Profitable cash crops are plants that can make farmers a lot of money when they sell them. Rice, wheat, pulses and jute are India's main profitable cash crops.
India is a top producer of rice, which covers 1/3 of the cultivated area and thrives in warm, humid climates. It prefers deep, loamy soil and is grown mostly in Punjab, UP and Bihar.
Wheat is a staple rabi crop, followed by rice. It thrives in 10-26°C temperatures and needs 75-100 cm rainfall. India ranks 2nd in wheat production, mostly growing UP, Punjab and MP.
Maize is a popular Kharif crop and needs temperatures of 21°C – 27°C. India ranks 7th globally in maize production, and its leading states are Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
Pulses are a key protein source that thrives in 20-27°C, 25-60 cm rain, and Sandy-loamy soil. Top Pulses producers include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Jute, known as the "golden fibre," needs 25-35°C temperature and 150-250 cm rainfall. India leads jute production and export, mainly from West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Odisha.