Major Crops of India

The agricultural sector represents the fundamental structural base of the Indian economy, a reality that is particularly pronounced within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As of the 2025-2026 fiscal period, agriculture and its allied sectors continue to provide a livelihood for approximately 70% of the population in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing nearly 20% to the region’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA). 

For candidates preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) examinations—including the Patwari, Finance Accounts Assistant (FAA), and Junior Assistant roles—a granular understanding of the cropping seasons, soil varieties, and the latest governmental interventions is not merely academic but essential for professional competency. This report synthesizes validated government data, economic surveys, and current affairs from the 2025-2026 period to provide an exhaustive guide to the agricultural landscape.

The Macro-Economic Foundations of Indian Agriculture (2025-2026)

The national agricultural strategy has undergone a significant paradigm shift toward high-value crops, precision farming, and strategic self-reliance. According to the First Advance Estimates released in November 2025 for the 2025-2026 agricultural year, India’s total Kharif foodgrain production is projected at a record 173.33 million tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 3.87 million tonnes over the previous year. This growth is attributed to favorable monsoon patterns and the increasing adoption of climate-resilient seed varieties.

The broader economic environment in 2026 reflects an economy that is consolidating gains from structural reforms. The real GDP growth for the financial year 2026 is estimated at 7.4%, with the agricultural sector expected to grow by 3.1%. This stability is critical for rural demand, which has been bolstered by stable growth in allied activities such as livestock and fisheries, which consistently exhibit growth rates of 5% to 6%.

Key National Production Estimates 2025-2026

The following table details the anticipated production levels for major crops based on the latest government advance estimates. These figures are crucial for aspirants as they represent the most current data likely to be featured in competitive examinations.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, First Advance Estimates 2025-26.

The Three Pillars of Indian Cropping Seasons

The rhythmic nature of Indian agriculture is defined by three distinct cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid. Each season is characterized by specific climatic requirements, sowing windows, and crop selections that have evolved to suit the diverse thermal and moisture regimes of the subcontinent.

The Kharif Season: The Monsoon Cycle

Kharif crops, often referred to as summer or monsoon crops, are primarily dependent on the southwest monsoon. The term ‘Kharif’ is derived from the Arabic word for autumn, which coincides with the harvesting period. Sowing typically commences with the first rains in June and July, while harvesting occurs between September and October.

These crops require high temperatures and high humidity during their growth cycle. Rice, maize, and cotton are the quintessential Kharif staples. At the national level, the 2025 Kharif season benefited from a good monsoon, although some regions experienced excessive rainfall that necessitated government intervention through disaster relief programs.

The Rabi Season: The Winter Cycle

Rabi crops are sown at the beginning of winter, from October to December, and harvested in the spring, typically between March and April. The term ‘Rabi’ translates to spring in Arabic. These crops require a cool climate during the germination and growth stages, followed by a warm and dry environment during ripening.

Wheat serves as the primary Rabi crop in India. The 2025-2026 Rabi sowing has been reported as healthy, supported by adequate soil moisture following the Kharif monsoon. National wheat production continues to be led by Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

The Zaid Season: The Summer Bridge

Zaid crops represent a short season between the Rabi harvest and the Kharif sowing, primarily occurring from March to June. These are “filler” crops that mature rapidly and require hot, dry weather for their growth period and longer day lengths for flowering.

Agro-Climatic Zonation and Pedology of Jammu and Kashmir

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir presents a complex agricultural tapestry shaped by its varied topography and climatic diversity. Aspirants must distinguish between the sub-tropical plains of Jammu and the temperate valley of Kashmir to accurately interpret cropping patterns.

The Four Major Agro-Climatic Zones

Jammu and Kashmir is strategically divided into four zones, each supporting a unique agricultural profile.

1. Low Altitude Sub-tropical Zone (JK-1): This zone encompasses the entire Jammu district and the lower reaches of Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Poonch. Characterized by monsoon-led precipitation and hot summers, it primarily supports alluvial soil-based crops like rice, wheat, and maize.
2. Mid to High Altitude Intermediate Zone (JK-2): Serving as a transition between sub-tropical and temperate climates, this zone includes mid-altitude areas of the Panjal trap, such as Doda, Kishtwar, and parts of Rajouri. The soil is often scattered and thin, and the region is known for wheat, maize, and pulses.
3. Mid to High Altitude Temperate Zone (JK-3): Effectively covering the Kashmir Valley (Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara), this zone experiences severe winters and mild summers. It is the heart of the region’s rice, saffron, and temperate fruit production.
4. Cold Arid Zone (JK-4): Characterized by extreme cold and low precipitation, this climate is found in the highest reaches of the territory and was historically the defining climate of the Ladakh region. The primary crops are barley and grim.

Soil Science and Local Nomenclature

The soil of J&K is remarkably diverse, influenced by parent rock material and climatic weathering. For JKSSB exams, understanding local names for soil types is a high-yield topic.

Strategic Analysis of Major Cereal Crops

Cereal production remains the backbone of food security in Jammu and Kashmir. Rice, wheat, and maize are the “big three” crops that define the agrarian economy of the region.

Rice: The Cultural and Economic Staple

Rice is the staple food of the Kashmir Valley and a critical cash crop in Jammu. The state has approximately 0.3 million hectares under rice cultivation, with an average productivity of 2 tonnes per hectare.

In the Kashmir Valley, rice is strictly a Kharif crop, sown in April and harvested in autumn. The valley is famously known as the “Rice Bowl” of the state, particularly districts like Pulwama and Kulgam. In the Jammu region, the tehsil of R.S. Pura is globally renowned for its high-quality Basmati rice, which has significant export value.

Recent interventions by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have focused on addressing constraints such as low temperatures during flowering and phosphorus deficiency. Recommended varieties include Koshar, Shalimar Rice 1, K 332, and K 429 for the hills, and Jhelum and Chenab for the plains.

Wheat: The Vital Rabi Component

Wheat is the second most significant cereal crop in J&K. While it is a Rabi crop in the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, it behaves as a Kharif crop in the cold arid regions of Ladakh. The crop requires a cool, moist climate initially and warm, dry weather at harvest.

Jammu district ranks first in wheat production, followed by Kathua and Samba. The average rainfall required for a successful wheat crop is between 50 to 70 cm at regular intervals.

Maize: The Resilient Cereal

Maize covers nearly 30% of the cropped area in the state, making it a vital component of the Kharif season. It thrives in a hot, dry climate and is a primary food source for the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. Leading maize-producing areas include the Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Udhampur districts in the Jammu division, and Kupwara and Baramulla in the Kashmir division.

Horticulture: The Economic Engine of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards high-density cultivation and global market integration.

The Apple Industry

The apple industry is valued at over ₹12,000 crore and supports approximately 2.7 million people. Cultivation spans 1.08 lakh hectares with a production of 1.1 million tonnes. However, traditional productivity (10 tonnes/ha) is significantly lower than international standards.

The Department of Agriculture is now promoting High-Density Plantation (HDP) using MM 106 rootstock. This intervention, combined with superior varieties like Starkrimson, Oregon Spur, and the indigenous Ambri Selection, aims to raise productivity to 35 tonnes per hectare. Baramulla and Shopian remain the leading apple-producing districts, with Sopore hosting one of the largest fruit mandis in Asia.

Walnuts and Almonds: Niche Global Commodities

Jammu and Kashmir is a near-monopolist in Indian walnut production. Kashmiri walnuts are prized for their superior taste and high oil content, serving as a major source of foreign exchange. Agri-Export Zones for walnuts have been established in the Doda, Poonch, and Rajouri districts to streamline the supply chain.

Almonds, particularly the “Papery” and thin-shelled varieties, are grown in the light-textured soils of the valley. The superiority of Kashmiri almonds in taste and quality ensures high demand in domestic and international markets.

Saffron and Niche Crops: Protecting Regional Identity

Niche crops provide Jammu and Kashmir with a unique competitive edge in the global market. The integration of Geographical Indication (GI) tags has been a strategic move to protect these heritage products from imitation and ensure premium pricing for farmers.

Kashmir Saffron: The World’s Most Expensive Spice

Saffron cultivation is primarily centered in the Pampore tehsil of the Pulwama district, which accounts for 75% of total production. It is also grown on a smaller scale in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu region.

The saffron plant, Crocus sativus, requires a moderately hot and wet climate and thrives in the well-drained lacustrine soils of the Karewas. Kashmir Saffron received the GI tag in 2020, covering three distinct types:

• Lachha Saffron: Stigmas separated from the flowers and dried without further processing.
• Mongra Saffron: Stigmas detached, sun-dried, and traditionally processed.
• Guchhi Saffron: Stigmas joined together and tied in bunches.

In the 2024-2025 period, Kashmir’s saffron sales were valued at ₹534.53 crore, reflecting the success of the National Saffron Mission in stabilizing production.

Mushkbudji Rice: The Revival of an Aromatic Treasure

Mushkbudji is a short-grained, highly aromatic rice variety native to the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley. It was historically on the brink of extinction due to blast disease but was revived through targeted scientific interventions by SKUAST-K.

Mushkbudji received the GI tag on July 31, 2023. It is primarily grown in the Sagam belt of Anantnag and the Beerwah belt of Budgam. The area under cultivation has increased from 250 hectares in 2022 to an estimated 1,000 hectares by 2025, with production projected to reach 2,500 tonnes. Mushkbudji commands a premium price of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per quintal, offering a lucrative alternative to traditional paddy varieties.

The Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP)

The Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), launched with a massive outlay of ₹5,013 crore, represents the most significant agricultural reform in the history of the Union Territory. Conceived as a value-chain-driven system rather than a collection of isolated schemes, HADP aims to restructure the agricultural economy to be sustainable, resilient, and income-generating.

Strategic Overview and Project Framework

HADP encompasses 29 interlinked projects across agriculture, horticulture, and livestock. By February 2026, more than 92,000 productive units have been established, and over 3.7 lakh farmers have registered for various activities.

The following table summarizes the key projects under HADP that are of particular relevance to JKSSB aspirants:

Financial Incentives and the Role of J&K Bank

The HADP is supported by a robust financial framework, with J&K Bank serving as the primary facilitator. Farmers can access loans for up to 90% of the project cost, with a minimum promoter margin of 10%. The interest rate for loans up to ₹15 lakh is capped at the 1-year MCLR plus 1.50%.

Crucially, the government provides back-ended subsidies that are adjusted against the loan once the outstanding amount equals the released subsidy. This mechanism ensures long-term commitment and the viability of the enterprise.

Technological Modernization: AI and Digital Farm Twins

A defining feature of the agricultural landscape in 2026 is the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has championed an “Agriculture First” policy, asserting that technology is the “ultimate insurance policy” for rural stability.

Digital Farm Models and Precision Irrigation

The government has directed the deployment of IoT sensors and satellite imagery to create “Digital Farm Twins.” These models enable precision irrigation, which is projected to reduce water usage by 50% to 60% while simultaneously increasing yields by 15% to 30%.

Furthermore, the Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) platform has been launched. This multilingual AI platform connects the AgriStack portals with ICAR’s database, providing farmers with real-time, customized advisory services to mitigate risks related to weather and pests.

The Role of Drones: Namo Drone Didi

The Namo Drone Didi scheme, operational through 2026, has provided 15,000 drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs). These drones are used for the precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing operational costs and health risks while empowering rural women as technology service providers.

Current Affairs and Policy Updates 2025-2026

For JKSSB aspirants, staying abreast of the latest current affairs is vital. The following updates represent critical data points for exams in 2026.

BIOFACH 2026: India as ‘Country of the Year’

In February 2026, India was conferred the prestigious title of ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products held in Nuremberg, Germany. This recognition highlights India’s strength in organic agriculture, particularly in niche segments like saffron, walnuts, and essential oils.

Interim Trade Agreement with the United States

An interim trade agreement between India and the US has introduced a competitive 18% tariff rate for Indian agricultural and organic exports. This deal is expected to provide Indian exporters, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, a decisive edge in the American market for products like honey, dried lavender, and fruit oils.

J&K Annual Budget 2026-27

Chief Minister and Finance Minister Omar Abdullah presented the Union Territory’s budget on February 6, 2026. Key highlights include:

• Total Outlay: ₹1,27,767 crore.
• Agricultural Allocation: ₹1,878 crore, focused on HADP implementation.
• Infrastructure: The Z-Morh Tunnel and the commissioning of AIIMS Awantipora by June 2026 are highlighted as milestones for rural connectivity and health.
• GSDP Growth: Projected at a robust 9.5% for the fiscal year.

The “Rice Bowl” and “Mini Punjab” Trivia

Standardized questions often recur in JKSSB papers. Aspirants should memorize these regional monikers:

• Mini Punjab of J&K: Ganderbal District, recognized for its large-scale vegetable production.
• Rice Bowl of J&K: Pulwama District (and the broader Kashmir Valley).
• Valley of Shepherds: Pahalgam.
• Land of Sapphire and Saffron: Kishtwar.
• Saffron Town: Pampore.

Allied Agricultural Activities: Diversification for Resilience

Beyond traditional crops, the government is incentivizing allied activities to ensure year-round income for farmers and to utilize the region’s diverse biological resources.

Sericulture and Silk Production

The rearing of silkworms for silk production, known as sericulture, has deep historical roots in Kashmir. Technological interventions under Project 7 of the HADP are strengthening mulberry plantations and establishing modern silk reeling units to revitalize this heritage industry.

Apiculture and the Honey Mission

J&K’s diverse floral resources make it ideal for apiculture. The National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) and HADP Project 6 focus on establishing honey processing units and providing bee colonies to farmers. Kashmiri honey, particularly from the mountainous regions, is being promoted as a premium global brand.

Fisheries and Trout Farming

The cold, oxygen-rich waters of J&K’s rivers are perfect for trout farming. HADP Project 26 provides financial assistance for individual and organizational fishery units and cold storage facilities, aiming to make J&K a hub for high-quality trout exports.

Conclusion

The agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in 2026 is defined by a strategic convergence of tradition and technology. The historical reliance on subsistence farming is being replaced by a value-chain-driven model through the Holistic Agriculture Development Program. From the revival of aromatic Mushkbudji rice to the high-density modernization of the apple industry and the digital revolution powered by AI farm models, the sector is being re-engineered for resilience.

For JKSSB aspirants, success lies in understanding these interconnected dynamics—how soil types like the Karewas enable the growth of the world’s finest saffron, how climate-resilient varieties are mitigating the risks of a changing environment, and how government policies like HADP are opening new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive knowledge base ensures that candidates are not only prepared for the examination but are also equipped to contribute to the “Agriculture First” vision for a developed and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.

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Sahil Digra

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