Agriculture Class 10 Extra Questions Geography Chapter 4

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is agriculture
Answer: The art and science of cultivating soil, raising crops and rearing livestock including animal
husbandry and forestry.

2. Name any two-farming system (agriculture type) which are practised in India.
Answer: (a) Primitive subsistence (fa) Commercial farming

3. Name any four agricultural products exported by India.

Answer: (a) Tea
(b) Coffee
(c) Spices
(d) Jute

4. What is primitive subsistence farming [CBSE 2014]

Answer: It is a type of agriculture / farming which is practised on small patches of land with the help
of primitive tools like hoe, doa, digging sticks and family / community labour.

5. What is slash and bum agriculture

Answer: Under slash and bum agriculture, farmers clear a patch of land and produce cereals and
other food crops to sustain their family.

6. Which type of agriculture is practised on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools
Answer: Primitive subsistence farming.

7. What is intensive subsistence farming

Answer: It is a type of farming practised in areas with high density of population using modem inputs

8. Name any two states where commercial farming is practised.

Answer: Punjab and Haryana.

9. Mention any four plantation crops produced in India.

Answer: Tea, coffee, rubber and sugarcane.

10. Mention any two factors which play an important role in the development of plantations.
Answer: (i) Developed network of transport and communication connecting the plantation areas.
(ii) Developed market.

11. Name the cropping seasons of India with examples.

Answer: (i) Rabi – wheat
(ii) Kharif – paddy
(iii) Zaid – watermelon

12. What are rabi crops Give four examples.

Answer: The crops which are grown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer
from April to June. Wheat, barley, peas, gram are some examples of rabi crops.

13. What is the period of kharif crop [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Kharif season starts with the onset of the monsoon i.e., June-July and continues till the
beginning of winter i.e., October-November. For example, rice, millets etc.
14. What are zaid crops
Answer: These are crops which are sown between the rabi and kharif crops. Watermelon,
muskmelon, cucumber and vegetables are some examples of zaid crops.

15. Mention any two important factors responsible for the success of rabi crops.
Answer: (i) Availability of precipitation during winter months due to the western temperate cyclone.
(ii) The success of Green Revolution in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.

16. Name any four states which are the main producers of kharif crops.
Answer: (a) Assam (b) West Bengal (c) Andhra Pradesh (d) Tamil Nadu

17. Name any two kharif crops. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Rice, millet, maize, groundnut, jute, cotton.

18. Name any two states where three crops of paddy are grown in a year.
Answer: Assam and West Bengal.

19. Which is the staple crop of a majority of the people in India.

Answer: Rice.

20. Which country is the largest producer of rice in the world

Answer: China.

21. Mention any two factors which have made it possible to grow rice in areas of less rainfall such as
Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: (i) Development of dense network of canal irrigation.
(ii) Modern inputs like fertilisers, pesticides etc.

22. Which are the two important wheat growing zones in India
Answer: (i) The Ganga-Satluj plains.
(ii) North-west and black soil region of the Deccan. –

23. Name the two most important wheat producing states of India.
Answer: Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

24. Name the important millets of India.

Answer: (a) Jowar (b) Bajra (c) Ragi (d) Maize

25. Which states are the major producers of rice in India

Answer: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

26. Name any four cereal crops of India.

Answer: (a) Wheat (b) Rice (c) Millet (d) Maize

27. Name the state which is the leading producers of the following millets.
(i) Jowar (Ii) Bajra (ili) Ragi
Answer: (i) Jowar – Maharashtra.
(ii) Bajra – Rajasthan.
(iii) Ragi – Kamataka.s

28. What is the importance of millets Mention any two points.

Answer: (i) They have very high nutritional value.
(ii) Maize and bajra is used as fodder.
29. Name a millet which is a rain fed crop, mostly grown in the moist areas. Name the state which is
the leading producer of that crop.
Answer: Jowar. Maharashtra is the largest producer of jowar.

30. Name a millet which is used both as food and fodder.

Answer: Maize.

31. Name the states which are the leading producers of maize.
Answer: Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

32. Which country is the largest producer of pulses in the world

Answer: India.

33. Name the major pulses of India.

Answer: Tur, moong, masur, peas and gram.

34. Why should the production of pulses be increased Give two reasons. [CBSE 2014]
Answer: (i) These are the major sources of protein for most of the people.
(ii) These plants help in restoring the fertility of the soil.

35. Why pulses are grown as rotation crop? Give two reasons.

Answer: (i) Pulses are grown as a rotation crop because these have the capacity to fix atmospheric
nitrogen in the soil into nitrogenous compound. These help to maintain or restore soil fertility.
(ii) These need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions.

36. Name the most important pulses producing states of India.

Answer: (a) M. P (b) U. P (c) Rajasthan (d) Maharashtra

37. Which country is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world

Answer: Brazil.

38. Which are the major sugarcane producing states of India

Answer: U. P, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

39. Name the by products of sugar industry.

Answer: Jaggery, khandsari and molasses.

40. Which country is the largest producer of oilseeds in the world

Answer: India.

41. Name some major oilseeds of India.

Answer: Groundnut, sesamum, rapeseed, mustard and linseed.

42. Which is the most important oilseed of India Name the state which is the largest producer of that
oil seed.
Answer: Groundnut. Andhra Pradesh is the leading producer.

43. Name a pulse crop which is grown both as a kharif and rabi crop.
Answer: Castor.

44. Name an oilseed which is grown as kharif crop in north and rabi crop in south.
Answer: Sesamum.

45. Name any four plantation crops.

Answer: (a) Rubber (b) Tea (c) Coffee (d) Coconut

46. Name any two important beverage crops of India with major producers.
Answer: Tea – Assam; Coffee – Tamil Nadu

47. “High humidity is good for the cultivation of tea.” Why

Answer: High humidity helps in the development of tender leaves.

48. Which are the major tea producing states of India

Answer: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

49. Name a variety of coffee which is produced in India.

Answer: The Arabica variety initially brought from Yemen.

50. What is horticulture

Answer: Intensive cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers is known as horticulture.

51. Name the rubber producing states of India.

Answer: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andaman and Nicobar.

52. Name any four fibre crops of India.

Answer: Cotton, jute, hemp and natural silk are the four major fibre crops of India.

53. What is sericulture [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Rearing of silkworms for the production of silk fibre is known as sericulture.

54. Name a fibre crop which is obtained from cocoons of the silkworm.
Answer: Silk.

55. Name two cotton producing states of India. [CBSE 1999]

Answer: Maharashtra, Gujarat.

56. Which region is ideal for the cultivation of cotton

Answer: Black soil region of Deccan Trap is ideal for the cotton cultivation.

57. Name the states which are the leading producers of cotton.
Answer: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

58. Which fibre is known as the golden fibre

Answer: Jute.

59. Name the chief producer of jute in India.

Answer: West Bengal.

60. What is package technology What was its result

Answer: Under package technology combination or package of many improved methods of

cultivation are adopted simultaneously in order to increase agricultural production. This leads to
‘Green Revolution’.
62. What is White Revolution
Answer: Increase in production of milk is known as white revolution. It is also known as operation
flood.

63. Name two schemes introduced by the Government of India for the benefit of the farmers.
Answer: (i) Kissan Credit Card (KCC) were introduced, (ii) Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS)
was also 64. ‘The decline share of agriculture in the GDP is a matter of serious concern’. Give reason.
Answer: Because any decline and stagnation in agriculture will lead to a decline in other spheres of
the economy having wider implications for the society.

65. What is Gross Cultivated Area

Answer: The net sown area and the land cultivated more than once, together make gross cultivated
area.

66. Name any two dry crops

Answer: Jawar, bajra.

67. What is dry land farming

Answer: It is a type of farming which is practised in scanty rainfall areas and where irrigation facilities
are inadequate, e.g., cultivation of jowar and bajra.

68. What is wet land farming

Answer: It is a type of farming which is practised in high rainfall and irrigated areas, e.g., cultivation
of rice and sugarcane.

69. What is net sown area

Answer: The land cultivated in a year is known as net sown area.

70. Name two natural fibres except cotton. [CBSE 1994]

Answer: Jute and flax.

71. Name any four crops which are cultivated under shifting agriculture.
Answer: (a) Maize (b) Millet (c) Vegetables (d) Dry paddy

72. Why shifting agriculture is discouraged

Answer: (i) It leads to deforestation.
(ii) The per hectare yield is very low.

73. Which states are the major producers of jute in India

Answer: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Meghalya.

74. Name any three cash crops.

Answer: Rubber, tobacco and cotton.

75. How has climate made our land more valuable from the agricultural point of view Give two
points.
Answer: (i) Due to wide climatic variations, all kinds of crops can be grown.

76. List two characteristics of Green Revolution.

Answer: (i) Increase in production of wheat and rice, (ii) Use of high yielding varieties of wheat and
rice.
77. ‘Diversification of agriculture can be helpful for the Indian farmers.’ Explain.
Answer: (i) Most of the traditional crops like wheat and rice have very low market value as compare
to fruits, medicinal herbs, flowers etc.
(ii) India’s diverse climate can be harnessed to grow a wide range of high value crops.
Marks each
(iii) This type of shifting allows nature to replenish the fertility of the soil through natural processes;
land productivity in this 2. Mention any three features of slash, and burn agriculture.

Answer: (i) Farmers clear a patch of land and produce cereals and other food crops to sustain their
family.
(ii) When the soil fertility decreases, the farmers shift and clear a fresh patch of land for cultivation.
(ii) India has tropical climate with ample sunshine. So, we have a long growing season.

3. Diversification of agriculture can be helpful for the Indian farmers. Explain.

Answer: (i) Most of the traditional crops like wheat and rice have very low market value as compare
to fruits, medicinal herbs, flowers etc.
(ii) India’s diverse climate can be harnessed to grow a wide range of high value crops.
Marks each
(iii) 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 farmer does not use fertilisers or other
modem inputs.

4. What is commercial farming Mention its major features. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Commercial farming is a type of farming under which farmers grow crops to sell in the
market. Features:-
(i) Farmers use higher doses of modern inputs, e.g., high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical
fertilisers, insecticides etc.
(ii) The per hectare productivity is very high.
(iii) Rice, sugarcane, tea, coffee are the major crops which are grown under this. i) What are rabi
crops’ Give four examples.
Or
Mention growing and harvesting periods of rabi crops. [CBSE 2008]
(ii) Mention any two important factors responsible for the success of the rabi crops.
Answer: (i) The crops which are grown in winter from October to December and harvested in
summer from April to June are known as rabi crop. *
Examples : Wheat, Barley, Peas and Gram, (ii) (a) Availability of precipitation during the winter
months due to the western temperate cyclone.
(b) The success of Green Revolution in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. Give any three
features of zaid crops. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: (i) The crops which are grown in between rabi and the kharif crops are known as zaid crops.
(ii) These crops are of short duration.
(iii) Watermelon, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops are most important examples of zaid crops.

10. Mention any four features of the primitive subsistence farming. [CBSE Comp. (O) 2008, 14]
Answer: (i) Primitive subsistence agriculture is practised on small patches of land with the help of
primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks with the help of family/community labour.
(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. Name the two most important food crops of India.
Name any states where they are produced. [CBSE 2013]
Answer: (i) The most important food crops of India are rice and wheat.
(ii) Major areas where rice is grown are : Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh.
(iii) Major areas where wheat is grown are : Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

15. Explain any two geographical conditions required for the cultivation of pulses. Name any two
important pulses producing states. [CBSE 2013]
Answer: Geographical conditions required for the cultivation of pulses :
(i) Pulses need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions.
(ii) Temperature is required from 25°C to 30°C.
(iii) Pulses grow well in the areas of 50-75 cm rainfall.
(iv) These can be grown on all types of soil but dry light soil is the best suited.
(v) Pulses are leguminous crops which help in restoring soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air.
Thus, pulses are mostly grown in rotation with other crops.
Major pulses producing states are : Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Maharashtra Karnataka. Name two
important beverage crops grown in India. Who introduced these crops to the country What type of
agriculture is followed for their cultivation [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) Tea and coffee are the two important beverage crops grown in India.
(ii) Tea was initially introduced by the British in India. The Arabica variety of coffee initially brought
from Yemen is produced in the country.
(iii) Plantation agriculture is followed for their cultivation.

18. What is agricultural term used for cultivation of fruits and vegetables Mention its three features
with reference to India. [CBSE 2014]
Answer: Horticulture Features :
(i) India is one of the major producer of fruits and vegetables in the world.
(ii) It is a producer of tropical as well as temperate fruits.
(iii) India produces about 13% of the world’s vegetable. Write two differences between intensive and
extensive farming. [CBS£ 2014]
Answer:
Extensive Agriculture Intensive Agriculture
It is practised in areas with low population density, where the labour is scarce. It is practised in
areas with high population density.
The size of and land holdings are large. The size of land holdings is small but the cultivation is
intense.
Due to large land holdings and scarcity of labourers, most of the work is generally done by machines.
Though, cultivation is done on the scientific lines, much of the work is labour intensive.
This type of cultivation is practised in Russia. This kind of farming is practised in the Mediterran
What is primitive (subsistence) farming Write any four features of subsistence farming. [CBSE Comp.
(O) 2008]
Or
Why is subsistence agriculture still practised in certain parts of the country Give four reasons. [CBSE
Sept. 2010]
Answer: A farming in which the main production is consumed by the farmer’s household is known as
subsistence farming.
Features :
(i) Old technology and traditional implements are used.
(ii) Agricultural fields are small and farmers possess scattered land holdings.
(iii) Most of the farmers are poor, and do not use fertilisers and HYV seeds.
(iv) The overall productivity is very low. * What is intensive farming Write some features of intensive
farming. [CBSE Sept. 2013]
Or
Why is there enormous pressure on land in Intensive Subsistence Farming [CBSE 2013]
Answer: Intensive farming : It is a type of farming in which the agricultural production is increased by
using scientific methods and better agricultural inputs.
Features :
(i) HYV seeds and modern inputs are used to increase the production.
(ii) More than one crop is cultivated during a year.
(iii) It is practised in thickly populated areas.
(iv) The per hectare yield is very high.

4. What is plantation agriculture Write some features of the plantation agriculture. [CBSE Sept. 2012]
Or
Describe any four characteristics of plantation agriculture. [CBSE Comp. (D) 2008]
Answer: This is a type of agriculture which involves growing and processing of a single cash crop
purely meant for sale. Rubber, tea, coffee, spices, coconut and fruits are some of the important crops
which come under the category of plantation agriculture.

Features :
(i) It is a single crop farming.
(ii) It is a capital intensive farming, i.e., a huge amount of capital is required.
(iii) It needs vast estates, managerial ability, technical know-how, sophisticated machinery, fertilisers,
good transport facilities and a factory for processing.
(iv) This type of agriculture has developed in areas of north-eastern India, Sub-Himalayan region,
West Bengal and Nilgiri. Explain the favourable geographical conditions required for the production
of rice. Also mention the major rice producing states of India. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013]
Answer: (i) Temperature : It is a kharif crop which requires high temperature, and high humidity. This
means monthly temperature of about 25°C with minor variation during the sowing, growing and
harvesting season, is suitable for the growth of the plant.
(ii) Rainfall : Rice needs abundant rainfall, i.e., more than 100 cm. It can grow in areas with less
rainfall, but with assured irrigation. Rice is grown in Punjab and Haryana with the help of irrigation.
(iii) Soil : Rice can grow in a variety of soils including silts, loams and gravels, but it is grown best in
alluvial soil with a sub-soil of impervious clay. Areas of production : Rice is cultivated in almost all the
states of India, but most of its cultivation is concentrated in the river valleys, deltas of rivers and the
coastal plains.
The main rice producing states are West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab,
Odisha, Karnataka, Assam and Maharashtra.

7. What type of climate is required for the cultivation of wheat Name any four important wheat
producing states of India. [CBSE Sept. 2012]
Answer: (i) Temperature : Cool and moist weather during growth, and warm and dry climate during
ripening is needed.
(ii) Rainfall : 50-75 cm rainfall is required. Rainfall is necessary and beneficial, 15 days after sowing,
and 15 days before ripening. A few light winter showers or assured irrigation ensures a bumper
harvest.
(iii) Soil : Light domat (loamy) soil is required. It can also be grown in black soil. Important producers :
Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the main producers of wheat.

8. Describe three geographical requirements for maize cultivation – temperature, rainfall and soil.
Name three maize producing states of India. [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Answer: (i) Temperature : It grows well under temperature between 21°C and 27°C.
(ii) Rainfall : It grows well in areas of 50¬100 cm of rain, and in areas of less rain, if grown under
irrigation.
(iii) Soil : It requires well drained alluvial fertile soil or red loams free from coarse materials.
Important produces : Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are the leading producers.
9. Describe the temperature and climatic conditions required for the cultivation of sugarcane. Name
two leading producers. [CBSE Comp. 2008,09(D), 2010(0)]
Or
What geographical conditions are required for the cultivation of sugarcane Name two largest
producing states of sugarcane. [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Answer: (i) Temperature : Sugarcane needs hot and humid climate with temperature ranging
between 21°C to 27°C. Very high temperature is harmful for its growth, while low temperature slows
its growth. It cannot withstand frost. Cool temperature is needed at the time of ripening.
(ii) Rainfall : It grows best in areas receiving 75 cm to 100 cm of rainfall. Too heavy rainfall results in
low sugar content.
(iii) Soil : Sugarcane grows on well-drained fertile soil. It can grow on a variety of soils including black,
alluvial, loamy and reddish loam.

Sugarcane :
But the best soil is the alluvial soil of the Ganga Plain and the black soil of southern India. Sugarcane
exhausts the fertility of the soil. Hence, the use of manure is essential to ensure high yields.
Areas of Production :
Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of sugarcane. The other states in the Ganga-Plain are Bihar,
Punjab and Haryana.

10. Name the most important beverage crop of India. Describe the suitable climatic conditions
required for its growth. Also mention the major states producing that crop. [CBSE 2010(0)]
Or
Describe any three geographical conditions required for tea cultivation. Name any two producing
states of tea. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2012]
Or
Name the important beverage crop introduced by the British in India. Explain the geographical
conditions needed for its cultivation. Write any two important states where it is grown. [CBSE 2013]
Or
Describe any four ‘ geographical conditions required for the growth of tea. Mention the two major
tea producing states of South India. [CBSE 2012]
Answer: Tea is the most important beverage crop of India.
Climatic conditions :
(i) Temperature : The tea plant grows well in tropical and sub tropical climate. Tea bushes require
warm and moist, frost-free climate all through the year. Tea bushes need temperature of more than
25°C.
(ii) Rainfall : Tea plant needs heavy rainfall ranging between 150 cm to 250 cm. The rainfall should be
well distributed throughout the year.
(iii) Soil : The plant requires a light loamy soil. The soil should be rich in humus and iron content. Tea
is a soil exhausting crop, so frequent use of chemical fertilisers and manure is essential.
Producers :
Major tea-producing states are Assam, West Bengal, (Hills of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri Districts),
Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Apart from these, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Andhra
Pradesh and Tripura are also tea producing states in the country.

11. Explain the favourable climatic conditions required for the production of rubber. Also mention
the states producing rubber. [CBSE Comp. (D) 2008, 2008 (F), Sept. 2010, 2011, 2012]
Answer: (i) Temperature : It is a tree of the tropical forests, and requires a constant high temperature
above 25°C. Thus, the rubber tree cannot be grown at high altitudes.
(ii) Rainfall : It needs heavy and well distributed rainfall throughout the year. The plant needs rainfall
more than 200 cm.
(iii) Soil: The plant requires alluvial or laterite soil. Areas of Production :
India ranks fifth among the world’s natural rubber producers. The state of Kerala is the largest
producer of rubber in India. Kerala accounts for about 91% of the total area under rubber plantation.
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and The Andaman and Nicobar islands including the Garo Hills of the
Himalayas are the other producers. Which crop is known as the “golden fibre” Explain two
geographical conditions essential for the cultivation of this crop. Mention any four uses. [CBSE 2012]
Or
What is known as ‘golden fibre’? Where is it grown in India and why Describe various uses of this
fibre.[CBSE 2012]
Answer: (1) Jute is called golden fibre.
(2) Geographical conditions for its cultivation are as follows :
(i) Jute grows well in well-drained fertile soils of the flood plains where the soil is renewed every year.
(ii) High temperature is required during the time of growth.
(3) It grows well on well-drained fertile soils in the flood plains.
(4) Therefore, it is grown in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Meghalaya.
Uses : It can be used to manufacture gunny bags, mats, ropes, yam, carpets and other artifacts.

14. Differentiate between the commercial agriculture and the subsistence agriculture. [CBSE Sept.
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013]
Answer:
Subsistence farming:
(i) Farming practices in which the entire crops are consumed by the farmers and their family. They
do not have any surplus to sell in the market.
(ii) Farms are small and fragmented.
(iii) food crops are cultivated mostly are cereals like rice and wheat along with oil seeds, vegetables
and sugarcane.
(iv) Old tools and implements are used by the farmers. There is a total absence of modern
equipments like tractors and farm inputs like chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides.
(v) Depends on monsoon and there is greater use of manpower.
Commercial farming:
(i) In this Farming practice most of the goods produced are mainly sold in the market for earning
money.
(ii) Landholdings are large and cash crops are cultivated to earn money from them.
(iii) Major commercial crops grown in different parts of India are cotton, jute, sugarcane groundnut.
(iv) In this type of farming, farmers use inputs like irrigation, chemical fertilizers, insecticides,
pesticides and high yielding varieties of seeds better.
(v) By the use of modern equipments like tractors e.tc .less manpower is used .
14. Name any four oilseeds produced in India. What is their economic importance
Or
Name any four oilseeds produced in India. Explain the importance of oilseeds in our day to day
life. [CBSE 2012]
Answer: Main oilseeds produced in India are :
(i) Groundnut (ii) Mustard
(iii) Coconut (iv) Sesamum
Economic importance of oilseeds :
(i) Most of these are edible, and used as a cooking medium in the form of oil.
(ii) Extracted oil is also used as raw material for manufacturing large number of items like paints,
varnishes, hydrogenated oil, soaps, perfumes, lubricants, etc.
(iii) Oil cake which is the by product, obtained after the extraction of oil from oilseeds is an excellent
cattle feed.
(iv) Oil cake is also used as a fertilisers. Today Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from
international competition.” What are the various factors responsible for this situation
Or
Why is the growth rate in agriculture decelerating [CBSE 2010(F)]
Answer: (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 mechanisation.
(ii) Subsidy on fertilisers 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.
17. Name any three features of Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2013]
Or
What are the factors responsible for the backwardness of Indian agriculture
Or
Describe any four features of agriculture in India. [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Answer: (I) Over dependence on monsoon : Major portion of the cropped area still depends upon
monsoons for irrigation. Only one- third of the cropped area is under assured irrigation.
(ii) Subsistence agriculture : (For this, refer Question No. 2, Long Answer Type Questions)
(iii) Small and scattered land holding : Due to the increasing population, the per hectare availability
of land is very low. The Jand holding is also scattered.
(iv) Lack of inputs : Most of the farmers are poor so they do not use fertilisers and high yielding
varieties of seeds.

18. Describe various technological and institutional reforms which led to the Green and White
Revolution in India. [CBSE Sept. 2012]
Answer: No description regarding white Revolution. Green Revolution means revolution in the field
of agricultural production due to the introduction of various technological and institutional reforms.
Factors responsible :
(i) Agriculture was given the top priority in Five Year Plans.
(ii) The development of HYV seeds of wheat in the early 60s, and those of rice in 70s laid the
foundation of the Green Revolution in India.
(iii) Several schemes for irrigation were undertaken, and arid and semi-arid areas were brought
under cultivation.
(iv) Collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, abolition of the Zamindari system, etc., were given top
priority to bring about institutional reforms in the country after independence.
(v) Cropped insurance scheme was launched by the government to protect the farmers against losses
caused by crop failure on account of natural calamities like drought, flood, hailstorm, cyclone, fire,
etc.
(vi) Easy availability of capital or investment, input through a well knit network of rural banking and
small scale co-operative societies with low interest rates were other facilities provided to the farmers
for the modernisation of agriculture. ow is the government helping the Indian farmers in increasing
their agricultural production Explain any four points.
Or
Describe any four reforms brought in the Indian agriculture after independence through the efforts
of the Indian government. [CBSE 2010(F), Sept. 2010]
Or
What initiatives have been taken by government to ensure an increase in agricultural
production [CBSE Sept. 2011]

Answer: (i) Institutional Reforms : To increase production in agriculture, the government has
introduced some institutional measures which include collectivisation, consolidation of holding,
cooperation and abolition of Zamindari system.
(ii) Comprehensive Land Development Programme : In the 1980s and 1990s, a comprehensive land
development programme was initiated, which included both institutional and technical reforms.
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.
(iii) Subsidies : The government is providing huge subsidies on the agricultural inputs. At present,
maximum subsidy is being given on fertilizers.
(iv) HYV Seeds and Agriculture Universities : In order to enhance production, the government is
providing HYV seeds to the farmers. Special seminars are also being held. Many new agricultural
universities have been established.
(v) Public Procurement System and Agriculture Price Commission : Agriculture Price Commission has
been set up which declares the prices of agricultural products in advance so that the farmers may
know what they are going to get for their agricultural products. Government agencies like the F.C.I.
(Food Corporation of India) purchase the agricultural products from the farmers.
(vi) Crop Insurance and Agricultural Finance : As we are aware that the Indian agriculture mainly
depends on nature, so high risk crops are also being insured. The government has established special
banks like the NABARD to provide agricultural loans to farmers. The decline share of agriculture in
the GDP is a matter of serious concern”. Explain. [CBSE 2012]
Answer: (i) More than half the population of India’s work force is employed by the farm sector.
(ii) Any decline in the share of agriculture means low production of foodgrains this may lead to food
shortage.
(iii) Any decline and stagnation in agriculture will lead to a decline in other spheres of the economy
having wider implications for society. Assertion Reason Questions – Agriculture
Directions:- In the following questions, the Assertions (A) and Reason(s) (R) have been put forward.
Read both statements carefully and choose the correct answer from the below:
(A) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of
Assertion (A).
(B) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of
Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.
1.) Assertion (A) : Agriculture is not an old economic activity.
Reason (R) : Farming varies from subsistence to commercial type.
[ KVS Raipur 2021 – 22 ]
Answer – (d) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

2.) Assertion (A): Land productivity is low in Primitive Subsistence Farming.

Reason (R) : It is labour-intensive farming, where high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation are
used
Answer – (C) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) (R) is false.

3.) 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.
Answer:- (b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation
of Assertion (A)

4). Assertion (A): Pulses are considered as a major source of protein in a vegetarian diet.
Reason (R) : Being leguminous crops they help in restoring the soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the
air
Answer- (B) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) (R) are true but Reason (R) (R) is not the correct
explanation of Assertion (A).

5.) Assertion (A): Biochemical inputs and irrigation are used for obtaining higher production.
Reason (R): Doses of biochemical input are used to grow crops rapidly
Ans: (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of
Assertion (A).
6.) Assertion (A): In the 1980s and 1990s a comprehensive land development programme was
initiated which included both institutional and technological reforms.
Reason (R : Green revolution was based on the use of package Technology.
Answer- (B) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) (R) are true but Reason (R) (R) is not the correct
explanation of Assertion (A).

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

Reason (R) : In organic forming, crops are grown using high doses to increase production.
Answer: (c) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.

8.) Assertion (A): Primitive Subsistence Farming is practised in areas of high population pressure on
land
Reason (R : This type of farming depends on monsoon.\
Answer – (D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) (R) are false.

9).Assertion (A) : apple food crop in India is rice and requires less rain.
Reason (R): Our country is the fourth largest producer of rice in the world
Answer-: (c) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.

10.) Assertion (A): Cotton cannot be grown in Assam.

Reason (R : The crop needs bright sunshine and 210 frost free days for its growth.
[ KVS Hyderabad 2021 – 22 ]
Answer- (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of
Assertion (A).
16. Which major industries are responsible for water pollution?
OR
How are industries responsible for polluting freshwater? Suggest any three measures to reduce the
water pollution. [CBSE (F) 2017]
Answer: Water pollution is caused by organic and inorganic industrial wastes and effluents
discharged into rivers.
The main culprits are paper, pulp, chemical, textile and dyeing, petroleum refineries, tanneries and
electroplating industries that let out dyes, detergents, acids, salts and heavy metals like lead and
mercury, pesticides, fertilizers, synthetic chemicals with carbon, plastics and rubber, etc., into the
water bodies.
Fly ash, phospo-gypsum and iron and steel slags are the major solid wastes in India.
Steps to minimize water pollution:
(i) Minimising use of water for processing by reusing and recycling it in two or more successive stages.
Harvesting of rainwater to meet water requirements.
(ii) Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them in rivers and ponds. Treatment of industrial effluents
can be done in three phases
(a) Primary treatment by mechanical means. This involves screening, grinding, flocculation and sedimentation.
(b) Secondary treatment by biological process
(c) Tertiary treatment by biological, chemical and physical processes. This involves recycling of wastewater.
(d) Overdrawing of groundwater needs to be regulated legally. What are ‘agglomeration economies’?
Answer: Cities provide markets and also provide services such as banking, insurance, transport, labour,
consultants and financial advisors, etc., to the industries. Many industries tend to come together to make use
of the advantages offered by the urban centres known as ‘agglomeration economies. Gradually a large
industrial agglomeration takes place. So, it is basically coordination of various industries’ in a city for the
development of manufacturing industries. Classify industries on the basis of source of raw material. How are
they different from each other? [CBSE (AI) 2016]
OR

Classify industries on the basis of source of raw materials used.

Answer: On the basis of sources of raw material industries are classified as:
(i) Agro based: Agro based industries draw their raw materials from agricultural products.
For example, Textiles, Sugar, Coffee, Tea and Edible Oil, etc.
(ii) Mineral based: Mineral based draw their raw material from minerals.
For example, Iron and Steel industries, cement, machine tools, petrochemicals, etc.
45. Suggest any three steps to minimise the environmental degradation caused by the industrial development
in India. [CBSE (Comptt.) 2017, CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer: Three steps to minimise the environmental degradation caused by Industrial development in India are:
(i) Water Pollution
Energy lite of waste water discharged by one industry pollutes eight times the quantity of fresh water.
Minimising use of water for procuring by reusing and recycling it in two or more successive stages.
Harvesting of rain water can be done to meet water requirement.
Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them in rivers and ponds.
(ii) Air Pollution
Particulate matter in the air can be reduced by fitting smoke stacks to factories with electrostatic precipitators,
fabric filters, scrubbers and inertial separaters.
Smoke can be reduced by using oil or natural gas instead of coal in the factories.
(iii) Noise Pollution
Machinery and equipments can be used and generators should be fitted with silencers.
Almost all machineries can be redesigned to increase energy efficiency and reduce noise.
Noise absorbing material may be used apart from personal use of ear plugs and earphones. Analyse the role of
chemical industries in the Indian economy. [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Answer: Role of chemical industries in the Indian Economy:
(i) It contributes approximately 3 % of the GDP.
(ii) It is the 3rd largest in Asia and occupies the 12th place in the world.
(iii) It compromises both large and small scale manufacturing units.
(iv) Rapid growth has been recorded in both inorganic and organic sector.
(v) Organic chemicals include petrochemicals which are used for manufacturing of synthetic fibers, rubber,
plastics, and dye stuffs.
(vi) In organic chemicals include sulphuric acid, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, plastics, adhesives, paints etc.
(vii) The chemical industry is its own largest consumer.
13. Suggest any five measures to control industrial pollution in India. [CBSE (F) 2017]
Answer: Measures to Control Industrial Pollution
(i) Minimizing the use of water for processing by reusing and recycling it in two or more successive stages
(ii) Harvesting of rainwater to meet water requirements
(iii) Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them in to rivers and ponds.
(iv) Treatment of industrial effluents can be done in three phases
(v) Primary treatment by mechanical means involves screening, grinding, flocculation and sedimentation. ,
Secondary treatment by biological process, Tertiary treatment by biological, chemical and physical processes.
This Involves recycling of wastewater.
(vi) Over drawing of ground water needs to be regulated legally.
(vii) Particulate matter in the air can be reduced by fitting smoke stacks to factories with electrostatic
precipitators, fabric filters, scrubbers and inertial separators.
(viii) Smoke can be reduced by using oil or gas instead of coal in factories.
(ix) Machinery and equipment can be used and generators should be fitted with silencers.
(x) Almost all machinery can be redesigned to increase energy efficiency and reduce noise.
(xi) Noise absorbing material may be used apart from personal use of earplugs and earphones. 1) Assertion (A)
: Aluminium smelting is the second most important metallurgical industry in India.
Reason (R): It is light, resistant to corrosion, a good conductor of heat.
Answer- (A) Assertion and Reason both are true and Reason is the correct explanation of assertion

Q.2) Assertion (A): Almost all machinery can be redesigned and generators should be fitted with silencers.
Reason (R): Old machinery produced noise and consumes high energy
Answer- (A) Assertion and Reason both are true and Reason is the correct explanation of assertion 4) Assertion
(A): Agriculture and industry are not exclusive of each other
Reason (R): The agro industries have given boost to agriculture by raising its productivity
Answer- (A) Assertion and Reason both are true and Reason is the correct explanation of assertion Assertion
(A): Wastes from nuclear power plants cause cancers, birth defects and miscarriages.
Reason (R): Rain water percolates to the soil carrying the pollutants to the ground and ground water also get
contaminated.
Answer- (B) Assertion and Reason both are true and Reason is the not correct explanation of assertion