Mod 3: Agro-Climatic Zones of Bihar
Bihar is divided into three distinct Agro-Climatic Zones based on soil composition, average rainfall, temperature, and cropping patterns:
| Zone / Region | Soil Type | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Temperature (°C) | Major Crops | Districts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North-Western Alluvial Plain (Zone I) | Moderately acidic, heavy texture, sandy loam to clayey loam; flood-prone | 1,245 mm | Max: 36.6°C Min: 7.7°C |
Rice, Wheat, Maize, Potato, Sugarcane, Mango, Litchi | West Champaran, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Gopalganj, Begusarai |
| North-Eastern Alluvial Plain (Zone II) | Light to medium texture, slightly acidic, sandy to silty loam | 1,450 mm | Max: 33.8°C Min: 8.8°C |
Maize, Jute, Pomegranate (Pineapple/Anar) | Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Khagaria, Araria, Kishanganj |
| South Bihar Alluvial Plain (Zone III) | Alluvial to sandy loam | 1,115 mm | Max: 37.1°C Min: 7.8°C |
Rice, Wheat, Pulses | Sheikhpura, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur, Banka, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Arwal, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya |
Forest & Sal Resource Characteristics:
- Forests are vital ecological buffers covering nearly 30 percent of the Earth's land surface.
- Bihar is rich in deciduous Sal forests. According to the State Climate Action Plan, mixed moist deciduous Sal forests are predominantly concentrated in West Champaran and partially distributed in the valleys of the southern districts.
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Interactive Practice MCQs
Question 1: Which Agro-Climatic Zone of Bihar receives the highest average rainfall (1,450 mm)?
Question 2: According to the official Climate Action Plan, in which district are moist deciduous Sal forests predominantly found?
Question 3: In which Agro-Climatic Zone are Purnia, Katihar, and Kishanganj located?
Question 4: What is the average rainfall of the South Bihar Alluvial Plain?