What is Net SWON Area — Unlock Success

What is net swon area ?

Net sown area refers to the total land area where crops are actually planted and grown during a year. Think of it as all the farmland that’s actively used for cultivation — not land left fallow, not forests, not pastures. It’s a key indicator of how much agricultural land is being utilized in a region.

For example, if a farmer owns 10 hectares of land but only uses 7 hectares to grow wheat and pulses that year, the net sown area is 7 hectares. The remaining 3 hectares might be left uncultivated or used for other purposes.

It’s different from “gross cropped area,” which counts land every time it’s sown — so if those 7 hectares are used for two crops in a year, gross area becomes 14. But net sown area only counts each plot once, no matter how many crops it yields.

What is grass cropped area ?

Gross cropped area refers to the total amount of land that’s used to grow crops in one year — including fields that are sown more than once. So, if a farmer uses the same piece of land to grow rice in summer and wheat in winter, that land is counted twice in this calculation. It doesn’t matter if it’s the same field — every time it’s planted with a new crop, it adds to the gross cropped area.

This measure helps us understand how intensively land is being used. In regions where farmers have good access to water and favorable climate, they often grow two or even three crops on the same plot each year. That means the land is being reused efficiently, and gross cropped area reflects that effort.

It’s different from net sown area, which only counts land once — no matter how many crops are grown on it. Gross cropped area gives a fuller picture of agricultural activity, especially in areas with multiple growing seasons. It’s a useful indicator when analyzing farming productivity, irrigation success, and food availability in a region.

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What is the difference between net and gross cropped area ?

Net sown area is the land that’s actually sown with crops at least once during the year. It doesn’t matter how many times it’s used — if it’s used once, it counts. So if you have 5 hectares and you grow rice on all of it once in the year, the net sown area is 5 hectares.

Now, gross cropped area is a bit more detailed. It’s the total area cultivated, but it counts every time the land is used. So if you grow rice and then wheat on the same 5 hectares in different seasons, the gross cropped area becomes 10 hectares.

In short:

• Net sown area = land used for cultivation, counted only once.
• Gross cropped area = same land counted every time it’s used in the year.

This difference helps us see how hard the land is working. A higher gross cropped area shows that farmers are doing more with what they have — often planting multiple crops to boost their harvest.

What is fallow land ?

Fallow land is farmland that’s left uncultivated for a period of time — usually for one season or more. This means no crops are grown on it during that time. It’s not abandoned or useless land; it’s intentionally rested so that the soil can regain nutrients and become fertile again.

Farmers do this as part of crop rotation or sustainable farming. By leaving the land fallow, they allow natural processes (like microbial activity and organic matter rebuilding) to enrich the soil. Sometimes they even grow cover crops — not for harvest, but to protect and heal the soil.

Think of it like letting your body rest after working nonstop — the land needs downtime too.

There are two types:

Current fallow – land left uncultivated for just one season.

Other fallow – land not cultivated for more than one agricultural year.

1. Current Fallow Land

This is land that was cultivated in the past but has been left unused for just one cropping season or year. Farmers often do this on purpose — maybe because they want the soil to rest, or they’re dealing with water shortages, or crop planning didn’t work out.

Imagine a farmer who grows wheat during winter but doesn’t plant anything in the summer. That summer break makes the land “current fallow.”

It’s like taking a seasonal nap before the next round of farming begins.

2. Other Fallow Land (Long-Term Fallow)

This type has been left uncultivated for more than a year — sometimes even two to five years. It’s not neglected; there are often strategic reasons behind it. Maybe the farmer is waiting for better prices, or saving up to invest in irrigation, or the land needs deeper recovery from overuse.

In rural areas, sometimes fallow land also shows up near fields being converted or prepared for future crops — or switching to organic farming.

Both types help maintain the health of the soil in different ways. Current fallow is short-term and keeps crop cycles flexible. Other fallow is long-term and often used when soil needs serious recovery or when farmers are restructuring their use of land.

What is a cash crop ?

A cash crop is a type of crop that’s grown mainly to be sold for profit, not for personal consumption or feeding one’s family. Farmers cultivate these crops because they earn good money when sold in markets, either locally or for export. The goal is income generation rather than food supply.

For example, crops like cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee, and tobacco are classic cash crops in India. A farmer might grow wheat to eat at home — that’s a food crop — but if he plants sugarcane and sells it to a factory, that’s a cash crop.

Cash crops can be seasonal or long-term and are often sensitive to market prices and demand. They require smart planning: selecting the right variety, using fertilizers, and sometimes more irrigation. But when done right, they can support a farmer’s livelihood in a big way.

There’s also an interesting twist — some crops like rice or maize can be both food and cash crops, depending on why the farmer is growing them: for family use or for the market.

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What is agenda 21 ?

Agenda 21 is a global action plan created by the United Nations in 1992 during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The name “21” refers to the 21st century — it’s a roadmap for how countries can work together to achieve sustainable development without harming the environment.

It’s not a law or a treaty — it’s a voluntary guide. Over 178 countries agreed to follow its principles, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social well-being.

The plan is divided into four major sections:

1. Social and Economic Dimensions – focuses on reducing poverty, improving health, and promoting sustainable living.
2. Conservation and Resource Management – deals with protecting forests, oceans, biodiversity, and managing pollution.
3. Strengthening the Role of Groups – highlights the importance of youth, women, indigenous communities, NGOs, and local governments.
4. Means of Implementation – talks about funding, education, technology, and international cooperation.

Agenda 21 encourages every country — and even local governments — to create their own version called “Local Agenda 21.” The idea is to make sustainability a grassroots movement, not just a top-down policy.

What is cultural waste land ?

Cultural wasteland refers to land that’s currently not being used for farming or forestry but can be developed for those purposes with some treatment. It’s not permanently useless — it’s just in poor condition due to things like waterlogging, soil erosion, salinity, or past industrial use. With proper care, this land can be made productive again.

For example, areas that are marshy, degraded forests, mined land, or land affected by shifting cultivation often fall under this category. These places might look wild or abandoned, but they hold potential if managed scientifically — through soil improvement, drainage, or reforestation.

The idea behind identifying cultural wastelands is to reclaim and restore them. Governments and farmers can work together to turn these neglected patches into fertile fields or green zones. It’s a way to expand usable land without cutting down forests or harming ecosystems.

What is permanent pasture ?

Permanent pasture refers to land that’s been covered with grass or other herbaceous plants for five years or more, and hasn’t been ploughed or used for growing regular crops during that time. It’s mainly used for grazing livestock like cows, sheep, goats, or horses. The grass can be naturally grown or sown by farmers, but the key point is that the land stays dedicated to grazing — not crop rotation.

This kind of land is important because it provides a steady source of food for animals and helps maintain soil health. Since it’s not disturbed by ploughing, it supports biodiversity and reduces erosion. Farmers often rely on permanent pastures in hilly or dry regions where growing crops isn’t practical.

What is miscellaenous tree crops ?

Miscellaneous tree crops refer to cultivable land that’s not used for regular farming (like wheat or rice) but is still put to some agricultural use — mainly for growing trees and plants that don’t fall under standard categories like orchards. These include things like bamboo, casuarina trees, thatching grass, fuelwood groves, and shrubs that are locally useful but not classified as major crops.

This land isn’t counted under net sown area because it’s not used for seasonal crop production. But it still plays a role in rural livelihoods — providing materials for roofing, fencing, fuel, and even small-scale income through local markets.

In short, it’s land that’s agriculturally active but not part of mainstream farming. It’s often overlooked in big agricultural stats, yet it supports traditional practices and ecological balance in many regions.

What is the full name of pasture ?

Pasture comes from the Latin word pastus, which means “to feed.” Over time, it evolved through Old French (pasture) and Middle English into the word we use today. So, in essence, pasture means land used for feeding animals, especially through grazing.

It’s not short for anything — but its roots tell us a lot. The word is tied to nourishment, grazing, and the idea of land being a source of life for livestock like cows, sheep, and goats.

What is overgrazing pasture land ?

Overgrazing happens when animals graze on pasture land more than the land can handle — meaning the grass and plants don’t get enough time to grow back before being eaten again. It’s like constantly plucking leaves from a tree without letting new ones sprout. Over time, the land becomes bare, weak, and unable to support healthy vegetation.

When pasture is overgrazed, the soil loses its protective cover. That leads to problems like erosion, where wind and rain wash away the topsoil. Without strong roots and plant cover, the land becomes dry, compacted, and less fertile. You’ll often see patches of bare earth, weeds taking over, and livestock struggling to find enough food.

Overgrazing doesn’t just affect the land — it hits farmers too. Poor pasture means lower-quality feed, slower animal growth, and reduced income. In the long run, it can even lead to desertification, where once-productive land turns into dry, barren ground.

What is waste land ?

Wasteland refers to land that’s not being used productively — either because it’s barren, degraded, or simply neglected. It’s the kind of land where crops don’t grow, animals don’t graze, and no major development takes place. But that doesn’t always mean it’s permanently useless — some wastelands can be revived with proper care and planning.

You’ll often find wastelands in areas affected by soil erosion, overgrazing, deforestation, or industrial damage. For example, land near old mining sites or places with salty soil might be considered wasteland. It can also include rocky terrain, marshy patches, or land that’s been abandoned due to poor fertility.

In India, wastelands are usually classified into two types:

1. Culturable wasteland – land that can be made fit for farming or forestry with effort.

• Unculturable wasteland – land that’s too rocky, steep, or degraded to be used for cultivation.

What do you mean by crop ?

A crop is any plant that’s grown in large quantities for a specific purpose — usually for food, income, or industrial use. Farmers cultivate crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables to feed people or sell in markets. Some crops are grown for fiber (like cotton), some for fuel (like maize for bioethanol), and others for medicinal or ornamental use.

Crops are usually planted in fields and harvested during specific seasons. The type of crop depends on climate, soil, water availability, and market demand. For example, rice needs a lot of water and is grown in monsoon regions, while wheat prefers cooler, dry conditions.

In agriculture, crops are often divided into categories like:

• Food crops – grown for consumption (e.g., rice, pulses, fruits).
• Cash crops – grown mainly for sale (e.g., tea, coffee, tobacco).
• Industrial crops – used in manufacturing (e.g., cotton, jatropha).
• Horticultural crops – fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Food Crops

These are grown primarily for human consumption. They include grains like rice, wheat, maize, and barley, as well as pulses, vegetables, and fruits. Food crops are the backbone of any country’s food security — they’re what we eat daily. For example, rice and wheat are staple foods in India, while maize is widely used both as food and animal feed.

Cash Crops

Cash crops are grown mainly to be sold in the market for profit, not for personal use. Farmers cultivate them to earn income. Examples include cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee, tobacco, and jute. These crops often support industries — like textiles or beverages — and are key to export earnings. A farmer might grow wheat to feed his family, but sugarcane to sell to a factory.

Industrial Crops

These are grown for use in manufacturing or industry, not for food. They provide raw materials like fiber, oil, rubber, or chemicals. Examples include cotton (for textiles), rubber (for tires), and oilseeds like sunflower or soybean (used in biofuels and lubricants). These crops are essential for producing goods we use every day — from clothes to packaging.

Horticultural Crops

These include fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Horticulture is more intensive and often done on smaller plots with high care. It’s not just about food — it’s also about beauty and health. For example, mangoes and bananas are fruit crops, while roses and marigolds fall under floriculture. Medicinal and aromatic plants like tulsi and lavender also belong here.

How many farmers are there in india ?

India has a massive farming community, but the exact number of farmers isn’t easy to pin down. According to the Agriculture Census of 2015–16, there were around 14.5 crore operational agricultural landholdings in the country. This figure was used by the government when planning schemes like PM-KISAN, which provides financial support to farmer families.

However, not all of these landholdings represent individual farmers. Some farmers own multiple plots, and some plots are shared by families. So, the actual number of farmer families might be lower. In fact, only about 9 crore families were identified for PM-KISAN in the following year.

There’s also variation depending on how “farmer” is defined. Some surveys count only landowners, while others include agricultural laborers, sharecroppers, and people involved in allied activities like poultry or beekeeping. That’s why estimates range from 37 million to over 118 million farmers, depending on the source and definition.