Agro-ecological regions
Topic: Land Use, Farming Systems and Cropping Seasons in India · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Agro-ecological regions are areas grouped by the natural conditions that matter for farming. ICAR's National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) divides India into 20 such regions and 60 sub-regions. They are based on terrain, soils, bioclimate and the length of growing period. The length of growing period is the number of days in a year when the soil has enough moisture for crops. This helps match crops and farming methods to each area.
Example
The hot, dry region of western Rajasthan and Kachchh in Gujarat has a very short growing period. It suits hardy crops such as bajra and guar, not water-hungry crops like rice.
Don't confuse with
- Agro-climatic zones: the Planning Commission drew 15 regions in 1988-89 for balanced regional development. Agro-ecological regions are a separate set of 20 regions drawn by NBSS&LUP.