The book is divided into two parts, kharif crops and rabi crops, covering as many as 48 crops. It contains the latest, authoritative and readily usable information about the cultivation techniques, varieties, nutrient/water/weed management along with specific climatic/soil requirements of all the crops. It is essentially a teaching and study material as it is written conforming to ICAR syllabus, strictly considering the limitations of the students and the teachers. Information on each crop is chosen in such a way that it is readily understandable by the undergraduate students and can be explained by the teachers in 22 weeks of a semester. Unnecessary detailing and research information has been avoided. Photographic illustrations of the crops are given to enable the students to understand the morphology of the crop clearly. Related terms, concepts or recent advancements in each crop are highlighted in the box. For a group of related crops, model questions are also given to visualise the probable questions on each crop. An attempt has been made to include the latest statistics from FAO and other global and Indian sources. Points to remember given at the end of each chapter enable the students to have a quick recap of the topic before examination. Further, many general topics, related to field crops, have been covered in eight separate brief chapters, to ensure that the students understand crop-related topics.

Contributed chapters.

This book deals with the concepts and methods related to crop production. It talks in detail about the various techniques used in this field. Crop production refers to that branch of agriculture, which deals with the growth and cultivation of crops keeping in mind their use as food or fiber. Different approaches, evaluations and methodologies on crop production have been included in this text. Various techniques of crop production along with technological progress that have implication are glanced at in this book. Some of the diverse topics covered in it address the varied branches that fall under this category. This textbook attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into the field of crop production.

By the year 2050, the world's population is expected to reach nine billion. To feed and sustain this projected population, world food production must increase by at least 50 percent on much of the same land that we farm today. To meet this staggering challenge, scientists must develop the technology required to achieve an "evergreen" revolution-one

Modern techniques of crop production, as well as the application of agrochemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, have resulted in increased crop yields. Crop production systems vary with the availability of resources as well as with climatic and geographic factors. Some important crops include cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables and natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, etc. Tillage, pest control, nutrient management and water management are commonly practiced in agriculture. Crop alteration through breeding techniques like trait selection, self-pollination and cross-pollination is practiced in modern agriculture to develop characteristics like improved yields, drought tolerance and pest resistance. This book highlights the central theories and practices of a stable crop production system. It also presents the modern studies and technological advances in this field. It elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to crop production. The content herein is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Running a productive agriculture system has always been about having the right tools and the know-how to pursue optimization and efficiency. In the 21st century, the case can be made that the agriculturist's most important tool is not the cultivator, but the computer. While you still need to know how to adapt to the day-to-day challenges of land an