Top 7 Profitable Crops of Karnataka

Agriculture is one of the most important aspects of the Karnataka economy. Karnataka's topography, such as its soil and climate, lends itself well to agricultural pursuits. Crop production employs the bulk of Karnataka's population, particularly in rural areas.

Karnataka agriculture occupies approximately 12.31 million hectares, accounting for 64.6% of the total area. The main agricultural season in Karnataka is the monsoon, as the irrigated area accounts for only 26.5% of the total cultivated land area. Karnataka also has great potential for horticultural production, ranking second in India in this regard.

Karnataka agriculture is implementing important development plans and strategies to achieve greater productivity, which to a large extent adds value to the economy of Karnataka.

Let us talk about the most profitable crops grown in Karnataka

Paddy

Paddy is a very important food crop in Karnataka. Rice is the staple food of the people of Karnataka. Its cultivation accounts for 28.2% of the total arable land. Paddy is grown in all areas of Karnataka. Krishna Tungabhadra valley, Cauvery valley and coastal areas are famous for rice cultivation. The rice production in Raichur District ranks first in the country.

Jowar

Jowar is the second-largest crop in Karnataka after rice. The total planting area of jowar is 26% of the cultivated land area. Jowar is the staple food of the people of North Karnataka. It is mainly used to prepare rotis. The trunk of the jowar tree is used as a support for livestock. In southern Karnataka, jowar is mainly grown for fodder. Vijayapura is the leading jowar producer in the state.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is the most important commercial and industrial crop in Karnataka. Karnataka ranks fourth in sugarcane production. It contains sucrose, which is used to produce sugar. As an annual crop, sugarcane requires irrigation facilities. Belagavi is the main sugarcane producing area in Karnataka, followed by Bagalkot, Ballari, Mysuru, Mandya, Davanagere, Shivamogga, Hassan, Koppal, Vijayapura, Bidar and Haveri as important sugarcane producing areas.

Cotton

Cotton is a fiber crop. It provides raw materials for cotton textiles. In addition, it is also used to make carpets, beds and pillows. Edible oil is produced from cotton seeds. Cotton seed cake is used for animal feed. The major cotton producing districts of Karnataka are Dharwad, Haveri, Ballari, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Davanagere, Belagavi, Koppal and Vijaypura. Among these, Haveri ranks first in cotton production in the state. Dharwad District ranks second.

Ragi

Ragi is a very nutritious food. Ragi balls, oatmeal porridge, sprouted flour, malt, dosa, etc. are made of ragi. In Karnataka, it is the third largest food after Rice and Jowar. The stem of the the ragi plant is used as fodder for livestock. Ragi can be stored for several months. Karnataka is among the top ragi producers in India.

Tobacco

Tobacco belongs to the genus Nicotiana. It contains an intoxicating substance called nicotine. Tobacco is used to make bidis, cigarettes, cigars, and snuff. The Portuguese introduced tobacco to India in the 17th century. Subsequently, people began to cultivate it in Karnataka. Currently, it is the main cash crop in the state. Karnataka ranks fourth among the tobacco producing states of India. The Mysore region ranks first in tobacco production.

Coffee

Coffee is a famous beverage crop and plantation. Karnataka ranks first in Indian coffee production. Karnataka produces two types of coffee, namely Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. Among them, Arabica coffee is of good quality and is in great demand in the international market. Coffee is mainly grown in the Kodagu area. 

Also, Read Top Most Profitable Agriculture Business Ideas.