Agriculture Geography Chapter 4 class 10 NCERT

 

Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture

Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture NCERT SOLUTION:

(i) Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture where a single crop is grown on a large area?

(a) Shifting Agriculture

(b) Plantation Agriculture

(c) Horticulture

(d) Intensive Agriculture

► (b) Plantation Agriculture

(ii) Which one of the following is a rabi crop?

(a) Rice

(b) Gram

(c) Millets

(d) Cotton

► (b) Gram

(iii) Which one of the following is a leguminous crop?

(a) Pulses

(b) Jawar

(c) Millets

(d) Sesamum

► (a) Pulses

(iv) Which one of the following is announced by the government in support of a crop?

(a) Maximum support price

(b) Minimum support price

(c) Moderate support price

(d) Influential support price

► (b) Minimum support price

(i) Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth.

(ii) Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced.

(iii) Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.

(iv) The land under cultivation has got reduced day by day. Can you imagine its consequences?

(i) Tea is an important beverage crop. This plant grows well in tropical or subtropical climates, and deep and fertile well-drained soil which is rich in humus and organic matter.

(ii) Rice is a staple food crop of India. It grows in the plains of north and north-east India, coastal areas and the deltaic regions.

(iii) The various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government for the benefit of farmers are:

→ Crop insurance against drought, flood, fire etc.

→ Minimum Support Price policy.

→ Subsidy on agricultural inputs and resources such as power and fertilizers.

→ Kissan Credit Card and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme.

(iv) A declining area of land under cultivation coupled with increasing population has many consequences. These are:

→ Food shortage for the rising population.

→ Rise in price of food grains.

→ Unemployment and loss of livelihood for farmers.

→ Shortage of supply of raw material for agro-industries.

→ Adverse effect on export trade as agricultural products comprise a major section of international trade.

(i) Suggest the initiative taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production.

(ii) Describe the impact of globalization on Indian agriculture.

(iii) Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.

Various initiative taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production are:

→ Collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of Zamindari etc. were given priority to bring about institutional reforms in the country after independence.

→ Land Reform was the main focus of our ‘First Five Year Plan’.

→ The Green Revolution was based on the use of package technology and the White Revolution were some of the strategies initiated to improve the lot of Indian agriculture.

→ Minimum Support Price policy, provision for crop insurance, subsidy on agricultural inputs and resources such as power and fertilizers, Grameen Banks, Kissan Credit Card and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme are also some of the reforms brought by the Indian Government.

(ii) The impact of globalization on Indian agriculture has been felt since colonial times. Raw cotton and spices were important export items from India. In 1917, Indian farmers revolted in Champaran against being forced to grow indigo in place of foodgrains, in order to supply dye to Britain's flourishing textile industry. Thus, globalization has had its boons and banes for Indian agriculture.

Post liberalization, Indian farmers face new challenges in the form of competition from highly subsidized agriculture of developed nations. This prompts the need for making Indian agriculture successful and profitable by improving the conditions of small and marginal farmers, countering the negative effects of Green Revolution, developing and promoting organic farming, and diversifying cropping patterns from cereals to high-value crops.

(iii) The geographical conditions required for growth of rice are as follows :

→ It is a kharif crop and requires a hot and humid climate for cultivation. Temperature above 25°C and high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm are favorable for growth of rice.

→ Rich alluvial soils of the floodplains and deltaic areas which are renewed every year are ideal for rice cultivation.

→ Rice requires abundant rainfall or good water supply through irrigation and flooded fields during the earlier part of its growing season in June-July.

→ Plenty of cheap labor as most of the farming involves manual labor.

2. An outline map of India shows wheat producing areas.

1. The two staple food crops of India.

2. This is the summer cropping season of India.

3. Pulses like arhar, moong, gram, urad contain…

4. It is a coarse grain.

5. The two important beverages in India are…

6. One of the four major fibers grown on black soils.

1. Rice and Wheat

2. Kharif

3. Protein

4. Jowar

5. Coffee, Tea

6. Cotton

Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture MCQ

Question : What part of Total population of India is engaged in agriculture activities:

a) 2/3  b) 1/3  c) 2/5    d) 1/4

Answer :  A

Question : Which one of following is not Agro-based industry:

a) Cement Industry   b) Jute Industry   c) Cotton textile Industry     d) Sugar Industry

Answer :  A

Question : It’s type of Agriculture where farmers clear a patch of and produce rereads and other food crops to sustain that family that is:

a) Commercial farming      b) Extensive farming  c) Modern farming        d) Slash and burn farming

Answer :  D

Question : Agriculture where a single crop is grown on large area:

a) Shifting Agriculture   b) Plantation agriculture   c) Horticulture    d) Extensive Agriculture

Answer :  B

Question : Which one of the following is ‘Kharif’ crop:

a) Wheat       b) Mustered    c) Maize        d) None of these

Answer :  C

Question : Maximum consumption of natural rubber is made of –

a) Auto tyres & tubes    b) Footwear   c) Beats and hoses    d) Dipped goods

Answer :  A

Question : India is the largest producer as well as the consumer of the world?

a) Wheat    b) Maize   c) Pulses    d) Millets

Answer :  C

 

Question. What is the cultivation of grapes called’?

(a) Sericulture

(b) Viticulture

(c) Floriculture

(d) Horticulture

Answer : B

Question. Agriculture or farming can be looked at as a system. Which one among the following is not an important input of agriculture

(a) Profit

(b) Fertilizers

(c) Seeds

(d) Labor

Answer : A

Question. This type of farming is practiced in the arid and semi-arid regions of Sahara, Central Asia, and Rajasthan etc. Herdsmen move from place to place with their animals for fodder and water along defined routes due to climatic constraints and terrain. Which type of farming is being referred to?

(a) Plantation agriculture

(b) Shifting Cultivation

(c) Commercial Farming

(d) Nomadic Farming

Answer : D

Question. …………….. is also known as a paddy

(a) Wheat

(b) Jowar

(c) Rice

(d) Bajra

Answer : C

Question. Which type of soil is good for growing wheat?

(a) Desert

(b) Loamy

(c) Sandy

(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question - Across the globe, more than ___% of people are engaged in agriculture

(a) 25

(b) 40

(c) 50

(d) 30

Answer : C

Question - Jhumming is practiced in ____ India.

(a) North – East

(b) South

(c) West

(d) South- west

Answer : A

Question. What is another name for shifting agriculture in Mexico?

(a) Ladang

(b) Milpa

(c) Jhumming

(d) Roca

Answer : B

Question . Which Of the following are primary activities?

(a)  Agriculture

(b)  Mining

(c) Fishing

(d) All of these

Answer : D

Question . Name the term given to the commercial rearing of silk worms to supplement the income of the farmer.

(a) Horticulture

(b) Viticulture

(c) Sericulture

(d) Pisciculture

Answer : C

Question. The word agriculture is derived from the Latin words ager or agri and Culture meaning Cultivation. What does the word agri literally mean?

(a) Natural resource

(b) Seeds

(c) Soil

(d) Product

Answer : C

Question . Which fiber requires frost free days to grow?

(a)  Cotton Correct

(b) Jute

(c) Nylon

(d) None of these

Answer : A

Question. Name the type of farming practiced to meet the needs of the farmer’s family i.e.

(a) Mixed Farming

(b) Subsistence Farming

(c) Commercial Farming

(d) Plantation agriculture

Answer : B

Question - Cultivation of grapes is defined as

(a) Horticulture

(b) Viticulture

(c) Sericulture

(d) Agriculture

Answer : B

Question . Name the type of farming practiced to meet the needs of the farmer's family i.e.

(a) Mixed Farming

(b) Subsistence Farming

(c) Commercial Farming

(d) Plantation agriculture

Answer : B

Question - Growing flowers are identified under

(a) Horticulture

(b) Pisciculture

(c) Sericulture

(d) Viticulture

Answer : A

Question.What are tertiary activities?

(a) Provide support to only primary activities

(b) Provide support to primary and secondary activities

(c) Provide support to only secondary activities

(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question . Which of these is not commercial farming?

(a) Commercial Grain

(b) Mixed

(c) Organic

(d) Plantation

Answer : C

Question - Nomadic Herding is practiced in which of the following states

(a) Rajasthan

(b) Tamilnadu

(c) Kerala

(d) Telangana

Answer : A

Question - In India, wheat is grown during ____ season.

(a) Spring

(b) Autumn

(c) Winter

(d) Summer

Answer : C

Question. Commercial rearing of silk worms is known as

(a) pisciculture

(b) viticulture

(c) horticulture

(d) sericulture

Answer : D

Question. A few statements with respect to the farm in the USA are given below. Pick out the one that is not True

(a) The farmer generally resides in the farm

(b) The farmer does not store the produce and sells even when the markets are not favorable to them.

(c) The average size of a farm in the USA is much larger than that of an Indian farm is about 25 hectares.

(d) The farmer from time to time sends soil samples to the laboratory to check the nutrients

Answer : B

Question . Type of farming to meet family needs is known as:

(a) Subsistence Correct

(b) Mixed

(c) Organic

(d) None of these

Answer : A

Question . Pick out the approximate percentage of the world's population engaged in agriculture

(a) 10 percent

(b) 50 percent

(c) 30 percent

(d) 70 percent

Answer : B

Question - _____ is one of the important inputs of farming.

(a) Fertilizers

(b) crops

(c) plain region

(d) fruits

Answer : A

Question - ______ is one of the crops grown under commercial farming.

(a) potato

(b) onion

(c) Wheat

(d) Tomato

Answer : C

Question - Growing ______ is a type of plantation.

(a) Rice

(b) Wheat

(c) coffee

(d) maize

Answer : C

Question. Name the term given to Growing of Vegetables flowers and fruits for commercial use.

(a) Pisciculture

(b) Horticulture

(c) Viticulture

(d) Sericulture

Answer : B

Question . Which of the following are coarse grains?

(a) Jowar

(b) Bajra

(c) Ragi

(d) All of these

Answer : D

Question . The word agriculture is derived from the Latin words ager or agri and Culture meaning Cultivation . What does the word agri literally mean?

(a) Natural resource

(b) Seeds

(c) Soil

(d) Product

Answer : C

1. Deoni breed of cattle is generally found in which among the following states of India?

(a) Haryana

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

► (d) Maharashtra

2. Name the term given to the commercial rearing of silk worms to supplement the income of the farmer.

(a) Horticulture

(b) Viticulture

(c) Sericulture

(d) Pisciculture

► (c) Sericulture

3. What is the cultivation of grapes called’?

(a) Sericulture

(b) Viticulture

(c) Floriculture

(d) Horticulture

► (b) Viticulture

4. Name the term given to Growing of Vegetables flowers and fruits for commercial use.

(a) Pisciculture

(b) Horticulture

(c) Viticulture

(d) Sericulture

► (b) Horticulture

5. This type of farming is practiced in the arid and semi-arid regions of Sahara, Central Asia, and Rajasthan etc. Herdsmen move from place to place with their animals for fodder and water along defined routes due to climatic constraints and terrain. Which type of farming is being referred to ?

(a) Plantation agriculture

(b) Shifting Cultivation

(c) Commercial Farming

(d) Nomadic Farming

► (d) Nomadic Farming

6. Which of these is not commercial farming?

(a) Commercial Grain

(b) Mixed

(c) Organic

(d) Plantation

► (c) Organic

7. Which one from the following list is a Physical Input to the agriculture system.

(a) Labor

(b) Chemicals

(c) Machinery

(d) Rainfall

► (d) Rainfall

8. Name the type of activity that includes all those connected with extraction and production of natural resources

(a) Livelihood

(b) Primary

(c) Tertiary

(d) Secondary

► (b) Primary

9. Pick out the example of secondary economic activity from the given list of options.

(a) Agriculture

(b) Mining

(c) Transport

(d) Processing of Steel

► (d) Processing of Steel

10. Name the term given to the Breeding of Fish in specially constructed tanks and ponds

(a) Sericulture

(b) Pisciculture

(c) Horticulture

(d) Viticulture

► (b) Pisciculture

11. Pick out the approximate percentage of the world's population engaged in agriculture

(a) 10 percent

(b) 50 percent

(c) 30 percent

(d) 70 percent

► (b) 50 percent

12. A few statements with respect to the farm in the USA are given below. Pick out the one that is not True

(a) The farmer generally resides in the farm

(b) The farmer does not store the produce and sells even when the markets are not favorable to them.

(c) The average size of a farm in the USA is much larger than that of an Indian farm is about 25 hectares.

(d) The farmer from time to time sends soil samples to the laboratory to check the nutrients

► (b) The farmer does not store the produce and sells even when the markets are not favorable to them.

13. The main motive of this type of cultivation is profit .Large area of land and a huge amount of capital is used for cultivation with latest technological advancement . Name the type of farming from the given list.

(a) Subsistence Farming

(b) Shifting Cultivation

(c) Nomadic farming

(d) Commercial Farming

► (d) Commercial Farming

14. Which of the following crops are raised in commercial grain farming?

(a) Wheat

(b) Maize

(c) Both of these

(d) None of these

► (c) Both of these

15. The word agriculture is derived from the Latin words ager or agri and Culture meaning Cultivation . What does the word agri literally mean?

(a) Natural resource

(b) Seeds

(c) Soil

(d) Product

► (c) Soil

16. Banking, Insurance sectors etc can be a good example of which of the following type of economic activity

(a) Tertiary

(b) Primary

(c) Secondary

(d) Primary and Secondary

► (a) Tertiary

17. Name the type of economic activities

(a) Secondary and Tertiary

(b) Primary and Secondary

(c) Primary and Tertiary

(d) Primary, Secondary and Tertiary

► (d) Primary, Secondary and Tertiary

18. Name the term given to the land on which the crops are grown

(a) Arable

(b) Pasture

(c) Meadow

(d) Barren

► (a) Arable

19. Name the animal that is not reared by the nomadic herders as these animals provided milk, meat, wool etc.

(a) Sheep

(b) Yak

(c) Camel

(d) Mongoose

► (d) Mongoose

20. Name the type of farming practiced to meet the needs of the farmer's family i.e.

(a) Mixed Farming

(b) Subsistence Farming

(c) Commercial Farming

(d) Plantation agriculture

► (b) Subsistence Farming

21. Agriculture or farming can be looked at as a system. Which one among the following is not an important input of agriculture

(a) Profit

(b) Fertilizers

(c) Seeds

(d) Labor

► (a) Profit

22. Which one of the following best describes intensive subsistence agriculture?

(a) Crops are grown and animals are reared for sale in the market.

(b) Herdsmen move from place to place with their animals for fodder and water along defined routes.

(c) The farmer cultivates a small plot of land using simple tools and more labor.

(d) A plot of land is cleared by felling the trees and burning them in thickly populated forested areas.

► (c) The farmer cultivates a small plot of land using simple tools and more labor.

Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture SAQ

Today Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition.” What are the various factors responsible for this situation ?

Or

Why is the growth rate in agriculture decelerating ? [CBSE 2010(F)]

Ans. (i) The Indian government is going ahead with reduction in the public investment in the agriculture sector particularly in irrigation, power, rural roads, market and mechanization.

(ii) Subsidy on fertilizers is decreased leading to increase in the cost of production.

(iii) Reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental to agriculture in the country.

(iv) Farmers are withdrawing their investment from agriculture causing a downfall in the employment in agriculture.

Name any three features of Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2013]

Or

What are the factors responsible for the backwardness of Indian agriculture ?

Or

Describe any four features of agriculture in India. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Ans. (I) Over dependence on monsoon : Major portion of the cropped area still depends upon monsoons for irrigation. Only one- third of the cropped area is under assured irrigation.

(ii) Subsistence agriculture : (For this, refer Question No. 2, Long Answer Type Questions)

(iii) Small and scattered land holding : Due to the increasing population, the per hectare availability of land is very low. The Hand holding is also scattered.

(iv) Lack of inputs : Most of the farmers are poor so they do not use fertilizers and high yielding varieties of seeds.

 What is primitive subsistence farming ? [CBSE 2014]

Ans. It is a type of agriculture / farming which is practiced on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, doa, digging sticks and family / community labor.

 What is the period of the kharif crop ? [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Kharif season starts with the onset of the monsoon i.e., June-July and continues till the beginning of winter i.e., October-November. For example, rice, millets etc.

Name any two kharif crops. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Rice, millet, maize, groundnut, jute, cotton.

Why should the production of pulses be increased ? Give two reasons. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. (i) These are the major sources of protein for most people.

(ii) These plants help in restoring the fertility of the soil.

Name two cotton producing states of India. [CBSE 1999]

Ans. Maharashtra, Gujarat

Name two natural fibers except cotton. [CBSE 1994]

Ans. Jute and flax

What is commercial farming ? Mention its major features. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Commercial farming is a type of farming under which farmers grow crops to sell in the market. Features:-

(i) Farmers use higher doses of modern inputs, e.g., high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides etc.

(ii) The per hectare productivity is very high.

(iii) Rice, sugarcane, tea, coffee are the major crops which are grown under this.

Give any three features of zaid crops. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. (i) The crops which are grown in between rabi and the kharif crops are known as zaid crops.

(ii) These crops are of short duration.

(iii) Watermelon, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops are most important examples of zaid crops

Mention any four features of primitive subsistence farming. [CBSE Comp. (O) 2008, 14]

Ans. (i) Primitive subsistence agriculture is practiced on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks with the help of family/community labor.

(ii) This type of farming depends upon the monsoon, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of other environmental conditions for the crops to be grown.

(iii) Under this, farmers produce for self-consumption.

(iv) Per hectare availability of land is very low.

Explain any two geographical conditions required for the cultivation of pulses. Name any two important pulses producing states. [CBSE 2013]

Ans. Geographical conditions required for the cultivation of pulses :

(i) Pulses need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions.

(ii) Temperature is required from 25°C to 30°C.

(iii) Pulses grow well in the areas of 50-75 cm rainfall.

(iv) These can be grown on all types of soil but dry light soil is the best suited.

(v) Pulses are leguminous crops which help in restoring soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air. Thus, pulses are mostly grown in rotation with other crops.

Major pulses producing states are : Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Maharashtra Karnataka.

Name two important beverage crops grown in India. Who introduced these crops to the country ? What type of agriculture is followed for their cultivation ? [CBSE 2013]

Ans. (i) Tea and coffee are the two important beverage crops grown in India.

(ii) Tea was initially introduced by the British in India. The Arabica variety of coffee initially brought from Yemen is produced in the country.

(iii) Plantation agriculture is followed for their cultivation.

 What is the agricultural term used for cultivation of fruits and vegetables ? Mention its three features with reference to India. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Horticulture Features :

(i) India is one of the major producers of fruits and vegetables in the world.

(ii) It is a producer of tropical as well as temperate fruits.

(iii) India produces about 13% of the world’s vegetables.

 Write two differences between intensive and extensive farming. [CBS£ 2014]

With reference to oilseeds, answer the following questions :

(a) Which is the main oilseed produced in India ?

(b) Which state is the leading producer of that oilseed ?

(c) Name two oilseeds which are grown as rabi as well as kharif crops.

Ans. (a) Groundnut (b) Andhra Pradesh (c) Sesamum and Castor.

Define agriculture. Why have cultivation methods changed significantly over years?

• Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating the soil and raising crops and animal stock. 

• It fulfills man’s primary needs of food and clothing. 

• It is the oldest, settled primary activity of man. It also produces raw materials for industries and products for export.  

• Over the years, cultivation methods have changed significantly depending upon the characteristics of the physical environment, technological know-how and socio-cultural practices.

• With the progress of time, man has improved and modernized the methods of cultivation.

• Depending upon the climate, environment, needs of the people and the agricultural tools and equipment they possess, different cultivation methods prevail in different parts of India and the world.

• They range from subsistence to commercial types.

• They are as rudimentary as shifting cultivation to as sophisticated as plantations and horticulture.

 

What is plantation farming? What are its main characteristics? Name some plantation crops.

• Plantation farming is a type of commercial agriculture in which a single crop is grown on a large scale and processed for the purpose of sale.
  
  

• Plantation Farming

• This type of farming is mainly prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas. In India, plantation farming was introduced by the British. 

• The main characteristics of Plantation farming are as follows:
  (i) A single crop is grown on a large area covering large tracts of land.
  (ii) Capital intensive inputs are used.
  (iii) Use of managerial staff and technical knowledge.
  (iv) Cheap, local and migrant laborers are employed.
  (v) Require a well-developed transport network.
  (vi) Produces special market-oriented products.
  In India, tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, banana, etc., are the main plantation crops.

 

What are millets? Why are millets very important food crops in India?

OR

Write a short note on the important millets grown in India.

• Jowar, bajra and ragi are the important millets grown in India. 

• They can grow in harsh climatic conditions with low rainfall and poor soils. 

• Due to greater roughage content among the nutrients present, they are called coarse grains. 

• They are important food crops after rice and wheat. 

• Despite being coarse grains, they have very high nutritional value and are known as the poor man’s cereal. 

• Jowar is the third most important food crop of India with respect to area and production. 

• It is a rain-fed Kharif crop, mostly grown in moist areas which hardly need irrigation. 

• Maharashtra is the largest producer of jowar, followed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. 

• Bajra grows well on sandy soils and shallow black soil. Rajasthan is the largest producer, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana. 

• Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium and other micro-nutrients and roughage. It grows in dry regions in areas of red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soil. Karnataka is the largest producer, followed by Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.

 

. Why are some pulses known as leguminous crops? Why are they grown in rotation with other crops? Name the major pulses grown in India and the states leading in their production.

• Pulses are leguminous crops. In these plants, the seeds are found inside pods, and the root nodules have the capacity of nitrogen fixation in the soil. 

• As pulses are leguminous crops, and all of these except tur or arhar help in restoring soil fertility by fixing and using nitrogen from the air in the soil. 

• Therefore, pulses are grown in rotation with other crops. Urad, moong, masur, peas, gram, and tur (arhar) are the major pulses grown in India. Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the major pulse-producing states of India.

 

Define sericulture and horticulture. What is India’s position in the production of horticulture crops?

• Silk farming, i.e. rearing of silkworms for the production of silk fiber, is known as sericulture.

• Sericulture

• Mulberry trees are planted and silkworms are fed on their green leaves. The silk fiber is obtained from the cocoons of silkworms.

• Horticulture is a branch of agriculture concerned with the cultivation of garden plants, generally fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants which are used for landscaping.

• Commercial Horticulture

• India is the largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. India is a producer of tropical as well as temperate fruits. 

• Tropical fruits like mangoes, oranges, bananas, litchi, guava, pineapples, grapes and temperate fruits like apples, pears, apricots, grow in various parts of the country and are in great demand all over the world. 

• About 13 percent of the world’s vegetables are produced by India. India is an important producer of pea, cauliflower, onion, cabbage, tomato, brinjal and potato.

Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture LONG QUESTION

What is primitive (subsistence) farming ? Write any four features of subsistence farming. [CBSE Comp. (O) 2008]

Or

Why is subsistence agriculture still practiced in certain parts of the country ? Give four reasons. [CBSE Sept. 2010] 

Ans. A farming in which the main production is consumed by the farmer’s household is known as subsistence farming.

Features :

(i) Old technology and traditional implements are used.

(ii) Agricultural fields are small and farmers possess scattered land holdings.

(iii) Most of the farmers are poor, and do not use fertilizers and HYV seeds.

(iv) The overall productivity is very low. *

What is intensive farming ? Write some features of intensive farming. [CBSE Sept. 2013]

Or

Why is there enormous pressure on land in Intensive Subsistence Farming ? [CBSE 2013]

Ans. Intensive farming : It is a type of farming in which the agricultural production is increased by using scientific methods and better agricultural inputs.

Features :

(i) HYV seeds and modern inputs are used to increase the production.

(ii) More than one crop is cultivated during a year.

(iii) It is practiced in thickly populated areas.

(iv) The per hectare yield is very high.

What is plantation agriculture ? Write some features of plantation agriculture. [CBSE Sept. 2012]

Or

Describe any four characteristics of plantation agriculture. [CBSE Comp. (D) 2008] 

Ans. This is a type of agriculture which involves growing and processing of a single cash crop purely meant for sale. Rubber, tea, coffee, spices, coconut and fruits are some of the * important crops which come under the category of plantation agriculture.

Features :

(i) It is a single crop farming.

(ii) It is capital intensive farming, i.e., a huge amount of capital is required.

(iii) It needs vast estates, managerial ability, technical know-how, sophisticated machinery, fertilizers, good transport facilities and a factory for processing.

(iv) This type of agriculture has developed in areas of north-eastern India, Sub-Himalayan region, West Bengal and Nilgiri.

Explain the favorable geographical conditions required for the production of rice. Also mention the major rice producing states of India. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013]

Ans. (i) Temperature : It is a kharif crop which requires high temperature, and high humidity. This means a monthly temperature of about 25°C with minor variation during the sowing, growing and harvesting season, is suitable for the growth of the plant.

(ii) Rainfall : Rice needs abundant rainfall, i.e., more than 100 cm. It can grow in areas with less rainfall, but with assured irrigation. Rice is grown in Punjab and Haryana with the help of irrigation.

(iii) Soil : Rice can grow in a variety of soils including silts, loams and gravels, but it is grown best in alluvial soil with a sub-soil of impervious clay. Areas of production : Rice is cultivated in almost all the states of India, but most of its cultivation is concentrated in the river valleys, deltas of rivers and the coastal plains.

The main rice producing states are West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Odisha, Karnataka, Assam and Maharashtra.

What type of climate is required for the cultivation of wheat ? Name any four important wheat producing states of India. [CBSE Sept. 2012]

Ans. (i) Temperature : Cool and moist weather during growth, and warm and dry climate during ripening is needed.

(ii) Rainfall : 50-75 cm rainfall is required. Rainfall is necessary and beneficial, 15 days after sowing, and 15 days before ripening. A few light winter showers or assured irrigation ensures a bumper harvest.

(iii) Soil : Light domat (loamy) soil is required. It can also be grown in black soil. Important producers : Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the main producers of wheat.

Describe three geographical requirements for maize cultivation – temperature, rainfall and soil. Name three maize producing states of India. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Ans. (i) Temperature : It grows well under temperatures between 21°C and 27°C.

(ii) Rainfall : It grows well in areas of 50¬100 cm of rain, and in areas of less rain, if grown under irrigation.

(iii) Soil : It requires well drained alluvial fertile soil or red loams free from coarse materials. Important produces : Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are the leading producers

Describe the temperature and climatic conditions required for the cultivation of sugarcane. Name two leading producers. [CBSE Comp. 2008,09(D), 2010(0)]

Or

What geographical conditions are required for the cultivation of sugarcane ? Name two largest producing states of sugarcane. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Ans. (i) Temperature : Sugarcane needs a hot and humid climate with temperature ranging between 21°C to 27°C. Very high temperature is harmful for its growth, while low temperature slows its growth. It cannot withstand frost. Cool temperature is needed at the time of ripening.

(ii) Rainfall : It grows best in areas receiving 75 cm to 100 cm of rainfall. Too heavy rainfall results in low sugar content.

(iii) Soil : Sugarcane grows on well-drained fertile soil. It can grow on a variety of soils including black, alluvial, loamy and reddish loam.

Sugarcane :

But the best soil is the alluvial soil of the Ganga Plain and the black soil of southern India. Sugarcane exhausts the fertility of the soil. Hence, the use of manure is essential to ensure high yields.

Areas of Production :

Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of sugarcane. The other states in the Ganga-Plain are Bihar, Punjab and Haryana.

 Name the most important beverage crop of India. Describe the suitable climatic conditions required for its growth. Also mention the major states producing that crop. [CBSE 2010(0)]

Or

Describe any three geographical conditions required for tea cultivation. Name any two producing states of tea. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2012]

Or

Name the important beverage crop introduced by the British in India. Explain the geographical conditions needed for its cultivation. Write any two important states where it is grown. [CBSE 2013]

Or

Describe any four ‘ geographical conditions required for the growth of tea. Mention the two major tea producing states of South India. [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Tea is the most important beverage crop of India.

Climatic conditions :

(i) Temperature : The tea plant grows well in tropical and subtropical climate. Tea bushes require warm and moist, frost-free climate all through the year. Tea bushes need temperature of more than 25°C.

(ii) Rainfall : Tea plants need heavy rainfall ranging between 150 cm to 250 cm. The rainfall should be well distributed throughout the year.

(iii) Soil : The plant requires a light loamy soil. The soil should be rich in humus and iron content. Tea is a soil exhausting crop, so frequent use of chemical fertilizers and manure is essential.

Producers :

Major tea-producing states are Assam, West Bengal, (Hills of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri Districts), Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Apart from these, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura are also tea producing states in the country.

 Explain the favorable climatic conditions required for the production of rubber. Also mention the states producing rubber. [CBSE Comp. (D) 2008, 2008 (F), Sept. 2010, 2011, 2012]

Ans. (i) Temperature : It is a tree of the tropical forests, and requires a constant high temperature above 25°C. Thus, the rubber tree cannot be grown at high altitudes.

(ii) Rainfall : It needs heavy and well distributed rainfall throughout the year. The plant needs rainfall of more than 200 cm.

(iii) Soil: The plant requires alluvial or laterite soil. Areas of Production :

India ranks fifth among the world’s natural rubber producers. The state of Kerala is the largest producer of rubber in India. Kerala accounts for about 91% of the total area under rubber plantation. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and The Andaman and Nicobar islands including the Garo Hills of the Himalayas are the other producers

Which crop is known as the “golden fiber” ? Explain two geographical conditions essential for the cultivation of this crop. Mention any four uses. [CBSE 2012]

Or

What is known as ‘golden fiber’? Where is it grown in India and why ? Describe various uses of this fibre.[CBSE 2012]

Ans. (1) Jute is called golden fiber.

(2) Geographical conditions for its cultivation are as follows :

(i) Jute grows well in well-drained fertile soils of the flood plains where the soil is renewed every year.

(ii) High temperature is required during the time of growth.

(3) It grows well on well-drained fertile soils in the flood plains.

(4) Therefore, it is grown in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Meghalaya.

Uses : It can be used to manufacture gunny bags, mats, ropes, yam, carpets and other artifacts.

Describe various technological and institutional reforms which led to the Green and White Revolution in India. [CBSE Sept. 2012]

Ans. No description regarding white Revolution. Green Revolution means revolution in the field of agricultural production due to the introduction of various technological and institutional reforms.

Factors responsible :

(i) Agriculture was given the top priority in Five Year Plans.

(ii) The development of HYV seeds of wheat in the early 60s, and those of rice in 70s laid the foundation of the Green Revolution in India.

(iii) Several schemes for irrigation were undertaken, and arid and semi-arid areas were brought under cultivation.

(iv) Collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, abolition of the Zamindari system, etc., were given top priority to bring about institutional reforms in the country after independence.

(v) Cropped insurance scheme was launched by the government to protect the farmers against losses caused by crop failure on account of natural calamities like drought, flood, hailstorm, cyclone, fire, etc.

(vi) Easy availability of capital or investment, input through a well knit network of rural banking and small scale co-operative societies with low interest rates were other facilities provided to the farmers for the modernisation of agriculture.

How is the government helping the Indian farmers in increasing their agricultural production ? Explain any four points.

Or

Describe any four reforms brought in Indian agriculture after independence through the efforts of the Indian government. [CBSE 2010(F), Sept. 2010]

Or

What initiatives have been taken by the government to ensure an increase in agricultural production ? [CBSE Sept. 2011]

Ans. (i) Institutional Reforms : To increase production in agriculture, the government has introduced some institutional measures which include collectivisation, consolidation of holding, cooperation and abolition of the Zamindari system.

(ii) Comprehensive Land Development Programme : In the 1980s and 1990s, a comprehensive land development programme was initiated, which included both institutional and technical reforms. Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease, establishment of Grameen banks, cooperative societies and banks for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest were some important steps in this direction.

(iii) Subsidies : The government is providing huge subsidies on the agricultural inputs. At present, maximum subsidy is being given on fertilizers.

(iv) HYV Seeds and Agriculture Universities : In order to enhance production, the government is providing HYV seeds to the farmers. Special seminars are also being held. Many new agricultural universities have been established.

(v) Public Procurement System and Agriculture Price Commission : Agriculture Price Commission has been set up which declares the prices of agricultural products in advance so that the farmers may know what they are going to get for their agricultural products. Government agencies like the F.C.I. (Food Corporation of India) purchases the agricultural products from the farmers.

(vi) Crop Insurance and Agricultural Finance : As we are aware that Indian agriculture mainly depends on nature, high risk crops are also being insured. The government has established special banks like the NABARD to provide agricultural loans to farmers.

 Describe the geographical conditions for growth of cotton. Name the major areas of its production. Why is West Bengal the leading producer of Jute, the second important fiber crop of India?

                                                                     OR

 Which are the important fiber crops of India? Mention the major producing areas of each crop. Write about the geographical conditions required for the growth of the most important fiber crop.

Ans. Cotton, jute, hemp and natural silk are the major fiber crops of India. The geographical conditions required for the growth of cotton, the most important fiber crop of India are as follows : Cotton is a kharif crop and requires high temperature, light rainfall or irrigation, 210 frost free days and bright sunshine for its growth. Rainfall at the time of bursting of the cotton balls is harmful as it spoils the cotton balls. Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black soil area of the Deccan plateau. Black soil is also known as black cotton soil due to the fact that it is ideal for growth of cotton. The major cotton-producing states of India are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Jute is the second most important fiber crop of India. West Bengal, especially the Hooghly basin of the state, is the leading jute-producing area of the country on account of the well drained fertile soil of the floodplain which are renewed every year. Also the climatic condition with high temperature during time of growth and sufficient availability of water have favored jute cultivation in the Hooghly basin of West Bengal. Bihar, Assam, Orissa and Meghalaya are the other jute-producing states.

 

What are the main cropping seasons of India? Distinguish between them.

Ans. There are three cropping seasons in India–rabi, kharif and zaid.

 

 

Look at the picture carefully and answer the questions that follow :

(i) Name the crop shown in the picture.

 (ii) State the climatic conditions required for cultivation of this crop.

 (iii) Name the two major regions growing this crop.

Ans.

(i) The crop shown in the picture is sugarcane.

(ii) The climatic conditions required for its growth : Sugarcane is a crop of tropical and subtropical climate. It grows well in hot and humid climates with temperatures of 21oC to 270C and an annual rainfall between 75 cm and 100 cm. Frost is injurious to the plant. Heavy rainfall before ripening decreases sucrose content. Hence, frost-free weather, short, cool, dry winter during ripening and harvesting is favorable.

(iii) Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are two major producing states of sugarcane.

 

Explain briefly any four features of intensive subsistence farming in India.

Ans. Four features of intensive subsistence farming in India are as follows :

(i) This type of farming is practiced in areas of high population pressure on land, mainly in the east and south of India. Intensive Subsistence farming is dominant in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There is tremendous pressure on agricultural land in these areas.

(ii) Farmer and his family produce mainly cereal crops like rice and millets for subsistence and for the local market.

(iii) Ceiling on ownership:- Now there is a limit on the ownership a farmer can have land in his name.

 

Differentiate between the kharif and rabi crops. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans.

 

cereal crops in India, rice and wheat. Give one major area where they are grown. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans. Two major cereal crops of India are – Rice and wheat

Geographical condition for growing Rice:-

Temperature — high temperature above 25o C- and high humidity.

Rainfall — Above 100 cm annually or assured irrigation

Soil — Alluvial types of soil is good

Region — Coastal region Haryana and Punjab, Bihar, W. Bengal, Orissa

Wheat :-

 Temperature — It requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening.

Between 15oC To 300C

Rainfall — 50 to 75 cm annual rainfall

Soil — Alluvial soil

Region — U.P., Haryana, Punjab

 

State any four geographical conditions required for tea cultivation. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans. Geographical requirement for growing tea :-

(i) Temperature –Tea bushes require a warm and moist frost free climate all through the year.

(ii) Soil – It requires deep and fertile, well drained soil rich in humus and organic matter.

(iii) Rainfall – Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year.

 

What geographical conditions are required for the cultivation of sugarcane? Name two largest producing states of sugarcane. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans. Geographical requirement for sugarcane :-

(a) Climate :- It is a tropical crop and it grows well in hot and humid climates with temperatures of 210C to 270C.

(b) Rainfall :- Annual rainfall should be between 75 cm and 100 cm, irrigation needed where low rainfall takes place.

(c) Soil :- Alluvial soil is best suited Region :- Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are the two largest producers of sugarcane.

 

Describe any four features of Agriculture in India. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans. Four features of Indian agriculture :-

(i) Indian agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. Its share in overall employment job is more than 60%

(ii) Most of the agriculture fields are small and scattered.

(iii) Indian agriculture is largely dependent on Monsoons. A good Monsoon ensures

(iv) Most of the agriculture is subsistence type. Large plantation farming is absent.

 

State the geographical conditions required for growing rice and cotton. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans. For rice, see Q. No.5.

Geographical requirement for cotton :–

(i) Temperature — It requires high temperature

(ii) Rainfall — Light rainfall, or irrigation

(iii) Soil — Black soil is most suitable

(iv) Region — Gujarat, Maharashtra etc

 

Name the four fiber crops grown in India. Which one of them is not obtained directly from the crops? What is the name given to the process involved in its production? [2010 (T-1)]

Ans. Four fiber crops are :-

(i) Jute

(ii) Cotton

(iii) Hemp

(iv) Natural silk

Natural silk fiber is not obtained directly from the crop. It is called sericulture. In this silk is obtained from cocoons of the silkworm fed on green leaves specially mulberry.

 

Why has Indian agriculture started a declining trend in food production? Explain any four reasons. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans. Due to the following reasons food production is declining :—

(i) There has been a gradual shift from cultivation of food crops to cultivation of cash crops, fruits, vegetables, etc.

(ii) Area under food crop has reduced due to rapid urbanization.

(iii) More areas are being demanded for housing, setting up industries. etc.

(iv) The productivity of land is also declining due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The Green Revolution has outlived its utility.

(v) Natural calamities like drought and flood have become frequent. Monsoon is still vital for food production.

 

Mention the geographical conditions for the growth of wheat. Name the major areas of wheat production. (2010)

                                                                     OR

 Which is the staple crop in the northern and north-western part of India? Describe the temperature, rainfall and soil conditions required for its growth. Name the major areas of its production.

Ans. Wheat is the main food crop in the north and north-western part of the country.

The geographical conditions favorable for growth of wheat are as follows :

(1) Temperature : Wheat is a rabi crop and requires a cool growing season. Average temperature should be between 10°C to 15°C at the time of sowing, but higher temperatures and bright sunshine is required at the time of harvesting for proper ripening of grains.

(2) Rainfall : Wheat requires moderate rainfall of 50 to 75 cm annually, evenly distributed over the growing season. A little winter rain before ripening helps in increasing the yield.

(3) Soil. Deep alluvial clayey soils of Northern Plains and even black soil of Deccan are suited for growth of wheat. There are two important wheat-growing zones in the country – the Ganga-Satluj plains in the north-west and black soil region of the Deccan. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh are the major wheat growing states.

 

Write four geographical requirements each for the growth of tea and sugarcane. (2010)

Ans. Tea is the main beverage crop of India. Four geographical requirements for its growth are :

(a) The tea plant grows best in tropical and subtropical climate.

(b) Tea bushes require warm and moist and frost free climate with temperature between 20oC to 300C and annual rainfall of 150 to 250 cm.

(c) Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves.

(d) Deep, fertile, well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter are ideal for its growth. Hence, gently rolling topography in uplands is favorable for its cultivation.

Four geographical conditions required for growth of sugarcane are :

(a) Sugarcane grows best in tropical and subtropical climate. It is an annual crop requiring a year for maturing.

(b) It grows well in hot and humid climates with temperatures of 210C to 270C and an annual rainfall between 75 cm and 100 cm.

(c) Frost is injurious for the plant and rainfall before ripening decreases sucrose content. Hence, frost free weather, a short, cool, dry winter during ripening and harvesting is favorable.

(d) It can grow on a variety of soil, but clayey alluvial soil of the Northern Plains and black soil in the south are ideal for its growth.

 

State any four characteristics of commercial farming in India. [2011 (T-1)]

Ans. Four characteristics of commercial farming in India are as follows.

(i) Crops are grown on a large scale in large farms or plantations for commercial purposes and for export to other countries.

(ii) It is capital intensive farming requiring high application of modern inputs.

(iii) Modern inputs like high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides are used to obtain higher productivity. Irrigation is applied to meet water requirements.

(iv) Commercial farming is mainly practiced in states with less population pressure like. Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and western Uttar Pradesh. Wheat, cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds, tea and coffee are grown under commercial farming.

 

Look at the given picture carefully and answer the questions that follow : (2009)

(i) Name the crop shown in the picture.

 (ii) State the climatic conditions

 required for cultivation of this crop.

 (iii) Name the two major regions

 growing this crop.

Ans.

(i) The crop shown in the picture is paddy or rice, the main staple food grain for the majority of the people in India.

(ii) The climatic conditions required for cultivation of rice are as follows :

Rice is a Kharif crop and requires a hot and humid climate for cultivation. Temperature above 250C, and high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm are favorable for cultivation of rice.

Rice requires sufficient rainfall and flooded fields during the earlier part of its growing season in June-July. It needs plenty of sunshine.

(iii) Two major regions of rice production are :

(a) The Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains of north and northeastern India comprising West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

(b) Coastal areas and deltaic regions with alluvial soil like Orissa, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

 

Explain rubber cultivation in India under the following heads. [2011 (T-1)] 

(a) Importance

(b) Geographical conditions

(c) Any two rubber producing states

Ans.

(a) Rubber is an important industrial raw material. Tyres, tubes of vehicles and other rubber products are made from natural rubber.

(b) It is an equatorial crop but grown under special conditions. It is also grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It requires a moist and humid climate with rainfall of more than 200 cm and temperature above 250C.

(c) Rubber is mainly grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

 

Explain rice cultivation in India under the following heads. [2011 (T-1)]

 (i) Temperature

(ii) Rainfall 

(iii) Season 

(iv) Main producing areas

(i) Rice is a Kharif crop requiring high temperatures (above 250C).

(ii) Rice requires high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm. In the regions of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation.

(iii) Rice is sown/planted with the onset of monsoon and harvested in November-December.

(iv) It is mainly grown in Bihar, Bengal, Orissa, eastern U.P., Assam, Tamil Nadu.

 

Explain any four features of primitive subsistence agriculture in India. [2011 (T-1)]

(i) This type of farming is practiced on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks and family labor.

(ii) This type of farming depends upon Monsoons, natural fertility of soil and environmental suitability.

(iii) It is a ‘slash and burn’ agriculture. Farmers clear a patch of land and produce crops for their sustenance.

(iv) When the soil fertility decreases, farmers shift to new areas, clear forest by burning and again sow crops.