Extra long-answer questions (5-6 points each) from Chapter: Agriculture (Class 10 CBSE Geography).
---
1. What are the major types of farming practiced in India? Explain each.
Answer: The major types of farming in India are:
1. Primitive Subsistence Farming – Small landholdings, traditional tools, and family labor are used.
2. Intensive Subsistence Farming – Uses high labor, fertilizers, and irrigation for higher crop yield.
3. Shifting Agriculture – Land is cleared by burning trees, cultivated temporarily, and then abandoned.
4. Commercial Farming – Crops are grown for sale in the market using modern techniques.
5. Plantation Farming – Single commercial crop like tea, coffee, or rubber is grown on large estates.
---
2. Describe the different cropping seasons in India.
Answer: The major cropping seasons are:
1. Kharif Season (June-September) – Crops like rice, maize, cotton, and jowar are grown during monsoons.
2. Rabi Season (October-March) – Crops like wheat, barley, and mustard are grown in winter.
3. Zaid Season (March-June) – Short-duration crops like watermelon, cucumber, and muskmelon are grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons.
---
3. What are the major problems faced by Indian agriculture?
Answer:
1. Dependence on Monsoons – A large part of Indian farming depends on rainfall.
2. Fragmented Landholdings – Small and scattered land leads to low productivity.
3. Lack of Modern Equipment – Traditional tools lower efficiency.
4. Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers – Leads to soil degradation.
5. Low Income of Farmers – Price fluctuations and debt burden.
6. Poor Irrigation Facilities – Only 50% of the total cultivated land is irrigated.
---
4. What is the Green Revolution? What were its positive and negative impacts?
Answer:
The Green Revolution refers to the introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern techniques in Indian agriculture.
Positive Impacts:
1. Increased food grain production (mainly wheat and rice).
2. Reduced dependency on food imports.
3. Improved irrigation and mechanization.
4. Boosted rural employment.
Negative Impacts:
1. Increased use of chemical fertilizers harmed soil health.
2. Benefits were mainly in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
3. High input costs burdened small farmers.
4. Groundwater depletion due to excessive irrigation.
---
5. Describe the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of rice.
Answer:
1. Temperature – 25-35°C with high humidity.
2. Rainfall – More than 100 cm annual rainfall.
3. Soil – Fertile alluvial soil with good water retention.
4. Topography – Plain areas, river valleys, and deltas are ideal.
5. Irrigation – Necessary in regions with less rainfall like Punjab and Haryana.
6. Major States – West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar.
---
6. Describe the conditions required for wheat cultivation in India.
Answer:
1. Temperature – 10-15°C (sowing), 21-26°C (ripening).
2. Rainfall – 50-75 cm, with irrigation in dry areas.
3. Soil – Well-drained loamy and alluvial soil.
4. Topography – Grown in plain areas of northern India.
5. Irrigation – Needed in low rainfall areas like Punjab and Haryana.
6. Major States – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh.
---
7. Explain the importance of agriculture in India.
Answer:
1. Employment – More than 50% of India's population depends on agriculture.
2. Contribution to GDP – Contributes around 17-18% to India's GDP.
3. Food Security – Provides staple food like rice, wheat, and pulses.
4. Raw Materials – Supplies materials for industries like textiles and sugar.
5. Exports – India exports tea, spices, cotton, and rice.
6. Cultural Importance – Agriculture is a way of life for millions in rural India.
---
8. What is the impact of globalization on Indian agriculture?
Answer:
1. Increased Competition – Indian farmers face competition from international markets.
2. Export Growth – India exports rice, cotton, and spices.
3. Introduction of New Technology – Advanced farming techniques have been adopted.
4. Corporate Farming – Large companies invest in agriculture.
5. Price Fluctuations – Farmers are affected by global price changes.
6. Dependency on Foreign Inputs – High-cost fertilizers and pesticides are imported.
---
9. What are the different types of food crops grown in India?
Answer:
1. Cereals – Rice, wheat, maize, millets.
2. Pulses – Arhar, moong, urad, gram.
3. Oilseeds – Mustard, groundnut, soybean.
4. Beverage Crops – Tea, coffee.
5. Fruits and Vegetables – Mango, banana, tomato, potato.
6. Plantation Crops – Rubber, coconut, jute.
---
10. What are the major jute-producing states in India? Describe its importance.
Answer:
1. States – West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha.
2. Climate – Warm and humid, 25-35°C, rainfall above 100 cm.
3. Soil – Well-drained alluvial soil.
4. Uses – Used in making ropes, bags, mats, textiles.
5. Importance – Provides employment, used in eco-friendly products.
6. Challenges – Competition from synthetic fibers.
---
11. What is mixed farming? State its benefits.
Answer:
1. Growing crops and rearing animals on the same farm.
2. Crops like wheat, maize, and vegetables are grown.
3. Cattle, poultry, and fish farming are done together.
4. Ensures additional income for farmers.
5. Improves soil fertility through organic manure.
6. Reduces the risk of crop failure.
---
12. What is terrace farming? Where is it practiced?
Answer:
1. Farming on hill slopes by making step-like terraces.
2. Prevents soil erosion and retains water.
3. Common in hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
4. Crops like tea, rice, and maize are grown.
5. Helps in utilizing steep lands for agriculture.
6. Supports sustainable farming in mountain regions.
13. Explain the factors influencing agriculture in India.
Answer: Several factors affect agriculture in India:
1. Climate – Temperature, rainfall, and humidity determine crop growth.
2. Soil – Different crops require different types of soil, e.g., alluvial for wheat and black soil for cotton.
3. Irrigation – Availability of water sources like rivers, canals, and wells influences farming.
4. Technology – Use of modern machinery, fertilizers, and HYV seeds increases productivity.
5. Government Policies – Subsidies, Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and loan schemes support farmers.
6. Market Demand – Prices and demand for crops impact the type of farming practiced.
---
14. What are oilseeds? Name some major oilseeds grown in India and their uses.
Answer: Oilseeds are crops grown for extracting edible oils. Major oilseeds in India include:
1. Groundnut – Used for cooking oil, animal feed, and soap-making.
2. Mustard – Used for mustard oil, pickles, and medicinal purposes.
3. Soybean – Used in oil extraction, protein-rich food, and cattle feed.
4. Sunflower – Produces light cooking oil, also used in cosmetics.
5. Coconut – Provides coconut oil, used in cooking, hair care, and soap-making.
6. Sesame – Used for edible oil, sweets, and medicinal purposes.
---
15. What are the major millets grown in India? Why are they important?
Answer: Millets are coarse grains that require less water and are highly nutritious. Major millets in India:
1. Jowar – Grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka; rich in fiber and protein.
2. Bajra – Grown in Rajasthan, Gujarat; drought-resistant and good for diabetics.
3. Ragi – Grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu; rich in calcium and iron.
4. Foxtail Millet – Grown in Andhra Pradesh; used as a rice substitute.
5. Barnyard Millet – Fast-growing and used as animal fodder.
6. Importance: Provide food security, climate resilience, and are gluten-free alternatives to wheat and rice.
---
16. Explain the role of animal husbandry in Indian agriculture.
Answer: Animal husbandry is the practice of breeding and rearing livestock for various purposes. Its role in Indian agriculture:
1. Dairy Farming – Provides milk and dairy products (e.g., Amul, Mother Dairy).
2. Poultry Farming – Production of eggs and chicken meat.
3. Goat and Sheep Rearing – Provides wool, meat, and hides.
4. Fish Farming (Aquaculture) – Major source of protein, employment in coastal states.
5. Organic Manure Production – Cow dung is used for compost and biogas.
6. Employment and Income – Supports rural livelihoods and small farmers.
---
17. What are the major government initiatives to improve agriculture in India?
Answer: The government has launched several schemes and policies to boost agriculture:
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) – Provides direct income support to farmers.
2. Minimum Support Price (MSP) – Ensures farmers get fair prices for crops.
3. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) – Provides easy loans to farmers at low interest rates.
4. Soil Health Card Scheme – Helps farmers understand soil quality and nutrients.
5. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – Provides crop insurance against natural disasters.
6. Irrigation Projects (PMKSY) – Expands irrigation facilities to reduce dependence on monsoons.
