from rivers.
• River Lift Systems: Drawing water directly from rivers in areas where canal flow is insufficient.
• Tanks: Small storage reservoirs.

---

4. Cropping Patterns

• Mixed Cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land (e.g., Wheat + Gram).
• Inter-cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field in a definite pattern (e.g., Soyabean + Maize).
• Crop Rotation: Growing different crops on a piece of land in a pre-planned succession.

---

5. Animal Husbandry

The scientific management of livestock.

• Cattle Farming: For milk (milch animals) and draught labour (draught animals).
• Poultry Farming: To produce eggs and meat.
• Fish Production: Capture fishing (from natural sources) and Culture fishery (fish farming).
• Beekeeping (Apiculture): For honey and wax.