Agriculture is an important part of economy of Karnataka. Karnataka has got a topography that is highly suitable for agricultural activities. That is to say, Karnataka's relief, soil, climatic conditions taken together contribute immensely towards growing crops. Agriculture is one of the main occupation of the people of Karnataka. About 12.31 million hectares of land, including 64.6% of the total area, is used for agriculture in Karnataka.
According to the 2001 census, about 71% of workforce in Karnataka are farmers and agricultural laborers. Agriculture of Karnataka is mainly dependent on monsoon, as only 26.55 of land is supported by irrigation. In Karnataka, irrigation is done in about 26.5% of the total sown area.
In fact, agriculture is so important in Karnataka that we find three agricultural seasons, viz.:
- Kharif (April to September)
- Rabi (October to December) and
- Summer (January to March).
- Rice
- Jowar
- Maize
- Pulses
- Oilseeds
- Cashew nuts
- Coconut
- Arecanut
- Cardamom
- Chillies
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
- Coffee
- Tobacco, Etc.
Further, horticultural production in Karnataka is also higher. Horticulture also plays a vital role in the economy of Karnataka. About 40% of the total income of the state is generated from horticulture. Karnataka occupies the second position in terms of the horticultural productions in India.
Thus, it can be concluded that agriculture is an important part of the economy of Karnataka.
