Agriculture – Short Answer Type Questions
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 Crops other than Grains, Non-Food Crops | Technological & Institutional Reforms | Food Security
CBSE Board Examinations – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT
Instructions: The following 50 Short Answer Type Questions with clear, easy-to-understand
answers are prepared strictly from NCERT Class 10 Geography, Chapter 4: Agriculture. They are arranged
topic-wise to support concept clarity, quick revision and CBSE Class 10 Board Exam practice.
A. Types of Farming – Primitive, Intensive and Commercial
Q1.
Why is agriculture called the backbone of the Indian economy? Give any three reasons.
Answer:
Agriculture is called the backbone of the Indian economy because:
- It provides employment to a large proportion of the population, especially in rural areas.
- It supplies food grains and many raw materials for industries like textiles, sugar and jute.
- It contributes to national income and export earnings, and supports livelihoods and rural culture.
Q2.
Explain any three features of primitive subsistence farming in India.
Answer:
Features of primitive subsistence farming:
- It is practised on small patches of land, usually in hilly or forested areas.
- Farmers use simple tools like dao, axe and hoe, and family labour.
- Production is mainly for self-consumption, with very little surplus for the market.
Q3.
What is shifting cultivation? Mention any two disadvantages of this type of farming.
Answer:
- Shifting cultivation is a type of primitive farming in which a patch of forest is cleared and burnt, crops are grown for a few years and then the land is left fallow while farmers move to a new patch.
- Disadvantages:
- It can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity if fallow periods are short.
- It often causes soil erosion and decline in soil fertility over time.
Q4.
Describe any three characteristics of intensive subsistence farming in India.
Answer:
Characteristics of intensive subsistence farming:
- It is practised in areas with high population pressure on land, so landholdings are small and fragmented.
- There is intensive use of labour and sometimes modern inputs to get maximum output from limited land.
- Farmers often practise multiple cropping and grow more than one crop in a year on the same piece of land.
Q5.
State any three differences between primitive subsistence farming and intensive subsistence farming.
Answer:
Differences:
- Primitive subsistence is done on small patches in forests or hills, while intensive subsistence is done on small but permanent holdings in plains.
- Primitive farming uses only traditional tools and no modern inputs; intensive farming may use HYV seeds, fertilisers and irrigation.
- Primitive farming often involves shifting cultivation with long fallow periods; intensive farming cultivates the same land continuously.
Q6.
What is commercial farming? Explain any two of its main features with examples.
Answer:
- Commercial farming is farming in which crops are grown mainly for sale in the market rather than for self-consumption.
- Features:
- Use of modern inputs like HYV seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and machinery, e.g., cotton and sugarcane farming in Punjab and Maharashtra.
- Crops grown are often cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee and oilseeds.
Q7.
What is plantation farming? State any two characteristics of plantation farming in India.
Answer:
- Plantation farming is a type of commercial farming in which a single crop is grown on a large estate for sale, often with a processing unit nearby.
- Characteristics:
- It is capital-intensive and uses modern inputs, scientific techniques and hired labour.
- Examples include tea in Assam and West Bengal, coffee in Karnataka and rubber in Kerala.
Q8.
Why do most farmers in India still practise intensive subsistence farming? Give any three reasons.
Answer:
Reasons:
- There is high population pressure on land, leading to very small landholdings.
- Many farmers are poor and cannot afford large farms and fully mechanised commercial agriculture.
- Their main aim is to produce enough food for family subsistence, so they use intensive labour and multiple cropping on limited land.
Q9.
How do physical and socio-economic factors together influence the types of farming in India? Explain briefly with examples.
Answer:
- In areas with dense forests and hilly terrain, like the North-Eastern states, farmers practise primitive subsistence and shifting cultivation.
- In fertile plains with high population density, like the Indo-Gangetic plains, intensive subsistence farming is common.
- Regions with good irrigation, capital and markets, such as Punjab and Haryana, favour commercial farming and plantations like cotton and sugarcane.
Q10.
State any three problems faced by farmers practising primitive subsistence farming in India.
Answer:
Problems:
- They have very low productivity due to use of simple tools and lack of modern inputs.
- They depend heavily on natural rainfall and forest resources, making them vulnerable to climate changes.
- They often lack access to markets, credit and extension services, so they remain poor and marginalised.
Q11.
Differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming on any three bases.
Answer:
Differences:
- Purpose: Subsistence farming is mainly for family consumption; commercial farming is mainly for the market.
- Inputs: Subsistence uses family labour and traditional inputs; commercial uses hired labour, machinery and modern inputs.
- Scale: Subsistence takes place on small fragmented holdings; commercial on larger, more consolidated farms or plantations.
Q12.
What is mixed farming? How is it helpful for farmers in India? (Any two points)
Answer:
- Mixed farming is a system where a farmer grows crops and rears animals on the same farm.
- It is helpful because:
- It provides an additional source of income from milk, eggs, meat, etc.
- Animal waste can be used as manure, improving soil fertility and reducing fertiliser cost.
B. Cropping Pattern – Major Crops, Food Crops other than Grains, Non-Food Crops
Q13.
What is meant by cropping pattern? State any two factors that influence cropping pattern in India.
Answer:
- Cropping pattern means the proportion of land under different crops at a point of time and the way crops are grown or rotated in a region.
- It is influenced by:
- Physical factors like climate, soil and water availability.
- Economic factors like prices, demand, technology, irrigation and government policies.
Q14.
Distinguish between kharif and rabi crops on any three points, with one example each.
Answer:
- Season: Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon (June–July) and harvested in Sept–Oct; rabi crops are sown in winter (Oct–Dec) and harvested in summer (April–June).
- Water: Kharif crops depend heavily on monsoon rains; rabi crops rely more on irrigation in many areas.
- Example: Kharif – rice, maize; Rabi – wheat, mustard.
Q15.
Describe the climatic and soil conditions required for rice cultivation in India. Name any two major rice-producing states.
Answer:
- Rice needs a hot and humid climate with temperatures above 25°C and more than 100 cm rainfall or assured irrigation.
- It grows well in alluvial and clayey soils with high water retention capacity.
- Two major rice-producing states are West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
Q16.
Describe the climatic conditions required for wheat cultivation and mention any three major wheat-producing states of India.
Answer:
- Wheat needs a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening, with about 50–75 cm rainfall.
- It grows best in well-drained fertile loamy soils.
- Three major wheat-producing states are Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Q17.
Why are millets important crops for India? Name any two millet crops and one state which produces each of them in large quantity.
Answer:
- Millets are important because they are nutritious (rich in iron, calcium and fibre) and can grow in dry and poor soils, helping ensure food security.
- Jowar – major state: Maharashtra.
- Bajra – major state: Rajasthan.
Q18.
Write a short note on maize as a crop in India – nature of crop, season, and uses.
Answer:
- Maize is a food and fodder crop known as the “queen of cereals”.
- It is usually a kharif crop, requiring moderate temperature, rainfall and old alluvial soil, though it is also grown in rabi in some states.
- It is used as food grain, animal feed and as raw material in starch, oil, feed and other industries.
Q19.
State any three reasons why pulses are essential both for human diet and for agriculture in India.
Answer:
- Pulses are rich in protein and are a major source of protein in the vegetarian diet.
- They help maintain soil fertility because leguminous plants fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
- They are often grown in rotation with other crops, improving soil health and breaking pest and disease cycles.
Q20.
Describe the climatic and soil conditions needed for sugarcane cultivation. Also name any three major sugarcane-producing states of India.
Answer:
- Sugarcane needs a hot and humid climate, with temperature between 21–27°C and rainfall of 75–100 cm, or irrigation.
- It grows well in deep rich loamy soil with good drainage and requires long growing season.
- Three major sugarcane-producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Q21.
Why are oilseeds important for our economy? Mention any three important oilseed crops grown in India.
Answer:
- Oilseeds are important because they provide edible oils for cooking, and raw materials for industries like soap, cosmetics, paints and lubricants.
- They also help in export earnings and provide income to farmers.
- Important oilseed crops include groundnut, mustard and soyabean.
Q22.
What conditions are required for tea cultivation in India? Name any two major tea-producing states.
Answer:
- Tea requires a warm and wet climate, deep fertile well-drained soil rich in humus, and gentle slopes.
- It needs frequent showers spread over the year and cheap and skilled labour.
- Two major tea-producing states are Assam and West Bengal (Darjeeling).
Q23.
Briefly describe coffee cultivation in India – type, conditions and main producing region.
Answer:
- India mainly grows Arabica coffee, known for good quality and export demand.
- Coffee requires a warm climate with moderate rainfall, well-drained loamy soil and shade from trees.
- It is mainly grown in the hilly slopes of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with Karnataka being the leading producer.
Q24.
State the climatic and soil conditions required for cotton cultivation in India. Name any two major cotton-producing states.
Answer:
- Cotton needs a warm climate with light rainfall (50–100 cm) and bright sunshine.
- It grows best in black cotton soil (regur), which retains moisture.
- Two major cotton-producing states are Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Q25.
Give any three conditions required for jute cultivation and name the leading jute-producing state of India.
Answer:
- Jute requires a hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall.
- It grows well in alluvial soil in the floodplains and deltaic regions.
- It needs abundant water for retting (rotting of stems to extract fibre).
- The leading jute-producing state is West Bengal.
Q26.
What climatic conditions are required for rubber cultivation? Name any two states where rubber is grown on a large scale.
Answer:
- Rubber needs an equatorial type of climate – hot and humid, with temperature above 25°C and rainfall above 200 cm.
- It grows well in moist, well-drained soils.
- Two major rubber-producing states are Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Q27.
What is horticulture? Why is it becoming important in India? (Any two reasons)
Answer:
- Horticulture refers to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
- Importance:
- It provides nutritious food and supports a growing urban demand for fruits and vegetables.
- It offers farmers higher income per hectare and improves export earnings through products like mangoes and grapes.
Q28.
How have cropping patterns in India changed after the Green Revolution? Explain any three changes.
Answer:
- There is a shift towards HYV varieties of wheat and rice, especially in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
- Farmers started giving more area to commercial and cash crops to get higher profits.
- Regions with good irrigation adopted multiple cropping and intensive cultivation, changing the traditional mix of crops.
Q29.
Distinguish between “food crops other than grains” and “non-food crops” with suitable examples for each group.
Answer:
- Food crops other than grains are crops used mainly for food but are not cereals, e.g., pulses, sugarcane and oilseeds.
- Non-food crops are crops not grown for direct eating but for industrial or other uses, e.g., cotton, jute and rubber.
Q30.
Why is crop diversification important for Indian farmers? State any three reasons related to this chapter.
Answer:
- Diversification reduces the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases or climate problems.
- It helps farmers increase their income by growing high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, flowers and oilseeds.
- It leads to better soil health when legumes and other crops are rotated with cereals, improving sustainability.
C. Technological and Institutional Reforms in Agriculture
Q31.
Why were technological and institutional reforms in agriculture necessary after Independence? Give any three reasons.
Answer:
- Agricultural productivity was very low due to traditional methods and lack of irrigation.
- Land was concentrated in the hands of a few zamindars and landlords, leading to exploitation of tenants.
- India faced food shortages and had to import food grains, so reforms were needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
Q32.
What are land reforms? Mention any two land reform measures introduced in India after Independence.
Answer:
- Land reforms are measures taken by the government to change the ownership and control of land to ensure justice and productivity.
- Measures include:
- Abolition of zamindari system to end intermediaries between the state and cultivators.
- Tenancy reforms and land ceiling laws to provide security to tenants and distribute surplus land.
Q33.
Define the Green Revolution. Which main inputs were used to increase agricultural production under this programme?
Answer:
- The Green Revolution refers to a period of rapid increase in food grain production, especially wheat and rice, starting in the 1960s through the use of modern technology.
- Main inputs:
- HYV (High Yielding Variety) seeds, especially for wheat and rice.
- Use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, assured irrigation and mechanisation (tractors, harvesters).
Q34.
State any three positive impacts of the Green Revolution on Indian agriculture and food security.
Answer:
- It led to a substantial increase in food grain production, especially of wheat and rice.
- India achieved near self-sufficiency in food grains and reduced dependence on food imports.
- Farmers in Green Revolution areas obtained higher incomes, stimulating growth of rural markets and industries.
Q35.
Mention any three negative impacts or limitations of the Green Revolution in India.
Answer:
- The benefits were mostly concentrated in a few regions like Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and did not reach all farmers.
- Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides caused soil and water pollution and declining soil fertility.
- Overuse of groundwater for irrigation led to falling water tables and water scarcity in many areas.
Q36.
What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How does it help farmers? (Any two points)
Answer:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the pre-announced price at which the government is ready to buy crops from farmers.
- It helps farmers by:
- Providing a guaranteed price and protecting them from a fall in market prices.
- Encouraging farmers to grow certain crops like wheat and rice by reducing the risk of losses.
Q37.
Explain the role of cooperative societies and institutional credit in supporting Indian farmers. (Any three points)
Answer:
- Cooperative societies and institutional credit (banks) provide loans at lower interest rates than moneylenders.
- They help farmers obtain seeds, fertilisers, machinery and irrigation facilities in time.
- They also support marketing and storage of produce, allowing farmers to get better prices.
Q38.
What do you understand by sustainable agriculture? Mention any three practices that promote sustainable agriculture in India.
Answer:
- Sustainable agriculture is farming that maintains productivity and profitability while protecting the environment, conserving resources and ensuring long-term soil fertility.
- Practices:
- Mixed cropping and crop rotation to maintain soil nutrients.
- Use of organic manure and bio-fertilisers instead of excessive chemical fertilisers.
- Adoption of water-saving irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems.
Q39.
Name any two modern methods of irrigation. How do these methods help in conserving water in agriculture?
Answer:
- Two modern methods are drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
- They conserve water by:
- Delivering water directly to the root zone (drip), reducing evaporation and seepage losses.
- Distributing water uniformly and in controlled quantities, preventing waterlogging and wastage.
Q40.
Explain the role of agricultural research and extension services in improving farming practices in India. (Any three points)
Answer:
- Research institutions develop new crop varieties that are high-yielding, disease-resistant and suitable for different regions.
- Extension services provide farmers with information and training about improved seeds, fertilisers, irrigation and pest control.
- They help farmers adopt modern techniques and make better decisions based on weather forecasts and market information.
D. Food Security in India
Q41.
Define food security. What are the three basic dimensions of food security in India?
Answer:
- Food security means that all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to lead a healthy life.
- Three dimensions:
- Availability of food (enough food in the country).
- Accessibility (people can physically and economically reach food).
- Affordability (people have enough money or support to buy food).
Q42.
Why is food security particularly important in a country like India? Explain any three reasons with reference to this chapter.
Answer:
- India has a large population and high levels of poverty; without food security many people may go hungry.
- The country is prone to droughts, floods and other natural disasters that can disrupt food production and supply.
- Food security is essential to ensure nutritional security, economic stability and social peace.
Q43.
What is buffer stock? How does the buffer stock maintained by the government help in ensuring food security in India?
Answer:
- Buffer stock is the stock of food grains (mainly wheat and rice) procured and stored by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
- It helps food security by:
- Providing food grains during natural calamities or crop failures.
- Helping to stabilise prices by releasing grains when market supply is low.
Q44.
Explain how the Public Distribution System (PDS) functions in India. How does it help the poor?
Answer:
- Under the PDS, food grains from the buffer stock are distributed to people through a network of fair price shops (ration shops).
- The poor and other eligible families get food grains at subsidised prices, making food affordable for them.
- PDS thus ensures regular availability of food grains and reduces hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable sections.
Q45.
Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger. Give one example for each type in the Indian context.
Answer:
- Seasonal hunger occurs when people face food shortage at certain times of the year, e.g., agricultural labourers during the lean season between harvests.
- Chronic hunger occurs when people regularly do not get enough food over a long period due to persistent poverty, e.g., poor households in urban slums or remote rural areas.
Q46.
Mention any three achievements of India in the field of food grain production and food security since Independence.
Answer:
- India has become largely self-sufficient in food grain production due to the Green Revolution and other reforms.
- The government has created a system of buffer stock and PDS to protect people during scarcity.
- Several programmes such as Mid-Day Meal Scheme and targeted PDS have helped improve food intake of children and the poor.
Q47.
State any three problems or limitations of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India mentioned in your textbook or class notes.
Answer:
- There are cases of leakages and diversion of grains from PDS to the open market.
- Sometimes the quality of food grains supplied is poor and not acceptable to consumers.
- Not all eligible poor households have ration cards or they may not get their full quota regularly.
Q48.
Suggest any three measures that can be taken to improve food security in India in a sustainable way, linking your answer with agriculture.
Answer:
- Promote sustainable agriculture with better irrigation, soil conservation and crop diversification to increase stable production.
- Strengthen PDS and targeting so that food grains actually reach the poorest families.
- Encourage storage, processing and value addition (like cold storage and food processing units) to reduce post-harvest losses.
Q49.
How is food security connected with both the farmers and the consumers in India? Explain in three points.
Answer:
- For farmers, fair prices and support policies encourage them to produce enough food grains, ensuring availability.
- For consumers, schemes like PDS and buffer stock make food physically and economically accessible.
- Food security policies aim to balance remunerative prices for farmers with affordable prices for consumers, linking both sides of the system.
Q50.
As a student, what three simple steps can you take in your daily life and school to support food security and respect for farmers?
Answer:
- Avoid wastage of food at home and in school by taking only as much as needed.
- Participate in awareness campaigns on healthy eating, local crops and respect for farmers.
- Support initiatives like kitchen gardens or school gardens, which teach how food is grown and the importance of agriculture.