Agriculture: NBSE Class 10 Social Science chapter 7 notes

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Get here the notes/solutions/extras of NBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 7 Agricultur. However, the study materials should be used only for references and nothing more. The notes can be modified/changed according to needs.

Summary

Agriculture is one of the oldest activities practiced by humans. In India, agriculture is the main occupation of about 70% of the population. It has been the most important economic activity in India since ancient times.

There are different types of farming practices in India depending on physical factors like climate, soil, relief, etc. and human factors like cultural background, practices followed, etc.

Primitive Subsistence Farming: This is also called slash and burn agriculture. In this type, farmers clear a small piece of land by slashing and burning the vegetation. They then grow cereals and other food crops on that land to sustain themselves and their families. The entire family works using primitive tools like hoes, digging sticks, etc. No manure or fertilizers are used, so the productivity is very low. This type of farming is practiced in different parts of India with local names like bewar, podu, pama, jhumming, etc.

Intensive Subsistence Farming: This is a labor-intensive farming method where high doses of fertilizers, irrigation, and other biochemicals are used to get higher production. Very small land holdings characterize this type, with huge pressure on the limited agricultural land. It is practiced in areas with high population density.

Commercial Farming: In this type, the latest technology like HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, etc. are used to maximize productivity. Plantations where a single crop is grown on large areas also come under commercial farming. Cash crops like wheat, rice, tea, coffee, etc. are grown for commercial purposes.

India has three main cropping seasons – Kharif (monsoon), Rabi (winter), and Zaid (summer). Rice, millets, pulses are the main Kharif crops, while wheat, peas, mustard are Rabi crops. Watermelons and vegetables are grown in Zaid season.

The major foodgrains produced in India are rice, wheat, maize, and millets. Rice is the staple food for the majority. Among cash crops, sugarcane is the main source of sugar and jaggery. Oil seeds like groundnut, mustard, coconut, sesame are also widely cultivated. Important fiber crops are cotton and jute.

Tea and coffee are the major beverage crops, with Assam being the largest tea producer. Horticulture crops like mangoes, oranges, bananas, grapes, apples, etc. are also widely grown across different regions.

Rubber is an important industrial crop, with Kerala being the largest producer. Sericulture or silk production from mulberry leaves is another significant activity.

Despite being an agricultural nation, Indian agriculture suffers from low productivity due to factors like small landholdings, dependence on monsoons, lack of irrigation, use of older methods and equipment, etc.

The government has taken several measures to improve agriculture in the form of institutional and technical reforms. Provision of subsidies on inputs like electricity, seeds, fertilizers, crop insurance, weather bulletins, rural banking, and announcement of support prices are some institutional reforms.

Technical reforms include promotion of consolidated and cooperative farming, use of mass media to spread awareness about new techniques, research and development activities, etc.

The Green Revolution of the 1960s-70s aimed to increase foodgrain production through the use of high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, irrigation, etc. However, its benefits were limited to certain regions only.

Land reforms like abolition of zamindari system, consolidation of landholdings, etc. were also undertaken, especially in the First Five Year Plan period.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the Indian economy by ensuring food security, providing livelihoods, and contributing to industrial growth through supply of raw materials. It accounted for about 14% of India’s GDP in 2013.

Textual questions and answers

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Mr. Momin lives in Meghalaya, wishes to cultivate pulses but is unable to grow it. What reasons could be responsible for the failure of this crop? +

(a) Excessive rainfall and high humidity in Meghalaya (b) Limited availability of irrigation facilities (c) Inadequate sunlight and poor soil drainage (d) None of these

Answer: (a) Excessive rainfall and high humidity in Meghalaya 

2. Rohan told Sohan to guess the name of the crop; he provided the following geographical conditions: 

• It grows in a cool and moist season
• It requires bright sunshine at the time of ripening
• 50 cm to 75 cm of annual rainfall evenly distributed over the growing season. 

(a) Wheat (b) Pulses (c) Rice (d) Maize

Answer: (a) Wheat 

3. Rice is a subsistence crop in Odisha; in which of the following states is rice a commercial crop? 

(a) West Bengal and Bihar (b) Jammu and Kashmir [ (c) Punjab and Haryana (d) Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Answer: (c) Punjab and Haryana 

4. Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture where a single crop is grown on a large area? 

(a) Shifting agriculture (c) Horticulture (b) Plantation agriculture (d) Intensive agriculture

Answer: (b) Plantation agriculture 

5. Read the following statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose one of the correct alternatives given below. 

Assertion (A): Constant reliance on traditional farming methods has hindered the modernization of agricultural practices.
Reason (R): Traditional methods of farming often involve inefficient use of resources and lack of technological advancements, which limits the potential for increased productivity and sustainability. 

(a) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion. (b) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is NOT a correct explanation of the Assertion. (c) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false. (d) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.

Answer: (a) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion. 

Very Short Answer Questions

1. State the growing and harvesting periods of Rabi crops. 

Answer: Rabi crops are sown from October to December and harvested from April to June. 

2. Which crops are known as beverage crops? 

Answer: Tea and coffee are known as beverage crops. 

3. Why is tea processed within tea gardens? 

Answer: Tea is processed within the tea estates to retain its freshness. 

Short Answer Questions

1. What is agriculture? 

Answer: Agriculture is the process of producing food, seed, fibre and other goods by the systematic raising of plants and animals. 

2. What is primitive farming? Mention any two characteristics. 

Answer: Primitive subsistence is also known as slash and burn farming. Farmers clear, slash and burn a small piece of land and grow on it cereals and other food crops to sustain themselves. The entire family or community work on the land. Primitive tools such as hoe, digging sticks and dao are used. 

3. Briefly describe the conditions required for the cultivation of jute. 

Answer: Jute requires well-drained fertile soil in the flood plains, renewed every year, and high temperature during the time of growth. 

4. When are Rabi crops sown? Name two Rabi crops. 

Answer: Rabi crops are sown from October to December. Wheat and barley are two important Rabi crops.

Long Answer Questions

1. Which type of farming is ‘slash and burn’? Why is the land abandoned after a few years? 

Answer: Primitive subsistence is also known as slash and burn farming. In this type of farming, farmers clear, slash and burn a small piece of land and grow on it cereals and other food crops to sustain themselves. 

The entire family or community works on the land. Primitive tools such as hoe, digging sticks and dao are used. No fertilisers or manure is used, and hence the land productivity is low. Primitive subsistence depends upon monsoon, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of the other environmental conditions. 

The land is abandoned after a few years as its fertility gets exhausted. 

2. ‘Some pulses are known as leguminous crops.’ Why are they grown in rotation with other crops? 

Answer: Some pulses like gram, tur (arhar), and peas are leguminous crops. Pulses are grown in rotation with other crops as they help in restoring soil fertility by utilising nitrogen from the air. Pulses need less moisture and can survive in dry conditions. Rotating pulses with other crops helps maintain soil health and productivity. 

3. Explain any four factors responsible for the low productivity of agriculture in India. 

Answer: Four factors responsible for the low productivity of agriculture in India are: 

• Most farmers still depend on monsoons and natural fertility, using traditional methods like flooding fields for irrigation, wooden ploughs, and bullock carts. 
• Lack of appropriate techno-institutional changes and reforms, hindering modernization of agricultural practices. 
• Fragmented and small landholdings due to the right of inheritance, making the holdings economically unviable. 
• Insufficient use of modern inputs like high-yielding variety seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation facilities, limiting productivity. 

4. What is intensive subsistence farming? How is it practised? 

Answer: Intensive subsistence farming is a labour-intensive farming method that uses high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation to obtain higher production. 

It is characterised by very small farm holdings due to the division of land among successors, leading to enormous pressure on agricultural land. In intensive subsistence farming, every bit of cultivable land is used. Where there is inadequate water, irrigation is used, and where the land is hilly, terraces are made. In many areas, swamps have been drained for the cultivation of paddy. The chief crops grown are paddy, wheat, sugarcane, soybean, sorghum, and vegetables. 

5. Mention any six institutional and technical reforms implemented by the Indian government in agriculture. 

Answer: Some of the institutional and technical reforms implemented by the Indian government in agriculture are: 

• Providing subsidies on electricity, seeds, and fertilizers to encourage farmers to improve agriculture. Consolidating and collectivizing farms to make them economically viable. 
• Widespread use of radio and television to acquaint farmers with new and improved cultivation techniques. 
• Introducing crop insurance to protect farmers against losses caused by crop failure. 
• Providing special weather bulletins and agricultural programs for farmers on television and radio. 
• Establishing a well-knit network of rural banking to help farmers get loans to modernize agriculture. 
• Announcing minimum support prices for crops to protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen and speculators. 
• Introducing schemes like Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) for farmers. 

Extra MCQs

1. What is the primary occupation of people in many developing countries, including India? 

A. Industry B. Services C. Agriculture D. Mining 

Answer: C. Agriculture 

2. What percentage of the workforce in India is engaged in agricultural activities? 

A. 70% B. 50% C. 30% D. 20% 

Answer: A. 70% 

3. Which of the following is NOT a source of raw material for industries, according to the passage? 

A. Food grains B. Tea C. Coffee D. Minerals 

Answer: D. Minerals 

4. What is the term used for the type of farming where a small piece of land is cleared, slashed, and burned to grow cereals and other food crops? 

A. Intensive farming B. Commercial farming C. Primitive subsistence farming D. Plantation farming 

Answer: C. Primitive subsistence farming 

5. Which of the following tools is NOT being used in primitive subsistence farming? 

A. Hoe B. Digging sticks C. Tractor D. Dao 

Answer: C. Tractor 

6. What are the two factors that determine the type of farming practiced in an area? 

A. Climate and soil type B. Physical and human factors C. Availability of water and fertilizers D. Topography and transportation 

Answer: B. Physical and human factors 

7. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of intensive subsistence farming? 

A. Small farm holdings B. Use of high doses of biochemical inputs C. Cultivation of commercial crops D. Use of irrigation 

Answer: C. Cultivation of commercial crops 

8. What is a plantation in the context of agriculture? 

A. A type of subsistence farming B. A type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown in a large area C. A type of intensive farming D. A type of mixed farming 

Answer: B. A type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown in a large area 

9. Which of the following crops is NOT a cash crop grown in plantations? 

A. Tea B. Coffee C. Wheat D. Rubber 

Answer: C. Wheat 

10. What is the main reason for the development of an efficient network system of communication and transport in areas practicing plantation agriculture? 

A. To transport migrant laborers B. To transport raw materials to industries and markets C. To transport agricultural equipment D. To transport fertilizers and pesticides 

Answer: B. To transport raw materials to industries and markets 

11. Which of the following is NOT a cropping season in India? 

A. Kharif B. Rabi C. Zaid D. Autumn 

Answer: D. Autumn 

12. Which of the following crops is grown in the Zaid season? 

A. Rice B. Wheat C. Watermelons D. Maize 

Answer: C. Watermelons 

13. Which of the following regions is NOT important for the growth of Rabi crops? 

A. Punjab B. Haryana C. Uttar Pradesh D. Tamil Nadu 

Answer: D. Tamil Nadu 

14. Which of the following states is NOT a major rice-growing region? 

A. Assam B. West Bengal C. Odisha D. Gujarat 

Answer: D. Gujarat 

15. Which of the following is a major wheat-producing state in India? 

A. Maharashtra B. Rajasthan C. Madhya Pradesh D. All of the above 

Answer: D. All of the above 

16. What are the ideal temperature and annual rainfall requirements for the cultivation of rice? 

A. Temperature above 25°C and annual rainfall above 100 cm B. Temperature below 20°C and annual rainfall between 50-75 cm C. Temperature around 30°C and annual rainfall between 150-200 cm D. Temperature around 15°C and annual rainfall above 200 cm 

Answer: A. Temperature above 25°C and annual rainfall above 100 cm 

17. Which of the following states is NOT a major producer of maize? 

A. Karnataka B. Uttar Pradesh C. Bihar D. Kerala 

Answer: D. Kerala 

18. What is the ideal annual rainfall range required for the cultivation of maize? 

A. 63 cm to 115 cm B. 150 cm to 300 cm C. 200 cm to 300 cm D. 100 cm to 150 cm 

Answer: A. 63 cm to 115 cm 

19. Which of the following is NOT a major sugarcane-producing state in India? 

A. Uttar Pradesh B. Maharashtra C. Karnataka D. Rajasthan 

Answer: D. Rajasthan 

20. What is the ideal temperature range for the cultivation of sugarcane? 

A. 15°C to 25°C B. 21°C to 27°C C. 30°C to 35°C D. 25°C to 30°C 

Answer: B. 21°C to 27°C 

21. Which of the following is NOT a major pulse-producing state in India? 

A. Madhya Pradesh B. Uttar Pradesh C. Rajasthan D. Kerala 

Answer: D. Kerala 

22. What is the main benefit of growing pulses in rotation with other crops? 

A. Increased soil fertility B. Pest control C. Improved crop yield D. Reduced water requirement 

Answer: A. Increased soil fertility 

23. Which of the following is NOT a major oilseed produced in India? 

A. Groundnut B. Mustard C. Coconut D. Wheat 

Answer: D. Wheat 

24. Which of the following oilseeds is grown as a Kharif crop in North India and a Rabi crop in South India? 

A. Groundnut B. Mustard C. Sesamum D. Castor seed 

Answer: C. Sesamum 

25. Which of the following states is NOT a major producer of tea in India? 

A. Assam B. West Bengal C. Tamil Nadu D. Andhra Pradesh 

Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh 

26. What is the ideal temperature range for the cultivation of tea? 

A. 15°C to 20°C B. 20°C to 30°C C. 25°C to 35°C D. 30°C to 40°C 

Answer: B. 20°C to 30°C 

27. Which of the following is NOT a major coffee-producing state in India? 

A. Karnataka B. Kerala C. Tamil Nadu D. Maharashtra 

Answer: D. Maharashtra 

28. What is the variety of coffee produced in India? 

A. Robusta B. Arabica C. Liberica D. Excelsa 

Answer: B. Arabica 

29. Which of the following states is NOT a major producer of rubber in India? 

A. Kerala B. Tamil Nadu C. Karnataka D. Andhra Pradesh 

Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh 

30. What is the ideal annual rainfall range required for the cultivation of rubber? 

A. 50 cm to 100 cm B. 100 cm to 150 cm C. 150 cm to 200 cm D. More than 200 cm 

Answer: D. More than 200 cm 

31. Which of the following fiber crops is NOT a soil fiber? 

A. Cotton B. Jute C. Hemp D. Silk 

Answer: D. Silk 

32. Which of the following states is NOT a major jute-producing state in India? 

A. West Bengal B. Bihar C. Assam D. Gujarat 

Answer: D. Gujarat 

33. What is the ideal soil type required for the cultivation of jute? 

A. Well-drained fertile soil in flood plains B. Black cotton soil C. Laterite soil D. Sandy soil 

Answer: A. Well-drained fertile soil in flood plains 

34. Which of the following states is NOT a major cotton-producing state in India? 

A. Maharashtra B. Gujarat C. Madhya Pradesh D. Himachal Pradesh 

Answer: D. Himachal Pradesh 

35. What is the ideal annual rainfall range required for the cultivation of cotton? 

A. 50 cm to 75 cm B. 100 cm to 150 cm C. 150 cm to 200 cm D. 200 cm to 250 cm 

Answer: A. 50 cm to 75 cm 

36. Which of the following is NOT a technological reform implemented by the Indian government in agriculture? 

A. Subsidy on electricity, seeds, and fertilizers B. Consolidated and collectivized farms C. Widespread use of radio and television for agricultural information D. Promotion of traditional farming methods 

Answer: D. Promotion of traditional farming methods 

37. What is the purpose of announcing minimum support prices for crops by the government? 

A. To protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen and speculators B. To encourage farmers to grow more crops C. To subsidize farmers D. All of the above 

Answer: A. To protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen and speculators 

38. Which of the following is NOT a scheme introduced by the Indian government for farmers? 

A. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) B. Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) C. Farmer Income Support Scheme (FISS) D. None of the above 

Answer: C. Farmer Income Support Scheme (FISS) 

39. What is the main reason for the low productivity of agriculture in India, according to the passage? 

A. Lack of modern technology B. Insufficient irrigation facilities C. Dependence on monsoons and traditional methods D. Small and fragmented land holdings 

Answer: C. Dependence on monsoons and traditional methods 

40. What was the main focus of India’s First Five Year Plan in the context of agriculture? 

A. Increasing food production B. Implementing land reforms C. Promoting cash crops D. Subsidizing fertilizers and seeds 

Answer: B. Implementing land reforms 

41. What is the term used for the spectacular increase in food grain production in India? 

A. Green Revolution B. White Revolution C. Blue Revolution D. Golden Revolution 

Answer: A. Green Revolution 

42. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of commercial farming, as mentioned in the passage? 

A. Cultivation of cash crops for export market B. Use of capital-intensive inputs C. Employment of migrant laborers D. Small and fragmented land holdings 

Answer: D. Small and fragmented land holdings 

43. Which of the following is NOT a major fruit-producing state in India? 

A. Maharashtra B. Andhra Pradesh C. West Bengal D. Uttar Pradesh 

Answer: C. West Bengal 

44. Which of the following states is a major producer of apples, pears, apricots, and walnuts? 

A. Jammu and Kashmir B. Himachal Pradesh C. Both A and B D. None of the above 

Answer: C. Both A and B 

45. Which of the following states is NOT a major producer of cashew nuts? 

A. Kerala B. Tamil Nadu C. Andhra Pradesh D. Maharashtra 

Answer: D. Maharashtra 

46. What percentage of the world’s vegetables is produced in India, according to the passage? 

A. 10% B. 13% C. 15% D. 20% 

Answer: B. 13% 

47. Which of the following vegetables is India the largest producer of in the world? 

A. Peas B. Cauliflower C. Onion D. Both A and B 

Answer: D. Both A and B 

48. Which of the following is NOT a factor that determines the type of farming practiced in an area, according to the passage? 

A. Relief B. Climate C. Availability of irrigation D. Level of education 

Answer: D. Level of education 

49. What percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) did agriculture and allied sectors account for in 2013, according to the passage? 

A. 10% B. 13.7% C. 15% D. 20% 

Answer: B. 13.7% 

50. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason for the importance of agricultural development in India, according to the passage? 

A. Ensuring food security B. Producing raw materials for industries C. Reducing import dependency D. Generating employment opportunities 

Answer: C. Reducing import dependency 

Extra questions and answers

1. What is the oldest human activity? 

Answer: Agriculture is the oldest human activity. 

2. What is the importance of agriculture in India? 

Answer: Agriculture in India is the means of livelihood of almost 70 per cent of the workforce in the country. It has, since ancient times, been India’s most important economic sector. 

3. What are the different types of farming practiced in India? Describe them briefly. 

Answer: There are different types of farming: 

Primitive subsistence is also known as slash and burn farming. Farmers clear, slash and burn a small piece of land and grow on it cereals and other food crops to sustain themselves. The entire family or community works on the land. Primitive tools such as hoe, digging sticks and dao are used. No fertilisers or manure is used and hence the land productivity is low. 

Intensive Farming – It is a labour-intensive farming method. It uses high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation to obtain higher production. It is characterised by very small farm holdings. There is enormous pressure on agricultural land. 

Commercial Farming – This type of farming uses technology high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides in order to obtain higher productivity and production. Plantation is also a type of commercial farming. In this kind of farming, a single crop is grown in a large area. 

4. What is the main source of sugar in India? 

Answer: Sugarcane is the main source of sugar, gur (jaggary), khandsari and molasses. 

5. Which are the major pulses producing states in India? 

Answer: Major pulses producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 

6. Describe the conditions required for the cultivation of tea. 

Answer: Tea plant grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The soil requirement is deep fertile well-drained soil which is rich in humus and organic matter. Tea thrives well in a hot and humid climate. Ideal temperature for its growth is 20°C to 30°C and an annual rainfall of 150 cm to 300 cm. High humidity and frequent showers evenly distributed throughout the year are good for the rapid development of tender leaves. Tea bushes thrive well in moist and warm frost-free climate all through the year. Tea is a labour-intensive crop which requires abundant cheap and skilled labour as tea is processed within the tea estates. 

7. What is the major beverage crop of India? 

Answer: Tea is the main beverage crop of India. 

8. Which states are the major producers of sugarcane in India? 

Answer: The major sugarcane producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana. 

9. Explain the conditions required for the cultivation of wheat. 

Answer: Wheat requires: 

• A cool and moist growing season. 
• 50 to 75 cm of annual rainfall evenly distributed over the growing season. 
• Bright sunshine at the time of ripening. 
• 100 frost-free days. 
• Irrigated water where water is not enough. 

10. Which crop is known as the ‘golden fibre’? 

Answer: Jute is known as the ‘golden fibre’. 

11. Name the major cotton producing states in India. 

Answer: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are the major cotton producing states. 

12. What are the conditions required for the cultivation of rice? 

Answer: Rice requires an annual rainfall above 100 cm and high temperature, i.e., above 25°C, coupled with high humidity. It requires heavy rainfall in summer and irrigation in areas of less rainfall. Paddy is a tropical crop and grows very well in the wet monsoon lands. 

13. What is the most important cereal crop in India? 

Answer: Rice is the staple food crop of the majority of the population in India. 

14. Which states are the major producers of jute in India? 

Answer: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Meghalaya are the major jute producing states. 

15. Describe the conditions required for the cultivation of jute. 

Answer: Jute requires: 

• Well-drained fertile soil in the flood plains. 
• High temperature during the time of growth. 
• A new soil which is renewed every year. 

16. What is the importance of pulses in Indian diet? 

Answer: Pulses are the major source of protein in a vegetarian diet. 

17. Which are the major gram and tur producing states in India? 

Answer: Major gram and tur producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Gram is also cultivated in Rajasthan and tur in Andhra Pradesh. 

18. Explain the conditions required for the cultivation of maize. 

Answer: Maize requires: 

• Well-drained old alluvial soil. 
• Annual rainfall between 63 cm to 115 cm. 
• 140 frost-free days. 
• Temperature around 21°C to 27°C. 

19. Which crop is the second most important cereal crop in India? 

Answer: Wheat is the second most important cereal crop in India. 

20. Name the major wheat producing states in India. 

Answer: Major wheat producing states are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan and certain parts of Madhya Pradesh. 

21. Describe the importance of oilseeds in India and the conditions required for their cultivation. 

Answer: India is the largest producer of oilseeds in the world. Groundnut, mustard, coconut, sesamum (til), soyabean, cotton seeds, linseed, castorseeds and sunflower are the major oilseeds produced. Most of these are edible and used as a cooking medium but some are used as raw material in the production of soap, cosmetics and ointments. 

Groundnut is a kharif crop. Mustard and linseed are grown as rabi crops. Sesamum is a kharif crop in north and rabi crop in South India. Castor seeds are grown both in rabi and kharif seasons. Different oilseeds are grown covering approximately 12% of the total cropped area of the country. 

22. Which state is the leading producer of tea in India? 

Answer: Assam is the leading producer of tea in India. 

23. Name the states where coffee is grown in India. 

Answer: Coffee cultivation is confined to the Nilgiri in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

24. Explain the conditions required for the cultivation of rubber and the areas where it is grown. 

Answer: Rubber is an equatorial crop. It grows well in tropical and sub-tropical areas also. It requires a moist and humid climate with rainfall of more than 200 cm and temperature above 25°C. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Garo hills of Meghalaya are major rubber producing areas. 

25. Which fruit crop covers the maximum area under fruits in India? 

Answer: Mangoes cover 38% of the area under fruits in India. 

26. Name the major mango producing states in India. 

Answer: Major mango producing states in India are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. 

27. Mention the areas where different fruits are grown in India. 

Answer: The areas where different fruits are grown in India are: 

• Mangoes – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal 
• Oranges – Nagpur and Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya) 
• Bananas – Kerala, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu 
• Lichi and Guava – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh 
• Pineapple – Meghalaya 
• Grapes – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra 
• Apples, Pears, Apricots and Walnuts – Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh 
• Cashewnut – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana 

28. What is the importance of agriculture in India’s economy? 

Answer: Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy, as it provides employment to a large number of people. 

29. What are the three cropping seasons in India? 

Answer: The three cropping seasons in India are Rabi, Kharif and Zaid. 

30. Describe the cropping pattern in India during the three cropping seasons. 

Answer: India has three cropping seasons: 

Kharif – Crops are sown with the onset of monsoon in June and harvested from September to October. Paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut and soyabean are some of the important crops. 

Rabi – Crops are sown from October to December and harvested from April to June. Wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard are some important crops. North and north-western parts of the country are important for the growth of rabi crops. 

Zaid – This is a short season between the rabi and kharif seasons. Crops produced are watermelons, musk melons, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops. 

31. Which crops are grown in the Zaid season? 

Answer: Watermelons, musk melons, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops are grown in the Zaid season. 

32. Name the major rice producing states in India. 

Answer: West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, particularly the Konkan coast, are major producers of rice. 

33. Explain the role of agriculture in promoting industrialisation at a global level. 

Answer: Agriculture is also a source for raw material required for industries. Hence, we can say that agriculture has been a potent factor in promoting industrialisation at a global level. In addition, some agricultural products like tea, coffee, spices, etc., are exported and foreign exchange earned for the country. 

34. What is the need for implementing technical and institutional reforms in agriculture? 

Answer: There is an immediate need for implementing technical and institutional reforms in agriculture. 

35. What were the initiatives taken by the government to improve agriculture? 

Answer: The government took the initiative by providing various facilities like subsidy on electricity, seeds and fertilisers to ensure that farmers continue to improve agriculture, consolidated and collectivised farms to make them economically viable. 

36. Explain the institutional and technical reforms implemented by the Indian government in agriculture. 

Answer: The institutional and technical reforms implemented by the Indian government in agriculture include: 

• Widespread use of radio and television for acquainting farmers with new and improved techniques of cultivation. 
• Crop insurance to protect the farmers against losses caused by crop failure. 
• Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers on television and radio. 
• Well-knit network of rural banking for farmers to help them get loans to modernise agriculture. 
• Announcing minimum support price for the crops grown by farmers to check exploitation of farmers by middlemen and speculators. 
• Remunerative and procurement prices for important crops to check the exploitation of farmers by the speculators and middlemen. 
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are a few schemes introduced by the government. 

37. What is the percentage share of agriculture in India’s GDP? 

Answer: Agriculture and allied sectors like forestry and fisheries accounted for 13.7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2013. 

38. What is the Green Revolution? 

Answer: The Green Revolution is a phrase generally used to describe the spectacular increase in the production of food grains in India. 

39. Explain the impact of the Green Revolution on Indian agriculture. 

Answer: The Green Revolution and the White Revolution (Operation Flood) were initiated to bring about an improvement in the field of Indian agriculture. The Green Revolution is a phrase generally used to describe the spectacular increase in the production of food grains in India. These improvements too did not bring about the desired improvement. Development and improvement was restricted to a few areas only. 

40. What is the need for land reforms in Indian agriculture? 

Answer: ‘Land Reform’ was the main focus of India’s First Five Year Plan. 

41. What were the land reforms introduced by the government? 

Answer: Certain land reforms were introduced by the government to improve the condition of agriculture and also of the farmer, some of which were abolition of zamindari, collectivisation and consolidation of land holdings. 

42. Explain the reasons for the uprising of tribals in Andhra Pradesh. 

Answer: The reasons for the uprising of tribals in Gudem Hills in Andhra Pradesh were many: 

(i) The British administration had ended their isolation and brought them fully under colonialism.
(ii) It made tribal chiefs into Zamindars and introduced a new system of land revenue and taxation of whatever the tribals produced.
(iii) It tried to spread Christianity among the tribals and sent hundreds of Christian missionaries to their areas.
(iv) Colonialism also introduced money lenders, traders, and middlemen into their society.
(v) These middlemen soon took possession of their land and forced many tribes into debt.
(vi) In a very short time, the tribals lost their land and were forced to become agricultural laborers, share-croppers, and rack-rented tenants on their own land. 

43. What is the purpose of sericulture? 

Answer: Sericulture is the practice of rearing silkworms for the production of silk fibre. 

44. Name the major natural fibres of India. 

Answer: The four major natural fibres of India are cotton, jute, hemp and natural silk. 

45. Differentiate between soil fibres and silk fibre. 

Answer: Cotton, jute and hemp are soil fibres. Silk is derived from the cocoons of the silkworms. These silkworms are fed on mulberry leaves. 

46. Which state is the largest producer of rubber in India? 

Answer: Kerala is the largest producer of rubber in India. 

47. Name the major rubber producing areas in India. 

Answer: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Garo hills of Meghalaya are major rubber producing areas. 

48. Explain the various uses of natural rubber in India. 

Answer: About 97% of the country’s demand of natural rubber is met from the domestic production. 62.2% of natural rubber is used in manufacturing auto tyres and tubes, 9.2% cycle tyres and tubes, 6.6% footwear, camel back 4.6%, belts and hoses 4.6%, Latex foam and dipped goods 4.1% each. Apart from these, there are many other uses of natural rubber. 

49. Which state produces the maximum quantity of rice in India? 

Answer: West Bengal is the major rice producing state in India. 

50. Which are the major cotton producing states in India? 

Answer: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan are major cotton producing states in India. 

51. Explain the factors that determine the type of farming practised in an area. 

Answer: The type of farming practised depends on two factors: 

• Physical : Relief, Climate, Availability of irrigation 
• Human : Cultural background of people, Agricultural practices 

52. What is horticulture? 

Answer: Horticulture pertains to the art of growing fruit, flowers and vegetables. 

53. Highlight the importance of India in the production of vegetables. 

Answer: Almost 13% of the world’s vegetables are produced in India. It leads the world in the production of peas and cauliflower, is second in onion, cabbage, tomato, brinjal and fourth in potato production.