Indian agriculture is often called a 'gamble on the monsoon' because only one-third of the net sown area is irrigated. Key points regarding the changing pattern are :
1. Expansion of Irrigation : Increased use of canals and tubewells in recent decades has reduced direct dependence, but deficient rainfall still leads to crop failure in many parts.
2. Regional Variation : While states like Punjab and Haryana are protected by irrigation, arid regions of Rajasthan and Central India remain highly vulnerable to erratic monsoons.
3. Change in Cropping Patterns : Due to monsoon uncertainty, farmers are increasingly shifting towards drought-resistant and short-duration crops.