Cropping scheme definition, utility, importance and principles of preparation are given below.

Definition of Cropping Scheme 

A cropping scheme is a farm budget prepared in advance of a cropping season of the year showing the details of farm activities during the proposed year.

Utility of Cropping Scheme 

• To prepared the farm budget for a particular financial year. 
• To predict the expected profit or loss. 
• To prepare the tentative plan of work during the proposed year. 
• To determine the total amount quantity of inputs. 
• Input to require and to know in advance. 

Importance of Cropping Scheme 

• It indicates the cost of seasonal and varietal cultivation. 
• For proper management of land, labor, and capital. 
• It assists in proper functional planning. 
• It assists in the calculation of actual net profit. 
• It assists the maintenance of proper farm functions. 
• It assists the preparation of the crop calendar in actual time. 
• It helps in calculating the cultivation and non­cultivation costs. 
• It illustrates the essential elements of a farm. 
• It illustrates the normal and abnormal conditions of the farm. 
• It allows calculations of the profit or loss of future crops. 

Principles of preparation of Cropping Scheme 

• Consultation should be made of a map, indicating the farm layout such as roads, ponds, irrigation facilities, number of plots and area, etc. 
• Varieties of the crop should be selected following local and national requirements. 
• Proper crop rotation should be followed for maintaining soil fertility and for controlling pests and diseases. 
• Green manuring crops should be cultivated for organic matter. 
• A particular place should be earmarked for animal husbandry. 
• Irrigation and drainage facilities should be checked and made adequate for the cropping scheme. 
• Commercial crops should be considered. 
• Last year’s application of fertilizer and its residual effect should be considered. 
• A source of capital should be secured.