The state of Andhra Pradesh is largely dependent on agriculture. About 70 percent of the total population depends on farming, and it is one of India's main rice-producing states.
The major crops grown here include paddy, sugarcane, oilseeds, beans, and pulses (edible seeds from crops such as peas, lentils, and beans). Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of the state.
Andhra Pradesh has three cropping seasons
based on monsoons and availability of water from man made sources. The
three cropping seasons are: kharif, rabi and summer.
The state
has a tropical climate with moderate diffusion to sub-tropical
weather. Semi humid conditions are prevailed in coastal areas. The state is divided into 7 zones based on agro-climatic conditions. These are:
- Krishna-Godavari Zone
- North Coastal Zone
- Southern Zone
- Northern Telangana Zone
- Southern Telangana Zone
- Scarce Rain Fall Zone of Rayalaseema
- High Altitude Tribal Areas
Major source of irrigation are lift irrigation, minor irrigation sources, wells and tube wells and from rain. The annual rainfall varies from less than 60 cms in Western Rayalseema to more than 100 cms in North and north-eastern part of the state reaching as high as 150 cms close to the north eastern border crossing Eastern Ghats.
The category of soil in the state ranges from poor coastal sands to highly fertile deltaic alluvium. Black soils cover 25 % of the total cultivated land and the alluvial loamy clay soils
found in Krishna and Godavari deltas cover 5% of the cultivated area.
The coastal sands occupy only 3% while the remaining 1% is covered by laterite soils in certain pockets of the State.