Situation.
In the northern plains of India there are three areas of surplus agricultural production. The Western Plain consists of Punjab, Haryana; Central Plain includes western U.P, parts of eastern U.P, Bihar and W Bengal.
The eastern and northeastern parts consist of the narrow Brahamputra plain in Assam. In the Deccan Peninsula, some parts of A.P, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also included.
These areas have many favourable geographical conditions which have made them surplus in agricultural production.
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(i) Climate.
The northern area has favourable climatic conditions. It is reasonably warm and moist. The rainfall is very high in the east (WB.) and continues to decrease towards the west (Panjab) but the amount of rainfall is fairly sufficient.
In Punjab and Haryana irrigation from perennial rivers makes up for the rainfall deficiency The southern peninsula experiences sufficient rainfall.
(ii) Soil.
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The soil is alluvial in character. In the west the soil is very fertile. In the central and eastern parts, the rivers replenish the soil every year by flooding them with new alluvium. In the southern parts, the soils are red and though not very fertile yet are assets, when properly fertilized.
(iii) Topography.
Except in the Brahamputra valley, the area is almost plain and favourable for use of machines. However, most of the farmers still use old farming techniques.
(iii) Government Help.
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The governments of these states are subsidizing fertilizers, new variety improved seeds, agricultural machines, etc. The nationalized banks have pumped millions of rupees in the agricultural sector.
(iv) Products.
The major crops are wheat, rice, sugarcane, jute, maize, grams, oil seeds, tobacco, coffee, spices, etc.
(v) Irrigation Facilities.
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The northern states of Punjab, Haryana have fairly developed canal irrigation system. In U.P and Bihar tube-wells are extensively used. In the Peninsular India tanks are a major source of irrigation.