Sambhav-2025

Approach In introduction, briefly define agro-climatic zoning and its significance in Indian agriculture. Explain the role of Agro-Climatic Zoning in efficient resource utilization. Discuss the role of ACZs in promoting climate-resilient agriculture. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Agro-climatic zoning (ACZ) is the classification of geographical regions based on climate, soil type, topography, and water availability to guide scientific agricultural planning. The Planning Commission (1988) divided India into 15 Agro-Climatic Regions, while the ICAR (1992) classified it into 127 Agro-Ecological Zones to optimize crop selection and resource management.

Body

Role of Agro-Climatic Zoning in Efficient Resource Utilization:

• Crop Suitability Optimization: Aligns crop selection with climate and soil conditions, reducing input costs and enhancing productivity.
  • Example: Punjab and Haryana specialize in wheat and rice due to favorable conditions, while Maharashtra excels in sugarcane and cotton.
• Efficient Water Management: Promotes region-specific irrigation strategies to conserve water resources and prevent over-extraction.
  • Example: Drip irrigation in arid zones (Rajasthan, Gujarat) minimizes water wastage.
• Soil Health Conservation: Encourages balanced fertilizer use and organic farming practices suited to soil conditions.
  • Example: Laterite soils in Karnataka and Kerala require organic amendments for sustainable productivity.
• Reduction of Input Costs: Minimizes excessive fertilizer, pesticide, and water use by tailoring agricultural practices to agro-climatic conditions.
  • Example: Sundarbans (West Bengal) promote salt-tolerant rice varieties to combat soil salinity.

Contribution of Agro-Climatic Zoning to Climate-Resilient Agriculture:

• Drought & Flood Management: Identifies drought-prone and flood-prone zones for suitable crop planning and climate adaptation.
  • Example: Millet promotion in dryland areas (Deccan Plateau, Bundelkhand) ensures food security under water stress.
• Precision Farming & Smart Agriculture: Facilitates the adoption of AI, IoT, and remote sensing for climate-responsive agriculture.
  • Example: Andhra Pradesh’s e-Karshak system uses digital tools to optimize crop choices.
• Sustainable Land Use Planning: Prevents land degradation, desertification, and soil erosion by implementing region-specific agricultural models.
  • Example: Agroforestry in Western Ghats and Himalayan regions prevents soil erosion and biodiversity loss.
• Climate-Smart Crop Diversification: Encourages multi-cropping, intercropping, and climate-resilient varieties to reduce risks from extreme weather events.

Conclusion

Agro-climatic zoning is essential for scientific resource management, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. By aligning crop planning with ecological factors, it enhances productivity, water efficiency, and environmental sustainability, ensuring long-term food security in India.