Agriculture – CBSE Board Examinations Previous Years Question Bank
CBSE Class 10 – Social Science (Geography)
Contemporary India – II, Chapter 4: Agriculture
Topics: Types of Farming – Primitive Subsistence, Intensive Subsistence, Commercial | Cropping Pattern – Major Crops, Food & Non-Food Crops | Technological & Institutional Reforms | Food Security
CBSE Board Examinations: Topic-wise previous years’ style questions with answers (years & marks indicated as per CBSE Class 10 pattern, strictly aligned to NCERT syllabus).
How to use these questions:
- Total Questions: 30 (mixed 1, 3 and 5 marks pattern).
- Years mentioned indicate the CBSE pattern of similar questions in board exams.
- Answers are written in exam style with clear points to help you practice answer-writing.
- Ideal for last-minute revision of Geography – Agriculture for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams.
A. Types of Farming – Primitive, Intensive, Commercial
Q1.
Distinguish between primitive subsistence farming and intensive subsistence farming (any three points).
Answer:
- Tools & technology: Primitive subsistence uses simple tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks; intensive subsistence uses improved seeds, manure and sometimes machinery.
- Land & labour: Primitive farming is done on small patches of forest/hilly land with family or community labour; intensive farming is done on very small but permanent holdings with high labour input.
- Production purpose: Primitive farming produces just enough for the family; intensive farming produces mainly for subsistence but some surplus is sold in the market.
Q2.
Describe any three characteristics of commercial farming in India.
Answer:
- Commercial farming is market-oriented; crops are grown mainly for sale rather than family consumption.
- It uses modern inputs such as HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation.
- Farm size is comparatively larger and more mechanised, with tractors, harvesters and threshers used widely in states like Punjab and Haryana.
Q3.
What is plantation agriculture? Explain any two features. Name any two plantation crops in India.
Answer:
- Meaning: Plantation agriculture is a type of commercial farming in which a single crop is grown on a large estate using a lot of labour and capital.
- Features:
- It is labour-intensive and uses scientific techniques, fertilisers and irrigation.
- Production is mainly for export or industrial use, and processing is often done on the farm or nearby factories.
- Examples: Tea in Assam and West Bengal; coffee in Karnataka and Kerala; rubber in Kerala.
Q4.
Explain the method of shifting cultivation (jhum) and state any two disadvantages of this type of farming.
Answer:
- In shifting cultivation, a small patch of forest is cleared and burnt. The ash is mixed with the soil and crops are sown.
- After a few years, when the fertility declines, the land is left fallow and farmers move to a new patch of forest.
- Disadvantages:
- It leads to deforestation and soil erosion due to frequent clearing and burning of forest.
- Productivity is low and uncertain, so it cannot meet the food demand of a growing population.
Q5.
Why is subsistence agriculture still widely practised in India? Give any three reasons.
Answer:
- Most Indian farmers have small and fragmented land holdings which are suitable mainly for subsistence farming.
- There is a high pressure of population on land, so farmers focus on growing food for their families first.
- Limited access to credit, irrigation and modern inputs forces many farmers to continue traditional subsistence practices.
Q6.
“Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy.” Justify this statement with any four arguments.
Answer:
- A large proportion of India’s population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
- Agriculture supplies food grains to the entire population and raw materials like cotton, jute and sugarcane to many industries.
- Agricultural products like tea, coffee, spices and cotton yarn contribute to export earnings and bring foreign exchange.
- Growth in agriculture raises the purchasing power of rural people, which in turn stimulates demand for industrial goods and services.
B. Cropping Pattern – Major Food Crops
Q7.
Name the three cropping seasons in India. Write one major crop grown in each season.
Answer:
- Kharif season: Sown with the onset of monsoon and harvested in September–October. Major crop – rice (also jowar, bajra, cotton, groundnut).
- Rabi season: Sown in winter (October–December) and harvested in March–April. Major crop – wheat (also gram, mustard, peas).
- Zaid season: Short cropping season between rabi and kharif. Major crops – watermelon, cucumber, fodder and vegetables.
Q8.
Describe the climatic and soil conditions required for the cultivation of rice in India. Mention any two major rice-producing states.
Answer:
- Rice requires high temperature (above 25°C) and high humidity during the growing season.
- It needs heavy rainfall of more than 100 cm or assured irrigation and grows well in standing water.
- It can be grown in a variety of soils, but clayey and alluvial soils that can retain water are ideal.
- Major states: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
Q9.
Compare the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of wheat and rice (any three points).
Answer:
- Temperature: Rice needs high temperature above 25°C; wheat needs cool climate (10–15°C at sowing, 21–26°C at ripening).
- Rainfall: Rice requires heavy rainfall (>100 cm) or plenty of irrigation; wheat needs moderate rainfall (50–75 cm) and grows well in drier winter.
- Regions: Rice dominates in eastern and southern states; wheat is concentrated in north-western plains like Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
Q10.
Why are millets called coarse grains? Name any two millet crops and state one advantage of growing them.
Answer:
- Millets are called coarse grains because their grains are harder and rough in texture compared to fine cereals like rice and wheat.
- Examples: Jowar, bajra, ragi.
- Advantage: Millets are hardy crops that can grow in poor, sandy or shallow soils with low rainfall and are also rich in nutrients like iron and roughage.
Q11.
Why are pulses considered an important part of Indian agriculture and diet? Name any two major pulse crops.
Answer:
- Pulses are a rich source of protein, especially for vegetarians, and are therefore important in the Indian diet.
- They are mostly grown in rotation with other crops as they fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.
- Major pulse crops: Gram, arhar (tur), moong, urad, masoor.
Q12.
Explain any three factors responsible for the success of rabi crops, particularly wheat, in north-western India.
Answer:
- Availability of irrigation facilities from canals and tube wells has made it possible to grow wheat even with less rainfall.
- Western disturbances bring winter rainfall, which is beneficial for rabi crops in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
- Adoption of HYV seeds and Green Revolution technology has significantly increased wheat productivity in this region.
C. Food Crops (Other than Grains) and Non-Food Crops
Q13.
Describe the climatic and soil conditions required for sugarcane cultivation. Name any two major sugarcane-producing states.
Answer:
- Sugarcane requires a hot and humid climate with temperature between 21°C and 27°C.
- It needs adequate rainfall (75–100 cm) or irrigation and a long growing season of nearly 10–12 months.
- It grows well in deep, rich loamy or alluvial soils in river valleys and coastal plains.
- Major states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.
Q14.
Name one important beverage crop of India. Describe the geographical conditions required for its cultivation.
Answer:
- Tea is an important beverage crop of India.
- It requires a cool to warm climate with temperature between 20°C and 30°C and frequent showers throughout the year.
- Tea plants grow well on well-drained, fertile soils rich in humus, preferably on hill slopes to avoid waterlogging.
- Skilled and cheap labour is required for delicate picking of tea leaves.
Q15.
State the climatic conditions and soil type required for cotton cultivation in India. Name any two cotton-producing states.
Answer:
- Cotton requires high temperature, bright sunshine and at least 210 frost-free days.
- It needs light to moderate rainfall (50–80 cm) or irrigation.
- Cotton grows best in black soil of the Deccan plateau and also in alluvial soils of northern plains.
- Major states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab.
Q16.
Why is jute known as the ‘golden fibre’? Mention any two conditions required for its growth and two major uses.
Answer:
- Jute is called the ‘golden fibre’ because of its golden colour and high cash value as a fibre crop.
- Conditions for growth:
- It requires a hot and humid climate with temperature between 24°C and 35°C and heavy rainfall (more than 150 cm).
- It grows well in alluvial soil of river deltas and floodplains, such as the Ganga–Brahmaputra delta.
- Uses:
- Used for making gunny bags, ropes, carpets, mats and sacks.
- Blended with synthetic fibres to produce fancy yarn, bags and decorative items.
Q17.
Why are oilseeds important for the Indian economy? Name any three oilseed crops grown in India.
Answer:
- Oilseeds supply edible oils used for cooking, which are essential in the Indian diet.
- They are raw materials for industries manufacturing soaps, paints, varnishes, cosmetics and lubricants.
- India is one of the leading producers of oilseeds, so they contribute to agricultural income and sometimes exports.
- Examples: Groundnut, mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesamum, castor.
Q18.
Distinguish between food crops and non-food crops with suitable examples (any three points).
Answer:
- Purpose: Food crops are grown mainly for human consumption (e.g., rice, wheat, pulses); non-food crops are grown for industrial raw material or other uses (e.g., cotton, jute, rubber).
- Types: Food crops include cereals, millets, pulses, sugarcane and some oilseeds; non-food crops include fibre crops, plantation crops and industrial crops.
- Economic role: Food crops ensure food security of the nation; non-food crops support industries and exports (textiles, jute products, beverages).
D. Technological and Institutional Reforms
Q19.
Mention any three institutional reforms introduced in India after Independence to improve agriculture.
Answer:
- Abolition of intermediaries like zamindars so that ownership rights were transferred to the actual tillers of the soil.
- Land ceiling and redistribution policies to prevent concentration of land in few hands and to distribute surplus land to the landless.
- Consolidation of holdings and cooperative farming to reduce land fragmentation and to encourage joint use of resources and machinery.
Q20.
What is the Green Revolution? Explain any four positive effects and any two limitations of the Green Revolution in India.
Answer:
- The Green Revolution refers to the rapid increase in production of food grains (mainly wheat and rice) during the late 1960s and 1970s through the use of HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides.
- Positive effects:
- India became largely self-sufficient in food grains and reduced dependence on imports.
- There was a significant rise in yields and farm income in regions like Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
- It encouraged the spread of irrigation, rural electrification and farm mechanisation.
- Creation of buffer stocks improved food security and helped in public distribution.
- Limitations:
- Benefits were regionally concentrated in irrigated areas, widening regional inequalities in agriculture.
- Overuse of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and groundwater led to soil degradation, water pollution and falling water table.
Q21.
How do schemes like the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and crop insurance support Indian farmers? Explain any three points.
Answer:
- The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) provides farmers with easy and timely access to institutional credit for purchasing seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs.
- It reduces dependence on moneylenders who often charge very high interest rates.
- Crop insurance schemes protect farmers against losses due to natural calamities such as drought, flood, pests or diseases, giving them a sense of security.
Q22.
Explain the role of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in protecting farmers. How is it linked with buffer stock?
Answer:
- The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price at which the government promises to purchase crops from farmers if market prices fall.
- MSP guarantees a minimum income to farmers and encourages them to adopt modern technology and invest in agriculture.
- Food grains procured by the government at MSP are stored as buffer stock and used for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and during emergencies, linking MSP with food security.
Q23.
Why is there a need to shift from chemical-based agriculture to sustainable and organic farming practices in India?
Answer:
- Overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, reduced fertility and contamination of water bodies.
- Excessive irrigation and indiscriminate use of groundwater have caused declining water tables in many regions.
- Sustainable and organic farming maintains soil health, biodiversity and long-term productivity by using farmyard manure, bio-fertilisers and mixed cropping, and is safer for human health.
Q24.
Suggest any five measures that can be taken to modernise and improve Indian agriculture.
Answer:
- Expand and strengthen irrigation facilities so that farmers are less dependent on monsoon.
- Promote wider use of HYV seeds, quality fertilisers and farm mechanisation, especially in backward regions.
- Improve rural infrastructure – roads, storage, transport and regulated markets to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Provide cheap and timely credit through cooperatives, banks, KCC and self-help groups.
- Encourage research and extension services to educate farmers about modern and sustainable farming practices.
E. Food Security in India
Q25.
What is food security? Mention its three essential dimensions.
Answer:
- Food security means that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
- Availability: Enough food is produced and stored in the country through production and imports.
- Accessibility: Food is within reach of all people; there are no barriers of distance or discrimination.
- Affordability: People have enough income to buy food at reasonable prices throughout the year.
Q26.
What is buffer stock? How is it created and used to ensure food security in India?
Answer:
- Buffer stock is the stock of food grains (mainly wheat and rice) maintained by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
- FCI purchases food grains from farmers at MSP and stores them in its godowns.
- During times of shortage, natural calamities or price rise, this stock is released through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and open market operations to stabilise prices and ensure food security.
Q27.
Explain the working of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. Mention any two advantages and any two shortcomings of PDS.
Answer:
- The Public Distribution System (PDS) distributes food grains at subsidised prices through a network of fair price shops (ration shops) to card-holding families.
- Advantages:
- Makes food grains affordable for poor and vulnerable sections of society, improving food security.
- Helps in price stabilisation by releasing grains from buffer stock during times of shortage.
- Shortcomings:
- There are cases of leakage and diversion of grains to open market due to corruption.
- Quality of grains at some fair price shops is poor and many deserving families are left out due to faulty identification.
Q28.
Which sections of people are more vulnerable to food insecurity in India? Give any three examples with reasons.
Answer:
- Landless agricultural labourers and small farmers – because their income is low and uncertain and crop failure directly affects their food intake.
- Casual workers in urban areas – because they have irregular employment and are the first to lose jobs during economic slowdown.
- SCs, STs and some OBCs living in remote areas – because of historical social discrimination, lack of resources and poor access to education and health services.
Q29.
Explain the relationship between poverty and food insecurity. How does poverty lead to hunger?
Answer:
- Poor people have low and irregular income, so they cannot purchase enough nutritious food even when it is available in the market.
- Lack of food leads to malnutrition, low resistance to disease and low productivity, which further reduces their earning capacity.
- This creates a vicious circle of poverty and hunger where poverty causes food insecurity and food insecurity in turn deepens poverty.
Q30.
Mention any five important steps taken by the Government of India to provide food security to the poor.
Answer:
- Implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which provides subsidised food grains to about two-thirds of the population.
- Maintaining adequate buffer stock of food grains through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
- Expansion and strengthening of the Public Distribution System (PDS) with targeted and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards for poorest families.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme in government schools to provide cooked meals to children, improving both nutrition and school attendance.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to provide supplementary nutrition, immunisation and health check-ups to mothers and children.