Geography

Q.4. Mention any four features of primitive subsistence farming?

Ans.

i). Primitive subsistence agriculture is practiced on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks with the help of family/community.
ii). This type of farming depends upon the monsoon, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of other environmental conditions for the crops to be grown.
iii). Under this, farmers produce for self-consumption.
iv). Per hectare availability of land is very low.

Q.5.Mention any three characteristics of the shifting agriculture.

Ans.

i). The patch of land is cleared by cutting and burning the trees.
ii). Farming depends upon monsoons, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of the other environmental conditions.
iii). Per hectare productivity is very low as farmers do not use manure, fertilizers or other modern inputs.

Q.6.What is white revolution?

Ans.Increase in production of milk is known as white revolution. It is also known as operation flood.

Q.7.What is comprehensive land development programme?

Ans.Under comprehensive land development programme, institutional and technical reforms were introduced to increase the agricultural production. Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease, establishment of Grameen banks cooperative societies and banks for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest were some important steps in this direction.

Q.8. Distinguish between rotation of crops and Multiple cropping.

Ans. Rotation of crops

i). Rotation of crops is the process which helps to retain the fertility of the soil. The crops are grown alternatively.
ii). For example: Wheat is grown in one season and sugarcane is grown in other.

Multiple Cropping

i). Raising more than one crop on the same field during the same season is known as multiple cropping.
ii). For example: wheat and mustard.

Q.9.Why is agriculture is called the mainstay of Indian economy?

Or

What is the importance of agriculture in Indian economy?

Ans.

i). Agriculture is the mainstay of Indian economy because 67% of our population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture.
ii). It provides raw materials to the industries.
iii).India earns foreign exchange by exporting agricultural products.
iv). It contributes 29% to the gross domestic product.
v). It provides food to over 1027 million population.

Q.10. “Today Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition.” What are the various factors responsible for this situation?

Ans.

i). The Indian government is going ahead with reduction in the public investment in the agriculture sector particularly in irrigation, power, rural, roads, market and mechanization.
ii). Subsidy on fertilizers is decreased leading to increase in the cost of production.
iii). Reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental to agriculture in the country.
iv). Farmers are withdrawing their investment from agriculture causing a downfall in the employment in agriculture.

Q.11.Discuss some new trends in the Indian agriculture.

Ans.

i). There has been a gradual shift from cultivation of food crops to cultivation of fruits, vegetables, oil seeds, and crops which act as industrial raw materials. This has led to the reduction in the net sown area under cereals, millets and pulses.
ii). The success of the green revolution has mechanized the Indian agriculture.
iii). The farmers are also giving due attention to animal husbandry, and this has led to white revolution.
iv). To supplement their income farmers are also adopting pisciculture and horticulture.