Chapter 4: Agriculture

Geography • Class 10

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate11 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter on Agriculture in Class 10 Geography covers the pivotal role of agriculture in the Indian economy, engaging two-thirds of the country's workforce and providing raw materials for various industries. It explores different types of farming practices including subsistence, commercial, and plantation agriculture, emphasizing the importance of crop variety such as rice, wheat, millets, and pulses. The text also addresses technological and institutional reforms aimed at improving agricultural productivity and the challenges posed by traditional practices and small landholdings.

Key Topics

  • Types of Farming in India
  • Major Crops and Cropping Seasons
  • Technological and Institutional Reforms
  • Crop Production and Climate
  • Challenges in Indian Agriculture
  • Green and White Revolutions
  • Agricultural Marketing
  • Government Policies and Support

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the importance of agriculture in India's economy.
  • Identify different farming practices and their geographical distribution.
  • Explain the impact of climate on crop production.
  • Analyze the technological and institutional reforms in agriculture.
  • Recognize the challenges faced by farmers and the initiatives to overcome them.
  • Evaluate the role of agricultural revolutions in boosting productivity.

Questions in Chapter

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

Answer: Plantation Agriculture

Page 40

Which one of the following is a rabi crop?

Answer: Gram

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Which one of the following is a leguminous crop?

Answer: Pulses

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Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth.

Page 41

Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced.

Page 41

Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.

Page 41

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

Page 41

Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.

Page 41

Additional Practice Questions

How does the climate in India influence the types of crops that can be grown?

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Answer: The climate in India, which ranges from tropical to subtropical, influences the types of crops grown. For instance, rice requires a high temperature and humidity with heavy rainfall, suitable for the tropical climate of regions like West Bengal and Assam. Wheat, however, needs a cooler growing season and thus is predominantly grown in northern states like Punjab and Haryana during the winter season.

What are the benefits of crop rotation in agriculture?

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Answer: Crop rotation offers numerous benefits including the improvement of soil fertility, reduction of soil erosion, and the disruption of pest and weed cycles. Growing different crops in sequential seasons helps maintain the balance of nutrients in the soil and prevents the buildup of diseases.

Explain the significance of the Green Revolution in India.

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Answer: The Green Revolution was significant in India for introducing high-yield variety seeds and modern farming techniques, which led to an increase in food grain production, especially in wheat and rice. It transformed India from a food-deficient country to a self-sufficient food producer and was instrumental in reducing hunger and improving the economy.

What are the main challenges faced by Indian farmers today?

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Answer: Indian farmers face challenges such as small land holdings, dependency on monsoons, lack of irrigation facilities, and inadequate access to technology and market. Additionally, they face financial issues due to fluctuating crop prices and limited credit facilities.

Discuss the role of government in supporting agriculture in India.

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Answer: The government supports agriculture in India through various initiatives like providing minimum support prices, subsidizing fertilizers, offering crop insurance, and enhancing irrigation facilities. Policies aimed at land reform and technological advancements also aim to increase productivity and sustainability in agriculture.