Here are the five major crops that play
a crucial role in feeding the world’s
population:
1. Wheat (Triticum L.): Wheat is the most harvested
crop globally. It serves as a staple food in many
cultures and is used to make various products
like bread, pasta, and pastries.
2. Maize (Zea maize): Maize, also known as corn, is
the second most harvested crop. It has diverse
uses, including food, animal feed, and industrial
applications.
3. Rice, paddy (Oryza sativa): Rice is a staple food
for millions of people, especially in Asia. It comes
in various varieties and is a vital source of
nutrition.
4. Soybeans (Glycine max): Soybeans are rich in
protein and are used for various purposes, such
as making soy milk, tofu, and animal feed.
5. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Barley is primarily
used for brewing beer and as animal feed. It’s an
essential cereal crop in many regions.
These crops contribute significantly to global food
security and are cultivated across diverse climates and
geographies.
India, being geographically diverse, cultivates a
variety of crops across different regions. Let’s
delve into the major crops and cropping
patterns in various parts of the country:
1. Food Crops:
o Rice: India is a significant center for rice
cultivation. Historians believe that
the Indica variety of rice was first
domesticated in the foothills of the Eastern
Himalayas, stretching through Burma,
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Southern
China. The japonica variety was
domesticated from wild rice in southern
China and later introduced to India.
o Wheat: Wheat is the primary cereal crop
in India. Indian wheat is largely
soft/medium-hard, medium protein, and
used for white bread production.
o Millets: These hardy grains are cultivated
in various parts of India.
o Maize: Also known as corn, maize is
grown extensively.