Haryana is often called the “Food Mine” of the country. About 80% of the population of the state is agriculture dependent, directly or indirectly. Haryana
is self sufficient in producing food grains and is also a major
contributor of food grains in meeting the needs of other states of the
country. The world famous Basmati Rice is produced here in abundance. The major cereals produced in the state include wheat, rice, maize and bajra.
The crop production of Haryana
can be broadly divided into Rabi and Kharif. The main kharif crops in
the state include sugarcane, groundnut, maize and paddy etc. The minor
kharif crops are chillis, bajra, jawar, pulses and vegetables.
There are two agro-climatic zones in the state. The north western part of the state is suitable for the cultivation
of Rice, Wheat, Vegetable and temperate fruits and the south-western
part is suitable for high quality agricultural produce, tropical fruits,
exotic vegetables and herbal and medicinal plants.
The state has also significantly contributed to the field of agricultural education in the country. Asia's biggest agricultural University - Chaudhry Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
is located at Hisar, which has already made a significant contribution
in ushering 'Green Revolution'. The National Dairy Research Institute
set up at Karnal and Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes at
Hisar are constantly developing the breed of 'Hariana' cow and 'Murrah'
buffaloe. There is a network of veterinary institutions to maintain the
health of livestock.
Diary farming is mostly seen in the rural areas and the economy
depends largely on it. The other crops which are grown in the state
include cotton, jute, sugarcane, sesame, groundnut, oilseeds and
tobacco.
Irrigation of the state depends on the water provided by the Canals. The various canals which are operating in the state include Western Yamuna Canal, Gurgaon Canal, Jui Canal, Jawaharlal Lal Nehru Canal and Bhakra Canal. These canals are the main source of water for cultivation in various districts of the state.