Study of Agricultural Pattern of Village Palpur, Itaunja Lucknow

Abstract

Agriculture in uttarpradesh in palpur village is the backbone of village economy , most of the people are depending on agriculture .Palpur is a village characterized by its unique agricultural practices , influenced by its geographical climate , and socio-economic conditions . Understanding these patterns is crucial for enhancing productivity and sustainability. Palpur is a small yet significant rural village situated in the Itaunja block of Lucknow district, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Nestled in the fertile plains of the Ganga-Gomti Doab, the village is predominantly agrarian, with a majority of the population engaged in farming and allied activities.Geographically, Palpur enjoys a strategic location close to National Highway 24 (NH-24), providing decent connectivity to Lucknow city, which is approximately 35–40 kilometers away. The village falls under a humid subtropical climate zone, characterized by hot summers, a monsoon season with ample rainfall, and cool winters – all of which create a favorable environment for diverse agricultural practices.Palpur is a classic example of a rural Indian village, where traditional practices blend with modern agricultural methods. The village has access to basic infrastructure like electricity, hand pumps, primary schools, and access roads, but still faces challenges in terms of healthcare, higher education, and market linkages.Over the years, Palpur has witnessed gradual socio-economic changes, driven by government schemes, migration, education, and exposure to urban influences. Despite challenges like small landholdings, erratic rainfall, and limited irrigation, the village remains a vital contributor to the local food economy through the cultivation of crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and vegetables.Understanding Palpur’s agricultural patterns, land use, and rural lifestyle offers valuable insight into the broader dynamics of rural development in Uttar Pradesh.In palpur there are many crops grown by the mordern and traditional techniques .the major crops which are grown in area are like- wheat ,rice ,banana , potato etc. Palpur benefits from fertile soil and access to water resouces . The region experience humid subtropical climate which help in production in palpur and it help in increasing village economy the agriculture is primary activity of peoples in village. Cultivtion of banana and potato done on larger basis in village because of favorable soil and climate . The tubwells andcanal irrigation techniques of irrigation is strengths of production of crops. Mixed cropping is done in region there are many minor crop which are grown in the region and there are many chemical and fertilizers and pesticides used in the region , high –yield crop varieties for enhancing the quality of crops in the region . There are many families which are only engaged in agriculture. In the village we can see mostly farmer can use same sequence of crop from many years that is wheat ,rice , banana and vegetable , potato. There is farmer need to change this pattern.Crop rotation farmer practice to maintain soil health and reduce pests. Organic farming is an increasing trend in the region with some farmer adopting organic methods to improve sustainability and marketability. The agriculture pattern in palpur reflect a blend of traditional practices and modern challenges ,continued support for sustainable methods and improved market access is essential for the village agricultural resilience and growth. This integrated approach is vital for improving the productivity in the region and overall public health in village.

Introduction

Overview

Palpur village in Itaunja block, Lucknow district, reflects typical agricultural trends of rural North India. Agriculture is the main livelihood, shaped by climatic conditions, landholding patterns, irrigation access, and socio-economic factors.

Geography & Climate

• Located in the Ganga-Gomti Doab with fertile alluvial soil.

• Humid subtropical climate with ~900–1000 mm annual rainfall.

• Supports kharif, rabi, and zaid cropping seasons.

Landholding & Land Use

• Predominantly small and marginal farmers (1–2 acres).

• Land fragmentation due to inheritance laws.

• Crop cultivation dominates land use; crop rotation is common.

Major Crops

• Kharif: Paddy (main), maize, arhar, vegetables.

• Rabi: Wheat (main), mustard, potatoes, peas.

• Zaid: Watermelon, cucumber, and other short-duration crops.

Irrigation Practices

• Relies on tube wells, borewells, canals, and ponds.

• New adoption of solar pumps under PM-KUSUM is limited.

• Irrigation is crucial in the dry rabi season.

Inputs & Mechanization

• Chemical fertilizers (urea, DAP) widely used, often unbalanced.

• Some adoption of organic farming and vermicompost.

• Mechanization (tractors, threshers) is rising but constrained by small fields.

• Manual labor still prevalent among smallholders.

Labor & Employment

• Labor mostly from local villagers; peak seasons see wage surges.

• Youth migration causes labor shortages.

• Women actively contribute to sowing, weeding, and post-harvest work.

Marketing & Sales

• Produce sold in local mandis, via middlemen, or FPOs.

• Lack of storage/cold chains forces distress sales.

• Government procurement is underutilized due to delays and corruption.

Government Support

• Access to schemes like PM-KISAN, KCC, PMFBY, and Soil Health Cards.

• Awareness and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder full benefits.

Challenges

• Small landholdings and fragmented plots.

• Climate variability and erratic rainfall.

• Soil degradation due to overuse of chemicals.

• Poor irrigation, storage, and market infrastructure.

• Inadequate insurance coverage.

Emerging Trends

• Crop diversification: More vegetables, pulses, and high-value crops.

• Sustainable farming: Organic practices and integrated farming (livestock, fishery).

• Horticulture: Guava, banana, marigold cultivation on the rise.

• Growing interest in digital tools and training.

Women’s Role

• Crucial to most agricultural tasks but underrecognized.

• SHGs and training can boost productivity and women’s empowerment.

Recommendations for Future

• Strengthen FPOs for better bargaining power.

• Improve infrastructure (roads, irrigation, storage).

• Invest in training, digital tools, and agri-entrepreneurship.

• Expand sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.

Conclusion

The agricultural pattern in Palpur reflects the resilience and adaptability of rural farmers amid various challenges. While traditional crops like wheat and paddy still dominate, there is a growing awareness about diversification, mechanization, and sustainability. With appropriate support from the government, NGOs, and private sector, Palpur has the potential to transform its agriculture into a more profitable and sustainable enterprise, ensuring food security and rural development for future generations.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Ritu Jain , Jahanvi Singh , Bhumi Tripathi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.