6. Not only does the yield (measured in tonnes/ha.) of a crop but a number of other factors determine the choice of crops that a farmer cultivates. Elaborate with special focus on cropping pattern in India.

Approach:

♤ Briefly define the concept of cropping pattern.

♤ Discuss various factors which influence the cropping pattern- such as geo-climatic, socio-cultural, economic, historical and political factors.

♤ Also briefly highlight some discrepancies in the existing cropping pattern along with concrete suggestions.