Ancient agriculture in India began as early as 9000 BCE with the cultivation of crops and domestication of animals in northwest India. Settled life followed, along with the development of agricultural implements and techniques. By 8000-4000 BCE, agro-pastoralism was common and included practices like threshing crops, planting in rows, and storing grain. Major innovations in irrigation occurred in the Indus Valley Civilization by 4500 BCE, allowing cities to grow and prosper. Vedic texts from 3000-2500 BCE describe iron tools, cultivation of various crops and fruits, animal husbandry, and the use of manure and irrigation.