Question

discuss the important factors affecting the cropping pattern. in 250 words

Answer 1

Cropping pattern of any region depends upon many factors e.g. physical and technical factors, economic factors as well as on the government policies and actions.
1. Physical and Technical Factors:
These include the physical characteristic as soil, climate, weather rainfall etc. In the dry regions where the rainfall is scanty and where there is high uncertainty of monsoons, the dependence is on jowar and bajra. Water logging areas cultivate rice.
2. Economic Factors:
Economic motivation is the most important in determining the cropping pattern of the country. Among the various economic factors affecting crop pattern, the following are important:
(i) Price and Income Maximisation:
(ii) Farm Size:
There is a relationship between the farm size and the cropping pattern. The small farmers are first interested in producing food grain for their requirements. Small holder therefore devotes relatively small acreage to cash crops than large holders.
(iii) Insurance against Risk:
The need to minimise the risk of crop failures not only explains diversification but also some specific features of crop patterns.
3. Government Policies:
The legislative and administrative policies of the government may also affect the cropping pattern. Food Crops Acts, Land Use Acts, intensive schemes for paddy, for cotton and oilseeds, subsidies affect the cropping pattern.