The major cultivated crops can be classified according
to the agronomic purpose. On this basis, the distinguishable groups of crops
can be...
I)
PULSES (aka Grain Legumes)
The plants belonging to family leguminosae are
cultivated for their edible seeds. For example, chickpea,
garden pea, cowpea
(lobia), mung bean, mash bean, lentil and pigeon pea.
II)
CEREALS (aka Grain crops)
Grasses belonging to family Poaceae which are
cultivated for their edible grains are called cereals. They are mostly narrow
and long leaved plants without main stem. For example, wheat, rice, maize,
barley and sorghum.
III)
OILSEED CROPS
The crops cultivated for extraction of oil from
their seeds are called oilseed crops. For
example, cotton, brassica, sunflower, peanut, groundnut, sesame, soybean,
linseed, castor bean and flax.
IV)
FIBER CROPS
The crops grown for their fiber which is the raw
material for textile industry are called fiber crops. They are used for
clothing, rope making and rugs. For example, cotton, jute, flax, sunhemp and
kenaf.
V)
FORAGE CROPS
The crops which are grown for grazing of animals and
used for making hay, silage, green chop or green manuring are called forage
crops. They may be specifically defined, as the crops with dry matter fiber
content of about 25%. The cereal crops when harvested as whole and used for
animal feed are called “fodder crops”. For example, barseem, shaftal and
clovers. They mostly belong to the family graminae or leguminosae.
VII)
SUGAR CROPS
The crops which are cultivated for extracting sugar
juice to make sugar etc. are called sugar crops. For example, sugarcane, sugar
beet and sweet sorghum.
VIII)
ROOTS AND TUBER CROPS
The crops which are cultivated for their underground
edible parts like bulbs, rhizome, tubers or corms are called root or tuber
crops. For example, ginger, garlic, potato, turnip and many others.
IX)
VEGETABLES OR GARDEN CROPS
The crops which are cultivated for their edible
portions like leaves, flowers or fruits are called vegetable crops. The concept
of vegetables is associated with garden. And the branch of horticulture which
deals with cultivation of vegetables is called “olericulture”. For example
spinach, cucumber, gourds, eggplant, okra and tomato.
X)
CONDIMENT CROPS
These crops are
cultivated for the purpose of obtaining condiments. For example, turmeric,
garlic, mint, chillies and ginger.
XI) MEDICINAL PLANTS
The plants which are serve purpose of medication and
used in drug making are called medicinal plants. For example, aloe vera.
XII)
NARCOTIC AND DRUG CROPS
These crops are cultivated for narcotic or drug
purposes. Their extracts or tissues have hallucinating and calming effects on
nervous systems of humans. For example, poppy, opium, tea, coffee and pepper
mint. Some of them are also used for medicinal purposes.
For a detailed list of the agronomic crops and their botanical names, see my previous article,
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