This lecture covers the classification of fruits based on their climatic requirements, highlighting the significance of agroclimatic and agroecological zones in India. It explains the characteristics of temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones, and details the distribution of fruit crops in these regions. The content also reviews the major agroclimatic zones recognized by ICAR and the Planning Commission, with a focus on the unique climatic zones of Tamil Nadu. Key concepts include agroclimatic zones, fruit classification, temperature requirements, rainfall patterns, and soil types.
Introduction to Fruit Classification by Climate
- Fruits are classified based on their temperature and climatic requirements.
- Main categories: temperate, subtropical, and tropical fruits.
- Some fruits can adapt to more than one climatic zone (e.g., mango, grape).
- Agroclimatic zones help determine suitable crops and cultivars for each region.
Temperate Zone Fruits
Characteristics:
- Vegetative and flower buds enter dormancy in late summer or autumn.
- Require substantial winter chilling for bud break and growth.
- Frost-hardy; tolerant to snowfall and ice.
- Soils are usually shallow, acidic, and rainfall is adequate.
- Found at high elevations in India (e.g., Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh).
Subtropical Zone Fruits
Characteristics:
- Intermediate temperatures; brief chilling periods may occur.
- Fruits have no distinct rest period; light frost possible.
- Rainfall varies from low to high; soils are generally neutral and sandy loam/alluvial.
- Soil fertility is often low; photoperiodic requirement is not marked.
- Regions: Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam.
Tropical Zone Fruits
Characteristics:
- Chilling temperatures are absent; high temperatures prevail year-round.
- Narrow day-night temperature variation; insignificant photoperiodic requirement.
- Rainfall and soil types vary widely (clay loam, alluvial, saline, sandy, laterite).
- Major fruit crops: mango, banana, papaya, guava.
- Regions: Central, Southern, and Coastal India.
Arid and Semi-Arid Zones
Characteristics:
- Low and erratic rainfall (100–500 mm annually); high evapotranspiration.
- High solar radiation and wind velocity; soils are sandy with low organic matter.
- Poor water holding capacity and saline groundwater in many areas.
- Major regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Ladakh (cold arid).
Agroclimatic Zones of India (ICAR Classification)
- ICAR recognizes eight major agroclimatic zones for land use planning.
- Zones include: Western/Eastern Himalayas, Bengal-Assam, Sutlej-Ganga Plains, Eastern/Southern Islands, Arid Western Plains, Semi-arid Plateaus, Western Ghats.
- Each zone is characterized by unique climate, soil, and crop suitability.
Agroclimatic Zones (Planning Commission, 1985–90)
- Fifteen broad agroclimatic zones based on physiography and climate.
- Examples: Western/Eastern Himalayan, Gangetic Plains, Plateau and Hills, Coastal Plains, Western Dry Region, Island Region.
- Used for effective agricultural planning and resource allocation.
Agroecological Regions (NBSS & LUP)
- India divided into 21 agroecological regions based on physiography, soils, bioclimate, and growing period (GP).
- Growing period: Arid (<90 days), Semi-arid (90–150 days), Subarid (150–210 days), Humid (>210 days).
- Supports precise crop and land use planning.
Climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu has seven climatic zones based on rainfall, altitude, and irrigation sources.
- Zones: North-eastern, North-western, Western, Cauvery Delta, Southern, High Rainfall, Hilly.
- Each zone has distinct rainfall patterns, soil types, and major crops.
Summary Table: Major Fruit Growing Regions in India
| Zone |
States/Regions |
Main Fruits |
| Temperate |
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nilgiris |
Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach |
| Subtropical |
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam |
Citrus, Litchi, Guava |
| Tropical |
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh |
Mango, Banana, Papaya |
| Arid |
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab |
Ber, Pomegranate, Date Palm |
Objective Questions
Q1. Which fruit can be grown in both tropical and subtropical climates?
A. Mango
B. Apple
C. Pear
D. Cherry
Answer: A
Q2. What is a characteristic of temperate zone fruit plants?
A. Enter dormancy in late summer or autumn
B. No distinct rest period
C. High temperature throughout the year
D. Narrow day and night temperature variation
Answer: A
Q3. Which soil type is predominant in the arid region of India?
A. Sandy
B. Clay loam
C. Laterite
D. Black cotton
Answer: A
Q4. What is the mean annual rainfall in the high rainfall zone of Tamil Nadu (Kanyakumari District)?
A. 1460 mm
B. 850 mm
C. 720 mm
D. 1100 mm
Answer: A
Q5. Which agroclimatic region includes Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pandichary, and Lakshadweep Islands?
A. Humid to Semi-arid western Ghats
B. Arid western plains
C. Humid Bengal–Assam Region
D. Sub-humid Sutlez-Ganga Alluvial plains
Answer: A
Q6. What is the growing period (GP) for the arid zone according to NBSS & LUP?
A. 90 days
B. 150 days
C. 210 days
D. 270 days
Answer: A
Q7. Which Tamil Nadu zone is called the ‘rice bowl’ of the state?
A. Cauvery Delta zone
B. North-eastern zone
C. Southern zone
D. Western zone
Answer: A
Q8. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the tropical zone?
A. Chilling temperature is present
B. High temperature most of the year
C. Narrow day and night temperature variation
D. Insignificant photoperiodic requirement
Answer: A
Q9. Which region in India has about 70,300 sq. km area under the cold arid zone?
A. Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir
B. Rajasthan
C. Gujarat
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A
Q10. What is the main source of irrigation in the Cauvery Delta zone?
A. Cauvery river
B. Wells
C. Tanks
D. Canal from Krishna river
Answer: A