Table of Contents

A. Tick (✔) the correct option.

1. Millets are also known as—
(a) fine grains
(b) multigrains
(c) artificial grains
(d) coarse grains ✔

2. Tea is a—
(a) cereal crop
(b) fibre crop
(c) fruit crop
(d) beverage crop ✔

3. Who amongst the following are the nomadic herders of the Himalayan area?
(a) Bhotiya ✔
(b) Munda
(c) Siddi
(d) Jarawas

4. Slash and burn practice of agriculture is also known as—
(a) plantation agriculture
(b) intensive subsistence agriculture
(c) shifting agriculture ✔
(d) extensive agriculture

5. The type of commercial agriculture, which is practised on a large estate for growing of a single crop continuously for several years, is known as—
(a) livestock ranching
(b) extensive agriculture
(c) plantation agriculture ✔
(d) organic farming

B. Fill in the blanks.

Wheat is grown in the mid-latitudinal and dry sub-tropical regions.
Cotton, jute and natural silk are natural fibres.
Coffee plant needs warm and wet climate.
Deltas, river valleys, coastal plains with rainfall above 100 cm are ideal for the cultivation of rice.
When animals are reared along with the cultivation of land, it is known as mixed farming.

C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.

The science and art of raising crops, rearing of livestock, forestry and fishing — Agriculture
A type of agricultural system in which a farmer and his family grow crop for self-sustenance — Subsistence agriculture
Agriculture practised on a very large scale for crop specialisation — Commercial agriculture
The commercial grazing of farm animals in temperate grasslands to obtain meat, wool, hides, skins and some dairy products — Livestock ranching
People who migrate along with their animals from one place to another in search of fodder — Nomads / Nomadic herders

D. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. When and how did agriculture start along the river valleys? What is the wider definition of agriculture now?
Agriculture started thousands of years ago near river valleys like the Nile, Indus and Tigris-Euphrates because fertile soil and water were easily available. Early humans began growing crops and domesticating animals.
Today, agriculture includes not only crop cultivation but also livestock rearing, fishing and forestry.

2. Highlight the importance of agriculture for people around the world.
Agriculture provides food, raw materials for industries, employment to a large population and supports the economy of many countries. It also ensures food security.

3. Describe any three new techniques used in agriculture to increase production of crops.

Use of HYV (High Yielding Variety) seeds
Use of fertilizers and pesticides
Mechanisation like tractors and harvesters

4. What type of soil, temperature and rainfall is required for the cultivation of wheat and rice?

Wheat: Well-drained loamy soil, cool climate, moderate rainfall (50–75 cm)
Rice: Clayey soil, high temperature, heavy rainfall (100 cm or more)

5. What is meant by nomadic herding? Which are the most important regions for nomadic herding?
Nomadic herding is the practice of moving with livestock from place to place in search of pasture.
Important regions include Central Asia, parts of Africa, and the Arctic region.

E. Answer the following questions.

1. What are the major differences between the farm agriculture of USA and India?

The farm agriculture of the USA and India differs in several important ways:

(i) Size of Farms
In the USA, farms are very large, often spread over hundreds of hectares. In India, farms are generally small and fragmented due to population pressure and inheritance laws.

(ii) Type of Farming
The USA practices commercial agriculture, where crops are grown mainly for sale in markets. In India, subsistence agriculture is more common, where farmers grow crops for their own consumption, although commercial farming is increasing.

(iii) Use of Technology
Farming in the USA is highly mechanised with machines like tractors, harvesters and irrigation systems. In India, farming is still largely dependent on manual labour, although mechanisation is gradually increasing.

(iv) Labour
The USA uses less labour due to mechanisation, while India depends heavily on human labour.

(v) Productivity
Due to advanced technology, better seeds and scientific methods, productivity per farmer is higher in the USA compared to India.

2. Describe any five advantages of using biotechnology for agricultural development.

Biotechnology has greatly improved agriculture in the following ways:

(i) Higher Yield
Genetically improved seeds produce more crops, increasing overall agricultural production.

(ii) Pest Resistance
Biotechnology helps develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, reducing crop loss.

(iii) Reduced Use of Chemicals
Since crops become pest-resistant, the need for chemical pesticides decreases, making farming more eco-friendly.

(iv) Improved Quality
Biotechnology improves the nutritional value and quality of crops, making them healthier.

(v) Tolerance to Harsh Conditions
Crops can be developed to withstand drought, salinity and extreme weather, which is very useful in regions with poor climate conditions.

3. Explain any three physical factors influencing the agricultural development in an area.

Agricultural development depends on several physical factors:

(i) Climate
Temperature, rainfall and sunlight are crucial. Different crops require different climatic conditions. For example, rice needs high rainfall, while wheat requires moderate rainfall.

(ii) Soil
Soil type and fertility determine crop growth. Alluvial soil is ideal for crops like rice and wheat, while black soil is suitable for cotton.

(iii) Relief (Landform)
Flat plains are suitable for agriculture as they allow easy use of machines, whereas hilly areas are less suitable and often require terrace farming.

4. How is subsistence agriculture different from commercial agriculture? In your opinion, which one is more useful for India?

Difference:

Subsistence Agriculture:
Practised on small farms, mainly for self-consumption, using traditional methods and family labour.
Commercial Agriculture:
Practised on large farms, crops are grown for sale, using modern technology and machinery.

Which is more useful for India?
India traditionally depends on subsistence agriculture, but with growing population and economic needs, commercial agriculture is becoming more useful. However, a combination of both is ideal for ensuring food security and economic development.

5. How do the size of land holdings, labour and capital influence the agricultural development in an area? Explain.

(i) Size of Land Holdings
Large farms allow the use of modern machinery and advanced techniques, leading to higher productivity. Small farms limit mechanisation and reduce efficiency.

(ii) Labour
Availability of labour is important for farming activities like sowing, weeding and harvesting. In countries like India, abundant labour supports agriculture, but lack of skilled labour can reduce efficiency.

(iii) Capital
Capital is needed to buy seeds, fertilizers, irrigation systems and machinery. Farmers with more capital can invest in better technology, resulting in higher yields and improved agricultural development.

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