CROP PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Before the advent of agriculture, around 10,000 BCE, people were nomadic, wandering in groups from place to place in search of food and shelter. They relied on gathering raw fruits and vegetables and hunting animals for sustenance. The development of agriculture marked a significant shift in human history, allowing people to cultivate land and produce crops such as rice and wheat. This led to the establishment of settled communities and the birth of agriculture.
When plants of the same kind are cultivated in a specific area on a large scale, it is referred to as a crop. For example, a field where only wheat is grown is considered a wheat crop. Crops can be categorized into different types, including cereals, vegetables, and fruits.
Crops can be classified based on the season in which they are grown. India's diverse climatic conditions, including variations in temperature, humidity, and rainfall, support the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. Despite this diversity, two broad cropping patterns are prevalent:
Season: Rainy season (June to September)