NCERT Solutions Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture Important Questions

Agriculture Important Question Answers – Given in this post is NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture Question Answers. The important questions we have compiled will help the students to brush up on their knowledge about the subject. Students can practice Class 10 Geography important questions to understand the subject better and improve their performance in the board exam. The NCERT solutions provided here will also give students an idea about how to write the answers.

MCQ Based Questions

Q1 In India, Jhumming, a primitive form of cultivation, is called ‘Bewar’ or ‘Dahiya’ in ___________.

A Odisha

B Chhattisgarh

C Andhra Pradesh

D Madhya Pradesh

Ans D Madhya Pradesh

Q2 Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to ___________.

A August

B June

C May

D July

Ans B June

Q3 The Green revolution was successful in Punjab, Haryana, ___________ and parts of Rajasthan.

A Western Uttar Pradesh

B Eastern Uttar Pradesh

C Madhya Pradesh

D Gujarat

Ans A Western Uttar Pradesh

Q4 Kharif crops are grown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country and these are harvested in ___________.

A July – August

B June – August

C September – October

D October – November

Ans C September – October

Q5 In states like Assam, _________ and Odisha, three crops of paddy are grown in a year. These are Aus, Aman and Boro.

A Uttar Pradesh

B West Bengal

C Punjab

D Haryana

Ans B West Bengal

Q6 India is the second-largest producer of rice in the world after____________.

A Indonesia

B Japan

C Malaysia

D China

Ans D China

Q7 Rice is a Kharif crop that requires high temperature (above 25°C) and high humidity with annual rainfall above __________.

A 100 cm

B 200 cm

C 150 cm

D 50 cm

Ans A 100 cm

Q8 Wheat requires ___________ of annual rainfall evenly distributed over the growing season.

A 25 to 50 cm

B 75 to 100 cm

C 50 to 75 cm

D 85 to 130 cm

Ans C 50 to 75 cm

Q9 _________ is the third most important food crop with respect to area and production.

A Rice

B Jowar

C Wheat

D Maize

Ans B Jowar

Q10 _________ is the largest producer as well as the consumer of pulses in the world.

A Brazil

B USA

C China

D India

Ans D India

Q11 Bajra grows well on sandy soils and shallow___________.

A black soil

B red soil

C laterite soil

D alluvial soil

Ans A black soil

Q12 ___________ is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane.

A India

B Brazil

C Cuba

D USA

Ans B Brazil

Q13 Jalpaiguri in ___________ is a major tea producing district in India.

A Karnataka

B Assam

C West Bengal

D Tamil Nadu

Ans C West Bengal

Q14 Arabica variety of coffee is grown in India, it was initially brought from ___________. This variety of coffee is in great demand all over the world.

A Iran

B Iraq

C Syria

D Yemen

Ans D Yemen

Q15 Rubber is an important industrial raw material. It is mainly grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar islands and Garo hills of __________.

A Sikkim

B West Bengal

C Assam

D Meghalaya

Ans D Meghalaya

Q16 Rearing of silkworms for the production of silk fibre is known as ___________.

A Sericulture

B Apiculture

C Floriculture

D None of the above

Ans A Sericulture

Q17 The Bhoodan-Gramdan movement initiated by __________ is also known as the Bloodless Revolution.

A Jawaharlal Nehru

B Vinoba Bhave

C Mahatma Gandhi

D Sardar Patel

Ans B Vinoba Bhave

Q18 In 2010-11, around ___________ of the total workforce was employed by the farm sector, which makes more than half of the Indian population dependent on agriculture for sustenance.

A 85 percent

B 40 percent

C 52 percent

D 62 percent

Ans C 52 percent

Q19 Considering the importance of agriculture in India, which of the following were given priority for improving Indian agriculture?

A Establishment of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

B Development in the field of meteorology and weather forecast

C Establishing agricultural universities, veterinary services and animal breeding centres

D All of the above

Ans D All of the above

Q20 Operation Flood is associated with ____________.

A Green Revolution

B White Revolution

C Black Revolution

D Pink Revolution

Ans B White Revolution

Q21 Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture, where a single crop is grown on a large area? (NCERT QUESTION)

A Shifting Agriculture

B Plantation Agriculture

C Horticulture

D Intensive Agriculture

Ans B Plantation Agriculture

Q22 Which one of the following is a rabi crop? (NCERT QUESTION)

A Rice

B Gram

C Millets

D Cotton

Ans B Gram

Q23 Which one of the following is a leguminous crop? (NCERT QUESTION)

A Pulses

B Jowar

C Millets

D Sesamum

Ans A Pulses

Q24 Which one of the following is announced by the government in support of a crop? (NCERT QUESTION)

A Maximum support price

B Minimum support price

C Moderate support price

D Influential support price

Ans B Minimum support price

Q25 Which of the following methods have been changed depending upon the characteristics of physical environment, technological know-how and sociocultural practice?

A Industrial activity

B Irrigation Pattern

C Cultivation

D None of these

Ans C Cultivation

Q26 Jhumming in Brazil is called:

A Ladang

B Masole

C Roca

D None of these

Ans C Roca

Q27 What is ‘Boro’?

A Kharif crop

B Zaid crop

C Rabi crop

D None of these

Ans A Kharif crop

Q28 Ragi is very rich in:

A Zinc

B Iodine

C Iron

D Phosphorous

Ans C Iron

Q29 Which of the following is the staple food crop of a majority of the people in India?

A Jowar

B Bajra

C Wheat

D Rice

Ans D Rice

Q30 ____________ is an example of slash and burn agriculture.

A Extensive farming

B Commercial subsistence farming

C Jhumming

D None of the above

Ans C Jhumming

Q31 Barley: Rabi crop, cotton: kharif, _______________: zaid crop. (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2020-21)

A Wheat

B Mustard

C Soya bean

D Cucumber

Ans D Cucumber

Q32 Choose the correctly matched pair about the Primitive Cultivation in India from the following options: (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2020-21)

A Dahiya – Madhya Pradesh

B Kumari-Jharkhand

C Khil -Andhra Pradesh

D Koman- Karnataka

Ans A Dahiya – Madhya Pradesh

Q33 A type of millet rich in iron, calcium, other micro nutrients and roughage is ____________. (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2020-21)

A Bajra

B Rajma

C Jowar

D Ragi

Ans D Ragi

Q34 Identify the crop with the help of the following information (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2022-23)

It is a crop which is used both as food and fodder.
It is a kharif crop which requires a temperature between 21°C to 27°C.
It grows well in old alluvial soil.
Use of modern inputs have contributed to the increasing production of this crop.

Options:

A Wheat

B Maize

C Rice

D Sugarcane

Ans B Maize

Agriculture 1 Mark Questions

Q1 Why is India called an ‘agrarian’ country?

Ans – India is an agrarian country as two thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities. Agriculture is a primary activity, which produces most of the foods that we consume.

Q2 On what factors does primitive subsistence farming depend?

Ans – Primitive subsistence type of farming depends upon monsoon, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of other environmental conditions to the crops grown.

Q3 What is ‘Jhumming’?

Ans – ‘Jhumming’ is slash and burn agriculture, practiced in north eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland, etc. This type of shifting allows nature to replenish the fertility of the soil through natural processes only.

Q4 Why is there excessive pressure on agricultural land?

Ans – Though the ‘right of inheritance’ has rendered land holding sizes uneconomical, the farmers continue to take maximum output from the limited land in the absence of alternative service of livelihood.

Q5 What is ‘plantation farming’?

Ans – In this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area. Along with production, processing is also done in the nearby areas. So, the plantation has an interface of agriculture and industry.

Q6 Name the important plantation crops grown in India.

Ans – In India, tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane and banana are important plantation crops.

Q7 Which factors are playing an important role in the development of plantation?

Ans – A well developed network of transport and communication connecting the plantation areas, processing industries and markets play an important role in the development of plantations.

Q8 Which main cropping patterns are followed in India?

Ans – India has three cropping seasons- rabi, kharif and zaid.

Q9 When are rabi crops grown?

Ans Rabi crops are grown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to June.

Q10 Which crops are grown in rabi season?

Ans – Wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard, etc. are grown in rabi season.

Q11 In which regions are rabi crops mostly grown?

Ans – These crops are grown in the states of north and north western parts such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Q12 Which factors help in the production of rabi crops in North and North western regions of India?

Ans – Availability of precipitation during winter months due to the western temperate cyclones as well as green revolution helps in the production of rabi crops.

Q13 When are kharif crops grown?

Ans – Kharif crops are grown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country and these are harvested in September or October.

Q14 Which are the important kharif crops?

Ans – The important kharif crops grown during this season are paddy (rice), maize, jowar, bajara, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut and soybean.

Q15 In which states of India are three crops of paddy grown?

Ans – In states like Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, three crops of paddy are grown in a year. These are Aus, Aman and Boro.

Q16 What is Zaid Season?

Ans – In between the rabi and kharif seasons, there is a short season during the summer month known as ‘zaid’ season.

Q17 Which crops are grown during the Zaid season?

Ans – Some of the crops produced during zaid season are watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops.

Q18 What are the climatic requirements for wheat?

Ans Wheat requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening. It requires 50 to 75 cms of annual rainfall evenly distributed over the growing season.

Q19 Which are the two important wheat growing zones of India?

Ans – These are two important wheat growing zones in the country-the Ganga-Satluj plains in north west and black soil region of the Deccan.

Q20 Which are the major wheat producing states of India?

Ans – The major wheat producing states are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Q21 Which important millets are grown in India?

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

Q22 What do you know about the millet, jowar?

Ans – Jowar is the third most important food crop. It is a rain-fed crop, mostly grown in the moist areas which hardly needs irrigation.

Q23 In which states is jowar grown?

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

Q24 What do you know about the ragi crop?

Ans – Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, other micronutrients and roughage. It is a crop of dry regions and grows well on red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soils.

Q25 Which regions are known for ragi production?

Ans – Karnataka is the largest producer of ragi followed by Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim, Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh.

Q26 In which states is crop bajra grown?

Ans – Rajasthan is the largest producer of bajra followed by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.

Q27 What temperature is needed for maize?

Ans – Maize is a kharif crop which requires temperature between 21°C to 27°C and grows well in alluvial soils.

Q28 Which factors contribute for increasing production of maize?

Ans – Use of modern inputs such as HYV seeds, fertilisers and irrigation have contributed to the increasing production of maize.

Q29 Name the major maize producing states of India.

Ans – Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Q30 Name the major pulses grown in India.

Ans – The major pulses that are grown in India are tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and gram.

Q31 Why are pulses grown in rotation with other crops?

Ans – Being leguminous crops, all these crops except arhar help in restoring soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air. Therefore, these are mostly grown in rotation with other crops.

Q32 What are the climatic conditions required for sugarcane production?

Ans – Sugarcane grows well in hot and humid climate with a temperature of 21°C to 27°C and an annual rainfall between 75 to 100 cms.

Q33 Name the major sugarcane producing states of India.

Ans – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana.

Q34 Name the states producing groundnut.

Ans – Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of groundnut followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Q35 Who introduced tea cultivation in India?

Ans Tea is an important beverage crop introduced in India, initially by the British. Today most of the tea plantations are owned by Indians.

Q36 In which states are mangoes and bananas grown?

Ans – Mangoes are grown in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Bananas produced in Kerala, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Q37 What are the climatic conditions required for rubber production?

Ans – It is an equatorial crop, but under special conditions, it is also grown in tropical and subtropical areas. It requires a moist and humid climate with rainfall of more than 200 cms and temperature above 25°C.

Q38 In which regions of India is rubber grown?

Ans – Rubber is mainly grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Garo hills of Meghalaya.

Q39 Which are the major fibre crops of India?

Ans – Cotton, Jute, hemp and natural silk are the four major fibre crops grown in India.

Q40 How is silk fibre produced?

Ans – Silk is obtained from cocoons of silkworms fed on green leaves especially mulberry. Rearing of silk worms for the production of silk fibre is known as sericulture.

Q41 How is cotton associated with India?

Ans – India is believed to be the original home of the cotton plant. India is a third largest producer of cotton in the world.

Q42 What are the climatic conditions for the growth of cotton plant?

Ans – It requires high temperature, light rainfall or irrigation, 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine for its growth.

Q43 Which are the major cotton producing states of India?

Ans – The major cotton producing states are-Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Q44 Which fibre is known as golden fibre?

Ans – Jute is known as golden fibre.

Q45 In which regions is Jute grown?

Ans – West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Meghalaya are the major jute producing states of India.

Q46 What are the uses of Jute?

Ans – Jute is used in making gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets and other artefacts.

Q47 Why is jute losing its importance?

Ans – Due to its high cost, it is losing market to synthetic fibres and packing materials, particularly the nylon.

Q48 Why do we need technical and institutional reforms in agriculture?

Ans – Inspite of development of sources of irrigation, most of the farmers in large parts of the country still depend upon monsoon and natural fertility in order to carry on their agriculture. For a growing population, this poses a serious challenge. Agriculture needs some serious technical and institutional reforms.

Q49 Which institutional reforms were introduced for farmers?

Ans – Collectivisation, consolidation of land holdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari, etc. were given priority to bring about institutional reforms in India.

Q50 Which two revolutions revolutionized Indian agriculture?

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

Q51 Which steps were taken by the Indian government for a comprehensive land development programme?

Ans – Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclones, 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.

Q52 Which schemes were introduced by the government for the benefit of farmers?

Ans – Kissan Credit Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are some schemes introduced by the government of India for the benefit of the farmers.

Q53 What role is played by the government to check the implantation of farmers by speculators and middlemen?

Ans – The government announces minimum support price, remunerative and procurement prices for important crops to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen.

Q54 Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth. (NCERT QUESTION)

Ans – Tea is considered as an important beverage crop. The tea plant requires tropical or sub-tropical climate and deep and fertile well-drained soil to grow, which is also rich in organic matter and humus.

Q55 Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced. (NCERT QUESTION)

Ans 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.

Q56 Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers. (NCERT QUESTION)

Ans – ‘Minimum Support Policy’, ‘provision for crop insurance’, ‘subsidy’ on agricultural inputs and resources such as power and fertilisers, “Grameen banks’, ‘Kissan Credit Cards’ and ‘Personal Accident insurance scheme are some of the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.

Q57 The land under cultivation has got reduced day by day. Can you imagine its consequences? (NCERT QUESTION)

Ans – An increase in population paired with declining area of land under cultivation could lead to serious food grain shortages. This would result in an increase in the imports of food grains, which would cause the economy to reel under huge debts.

Related – Class 10 Geography MCQs

Assertion-reason based questions:

Q1 Assertion (A): India’s primary activity is Agriculture.

Reason (R): Two-thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Agriculture is a primary activity, which produces most of the food that we consume. Two-thirds of India’s population is involved in agricultural activities and earns livelihood through it.

Q2 Assertion (A): Agriculture is not an old economic activity.

Reason (R): Farming varies from subsistence to commercial type.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans d. If both A and R are false.

Cultivation methods have changed significantly depending upon the characteristics of physical, environmental and technological methods. Agriculture is definitely an old economic activity in India. Thus, both reason and assertion are false.

Q3 Assertion (A): Plantation has an interface of agriculture and industry.

Reason (R): Plantation is a type of commercial farming, a single crop is grown on a large area.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

The plantation has an interface of agriculture and industry. Plantations cover large tracts of land, using capital intensive inputs, with the help of migrant laborers. All the produce is used as raw material in respective industries.

Q4 Assertion (A): Biochemical inputs and irrigation are used for obtaining higher production.

Reason (R): Doses of biochemical input are used to grow crops rapidly.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

High doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation are used for obtaining higher production to meet the growing demands of the people. The farmers continue to take maximum output from the limited land.

Q5 Assertion (A): Crops are grown depending upon the variations in soil, climate and cultivation practices.

Reason (R): Crops are also grown according to availability of water.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Variety of food and non food crops are grown in different parts of the country depending upon the variations in soil, climate and cultivation practices. Major crops grown in India are rice, wheat, millets, pulies, tea, coffee, sugarcane, oil seeds, cotton and jute, etc

Q6 Assertion (A): Staple food crop in India is rice and requires less rain.

Reason (R): Our country is the fourth largest producer of rice in the world.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans c. A is true but R is false.

It is the staple food crop of a majority of the people in India. Our country is the second largest producer of rice in the world after China. Cultivation of rice requires annual rainfall above 100 cm. In the areas of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation.

Q7 Assertion (A): Pulses are not considered as a major source of protein in a vegetarian diet.

Reason (R): Rice is a rabi crop and requires a lot of rain to grow.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans d. If both A and R are false.

Rice is a kharif crop and requires about 100 cm of rainfall. However India is the largest producer as well as the consumer of pulses in the world. These are the major sources of protein in a vegetarian diet.

Q8 Assertion (A): Tea cultivation, is a labour-intensive industry.

Reason (R): Cultivation can be done throughout the year .Tea bushes require warm and moist frost- free climate.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

The tea plant grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates endowed with deep and fertile well- drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter. It is consumed on a large basis in India being an important beverage crop.

Q9 Assertion (A): Organic farming is much in vogue.

Reason (R): In organic farming, crops are grown using high doses to increase production.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans c. A is true but R is false.

Organic farming is much in vogue today because it is practiced without factory made chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Hence, it does not affect the environment and human beings in a negative manner.

Q10 Assertion (A): India’s primary activity is agriculture.

Reason (R): Two-thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities.

Options:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true but R is false.
If both A and R are false.

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Agriculture is a primary activity, which produces most of the food that we consume. Two-thirds of India’s population is involved in agricultural activities and earns livelihood through it.

Fill in the blanks in the following:

Q1 India has three cropping seasons: ___________, ___________ and ___________.

Ans rabi, kharif, zaid

Q2 Agriculture provides livelihood to more than 63 percent of India’s ____________.

Ans population

Q3 Millets are also called ____________.

Ans Coarse grains

Q4 The three types of tea are _________, __________, ____________.

Ans Green, black, oolong

Q5 ___________ is a name given to ‘slash and burn’ agriculture in North-Eastern States of India.

Ans Jhumming

Q6 Important crops like paddy, maize, jowar, bajra etc are grown during __________ season.

Ans Monsoon

Q7 Aus, aman and boro are types of ___________ crop.

Ans Paddy

Q8 Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops are the types of ____________.

Ans Zaid crop

Q9 Green Revolution has helped _________ industry to expand in different parts of India. (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2020-21)

Ans Fertiliser

Q10 _____________ was declared as spiritual heir of Gandhiji.

Ans Vinoba Bhave

Agriculture – 2 Mark Questions

Q1 Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.

Ans 1. Rice is a Kharif crop which is grown in the north and north eastern plains, coastal areas and deltaic regions of India.

It needs high temperatures (above 25°C) and high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm. It grows with the help of irrigation via canals and tube wells in the areas with less rainfall.

Q2 What is primitive subsistence farming?

Ans 1. It is practiced on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools.

This type of farming depends upon the monsoons and natural fertility of the soil. It is also called ‘slash and burn’ agriculture.

Q3 How is commercial farming practiced in India?

What is the main characteristic of commercial farming?

Ans 1.The main characteristic of this type of farming is the production of a commercial crop.

In this type of farming, High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, etc. are used to obtain higher productivity. The degree of commercialisation varies from one region to another.

Q4 Which oilseeds are grown in India and what are the uses?

Ans 1. India is the largest producer of oilseeds in the world. Different types of oilseeds are grown in India. Main oilseeds produced in India are groundnut, mustard, coconut, sesame, soyabean, castor seeds, cotton seeds, linseed and sunflower.

Most of these are edible and used as a cooking medium. However some of these are also used as raw material in the production of soap, cosmetics and ointments.

Q5 Why is there enormous pressure on land in intensive subsistence farming?

Ans 1. Right of inheritance leading to the division of land among successive generations has rendered land holding size uneconomical.

The farmers continue to take maximum output from the limited land, in the absence of alternative sources of livelihood. Thus, there is an enormous pressure on agricultural land.

Q6 Complete the following table with correct information with regard to the cultivation of rice: (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2019-20)

Annual rainfall required	Cropping season	Temperature required for its growth (in degrees)
100 cm	A – ?	B – ?

Ans

A Kharif Cropping Season

B 16°C – 27°C

Agriculture – 3 Mark Questions

Q1 Suggest the initiative taken by the government to ensure the increase in agriculture production. (NCERT QUESTION)

Ans Some of the initiatives taken by the government to ensure the increase in agriculture production are:

The Green and White revolution which aimed at improving Indian agriculture productivity.
To ensure an increase in agriculture production, the government prioritised collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of the zamindari system.
Land reform was the main focus of the First Five Year Plans.
There were other benefits introduced for the farmers like Minimum support Price Policy, Grameen Banks Kissan Credit Card
Personal Accident Insurance Scheme
Special weather bulletins
Agricultural programmes Like Krishi Darshan’ on national television.

Q2 Describe the impact of globalisation on Indian agriculture. (NCERT QUESTION)

Ans 1. The impact of globalisation in India could be traced back to colonial times. There were two main important export items from India – raw cotton and spices.

2.There was a revolt in 1917 by the Indian farmers in Champaran as they were forced to grow indigo in place of food grains in order to supply ‘dye’ to Britain’s flourishing textile industry. Hence, globalisation has had its blessings and curses for Indian agriculture.

Though the situation changed for the Indian farmers post liberalisation, they faced new challenges in the form of competition from highly subsidised agriculture of developed nations.

Q3 What is ‘slash and burn’ agriculture?

Ans 1. In this agriculture, farmers clear a patch of land and produce cereals and other crops to sustain their families.

When the soil fertility decreases, the farmers shift and clear a fresh patch of land for cultivation.
This type of shifting allows nature to replenish the fertility of the soil through natural processes.

Land productivity in this type of agriculture is low, as the farmers do not use fertilisers or any modern inputs.

Q4 Describe the three cropping seasons of India.

Ans 1. Rabi season:

(a) Crops sown in winters and harvested in summers.

(b) Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard.

Kharif season:

(a) Crops grown with the onset of monsoons and harvested in September or October.

(b) Important Kharif growing states are: Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra.

(c) Crops grown during this season are: rice, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut and soybean.

Zaid season:

(a) It falls in between the rabi and kharif seasons.

(b) It is a short season during the summer months.

Q5 Which important millets are grown in India? Give a brief description about them.

Ans Jowar, Bajra and Ragi are three important millets.

Ragi: Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, and other micro nutrients and roughage. It is a crop of dry regions and grows well on red, black, sandy, loamy and shallow black soils. Karnataka is the largest producer followed by Tamil Nadu.
Jowar: It is a rain fed crop mostly grown in the moist areas which hardly needs irrigation. Maharashtra is the largest producer followed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Bajra: It grows well on sandy soils and shallow black soil. Rajasthan is the largest producer of bajra followed by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.

Q6 What do you know about rubber plantation in India?

Ans 1. Rubber is an equational crop but 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 25°C.
It is grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Garo hills of Meghalaya. India ranks fifth among the world’s largest natural rubber producers.

Q7 What climatic conditions are required for growing cotton?

Ans 1. Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan Plateau.

It requires high temperatures, light rainfall or irrigation.
It also requires 210 frost free days and bright sunshine for its growth. It’s a Kharif crop and requires 6 to 8 months to mature.

Q8 Write any three changes in Indian agriculture after the Green Revolution.

Ans 1. HYV seeds are used for better output of some major crops like wheat and rice.

For irrigation, canals are laid to provide water to all water scarce states.
Use of fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides has enhanced the production of various crops.

Q9 Differentiate between commercial farming and plantation farming.

Ans

Commercial farming	Plantation farming
1. In this type of farming, crops are grown only for commercial purposes.	1. In this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area.
2. Farmers make use of higher doses of modern inputs, HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides, etc.	2. Labour is employed to work in large tracts of land, using capital intensive devices.
3. Eg: Rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab.	3. Eg: Tea Gardens produce tea, and coffee plantations produce coffee.

Q10 What do you understand by ‘Bhoodan’ and ‘Gramdan’?

Ans 1. Some poor landless villagers demanded some land for their economic well-being. Vinoba Bhave could not assure but promised to talk to the government regarding that.

Suddenly Shri Ram Chandra Reddy, stood up and offered 80 acres of land to be distributed among 80 landless villagers. This act was known as ‘Bhoodan’.
Similarly, some zamindars, owners of many villages, offered to distribute some villages among the landless. It was known as “Gramdan’. This Gramdan & Bhoodan movement was initiated by Vinoba Bhave. It is also known as the ‘Bloodless Revolution”.

Q11 Is India an agrarian country?

Ans Yes, India is an agrarian country.

Two-thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities.
Agriculture is a primary activity, which produces most of the food that we consume.
Besides foodgrains, it also produces raw material for various industries. Moreover, some agricultural products like tea, coffee, spices, etc. are also exported.

Q12 What type of climate is required for the production of sugarcane? What are the by-products of sugarcane?

Ans 1. It is a tropical as well as a sub-tropical crop.

It grows well in hot and humid climates.
It requires a temperature between 21°C to 27°C and an annual rainfall between 75 and 100 cm.
Irrigation is required in regions receiving low rainfall.

By-products:

It is the main source of sugar, gur (jaggery), khandsari and molasses.

Q13 Give the characteristics of a crop used both as food and fodder.

Ans 1. It is maize, which is a Kharif crop.

It requires a temperature between 21°C to 27°C and grows well in old alluvial soil. Use of modern inputs such as HYV seeds, and irrigation have contributed to the increasing production of maize.
Major maize producing states are: Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Q14 Give main characteristics of intensive subsistence farming.

Ans 1. This type of farming is practised in areas of high population pressure on land.

It is labour-intensive farming where high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation are used for obtaining higher production. This type of farming is practiced in the states of U.P., Haryana, Bihar, etc.
Though the right of inheritance leading to the division of land among successive generations has rendered landholding size uneconomical, the farmers continue to take maximum output from the limited land in the absence of alternative source of livelihood.

Q15 How did the partition of the country in 1947 affect the jute industry?

Ans 1. India is the largest producer of raw jute and jute goods and stands at second place as an exporter after Bangladesh.The first jute mill was set up near Kolkata in 1859 at Rishra.

After partition in 1947, the jute mills remained in India but three-fourth of the jute producing areas went to Bangladesh.
So due to partition, India had to start the production of jute and Bangladesh for the jute goods.

Q16 Explain any three features of Indian agriculture.

Ans 1. Two-thirds of India’s population is engaged in agricultural activities.

Agriculture is a primary activity, which produces most of the food that is consumed. It also produces raw material for various industries.
Some agricultural products like tea, coffee, spices, etc., are also exported to earn foreign exchange.

Q17 “Agriculture is the mainstay of the Indian economy.” Explain this statement.

Ans 1. Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy.

Agricultural share in providing employment and livelihood to the population continues to be as high as 63 per cent (2001).
Government is providing facilities like irrigation, power, rural roads, market and mechanisation subsidies on fertilisers. Reduction of import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental to agriculture in the country.

Agriculture – 4 Mark Questions

Q1 Read the given extract and answer following questions:

Globalisation is not a new phenomenon. It was there at the time of colonisation. In the nineteenth century when European traders came to India, at that time too, Indian spices were exported to different countries of the world and farmers of south India were encouraged to grow these crops. Till today it is one of the important items of export from India. During the British period cotton belts of India attracted the British and ultimately cotton was exported to Britain as a raw material for their textile industries. Cotton textile industry in Manchester and Liverpool flourished due to the availability of good quality cotton from India. You have read about the Champaran movement which started in 1917 in Bihar. This was started because farmers of that region were forced to grow indigo on their land because it was necessary for the textile industries which were located in Britain. They were unable to grow foodgrains to sustain their families. Under globalisation, particularly after 1990, the farmers in India have been exposed to new challenges. Despite being an important producer of rice, cotton, rubber, tea, coffee, jute and spices our agricultural products are not able to compete with the developed countries because of the highly subsidised agriculture in those countries. Today, Indian agriculture finds itself at the crossroads. To make agriculture successful and profitable, proper thrust should be given to the improvement of the condition of marginal and small farmers. The green revolution promised much. But today it’s under controversy. It is being alleged that it has caused land degradation due to overuse of chemicals, drying aquifers and vanishing biodiversity. The keyword today is “gene revolution”, which includes genetic engineering.

What do you understand by ‘gene revolution’?

A white revolution

B green revolution

C genetic engineering

D all the above

Ans C genetic engineering

What was grown in Champaran?

A Indigo

B Cotton

C Jute

D all the above

Ans B Cotton

In the 19th century which concept was not new?

A liberalisation

B Democracy

C Globalisation

D None of the above

Ans A liberalisation

Cotton textile industry in and Liverpool flourished due to the availability of good quality cotton from

A Boston

B Manchester

C California

D New York

Ans B Manchester

Q2 Read the given extract and answer following questions:

The main characteristic of this type of farming is the use of higher doses of modern inputs, e.g. high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides in order to obtain higher productivity. The degree of commercialisation of agriculture varies from one region to another. For example, rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but in Odisha, it is a subsistence crop. Plantation is also a type of commercial farming. In this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area. The plantation has an interface of agriculture and industry. Plantations cover large tracts of land, using capital intensive inputs, with the help of migrant labourers. All the produce is used as raw material in respective industries. In India, tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, banana, etc., are important plantation crops. Tea in Assam and North Bengal coffee in Karnataka are some of the important plantation crops grown in these states. Since the production is mainly for market, a well developed network of transport and communication connecting the plantation areas, processing industries and markets plays an important role in the development of plantations.

Which one of the following is the example of plantation agriculture?

A Jute

B Wheat

C Tea

D Oilseeds

Ans C Tea

Which 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

Ans B Plantation agriculture

Which of the following crops is the main source of jaggery, khandsari and molasses?

A Arhar

B Coconut

C Linseed

D Sugarcane

Ans D Sugarcane

Which one of the following crops is a beverage crop?

A Tea

B Cotton

C Wheat

D Bajra

Ans A Tea

Q3 Read the given extract and answer following questions:

You have studied the physical diversities and plurality of cultures in India. These are also reflected in agricultural practices and cropping patterns in the country. Various types of food and fibre crops, vegetables and fruits, spices and condiments, etc. constitute some of the important crops grown in the country. India has three cropping seasons – rabi, kharif and zaid. Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to June. Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard. Though these crops are grown in large parts of India, states from the north and north-western parts such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are important for the production of wheat and other rabi crops. Availability of precipitation during winter months due to the western temperate cyclones helps in the success of these crops. However, the success of the green revolution in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan has also been an important factor in the growth of the above-mentioned rabi crops. Kharif crops are grown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country and these are harvested in September-October. Important crops grown during this season are paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut and soyabean. Some of the most important rice growing regions are Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, particularly the (Konkan coast) along with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Recently, paddy has also become an important crop of Punjab and Haryana. In states like Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, three crops of paddy are grown in between the rabi and the kharif seasons; there is a short season during the summer months known as the Zaid season. Some of the crops produced during ‘zaid’ are watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops. Sugarcane takes almost a year to grow.

Rabi crops are:

A sown in winter and harvested in summer

B sown during rainy season and harvested in winter

C sown in summer and harvested in winter

D None of the above

Ans A sown in winter and harvested in summer

Match the following:

1. Kharif	a. Watermelon
2. Rabi	b. Aus
3. Zaid	c. Millet
4. Paddy crop	d. Oilseeds

A 1-(d), 2-(c), 3-(b), 4-(c)

B 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(d), 4-(a)

C 1-(c), 2-(d), 3-(a), 4-(b)

D 1-(c), 2-(a), 3-(b), 4-(d)

Ans B 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(d), 4-(a)

Which of the following crops is produced during the zaid cropping season?

A sugarcane

B muskmelon

C groundnut

D moong

Ans B muskmelon

Which of the following is a kharif crop?

A Barley

B Peas

C Bajra

D Mustard

Ans C Bajra

Q4 Read the given extract and answer following questions:

Agriculture has been practised in India for thousands of years. Sustained uses of land without compatible techno-institutional changes have hindered the pace of agricultural development. Inspite of development of sources of irrigation most of the farmers in large parts of the country still depend upon monsoon and natural fertility in order to carry on their agriculture. For a growing population, this poses a serious challenge. Agriculture which provides livelihood for more than 60 per cent of its population, needs some serious technical and institutional reforms. Thus, 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 ‘right of inheritance’ had already led to fragmentation of land holdings necessitating consolidation of holdings.

What do you understand by the term ‘collectivisation’?

A Combining land of various farmers and then performing the agricultural activities on collective basis

B Combining land of various farmers and then performing the agricultural activities on individual basis

C Comparing land of various farmers and then performing the agricultural activities on pocket basis

D None of the above

Ans A Combining land of various farmers and then performing the agricultural activities on collective basis

Which of the following is the most important occupation of the people of India?

A Food gathering

B Agriculture

C Manufacturing

D Services

Ans B Agriculture

What was the main objective of the First Five Year Plan?

A Land forms

B Land degradation

C Land reforms

D All the above

Ans C Land reforms

In spite of the development of irrigation, farmers still depend on ___________.

A artificial water resources

B monsoon

C wells

D none of the above

Ans B monsoon

Agriculture 5 Mark Questions

Q1 Distinguish between primitive subsistence farming and intensive subsistence farming.

Ans

Primitive Subsistence	Intensive Subsistence
1. It is practiced on small patches of land.	1. It is practiced on bigger land holdings.
2. Primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks, and family community labour are used.	2. Modern inputs like HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides, etc., to obtain higher productivity are used.
3. In this type of farming, farmers depend on the monsoons and natural fertility of the soil.	3. In intensive subsistence, irrigation facilities like tubewells and canal irrigation is used.
4. Land productivity in this type of agriculture is low.	4. Land productivity is high as it is meant for commercial purposes.

Q2 What type of farming is called plantation farming? Which factors are needed to promote them in India?

Ans 1. Plantation is a type of commercial farming. In this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area.

The plantation also includes the processing of that crop in the nearby industries.
Plantations cover large tracts of land using capital intensive inputs, with the help of migrant labourers.
All the produce is used as raw material in respective industries. In India, tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, banana, etc. are important plantation crops.
Since the production is mainly for market, a well developed network of transport and communication connecting the plantation areas, processing industries and markets play an important role in the development of plantations.

Q3 What geographical conditions are needed for the second most important cereal crop of India? Name some regions where it is grown.

Ans 1. Wheat is the second most important cereal crop of India.

It is the main food crop in north and north-western parts of the country.
This rabi crop requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening.
It requires 50 to 75 cms of annual rainfall evenly distributed over the growing season. There are two important wheat-growing zones in the country:

(a) The Ganga-Satluj plains in the north-west.

(b) The black soil region of the Deccan.

The major wheat producing states are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Q4 How can you say that ‘India is the largest producer as well as the consumer of pulses in the world’?

Ans 1. India is the largest producer as well as consumer of pulses in the world.

Since pulses are the major source of protein in a vegetarian diet, these are used by most of the Indian population.
They need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions.
Being a leguminous crop, all these crops except arhar, help in restoring soil fertility. Therefore, these are mostly grown in rotation with other crops.
Major pulses grown in India are-tuvar, urad, moong, masur, peas and gram.

Q5 Give some main characteristics of the coffee crop.

Ans 1. India produces about 4 percent of the world’s coffee production.

Indian coffee is known the world for its good quality.
The Arabica variety, initially brought from Yemen, is produced in the country.
Initially, its cultivation was introduced on the Baba Budan Hills in Karnataka and even today its cultivation is confined to Nilgiri in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Indian coffee varieties are in great demand all over the world.

Q6 What does ‘Horticulture’ mean? Which crops are grown under horticulture in India?

Ans Horticulture is the practice of production of both fruit and vegetable crops. India is a producer of tropical as well as temperate fruits. Some of the major crops are:

Mangoes: Many varieties of mangoes lie Safeda, Dussehri, Langda, Sindoori, etc. are grown in Maharashtra, U.P., Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
Oranges: Nagpur and Cherrapunjee are famous for orange varieties of India.
Bananas of various qualities are grown in Kerala, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Litchi and Guava are famous in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar.
Pineapples in Meghalaya and Grapes are grown in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Apples, pears, apricots and walnuts are mainly temperate fruits and are grown in J&K and Himachal Pradesh and are in great demand all over the world.
Vegetables: India produces about 13 percent of the world’s vegetables. It is an important producer of peas, cauliflower, onion, cabbage, tomato, brinjal and potatoes. There is a potato institute in Shimla where study is made on various qualities of potatoes grown in India.

Q7 Which crop is known as a ‘golden fibre’? Explain any two geographical conditions essential for the cultivations of this crop. Mention its four uses.

Ans 1. Jute is known as ‘golden fibre’.

It grows well on well-drained fertile soils in the flood plains where soils are renewed every year.
West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Meghalaya are the major jute producing states of India. 4. It is used in making gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets and other artifacts.
Due to its high cost, it is losing market to synthetic fibres and packing material, particularly nylon.

Q8 Explain four technological reform initiatives taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production.

Ans Technological reforms:

Green Revolution in agriculture and White Revolution in milk were introduced.
Tractors, harvesters, threshers and tubewells, etc., and technological devices were introduced.
For better production, fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides were also produced.
The government also announced the minimum support price, which checks the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen.

Q9 Why do we need to have technical and institutional reforms in India?

Ans 1. Agriculture has been practiced in India for thousands of years.

Sustained uses of land without compatible techno-institutional changes have hindered the pace of agricultural development.
In spite of the development of sources of irrigation, most of the farmers in large parts of the country still depend upon monsoon and natural fertility in order to carry on their agriculture.
For a growing population, this poses a serious challenge.
Agriculture which provides livelihood for more than 60 per cent of its population, needs some serious technical and institutional reforms.

Q10 Suggest the initiatives taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production.

Ans 1. The right of inheritance has led to fragmentation of landholdings. Therefore, collectivisation, consolidation of landholdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari, etc. were given priority to bring about institutional reforms in the country after independence.

The Green Revolution based on the use of package technology and White Revolution were initiated to improve Indian agriculture.
Land development programme was initiated, which included provision for crop insurance against famine, flood, cyclone, fire and disease, establishment of Grameen banks, cooperative societies, etc.
Kissan credit cards, Personal Accident Insurance schemes were introduced for the benefit of farmers.
Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers are run on the radio and television.
To check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen, the government announces minimum support price, remunerative and procurement prices for important crops.

Q11 Establish the difference between Commercial farming and Subsistence farming with the help of a suitable example. (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2018-19)

Ans In commercial farming, there are proper irrigation facilities. Commercial farming is not dependent much on manpower or animal power. Commercial farming is mainly practiced in developed countries. Commercial farming is cultivated for profits, whereas subsistence farming is for the consumption of the farmer and his/her family. Subsistence farming is generally dependent upon the monsoon. Subsistence farming is more dependent on animals and man power. Subsistence farming is mainly practiced in less developed or developing countries. Difference between Intensive subsistence farming and commercial farming:

Commercial Farming	Intensive Subsistence Farming
1. Implemented in areas where there is comparatively lesser pressure on land	1. Implemented in areas where there is comparatively more pressure on land
2. Single cropping pattern	2. Many cropping patterns
3. Use of huge machines to perform cultivation	3. Use of labour to perform cultivation
4. Use of heavy machinery supported by the big landholdings with large plantations	4. Smaller land holdings
5. Requires large investment of capital	5. Requires lesser investment of capital
6. Production is carried out for commercial purposes	6. Production is carried out to meet food demands, extra is sold in the market