I. Choose the correct option:
1. What are the crops
grown in commercial farms called?
o (b) Cash crops
2. Your uncle has a
large farm. He rears animals along with farming. He is practising
o (b) Mixed farming
3. Assertion (A):
Agriculture is the mainstay and the backbone of India's economy.
o Reason (R): It
provides employment to millions of people.
o (b) Both A and R
are true but R does not explain A.
4. Commercial farming
is prevalent in areas where landholdings are large and market
economy is well developed.
o (a) large
5. 'Slash and burn
method' refers to Shifting agriculture.
o (b) Shifting
6. Which of the following
crops are associated with Shifting agriculture?
o (c) Yams and
tapioca
7. Which of the
following is practised in many areas as an alternative to shifting cultivation?
o (b) Intercropping
8. Assertion (A): The
agricultural output depends on monsoon.
o Reason (R): Nearly
55 per cent of the area sown is dependent on irrigation.
o (c) A is true but R
is false. (The text states it depends on rainfall, not
irrigation.)
9. Intercropping
involves growing of two or more crops next to each other at the same
o (a) time
10. Timber plantation is
being promoted to check the practice of shifting cultivation.
o (d) Timber
11. Intensive type of farming
involves cultivation of small farms using large inputs of labour, manures and
fertilizers.
o (c) Intensive
12. Which type of
agriculture is mainly practised in the irrigated areas of the plains of
northern India and the coastal area of south India?
o (d) Intensive
13. Organic farming is an
eco-friendly method as it excludes the use of chemical fertilizers.
o (d) Organic
14. The farming which
involves cultivation of single agricultural crop over large tracts of land or
estates is
o (c) Plantation
farming
15. Assertion (A):
India has the largest irrigated area of cultivated land.
o Reason (R): The
failure of monsoon or too much rainfall leads to crop failure.
o (b) Both A and R
are true but R does not explain A.
16. Tea, coffee, rubber
or spices are Plantation crops.
o (a) Plantation
farming
II. Answer the following questions:
Q.1 (a) What is meant by the term
'agriculture'?
The term 'agriculture' is derived from two
Latin words: ager ('land') and culture ('cultivation'). It is defined as the cultivation of the soil to grow crops and rear livestock
for the essential purpose of producing food for human or animal consumption.
Q.1 (b) Why is agriculture said to be
the backbone of the Indian economy?
Agriculture is called the backbone of India's
economy because:
1. Employment: It provides
employment to 58% of the labour force.
2. Rural Dependency: Approximately 70% of rural households depend upon it.
3. Economic
Contribution: It accounts for 16.5% of India's Gross Value
Added (GVA).
4. Raw Materials: It supplies raw
materials for many agro-based industries.
Q.1 (c) Mention any three problems of
agriculture in India.
Three problems of agriculture in India are:
1. Unreliable Rainfall
and Lack of Irrigation: Nearly 55% of the net sown area continues to depend on uncertain monsoons/rainfall.
2. Small and
Fragmented Landholdings: The majority of landholdings are very small and scattered, preventing the adoption of modern,
scientific methods.
3. Soil Erosion and
Degradation: Indiscriminate cutting of trees and faulty land-use practices accelerate
soil erosion, decreasing fertility.
4. Old and Inefficient
Techniques: Many farmers still use traditional methods and inefficient techniques,
limiting mechanization. (Choose any three)
Q.1 (d) State three advantages of
Cooperative Farming.
Three advantages of Cooperative Farming are:
1. Bulk Purchasing and
Market Access: Farmers can pool resources to buy inputs at bulk rates
and increase the volume of products to access better markets.
2. Shared Resources
and Knowledge: It enables the sharing of knowledge, skills, and labor,
and the collective use of machinery.
3. Risk Diffusion and
Stability: It helps to diffuse risks and provides a
mechanism for farmers to negotiate for better prices and obtain a steady
income.
Q.2 (a) What is meant by Green
Revolution?
The 'Green Revolution' refers to the manifold increase in India's farm production and productivity,
particularly in major cereal crops like wheat, following the adoption of the
'New Agricultural Strategy' since the late-sixties.
Q.2 (b) State any two negative
results of the Green Revolution.
Two negative results of the Green Revolution are:
1. Land Degradation: Caused by the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.
2. Environmental
Damage: Including the drying of aquifers (due to
excessive groundwater use) and the vanishing of biodiversity.
Q.2 (c) What was the impact of Green
Revolution on Indian agriculture?
The impact of the Green Revolution included:
1. Shift to Commercial
Farming: Agriculture changed from subsistence to a more commercial and market-oriented system.
2. Self-Sufficiency: It led to a
dramatic increase in production, achieving self-sufficiency in food grains.
3. Increased Returns: Farmers obtained increasing returns due to greater utilization of
agricultural inputs.
Q.2 (d) With reference to the given
image, answer the following questions:
(i) What are the inputs of the
above-mentioned project in transforming Indian agriculture?
Key inputs of the Green Revolution were:
·
Use of High Yielding Varieties (HYV) of seeds.
·
Extension of irrigation facilities (especially
groundwater).
·
Proper use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and
pesticides.
(ii) Which crop was experimented with
its inputs?
The major cereal crop experimented with its inputs was wheat.
Q.3 (a) Give two points of difference
between Extensive and Intensive farming.
|
Feature |
Extensive
Farming |
Intensive
Farming |
|
Land/Cultivation |
Practised on large farms (more land per
worker). |
Practised on small farms (less land per
worker). |
|
Input/Labour |
Low
input of labour per unit area; highly capital intensive (machines used). |
Large
inputs of manual labour per unit area; highly labour
intensive. |
Q.3 (b) State any two advantages of
Commercial farming.
Two advantages of Commercial farming are:
1. Higher Productivity
and Yield: Uses HYV seeds and chemicals to obtain higher productivity.
2. Revenue Generation: Focuses on cash crops which are sold for profit, generating
revenue for farmers.
Q.3 (c) Give a reason for each of the
following:
(i) Plantations are managed by large
multinational companies.
Plantations require huge capital investment
and involve large tracts of land and modern scientific techniques, which large
multinational companies are better equipped to provide and manage, often
catering to the export market.
(ii) Fields are rotated instead of
crops in shifting cultivation.
Fields are abandoned (left fallow) after 2-3
years because the fertility of the soil is reduced
due to cultivation. The farmer then shifts to a new field, allowing the
abandoned patch to naturally regain its fertility.
(iii) Intensive agriculture, yield
per hectare is low but total yield is large.
This statement is actually a characteristic of Extensive Agriculture. The reason is: Extensive farming
is practised on large farms, so the total crop production is high; however, since the input
per unit area is low, the yield per hectare is also low.
(iv) What type of farming is
practised in areas where population is sparse and land is in plenty?
Extensive
farming (or commercial farming) is practised in areas where land is in plenty
and the population is generally sparse.
(v) Name two areas in India where
such type of farming is practised.
Extensive farming is almost absent in India but is practised by rich
farmers in Punjab and Haryana (or Uttar
Pradesh).
Q.4 (a) Give two points of difference
between plantation and mixed farming.
|
Feature |
Plantation
Farming |
Mixed
Farming |
|
Activity |
Cultivation of a single agricultural crop
(monoculture) on an estate. |
Cultivation
of crops and rearing of animals simultaneously. |
|
Purpose |
Commercial crops grown mainly for the export market. |
Ensures a steady income by diversifying
sources (crops and cattle). |
|
Investment |
Huge
capital investment is required. |
Investment is relatively lower and diversified, providing security
against crop failure. |
Q.4 (b) Give any two effects of
globalisation on Indian agriculture.
Two effects of globalisation on Indian agriculture are:
1. Reduction of
Government Support (Subsidy): Globalisation led to the removal of many subsidies for farmers.
2. Increased
International Competition: Indian farmers face challenges from international
competition due to the reduction of import duty on
agricultural products and falling global prices.
Q.4 (c) Mention any three measures
taken by the government to boost agricultural production.
Three measures taken by the government are:
1. Land Reforms: Abolition of Zamindari and legislation to prevent
subdivision and fragmentation of land.
2. Support for Inputs
and Information: Establishment of the Indian Council of Agriculture
Research (ICAR), agricultural universities, and Kisan Call Centres.
3. Price Support and
Insurance: Announcement of Minimum Support Prices (MSP)
and establishment of Crop Insurance Schemes. (Choose any
three)
Q.4 (d) Agriculture in India is a
gamble on the monsoon. Explain.
Agriculture is a gamble because a large part of the area sown is
dependent on monsoons, which are uncertain, irregular, and
unequally distributed. If the rains are low or fail, agricultural
production is badly affected, leading to crop failure.
Q.5 (a) How is shifting cultivation
carried out?
Shifting cultivation is carried out by:
1. A patch of forest is cleared (slash and burn).
2. The ash is spread on the field as manure.
3. Seeds are sown,
often without ploughing.
4. The field is cultivated for 2-3 years until soil fertility drops.
5. The field is then abandoned (left fallow), and the farmer moves to a
fresh piece of land.
Q.5 (b) State any one disadvantage of
shifting cultivation.
One disadvantage is that it is a menace to the environment
as it accelerates soil erosion and is considered a wasteful form of cultivation.
Q.5 (c) State any two steps being
taken by the government to discourage shifting cultivation.
Two steps taken are:
1. Promoting
Intercropping: Intercropping is promoted as an alternative to shifting
cultivation.
2. Promoting Timber
Tree Plantations: Large-scale plantation of fast-growing timber varieties
is promoted to help restore land and reduce the practice.
Q.6 (a) What is subsistence farming?
Subsistence
farming is a type of farming where the farm produce is just enough to sustain the farmer and their family,
with little or no surplus for sale. It is characterised by small landholdings, primitive tools, and dependence on
the monsoon, resulting in low productivity.
Q.6 (b) What is Cooperative farming?
Cooperative
farming is an organisation where farmers pool their resources
for certain activities. Each member owns their land individually
but carries out all farming activities jointly with other
members, and profits are distributed based on the land owned.
Q.6 (c) What are the main
characteristics of organic farming?
Main characteristics of organic farming are:
1. Exclusion of
Synthetics: It excludes the use of synthetic inputs (fertilizers,
pesticides, hormones, etc.).
2. Use of Organic
Materials: It relies on the use of organic wastes and biological materials (like biofertilisers).
3. Soil Health: It protects the
long-term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels through crop rotations and manures.
Q.6 (d) State why is organic farming
gaining popularity in recent times.
Organic farming is gaining popularity because:
1. Eco-Friendly: It is an eco-friendly system that provides a pollution-free
environment.
2. Health
Consciousness: It excludes harmful chemical inputs, leading to the perception of healthier food.
3. Sustainability: It focuses on
maintaining and enhancing long-term soil fertility,
promoting agricultural sustainability.
III. Thinking Skills
Q.1 Your penfriend... wants to know
the details about the nature of agriculture practised in India and the problems
faced by the farmers.
Dear [Penfriend's Name],
You're right, India is a huge agricultural country! Most of our farming
is Subsistence Farming, meaning a farmer grows just enough
to feed their family, using small plots and traditional tools. However, in
wealthier regions like Punjab, they practice Commercial Farming
with modern inputs to grow cash crops for sale. We also have Plantation Farming for things like tea and coffee.
The farmers face huge challenges:
1. Monsoon Dependency: Our crops are
heavily dependent on the highly unpredictable monsoon;
if it fails, the crop fails.
2. Small Farms: Landholdings are
often tiny and scattered, making it hard to use modern, efficient machinery.
3. Soil Degradation: Overuse of
chemicals in intense cultivation (like in Punjab) has reduced soil fertility.
Best,
[Your Name]
Q.2 Your grandfather... tells you
about the pros and cons of the Green Revolution.
The Green Revolution, which started in the 1960s, was a massive change:
Pros
(The Good News):
·
Food Security: It dramatically increased food production (especially wheat and rice),
leading to national self-sufficiency and ending the threat of famine.
·
Modernization: It introduced HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern irrigation,
transforming agriculture from a subsistence model to a more commercial system.
Cons
(The Problems):
·
Environmental Damage: It was heavily
criticised for the overuse of chemicals, leading to
land degradation.
·
Water Crisis: The excessive use of groundwater for
irrigation caused the drying of aquifers and a drop in
the water table.
·
Inequality: The benefits were largely confined
to wealthy farmers in well-irrigated regions like Punjab and Haryana,
increasing regional and economic disparities.
Q.3 Your uncle who lives in
Punjab... is a farmer involved in the cultivation of crops and livestock
rearing. He sells the crops and dairy products in the market. Name the type of
agriculture practised by him. 1Why is this type of
agriculture not popular throughout the country?
Type of Agriculture
Your uncle is practicing Mixed Farming
(cultivation of crops and raising of animals simultaneously) on a commercial
scale (selling crops and dairy products).
Why not popular everywhere
Mixed farming is not popular throughout the country primarily due to the
issue of small and fragmented landholdings. The majority of
Indian farmers do not have large enough land to cultivate crops efficiently and dedicate space for livestock rearing and fodder
cultivation, which mixed farming requires. Furthermore, it requires higher capital investment and better infrastructure
(like cold storage for dairy), which is not available to many small,
resource-poor farmers.
Q.4 If you are given a choice, which
type of agriculture would you like to practise and why?
I would choose to practise Organic Farming 🌿.
Why:
1. Environmental
Stewardship: It is an eco-friendly method that excludes synthetic inputs, protecting the soil and
providing a pollution-free environment.
2. Soil Health: It protects and
enhances long-term soil fertility by relying on organic wastes,
manures, and crop rotations, ensuring sustainability.
3. Market Demand: It is a growing
trend, and organic produce can fetch a premium price in the
market.
Q.5 The concept of organic food is
fast catching up in metro cities. What are your views on this? Give reasons to
support your answer. Are you ready to pay more for organic products?
I view the popularity of organic food as a positive and necessary trend.
Reasons:
1. Health Concerns: It addresses
growing consumer concerns about the chemical residues (pesticides,
fertilizers) in conventional food.
2. Environmental
Support: It supports farming practices that are better for the environment,
promoting soil health and sustainability.
Willingness to Pay More:
Yes, I am ready to pay a reasonable premium for organic products. The
higher cost reflects the true cost of sustainable production—including higher
labour input and the absence of subsidies—and helps ensure the farmer receives
a stable, fair income for their eco-friendly methods.
Q.6 Punjab is known as the food
granary of India...
(a) What climatic conditions favour
rice growth in the above-mentioned area?
Rice cultivation in Punjab, despite not being a naturally high-rainfall
zone, is primarily supported by:
1. Ample Sunshine and
Long Growing Season: Favourable for crop development.
2. Widespread
Irrigation Facilities: The extensive use of groundwater
irrigation (a Green Revolution input) artificially creates the
water-intensive conditions necessary for rice cultivation.
(b) What is the difference between
cereal and cash crops? Can a cereal be a cash crop?
·
Cereal Crops: Grains grown primarily for direct human or animal consumption as a staple food
(e.g., rice, wheat).
·
Cash Crops: Crops grown primarily for sale in the market to earn money (e.g., cotton,
sugarcane).
Yes,
a cereal can be a cash crop. The distinction is based on the purpose. In Punjab and Haryana, rice is a commercial crop (cash crop) because it is
grown on a large scale for sale, even though it is fundamentally a cereal.
(c) Suggest the sustainable agricultural
practices to improve soil fertility.
Sustainable practices to improve soil fertility include:
1. Crop Rotation: Growing different
crops sequentially to help maintain soil nutrients.
2. Use of Organic
Wastes/Biofertilisers: Using organic manures
(instead of chemical fertilizers) to build soil organic matter.
3. Crop
Diversification: Shifting away from repetitive rice/wheat cultivation to high-value crops like pulses and fruits that restore
soil health.
Q.7 ...I witnessed immense
agricultural development. Mention the soil type found here and the
characteristic features of it.
The flood plains of Uttar Pradesh are characterised by Alluvial Soil (also known as the soil of the northern
plains).
Characteristic
Features:
1. High Fertility: It is highly
fertile, renewed annually by river deposits, and is one of the world's most
productive soils.
2. Crop Suitability: It is ideal for
growing a wide variety of crops, including the main crops of the northern
plains like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
3. Texture: It is generally
loamy and silty, making it easily cultivable.
Comments
Post a Comment