Why are wheat and sorghum important crops in central and western Madhya Pradesh?

Wheat and sorghum are important crops in central and western Madhya Pradesh primarily because these regions receive less rainfall than the eastern part of the state. While rice cultivation is concentrated in the east where precipitation is higher, the central and western areas are better suited for crops that can thrive in these drier conditions.12

Agriculture in the state is heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, and because only a portion of the land is irrigated, farmers prioritize crops that align with the regional climate and soil variations. The western and northern parts of the state experience a decrease in annual precipitation, with some areas averaging less than 30 inches (750 mm) of rain per year. Consequently, wheat and sorghum serve as essential staples in the agricultural economy of these central and western zones.12