Nepal is an agricultural country. Most of the people in Nepal depend on agriculture which provides daily needs such as crops, vegetables, fruits, etc. About 80% of people's occupation is Agriculture. Trade is also mainly of agricultural products. Most of the cottage industries in Nepal are also based on agriculture because it supplies with raw materials. With the help of good manure, seeds, equipment and irrigation the growth of crops is increased in large quantity. Agriculture is known as the backbone of economy of Nepal. Agriculture is mostly famous in terai region since the land is plain and fertile. The main crops grown in the Terai are rice, wheat, sugar cane, maize, and pulses. Crops are not really grown in Hill region but it is famous for tea. Besides tea, the people in these hilly areas grow rice, sugar cane, maize, etc. Mountain region contains infertile soil so it is not possible to grow crops there but it is famous for medicinal plants.. Many Agriculture occupation consists of three types: food crops, cash crops and mixed crops.
Food crops:
The crops that are used for food are called food crops. Rice, maize, wheat, millet, etc. are food crops. Rice and wheat are grown in the plain areas, in the river banks where the land is hot and wet. Maize and millet are grown in the dry land of hilly areas.
Cash crops:
The crops that are grown for sale to earn money are called cash crops. Jute, sugarcane, tobacco, tea, coffee, etc. are cash crops. Jute requires plain land with hot and wet climate. Sugarcane and tobacco are grown in the plain areas. Crops need water during their growing stage for a short time. Similarly, tea is grown in the slopes of hills which receive rainfall and the water does not stay for long. Tea is also grown in plains by providing favourable conditions for its growth.
Mixed crops:
In some places, varieties of crops are grown at the same time. When more than one crop is planted at the same time and at the same place, it is called mixed crops. For example, along with maize, soyabean, beans, etc. are also planted. Similarly, in the paddy fields, lentil (dal) is planted side by side and fish are also reared in the fields. Such system is called the mixed cropping.
Food crops:
The crops that are used for food are called food crops. Rice, maize, wheat, millet, etc. are food crops. Rice and wheat are grown in the plain areas, in the river banks where the land is hot and wet. Maize and millet are grown in the dry land of hilly areas.
Cash crops:
The crops that are grown for sale to earn money are called cash crops. Jute, sugarcane, tobacco, tea, coffee, etc. are cash crops. Jute requires plain land with hot and wet climate. Sugarcane and tobacco are grown in the plain areas. Crops need water during their growing stage for a short time. Similarly, tea is grown in the slopes of hills which receive rainfall and the water does not stay for long. Tea is also grown in plains by providing favourable conditions for its growth.
Mixed crops:
In some places, varieties of crops are grown at the same time. When more than one crop is planted at the same time and at the same place, it is called mixed crops. For example, along with maize, soyabean, beans, etc. are also planted. Similarly, in the paddy fields, lentil (dal) is planted side by side and fish are also reared in the fields. Such system is called the mixed cropping.