Chapter 1 - Crop Production and Management -

Chapter 1 – Crop Production and Management

We need food to survive.
Plants make their own food, but humans and animals obtain food from plants and animals.
As the population grows, we need more food. Therefore, crop production and management is very important.

When the same type of plant is grown at one place on a large scale, it is called a crop.
- Usage : Wheat crop means that all the plants grown in the field are of wheat.
Types of Crops: In India, crops are mainly divided into two categories based on the seasons:
- Kharif Crops :
  - These crops are sown in the rainy season (from June to September).
  - They need more water.
  - Examples: Paddy (rice), corn, soybean, groundnut, cotton.

Rabi Crops :

Farmers do a variety of work called agricultural practices to grow crops. These are done step by step:

- This is the first and most important step.
- Ploughing and Loosening: This allows the roots to go deeper and breathe easier. It also increases air circulation in the soil.
- Ploughing: Traditionally done with a plough. Nowadays tractor-driven cultivators are used.
- Soil turning helps earthworms and microorganisms to grow, which make the soil more fertile.

Before sowing, good quality seeds are selected. Healthy seeds give a good yield.
Traditional way: sowing seeds by hand using funnels.
Seed Drill : Tractor-driven seed drills are used nowadays. It corrects the seeds

Sows at distance and depth, saving time and labor.

iii. Adding Manure and Fertilizers:

Manure and fertilizers are added to the soil to provide nutrients to the crops.
Manure: Formed by the decomposition of organic matter (dung, plant residues). It provides humus to the soil.

It increases water holding capacity.

Fertilizers: are chemical substances that are rich in special nutrients (e.g. urea, NPK). these

Chemicals are made in factories.

Difference between Manure and Fertilizer:

Watering crops at fixed intervals is called irrigation.
Sources of Irrigation: Wells, tube wells, ponds, lakes, rivers, dams and canals.
Traditional methods of irrigation: Moat (pulley), chain pump, dhekali, rahat (lever system).
Modern methods of irrigation:
- Sprinkler System: Useful for uneven lands, where less water is available. The water goes up the pipes and falls in the form of showers, as if it is raining.
- Drip System: Water drops drop by drop into the roots of plants. The best way to water fruit plants, gardens and trees where water is not wasted at all.

Unwanted plants grown along with crops in the field are called weeds.
These compete for crop nutrients, water, and light, thereby stunting crop growth.
Weeding: The process of removing weeds.
- Tilling: Ploughing the field before sowing causes weeds to uproot from the roots.
- Handlifting: Using a scabbard.
- Weedicides: Spraying of chemicals (e.g. 2,4-D). They kill weeds but do not damage the crop.

When the crop is fully ripe, harvesting it is called harvesting.
Harvesting Methods:
- By hand: using a sickle.
- From the machine: A machine called a harvester is used.
Threshing : Separating the grain from the harvested crop. This is traditionally done with oxen or by machine (thresher).
Combine: A machine that performs both harvesting and threshing simultaneously.

vii. Storage :

It is very important to store the grain correctly to protect it from moisture, pests, rats and microorganisms.
On a small scale: The grain is stored in metal drums or jute sacks.
Large-scale: Silos and granaries are used.
The grain is dried thoroughly before storage to reduce moisture and avoid pests and microorganisms.
Neem leaves and chemical treatments also help in storage.

When animals are reared in homes or farms and are provided with proper food, shelter and care, it is called animal husbandry.
It is related to the rearing of animals for food (milk, eggs, meat).
Examples: Cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, poultry etc.

Chapter 1 – Crop Production and Management