Plantation Crops

Plantation Crops are a group of perennial crops that are grown commercially in large areas for sale rather than personal consumption.

• These are large-scale monoculture setups.
• They require large-scale capital investment.
• These are also known as Cash Crops.
• These are generally cultivated on an extensive scale in contiguous areas, owned and managed by an individual or a company.

The Major Plantation crops in India include tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, coconut, areca nut, oil palm, palmyra and cashew.

What are Cash Crops?

Cash crops (or profit crops) are those crops that are sold solely for profit.

1. Beverages such as Tea and Coffee.
2. Tobacco
3. Rubber
4. Nuts and Oilseeds: For example, Oil Palm, Coconut and Cocoa.
5. Horticulture Crops such as apples, mangoes etc. We will cover it in the Horticulture Chapter.
6. Fibres: Cotton, Silk and Jute

We will cover the Beverages, Tobacco and Rubber in this chapter.

Beverage crops

Crop	Conditions	States in India	India’s Position
Tea: beverage; Fermented – Black Tea Unfermented – Green tea; It is rich in Caffeine and Tannin. Indigenous to China.	Grown in Humid and sub-humid tropics and sub-tropics. Over undulated topography of hilly areas. Deep, fertile, Well-drained loamy (rich in humus and organic matter) Warm and moist, frost-free climate Rainfall distributed throughout the year (continuous growth of tender leaves); Labour intensive	Assam: Plantations in the Brahmaputra valley started in the 1840s – Assam still holds half of India’ cropped area. West Bengal: Introduced to the Sub-Himalayan region of W (Darjeeling and Cooch Behar district) Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Lower slopes of Nigiri and Cardamom hills. Also, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura.	It is Indigenous to China. Grown in Gentle slopes of China, India (28%), Kenya, and Sri Lanka. India’s leading producer: 28% of the world. India is 3rd largest exporter after Sri Lanka and China. Exports have declined substantially.
Coffee: Seeds are roasted, and ground and are used for preparing a beverage.	Warm and wet climate Well-drained loamy Varieties: Robusta Arabica (introduced from Yemen) – great demand in the world. Liberica – grown in India.	In the Highlands of Western Ghats: Initially grown in Baba Budan Hills; Now: Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka: 2/3rd of production.	Hill slopes of Brazil, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Mexico, India and China India: 4.3% of the world;

Tea Cultivation in India

India is the 2^nd largest producer of tea globally and the largest consumer. From the lush green hills of Darjeeling to the vast plains of Assam, tea cultivation plays a significant role in the country’s economy and cultural landscape.

Origins and Spread:

• The Indigenous variety of tea existed in India for centuries. However, commercial production of tea in India did not begin until the arrival of the British East India Company, at which point large tracts of land were converted for mass tea production.
• The British brought the knowledge of Tea production on a commercial scale from China. Darjeeling Tea, which used to grow in the wild in the local forests, was thus improved and produced after clearing the local forests. It was popularised in Britain as the patriotic product of the empire and was exported to Britain.
• Expansion and diversification:Over time, tea cultivation spread to other regions like Nilgiris, Kerala, and West Bengal, leading to diverse tea varieties.

Cultivation Practices:

Tea is typically harvested twice a year, during the flush seasons (spring and autumn).

• Plucking:Tea leaves are plucked by hand, ensuring quality and maintaining the delicate plant.
• Processing:Varies depending on the tea type, involving withering, oxidation, rolling, and drying.

Tea Varieties

Green tea: It is primarily cultivated in Darjeeling and Nilgiris. It is produced when the tea plant has not undergone the withering and oxidation processes, i.e. is not fermented. Oolong tea: It is a partially oxidized tea offering a unique flavour profile, found in Darjeeling and some Nilgiri estates. Black tea: It is produced when the tea leaves are more oxidised, i.e. is fermented. The most common type is known for its robust flavour and strength throughout India. It is grown in  Assam, Nilgiris, and Kerala. White tea: Delicate and minimally processed tea, primarily produced in Darjeeling.

Importance of Tea in India:

• Livelihoods:Tea cultivation employs millions, primarily in rural areas.
• Exports:India exports tea to over 150 countries, generating significant foreign exchange.
• Cultural significance:Tea is deeply woven into Indian culture, enjoyed in homes and forms a central part of social gatherings.

Challenges:

• Climate change:Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall pose threats to tea yields and quality.
• Labour issues:Ensuring fair wages and working conditions for tea workers remains a concern.
• Sustainable practices:Adopting sustainable farming methods is crucial for environmental protection and long-term viability.

Way Forward

• Focus on quality:Emphasis on speciality and organic teas to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
• Direct marketing:Supporting small tea growers and promoting farm tourism for sustainable development.
• Technological advancements:Utilizing technology for efficient irrigation, pest management, and processing.

By understanding the rich history, diverse varieties, and complexities of tea cultivation, we can appreciate the significance of this industry for India and contribute to its sustainable future.

Coffee Cultivation in India

India is the 6^th largest coffee producer globally, and boasting the unique distinction of being the only country to grow shade-grown coffee on such a large scale, India’s coffee cultivation holds significant economic and cultural importance.

Introduction of Coffee in India:

• Early introduction:Coffee is believed to have arrived in India in the 17^th century, courtesy of Baba Budan, a Sufi saint who smuggled beans from Yemen.
• Southern stronghold:Cultivation initially flourished in the hills of southern India, particularly Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, forming the traditional coffee belt.
• Expansion and diversification:Over time, coffee spread to non-traditional regions like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the Northeast, leading to diverse growing conditions and unique coffee profiles.

Varieties and Regions:

• Arabica: Dominant variety, known for its complex flavours and aromas, primarily grown in higher altitudes like Coorg and Nilgiris.
• Robusta: More robust and disease-resistant, cultivated in lower altitudes like Wayanad and Eastern Ghats, valued for its strong flavour and blending qualities.
• Liberica is another variety grown in India that has international demand.
• Unique regional specialities: Each region boasts distinct characteristics – Chikmagalur’s high-grown Arabica, Kerala’s shade-grown Robusta, and the emerging speciality coffees from the Northeast.

DPIIT has recently awarded a GI tag to —

• Coorg Arabica coffee from Karnataka,
• Wayanad Robusta coffee from Kerala,
• Chikmangalur Arabica from Karnataka,
• Araku Valley Arabica from Andhra Pradesh, and
• Bababudangiris Arabica coffee from Karnataka.

Cultivation Practices:

• Shade culture:Traditionally, Indian coffee grows under a shade canopy of native trees, promoting biodiversity and high-quality beans.
• Hand-picking:Manual harvesting ensures selectivity and quality control, contributing to the premium reputation of Indian coffee.
• Sun-drying:The traditional sun-drying method imparts unique flavour profiles and contributes to the characteristic Indian monsoon coffee.

Economic and Social Impact:

• Livelihoods:Coffee cultivation supports millions of small farmers, primarily in rural areas, contributing to their income and well-being.
• Exports:India ranks 6th among global coffee producers and exports a significant portion, earning valuable foreign exchange.
• Cultural significance:Coffee is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, enjoyed in homes, and cafes, and forms part of social interactions and celebrations.

Challenges:

• Climate change:Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall threaten yields and quality, demanding adaptation strategies.
• Market pressures:Fluctuations in global coffee prices and competition pose challenges for farmer income and sustainability.
• Sustainable practices:Promoting organic farming, water conservation, and fair-trade practices are crucial for long-term viability.

Way Forward:

• Focus on speciality coffee:Emphasizing unique origin stories, microclimates, and processing methods to create high-value coffees.
• Direct marketing:Connecting farmers directly with consumers through farmer cooperatives and e-commerce platforms.
• Technological advancements:Utilizing technology for precision agriculture, efficient processing, and traceability.

By understanding the rich heritage, diverse offerings, and challenges faced by Indian coffee cultivation, we can appreciate its significance and contribute to its sustainable future, ensuring a continued cup of aromatic delight for generations to come.

Other Cash Crops

Tobacco	Rabi Crop – 50-100cm annual rainfall. It cannot tolerate more than 100cm of rainfall during the ripening of leaves. Sandy to Sandy loam soil 15-20oC is ideal in the growth period. It takes 70-130 days.	0.27% of NSA. Around 80% of tobacco is grown in Andhra Pradesh (44%), Gujarat (24%) and Karnataka (15%).	China, India (2nd largest export and Producer); Brazil (largest exporter)
Rubber	An Equatorial crop native to the Amazon, also in Subtropical areas; Moist-humid climate; Rain 200cm+; temp 25oC+	Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Island and Meghalaya	Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam

Tobacco

India is the world’s 2^nd largest producer of tobacco, after China, and accounts for around 10% of global production. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka are major producers, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

Tobacco cultivation in India presents a complex picture, intertwined with economic benefits, social concerns, and public health challenges.

Economic importance of Tobacco:

• Employment: Tobacco cultivation provides direct and indirect employment to millions of farmers, farm labourers, and those involved in processing and manufacturing.
• It contributes significantly to government revenue through taxes. The average annual tax revenue collection (via excise duty, NCCD, GST, and compensation cess) from all tobacco products is more than ₹50,000 crore.

Concerns of Tobacco:

• Public health:Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable deaths in India, contributing to cancers, heart diseases, and respiratory illnesses.
• Child labour:The industry is notorious for employing child labour, raising ethical concerns and impacting children’s education and well-being.
• Environmental damage:Tobacco cultivation depletes soil fertility, requires significant water resources and contributes to deforestation for curing barns.
• Economic dependence:Many communities are heavily dependent on tobacco for their livelihood, making transitioning to alternative crops challenging.

Government Initiatives:

• Regulation:The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Cotpa) Act, 2003, aims to regulate tobacco production, sale, and consumption.
• Alternative crop promotion:Schemes and initiatives encourage farmers to adopt alternative crops like pulses, oilseeds, and spices.
• Public health awareness:Campaigns raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use.

Way Forward:

• Balancing act:The government seeks to balance economic benefits with public health concerns.
• Sustainable alternatives:Developing economically viable and sustainable alternatives for farmers remains crucial.
• Empowering communities:Supporting communities to transition away from tobacco dependence and improve livelihoods is essential.

It’s important to acknowledge the complexities of tobacco cultivation in India. While it offers economic benefits and livelihoods, its negative impacts on public health, the environment, and child labour cannot be ignored. Finding sustainable solutions and empowering communities towards alternative livelihoods is key to addressing these challenges.

Rubber

Rubber contributes significantly to India’s industrial sector, supporting various industries like tyre manufacturing, footwear, and medical equipment. India is the 4^th largest producer and consumer of this valuable commodity.

Rubber cultivation in India began in the late 19^th century under British rule, primarily in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Over time, rubber spread to other states like Tripura, Assam, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, leading to a diverse production landscape.

Regional Variation

Rubber cultivation plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, particularly in the southern states.

• Hevea brasiliensis:The dominant rubber tree variety, known for its high latex yield, primarily grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura.
• Keralan rubber is known for its high quality, while Tripura contributes significantly to overall production.

Cultivation Practices:

• Tapping:Latex, the source of rubber, is extracted from mature trees through a controlled tapping process.
• Processing:The collected latex undergoes a series of steps like coagulation, washing, and drying to create usable rubber sheets.
• Sustainability concerns:Deforestation and unsustainable practices have raised concerns, prompting efforts towards eco-friendly cultivation methods.

Challenges in Rubber Production:

• Competition:India faces stiff competition from Southeast Asian producers, necessitating a focus on quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Yield stagnation:Yields have stagnated in recent years, demanding improved practices and research for increased productivity.
• Climate change:Erratic rainfall and rising temperatures pose threats to rubber cultivation, requiring adaptation strategies.

Way Forward:

• We must Emphasize high-grade rubber production and value addition to cater to diverse market demands. Ordinary rubber is
• Promoting eco-friendly cultivation methods like intercropping, organic farming, and efficient water management.
• Utilizing technology for precision agriculture, disease control, efficient processing and mechanisation to improve yields, to counter with the South East Asian Rubber.

Government support through price stabilization mechanisms, research funding, and skill development initiatives.

FAQs related to Plantation Crops