Agriculture, Soil and Irrigation (Rajasthan)

On 27th July, 2023, PM Narendra Modi during his visit in Sikar (Rajasthan) launched a new variety of Urea called 'Urea Gold', which is coated with sulphur that can help improve the soil quality and reduce the expenses of the farmers. This innovative fertilizer is more economical and efficient than Neem-coated urea, ensuring improved Nitrogen use efficiency, reduced consumption and enhanced crop quality.

National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NIMAET) was launched by UPA government in 2014 with an objective to spread farm extension services and mechanization. The funding pattern between government of India and government of Rajasthan is 60 : 40.

Aridisol's are mineral soil mostly found in dry climate. This group of soils are found in approximately all the districts of western Rajasthan like alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer.

The brown soil in Rajasthan is found in Sirohi, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar and Bharatpur districts in the catchment area of Banas river.

Agriculture in south-eastern hill areas of Rajasthan is done mainly by Bhil, Meena and Sahariya tribes. This area comprises of Udaipur, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Bhilwara and Chittorgarh districts. Agriculture done by Bhil tribe is known as 'Chimata' and 'Dajiya'. Bhil is the second largest tribe of Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer and Barmer receive the least rainfall. Therefore, agriculture in these districts come under dryland farming category.

In context to the time when this question was asked, the production of oilseeds had doubled compared to the preceding four years. Presently (according to economic survey 2022-23) Rajasthan is the third largest producer of pulses with 4.02 million tonnes after Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Rajasthan is at first place in terms of oilseeds production with 8.39 million tonnes.

Barley, maize and millet come under coarse grain. Rajasthan produces almost one third of the total millet production of the country. Jaipur is the largest millet producing district of India.

When this question was asked, wheat was the highest yielding crop in Rajasthan. Ganganagar district of the state makes the highest wheat production. Wheat production of the above districts as per Rabi Year 2022-23 is as follows:

Rajasthan is the top producer of oilseed crops. Rabi oilseed crops include rape, mustard, taramira and line seed. Most of the oilseed crops are grown in Rabi season. Kharif oilseed crops are groundnut, soyabean, sesamum and castor seeds. Thus, both the statements are true.