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Top 10 Indian States With Most Farmers: Farmers are the backbone of India's economy, which is renowned for being an agricultural nation. Indian farmers are essential to the country's food supply, cultivating everything from grains to fruits and vegetables. However, have you ever wondered which Indian states are home to the greatest number of farmers?

In this article, we bring you the Top 10 Indian States With the Most Farmers. These states have the largest farming populations, and agriculture forms the main source of income for most people there. Uttar Pradesh leads the list with more than 33 lakh farmers, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. These states not only have large farmlands but also benefit from fertile soil, irrigation facilities, and government schemes.

The farming strength of these states contributes heavily to India's food production, economy, and rural employment. Knowing these numbers helps understand which regions are truly powering India’s agriculture. So, whether you’re a student, researcher, or just curious, this list gives you a clear picture of India’s top farming states.

No. State Registered Farmers Famous Crops
1 Uttar Pradesh 3,305,157 Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane, Potato
2 Madhya Pradesh 3,025,172 Wheat, Soybean, Gram, Rice
3 Haryana 2,727,249 Wheat, Rice, Mustard, Cotton
4 Telangana 1,823,959 Rice, Cotton, Maize, Chillies
5 Rajasthan 1,548,468 Wheat, Bajra (Pearl millet), Mustard, Gram
6 Andhra Pradesh 1,454,229 Rice, Maize, Groundnut, Chilli
7 Maharashtra 1,241,854 Cotton, Sugarcane, Soybean, Onion
8 Tamil Nadu 467,186 Rice, Sugarcane, Banana, Groundnut
9 Odisha 456,963 Rice, Pulses, Oilseeds, Coconut
10 Jharkhand 267,287 Rice, Maize, Pulses, Oilseeds

Source: Press information bureau

1. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh tops the list with over 33 lakh farmers. Being India’s most populous state, agriculture plays a major role in people’s lives. The state is rich in fertile soil and water sources, which makes it ideal for growing crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses. Most families here depend on farming for their livelihood.

2. Madhya Pradesh 

Madhya Pradesh is often called the "Heart of India", and farming is the heart of its economy. With over 30 lakh farmers, the state is known for producing wheat, soybeans, pulses, and oilseeds. The government has also launched many schemes to support farmers in irrigation and technology use.

3. Haryana 

Haryana has more than 27 lakh farmers, most of whom focus on wheat, rice, and sugarcane cultivation. The state has a strong agricultural infrastructure and was one of the leaders in India’s Green Revolution. Many farmers here also adopt modern farming techniques.

 

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4. Telangana

Telangana has around 18 lakh farmers and is one of the fastest-growing agricultural states. Rice is the major crop, but farmers also grow cotton, maize, and chillies. With several irrigation projects like Kaleshwaram, the state supports its farmers through better water supply.

5. Rajasthan 

Even though Rajasthan is a desert state, it still has over 15 lakh farmers. They mainly grow crops like bajra, mustard and wheat, depending on the climate and water availability. Many farmers also depend on livestock, especially in dry regions.

6. Andhra Pradesh 

Andhra Pradesh is known for its rich farming tradition, with about 14.5 lakh farmers. The state grows rice, sugarcane, cotton and fruits. With the help of rivers like Krishna and Godavari, irrigation has improved and boosted productivity.

7. Maharashtra 

Maharashtra has over 12 lakh farmers, most of whom are involved in the cultivation of cotton, sugarcane and pulses. However, the state also faces challenges like irregular rainfall and droughts, making farmer support schemes very important here.

8. Tamil Nadu 

Tamil Nadu has about 4.6 lakh farmers, many of whom grow paddy, sugarcane, bananas and millets. With a well-developed irrigation system and fertile delta regions like the Cauvery basin, the state supports both traditional and modern farming practices.

 

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9. Odisha

Odisha is home to nearly 4.5 lakh farmers who mainly grow rice, pulses and vegetables. The state receives good rainfall, which helps in agriculture, but farmers still face challenges like floods and cyclones during certain seasons.

10. Jharkhand 

Jharkhand has around 2.6 lakh farmers, and most of them are small-scale or tribal farmers. They grow rice, maize, pulses, and vegetables. The state’s hilly and forested areas make farming a bit tough, but various schemes are helping improve the situation.