District Wise Crop Production in West Bengal: Major Crops in West Bengal

Agriculture is an essential source of livelihood in West Bengal, especially in rural areas. It has been activated by different schemes of the Green Revolution and land reforms. In general, West Bengal constitutes 8% of India’s population, and the majority of them are engaged in agricultural activities. Rice is the staple food grown in West Bengal agriculture. Other food crops in West Bengal include Maize, Pulses, Oilseeds, Wheat, Barley, Potatoes, and vegetables. West Bengal’s agriculture meets about 66% of India’s Jute needs.

The soil and heavy rains observed from India are suitable for jute cultivation. The other two most widely grown crops in West Bengal are Tobacco and Sugarcane. Agriculture in West Bengal is booming and has become an essential part of its economy. West Bengal is mainly divided into 23 districts. Let’s check out district wise crop production in West Bengal.

District wise crop production in West Bengal

Alipurduar

The majority of the people in the Alipurduar district are engaged in agriculture. The district economy is mainly dependent on agriculture and planting activities. The main crop of this district is Rice, and other essential crops are Mustard Seeds, Paddy, Jute, Tobacco, Sugarcane, and Wheat. There are three types of Rice; Aus, Aman, and Boro are grown. More and more areas in the district are being affected by Wheat cultivation. It is famous for its Tea and Timber. Tea stands as the most valuable crop in the district.

Field Crops – Paddy, Jute, Wheat, Maize, Rape & Mustard, Potato
Fruits – Pine Apple, Banana, Jack Fruit, Pepper, Arecanut, Ginger & Turmeric
Vegetables – Tomato, Cabbage, Eggplant, Cabbage, Cucumber, Pumpkin
Medicinal and aromatic crops – Turmeric, Ginger, Sarpogandha, Black Pepper, Fenugreek
Plantation crops – Coconut, Arecanur, Betelvine

Bankura

About 70% of the income of the Bankura district is from agriculture, while 80% of the farmers are small and marginal. Due to the continuous division and fragmentation of arable land, agriculture is becoming less profitable. About 46% of the net crop area is under irrigation. The total crop area is about 600,000 hectares, and the crop intensity is 147%. Rice, Wheat, Oilseeds, and Vegetables are the main. HYV Crops in the district accounted for about 9 percent of the 100 percent summer rice.

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Wheat is the district’s second most crucial grain crop grown in specific/limited irrigation areas. Among the various Oilseeds, Rape, Mustard, and Sesame are the two main oilseeds grown in the district. Sesame is produced in three seasons while Rape and Mustard are sown in Rabi. Intermittent rains and humidity during the monsoon cause a severe drop in production during Kharif, the main agricultural center in the district. Farmers are working hard to get higher crop yields with their limited land. Seed farms are working together. Fertilizer is available in every village.

Field crops – Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Oilseeds, Potatoes
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Jackfruit
Vegetables – Cucumbers, Eggplant, Okra, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato

Birbhum

It is an agricultural district where about 75% of the population is dependent on agriculture. Three-quarters of the district falls under Red and Laterite soil, unfertile. Agriculture and allied activities support the district’s economy, with the majority of the population dependent on it for their livelihood. Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Oilseeds, and Potatoes are the major crops. Rice and Potatoes are grown in surplus while the production of Oilseeds and Pulses is in deficit.

Major field crops – Rice, Pulses, Wheat, Oilseeds, Potatoes, Sugarcane
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Citrus
Vegetables – Eggplant, Cucurbits, Okra, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato

Cooch Behar

Approximately 85-90% of the total population is dependent on agriculture.

Major field crops – Rice, Jute, Mustard, Potato, Tobacco
Fruits – Banana, Jackfruit, Mango, Litchi, Guava
Vegetables – Pepper, Eggplant, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radish
Medicinal and aromatic crops – Arecanut, Coconut, Betel vines
Flowers – Rose, Jasmine, Tube Rose, Gladiolas, Other Seasonal Flowers

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Dakshin Dinajpur (South Dinajpur)

The agricultural pattern of any region depends on its geographical conditions like rainfall, temperature, humidity, soil, soil, etc. Infrastructure and technical factors also play a crucial role. These factors, individually or collectively, affect agricultural development. In India, agriculture is based on labor. Thus, the production of crops in an area is controlled by the ability of farmers and agricultural laborers. Soil is another essential element for agriculture.

The dominant soil group of the South Dinajpur district is the old alluvium type. The soil of this old alveolar zone is light, medium, heavy in texture, and low in organic matter, NPK, and micronutrients. Different types of crops are grown, contributing a lot to the district’s economy. Paddy and Wheat are unmatched in food crops in terms of production. Many important crops such as Vegetables, Grains, Fruits, Spices, Fiber, Flowers are also widely cultivated to meet the needs of the growing population.

Soils are light, medium, and heavy in the structure; upper soils are light, and medium to lower soils are rich. The characteristic of this zone is flooding due to sudden heavy rains due to a lack of proper drainage facilities. Rice is an essential crop in the Kharif season. Other important crops grown in the pre-Kharif season are Jute and Vegetables, and in Rabi season, Potatoes, Mustard, Vegetables, Wheat, Pulses, Peanuts, and Sesame are the major crops.

Major field crops – Rice, Wheat, Jute, Mustard, Potato
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Jack Fruit, Guava
Vegetables – Tomato, Cabbage, Cabbage, Peas, Eggplant, Onion

Darjeeling

This district is for Tea cultivation. Tea is mainly grown in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision and, to some extent, the Kurseong subdivision. The Kalimpong subdivision has excellent potential for Passion fruit cultivation. Here farmers mainly grow Rice, Maize, Potatoes, Mustard, Cardamom, Vegetables, etc.

Major field crops – Rice, Maize, Wheat, Oilseed (Mustard, Linseed)
Fruits – Pineapple, Mandarin, Banana, Litchi
Vegetables – Cucumbers, Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radish, Potato
Medicinal and aromatic crops – Tea, Ginger, Chillies (dry), Large cardamom

Hooghly

Hooghly is one of the essential agro-based industrial districts of West Bengal, with almost 70% of its population dependent on agriculture and represents a necessary place in the field of agriculture in West Bengal.

Field crops – Rice, Potato, Oilseeds, Wheat, Pulses, Jute
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Guava, Litchi, Papaya
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Okra

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Howrah

Agriculture is one of the important economic sectors in the overall economic activities of the Howrah district. The soil of this sub-region has high nutrient and mineral resources that have a high potential for various crops. Paddy (Aus, Aman, and Boro), Jute, and Potato are significant crops. At the same time, Pulses like Gram, Lentils, etc., Oilseeds like Mustard, Sesame, Groundnut, etc., and various vegetables are grown in different physiographic conditions of the district.

Large field crops – Rice, Wheat, Pulses (Lettuce, Black Gram, Green Gram), Oilseeds (Sunflower, Saffron, Mustard, Linseed), Jute, Potato
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Jackfruit
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Ladies finger, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Tomato

Jalpaiguri

The crop style of the district is based on Paddy-oriented as Rice is the leading food of the district. Paddy is abundant in all the blocks of the district.

Major field crops – Paddy, Jute, Wheat, Maize, Rape & Mustard, Potato
Fruits – Pineapple, Banana, Jack fruit, Black pepper, Arecanut
Vegetables – Tomato, Cauliflower, Brinjal, Cabbage, Cucumber, Pumpkin
Medicinal and aromatic crops – Turmeric, Ginger, Sarpogandha, Black pepper, Fenugreek 0.02
Plantation crops – Coconut, Arecanut, Betel vine

Jhargram

Jhargram district is rich in horticultural crops. All kinds of horticultural crops are grown in this district. Horticulture production is the largest source of our food chain. The district produces mostly crops such as vegetables, mainly Gopiballavpur-I, Gopiballavpur-II, Jhargram, Sankrail, Jamboni, and Binpur-I Blocks. Fruit crops are grown primarily on Noyagram, Gopiballavpur-I, Jamboni, etc. Cashewnut has grown in all blocks of Jhargram districts. Vegetables, fruits, and cashew nuts are profitable crops, and the cultivation of these crops helps raise economic status in a short period.

Kalimpong

More than 80% of the people in this district depend on farming for their livelihood. Major agricultural products include Paddy, Maize, Millet, Lentils, Oilseeds, and Potatoes. It is more widely known as the center of cash crops like Ginger, Cardamom, Betel nut, and Orange.

Kolkata

The major crops in this district are Jute, Sugarcane, and Wheat. Other significant crops are Rice, Corn, Pulses, Oilseeds, Tea, Barley, and Vegetables.

Malda

Malda district is mainly based on orchards. Mango and Litchi are essential crops. Mango cultivation area is about 32000 hectares, and litchi cultivation area is 1200 hectares. Most vegetable and spice crops are now grown as intercropping and mixed crops. The scope of horticulture in the Malda district depends on the infrastructure for distribution of incentives for farmers, crop adaptation, availability of facilities for need, future development, production/marketing, etc.

Major field crops – Rice, Mustard, Wheat, Jute, Blackgram, Sugarcane, Maize
Fruits – Mango, Litchi, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Jackfruit
Vegetables – Potato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato, Peas
Medicinal and aromatic crops – Tulsi, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Kalomegh, Aloe vera

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Murshidabad

Rice, Jute, Beans, Oilseeds, Wheat, Barley, and Mango are the major crops of the East. Mulberry is widely grown in the West. However, unlike Malda district, mango is not a significant product of Murshidabad district.

Major field crops – Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Oilseeds, Jute, Potato
Fruits – Jackfruit, Mango, Banana, Litchi, Guava
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Cabbage, Tomato, Okra, Cauliflower

Nadia

Major field crops – Rice, Jute, Oil Seeds, Wheat, Pulses, Maize
Fruits –Guava, Jackfruit, Mango, Banana, Papaya
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Tomato, Peas, Cucurbits

North 24 Parganas

The major crops grown in the North 24 Parganas district are Paddy, Wheat, Jute, Vegetables, and Oilseeds. Industrial and agricultural development go hand in hand in the district. Agriculture and allied activities are the backbones of the district’s economy. Paddy, Jute, and vegetables are important crops.

Major field crops – Rice, Jute, Oilseeds, Pulses, Wheat, Potato
Fruits – Papaya, Mango, Banana, Jackfruit, Guava
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato

Paschim Medinipur (West Medinipur)

The important crops grown in this district are Paddy (Aws, Aman, and Boro), Wheat, Potato, Vegetables, Oilseeds, Pulses, Sugarcane, Jute, Maize, Betel Nut, etc. The district has a surplus in Potato production and other vegetable crops. The physical and chemical properties of the soil – texture, texture, permeability, porosity, alkalinity, or acidity – have a significant impact on agriculture. Soil characteristics in this district are mainly of alluvial type.

The soil’s physical and chemical composition is detrimental to agricultural production. Paschim Medinipur district is primarily based on agriculture. This district is mainly in agricultural nature, where farming is the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the people. Paddy ranks first in production.

Major field crops – Rice, Oilseeds, Potato, Wheat, Pulses, Dry chilies
Fruits – Papaya, Mango, Banana, Guava, Jackfruit
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Okra, Onion

Paschim (West) Burdwan (Bardhaman)

It is one of the state districts that are fortunate in both industry and agriculture. The major crops grown in this district are Aman and Boro Paddy, Potato, Mustard, Sesame, Wheat, Peanut, Vegetables, Pulses, etc.

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Major field crops – Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Oilseeds, Jute, Potato
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Jackfruit
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucurbits, Okra, Tomato

Purba Burdwan (Bardhaman)

Purba Bardhaman is an agricultural economy, with 57.76% of the population engaged in agricultural activities. It is the only district in West Bengal that is fortunate in agriculture. About 58% of the total population is the agricultural population, while the remaining 42% is the non-agricultural sector. Extensive cultivation is done in the district’s eastern, northern, southern, and central parts.

Still, the lands in the western region are not suitable for cultivation as they are of highly lateral type except in the narrow valleys and areas of depression that have rich soil. Paddy covers the maximum total crop area. Commercial crops include Jute, Sugarcane, Potatoes, and Oilseeds. Maincrop patterns include Paddy-Wheat-Vegetables, Paddy-Potato-Sesame, Paddy-Vegetable-Mustard, and Jute-Paddy-Vegetables.

In West Bengal, Purba Bardhaman is an agriculturally prosperous district. It was the largest producer of Rice in West Bengal. There are three major types of Rice – Aus (in autumn), Aman (in winter), and Boro (in summer). Apart from cereals and pulses, cash crops like Mustard, Sesame, Jute, and Potato are also grown.

Purba Medinipur (East Medinipur)

Of the total crops grown, 31.66% depends on rainfall and the southwest monsoon for agricultural purposes. Pulses, Oilseeds, Potatoes, Paddy (Aus, Aman, and Boro), Vegetables, Betelvine, Flowers, etc., are the major crops. Marketing mainly depends on the local market and the nearby Kolkata market.

Major field crops – Rice, Pulses, Oilseeds, Dry Chilli, Potato
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Papaya, Citrus, Sapota
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Okra, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Tomato

Purulia

Major crops – Rice, Maize, Pulses (Black gram and Red gram), Oilseeds (Mustard), Potato
Fruits – Mango, Papaya, Banana, Pineapple, Guava
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Tomato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Okra

South 24 Parganas

Major field crops – Rice, Wheat, Pulses (Lathyrus, Black gram, Green gram), Oilseeds (Sunflower, Safflower, Mustard, Linseed), Dry Chilli, Potato
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Papaya, Guava, Litchi
Vegetables – Brinjal, Cucurbits, Ladies finger, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato

Uttar Dinajpur (North Dinajpur)

Paddy, Wheat, Mustard, Jute, and Chillies are the principal crops. The district is famous for its Tulaipanji Rice.

Major field crops – Rice, Oilseed (mustard), Wheat, Jute, Maize, Potato
Fruits – Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Litchi, Papaya, Guava
Vegetables – Brinjal, Chillies, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato, Peas, Ladyfinger, Turmeric, Ginger
Medicinal and aromatic crops – Arecanut, Coconut, Betelvine, Makhana, Tejpatta