Top 10 Types of Farming Practiced in India 2026: Explained with Crops, Benefits and Schemes

India is known as an agricultural nation, where farming forms the backbone of rural life and the economy. Nearly two-thirds of Indian farmers depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Due to India’s vast geography, diverse climates, varied soil types, distinct rainfall patterns, and varying socio-economic conditions, multiple types of farming have evolved in India over time.

From traditional subsistence farming, practised for centuries, to modern methods like vertical and greenhouse farming, Indian agriculture exhibits a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Today, government schemes, subsidies, and yojanas play a crucial role in supporting Indian farmers and promoting sustainable and profitable farming practices.

This article provides a complete and detailed explanation of the top 10 types of farming in India, along with:

• Benefits and uses

• Crops grown

• State-wise practices

• Additional modern farming methods

• Factors affecting agriculture

• Government schemes and subsidies

Also Read: Farming in India is Transforming Fast: 6 Modern Techniques That Can Boost Yields, Cut Costs, and Make You a Millionaire Farmer

What is Farming?

Farming is the systematic practice of growing crops and rearing animals to produce food, fodder, fiber, fuel, and raw materials. It is the foundation of Indian agriculture and ensures food security for the nation.

Major Objectives of Farming

• Food production

• Income generation for farmers

• Supply of raw materials to industries

• Employment generation

• Rural development

Key Factors That Decide the Type of Farming

Understanding these factors helps Indian farmers choose the right method of farming and increase their income.

Also Read: Top 10 Proven Methods to Boost Agricultural Productivity

Top 10 Types of Farming in India

India practices different farming types based on purpose, land use, and production method. Below is a detailed explanation of the top 10 farming types in India.

1. Subsistence Farming

Subsistence farming is the most traditional type of farming in India. Farmers grow crops mainly to meet the food needs of their own families.

How It Is Done

• Small land holdings

• Traditional tools like ploughs and bullocks

• Very little use of fertilizers or machines

Benefits

• Low cost of cultivation

• Ensures household food security

• Suitable for poor and marginal farmers

Importance in India

Subsistence farming supports rural survival, especially in tribal and backward regions.

Crops Grown: Rice, wheat, maize, pulses
Major States: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh

2. Commercial Farming

Commercial farming focuses on producing crops for sale and profit. It is market-oriented and technology-driven.

How It Is Done

• Large land areas

• Modern machines and irrigation

• HYV seeds, fertilizers, pesticides

Benefits

• High productivity

• Better farmer income

• Strong link with agro-industries

Economic Role

Commercial farming boosts exports, employment, and GDP contribution.

Crops Grown: Cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, vegetables
Major States: Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh

3. Terrace Farming

Terrace farming is practiced in hilly and mountainous regions where flat land is limited.

How It Is Done

• Steps are cut into hill slopes

• Prevents water runoff

Benefits

• Controls soil erosion

• Conserves moisture

• Makes farming possible on hills

Regional Importance

Essential for Himalayan and North-Eastern agriculture.

Crops Grown: Rice, tea, fruits, vegetables
Major States: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya

4. Dry Land Farming

Dry land farming is used in areas with low and uncertain rainfall.

How It Is Done

• Drought-resistant crops

• Mulching and deep ploughing

• Rainwater conservation

Benefits

• Suitable for arid regions

• Efficient use of limited water

• Improves climate resilience

Role

Supports food security in drought-prone regions.

Crops Grown: Millets, pulses, oilseeds
Major States: Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra

5. Wetland Farming

Wetland farming is practiced in regions with high rainfall and good water availability.

How It Is Done

• Fields remain flooded

• Controlled irrigation

Benefits

• High yield potential

• Improved soil fertility

Importance

• Crucial for India’s rice production.

• Crops Grown: Rice, jute, sugarcane

• Major States: West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

6. Organic Farming

Organic farming avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides and focuses on natural inputs.

How It Is Done

• Compost and green manure

• Crop rotation

• Biological pest control

Benefits

• Healthy and chemical-free food

• Improves soil health

• Environment-friendly

Growing Demand

• Organic farming is gaining popularity due to health awareness.

• Crops Grown: Fruits, vegetables, millets, spices

• Major States: Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Kerala

7. Cooperative Farming

In cooperative farming, farmers work together by pooling land and resources.

How It Is Done

• Shared machinery and inputs

• Democratic decision-making

Benefits

• Reduced costs

• Better access to technology

• Higher bargaining power

Importance

• Ideal for small and marginal farmers.

• Crops Grown: Sugarcane, vegetables, grains

• Major States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka

8. Crop Rotation Farming

Crop rotation involves growing different crops in sequence on the same land.

How It Is Done

• Legumes followed by cereals

• Planned seasonal cropping

Benefits

• Maintains soil fertility

• Reduces pest attacks

• Improves yield naturally

Importance

• Key practice for sustainable agriculture.

• Crops Grown: Pulses, cereals, oilseeds

• Practiced In: All over India

9. Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming focuses on long-term productivity without harming nature.

How It Is Done

• Integrated pest management

• Conservation tillage

• Efficient water use

Benefits

• Protects environment

• Conserves natural resources

• Ensures stable income

Role

• Essential for future food security.

• Crops: Mixed crops

• Regions: Across India

10. Ley Farming

Ley farming alternates crop cultivation with pasture farming.

How It Is Done

• Crops and grasses are grown alternately

Benefits

• Improves soil nutrients

• Provides fodder

• Prevents erosion

Importance

• Useful in mixed farming systems.

• Crops: Fodder crops, legumes

• Regions: All over India

Additional Modern & Specialized Farming Types

Factors Affecting Farming in India

Major Factors

• Soil quality

• Climate and rainfall

• Technology adoption

• Market access

• Government policies

Supporting Factors

• Farmer education

• Credit availability

• Transport facilities

• Cultural practices

Improving these factors directly improves farming in India.

Government Schemes & Subsidies for Indian Farmers

Top Government Yojanas Supporting Agriculture

These schemes strengthen agriculture and governmental support for Indian farmers.

Also Read: Top 5 Wheat Varieties for January Sowing to Get Better Yield

CMV360 Says

India’s farming system is diverse, dynamic, and deeply rooted in its culture. From subsistence farming to modern vertical farming, each method plays a vital role in food production and rural development. With strong government schemes, subsidies, and modern technology, Indian farmers can improve productivity, income, and sustainability. Choosing the right farming type is the key to a secure agricultural future.