Agriculture has shaped the economy and social fabric of Maharashtra for centuries, and Vidarbha holds a distinct place in this narrative. Spread across eleven districts, this eastern region has relied heavily on farming as its backbone. While subsistence crops remain essential, the cultivation of cash crops has determined the region’s fortunes in markets and households alike.

These crops are not just agricultural commodities but also crucial determinants of income patterns, trade flows, and employment opportunities for thousands of farmers. Over time, Vidarbha has developed its own unique mix of cash crops that define both its agricultural identity and its vulnerabilities.

From fields of cotton stretching across districts to the orange orchards that have become a cultural marker of the region, the story of cash crops here is deeply intertwined with its history. The following account looks at five prominent cash crops that continue to hold significance in the agricultural economy of Vidarbha.

1. Cotton

Cotton has long been the most defining crop of Vidarbha. Often referred to as the “Cotton Belt of Maharashtra,” the region’s black soil and climatic conditions make it suitable for cotton farming. Districts such as Yavatmal, Wardha, Amravati, and Akola are heavily dependent on this crop. Cotton became central to Vidarbha’s economy during the colonial period when it was linked to the textile industry in Manchester and remains an important source of livelihood today. Farmers cultivate hybrid and Bt cotton varieties, which have higher yields but also demand greater investment in fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation.

The crop contributes substantially to both domestic textile mills and export markets, but fluctuating global prices often affect farmer incomes. High input costs combined with uncertain market returns have made cotton farming a challenging pursuit, with farmer distress widely reported across cotton-growing areas. Despite these difficulties, cotton remains the primary cash crop in terms of area and production, anchoring the economy of Vidarbha.

Government procurement through the Cotton Corporation of India provides some level of support, though it is often inconsistent with farmers’ expectations. Cotton continues to be grown extensively because of its entrenched role in the region’s cropping pattern and the limited alternatives available at the same scale.

2. Soybean

Soybean emerged in Vidarbha as a major cash crop during the late twentieth century, gradually replacing traditional cereals and pulses. Today, it is cultivated widely across Amravati, Akola, and other adjoining districts. Farmers are drawn to soybean because they require relatively less water compared to crops such as sugarcane, and they fit well into the monsoon cropping cycle. Its demand in the edible oil industry and as a protein-rich component in livestock feed has strengthened its position as a commercial crop.

Soybean farming in Vidarbha is often associated with contract arrangements, where large companies purchase the produce for processing. This provides market linkages for farmers but also makes them dependent on price movements in the oilseed market. The crop has also influenced crop rotation practices, as many farmers alternate between soybean and wheat to optimise land use.

According to reports from agricultural universities, soybean cultivation has expanded to nearly every district in the region, demonstrating its adaptability and market-driven appeal. However, like cotton, it is susceptible to climatic changes, pest attacks, and market volatility. Its rise as a cash crop is emblematic of how Vidarbha’s agriculture has shifted towards market-oriented production over the past few decades.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric, though less widespread than cotton or soybean, holds significant importance in pockets of Vidarbha, particularly in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts. Farmers cultivate this spice primarily during the monsoon season, and it requires about nine months to mature. Turmeric has always been more than just a spice crop; its role in medicine, food preservation, and cultural practices ensures a steady demand. In recent years, the global demand for turmeric has increased because of its association with health and wellness, enhancing its commercial value.

Farmers in Vidarbha often sell turmeric in dried form, which is then ground into powder for consumption or export. Local markets in Chandrapur see a steady flow of turmeric produce, and cooperative marketing arrangements provide a channel for sales. According to agricultural studies, yields from Vidarbha’s turmeric farms are competitive with those of other states, though the scale of cultivation remains smaller.

The crop’s profitability has encouraged diversification among farmers seeking to reduce dependence on cotton. Though not the largest cash crop in terms of volume, turmeric’s role lies in providing supplementary income and tapping into domestic and international markets that remain consistent throughout the year.

4. Sugarcane

Sugarcane has a limited but notable presence in Vidarbha, primarily in Buldhana, Wardha, and parts of Amravati. Unlike western Maharashtra, where sugarcane dominates, Vidarbha’s climate and water availability make its cultivation less extensive. Nevertheless, where irrigation facilities are available, farmers grow sugarcane for jaggery, sugar, and industrial uses. Local jaggery-making units form an important link in the agricultural economy of Buldhana and surrounding districts.

Sugarcane farming requires high investment in fertilisers, water, and labour, and these factors often restrict its spread. The crop cycle is longer, extending to twelve to eighteen months, tying up land resources for extended periods. Farmers who grow sugarcane generally rely on canal irrigation or borewells, making it viable in limited zones only.

However, the returns from sugarcane are often higher compared to cereals, which is why it retains a place as a cash crop despite constraints. The crop also contributes to small-scale rural industries, where jaggery is processed and sold locally and regionally. Its selective cultivation illustrates the diversity of Vidarbha’s agriculture, where farmers balance between traditional practices and market opportunities.

5. Oranges

Among horticultural crops, oranges hold a unique position in Vidarbha. Known popularly as “Nagpur Oranges,” these fruits enjoy a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which underlines their distinctiveness. Cultivation is concentrated in Nagpur and Amravati districts, where the soil and climate support the growth of high-quality citrus fruit. Oranges from this region are exported across India and also find markets abroad, making them a significant cash crop. The harvesting season typically extends from December to February, coinciding with peak demand in domestic markets.

Orange cultivation has shaped the agricultural economy as well as the cultural identity of Vidarbha. Large tracts of land are dedicated to orchards, and the crop generates employment in cultivation, harvesting, packaging, and transport. Farmers often depend on local mandis and cooperative societies to market their produce. Agricultural scientists in Nagpur have also introduced improved varieties and techniques to enhance productivity and extend shelf life. The orange trade has become a defining feature of the region’s commercial agriculture, distinguishing it from other parts of Maharashtra. While horticultural crops are often treated separately from field crops, in Vidarbha, oranges function as a cash crop, bringing in significant income and reputation to the farmers who cultivate them.

Cash crops in Vidarbha form more than a part of the farming landscape; they shape the economic life of the region. Cotton continues to dominate by sheer area and legacy, while soybean have steadily emerged as a mainstay for many farmers. Turmeric contributes through specialised pockets that connect to both local and international markets. Sugarcane, though limited in scale, supports rural industries and provides an alternative stream of income where conditions allow. Oranges stand out not only for their commercial significance but also for their symbolic association with Nagpur and its surroundings. The story of these five crops is deeply tied to the livelihood of thousands of farmers, the markets they supply, and the place Vidarbha occupies in the agricultural framework of India.

Together, they represent the multiple ways in which farming in the region engages with history, trade, and society.