Chapter 5.7.1 – Agriculture in India

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5.7.1: Agriculture in India

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answer (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. Which of the following is a Kharif crop?
(a) Wheat
(b) Mustard
(c) Rice
(d) Gram

Ans: (c) Rice

2. Which crop is known as a beverage crop?
(a) Cotton
(b) Tea
(c) Wheat
(d) Rice

Ans: (b) Tea

3. Which of the following is a Rabi crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Maize
(c) Wheat
(d) Cotton

Ans: (c) Wheat

4. Which of the following is a cash crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Cotton
(d) Maize

Ans: (c) Cotton

5. Zaid crops are grown during:
(a) Winter
(b) Monsoon
(c) Summer season
(d) Autumn

Ans: (c) Summer season

6. The main fibre crop of India is:
(a) Jute
(b) Cotton
(c) Silk
(d) Wool

Ans: (b) Cotton

7. The Green Revolution mainly increased the production of:
(a) Tea and coffee
(b) Cotton and jute
(c) Wheat and rice
(d) Pulses and oilseeds

Ans: (c) Wheat and rice

8. Tea is mainly grown on:
(a) Plains
(b) Plateaus
(c) Hill slopes
(d) Desert areas

Ans: (c) Hill slopes

9. Which state is the largest producer of rice in India?
(a) Punjab
(b) West Bengal
(c) Gujarat
(d) Rajasthan

Ans: (b) West Bengal

10. Which of the following is a millet crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Bajra
(d) Sugarcane

Ans: (c) Bajra

11. Which of the following is a Rabi crop?
(a) Cotton
(b) Rice
(c) Mustard
(d) Jute

Ans: (c) Mustard

12. Which crop is attacked by boll weevil?
(a) Wheat
(b) Rice
(c) Cotton
(d) Jute

Ans: (c) Cotton

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. Agriculture is the main occupation of ______ population in India. (rural)
2. Wheat is a ______ crop grown in winter. (rabi)
3. Cotton is a major ______ crop of India. (fibre)
4. Tea is a ______ crop. (beverage)
5. Black soil is most suitable for growing ______. (cotton)
6. Terrace farming is practiced in ______ areas. (hilly)
7. ______ weevil is a pest that damages cotton crops. (boll)
8. Coffee is mainly grown in ______ India. (South)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. Rice requires low rainfall for growth. (False)
2. Subsistence farming is done for self-consumption. (True)
3. Green Revolution improved food grain production in India. (True)
4. Tea is grown mainly in desert regions. (False)
5. Cotton grows well in black soil. (True)
6. Plantation agriculture involves large-scale farming. (True)
7. Crop rotation decreases soil fertility. (False)
8. Cotton is a food crop. (False)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. Name two beverage crops produced in India.
Ans: Tea and coffee are the two major beverage crops produced in India.

2. Which variety of coffee is mainly grown in India?
Ans: Arabica and Robusta are the main varieties of coffee grown in India.

3. Name two rabi crops grown in India.
Ans: Wheat and mustard are important rabi crops grown during winter.

4. Which type of land is ideal for tea cultivation?
Ans: Hilly slopes with well-drained soil are ideal for tea cultivation.

5. Which is the main fibre crop grown in India?
Ans: Cotton is the main fibre crop grown in India and is widely used in the textile industry.

6. Which state in India position in global rice production?
Ans: India holds the second position in global rice production.

7. Which is the most important beverage crop of India?
Ans: Tea is the most important beverage crop of India due to its high production and consumption.

8. Which state of India occupies the top position in ragi production?
Ans: Karnataka occupies the top position in ragi production in India.

9. Which state in India is the leading producer of rice?
Ans: West Bengal is the leading producer of rice in India.

10. Name two HYV seeds of rice popular in India.
Ans: IR-8 and Jaya are popular HYV seeds of rice in India.

11. Name two HYV seeds of cotton commonly used in India.
Ans: H-4 and Varalaxmi are two commonly used HYV seeds of cotton.

12. What is India’s position in global sugarcane production?
Ans: India is the second-largest producer of sugarcane in the world.

13. Name two HYV seeds of wheat commonly used in India?
Ans: Kalyan Sona and Sonalika are commonly used HYV seeds of wheat.

14. Name two cash crops of India.
Ans: Cotton and sugarcane are important cash crops of India.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. What is agriculture?
Ans: Agriculture is the practice of cultivating land, growing crops, and rearing animals for food, raw materials, and livelihood. It is one of the oldest human activities and forms the backbone of the economy in many countries, especially India. It also supports industries by providing raw materials.

2. Name some HYV seeds of wheat.
Ans: Some High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat include Kalyan Sona, Sonalika, and HD varieties. These seeds were introduced during the Green Revolution and helped in increasing wheat production significantly.

3. Write a short note on plantation agriculture.
Ans: Plantation agriculture is a type of commercial farming in which a single crop such as tea, coffee, rubber, or sugarcane is grown on large estates. It requires large capital investment, modern technology, and skilled labour. These crops are mainly grown for export and are commonly found in tropical regions.

4. Name the major wheat producing states of India.
Ans: The major wheat-producing states of India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. These states have fertile alluvial soil, suitable climate, and good irrigation facilities, which support large-scale wheat cultivation.

5. Name some HYV seeds of cotton.
Ans: High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of cotton include H-4, Varalaxmi, and MCU varieties. These seeds are developed to increase productivity, resist pests, and improve fibre quality. They played an important role in improving cotton production in India.

6. What is subsistence agriculture?
Ans: Subsistence agriculture is a type of farming in which crops are grown mainly for the farmer’s own consumption rather than for sale. It involves small landholdings, traditional tools, and family labour. It is commonly practiced in rural areas of India.

7. What is crop rotation?
Ans: Crop rotation is the agricultural practice of growing different types of crops on the same land in a fixed sequence over different seasons. It helps in maintaining soil fertility, preventing soil exhaustion, and reducing pests and diseases. For example, growing legumes after cereals improves soil nitrogen.

8. What are the objectives of crop rotation?
Ans: The main objectives of crop rotation are to maintain soil fertility, reduce soil erosion, and control pests and diseases. It also helps in better utilization of soil nutrients and increases crop productivity.

9. Name the countries to which India exports tea.
Ans: India exports tea to several countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Indian tea is famous worldwide for its quality and flavour, especially tea from Assam and Darjeeling.

10. What are zaid crops?
Ans: Zaid crops are grown during the short summer season between Rabi and Kharif crops. They require warm weather and irrigation facilities. Examples include watermelon, cucumber, and vegetables.

11. Mention any two problems of Indian agriculture.
Ans: Two major problems of Indian agriculture are dependence on monsoon and small landholdings. Irregular rainfall affects crop production, while fragmented land reduces efficiency and prevents the use of modern machinery.

12. What is boll weevil?
Ans: Boll weevil is a harmful insect pest that attacks cotton crops. It feeds on cotton buds and bolls, damaging the crop and reducing yield. It is one of the major problems faced by cotton farmers.

4. Analytical questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. How can you classify the wheat?
Ans: Wheat can be classified as follows:

On the basis of season:

Rabi crop: Wheat is mainly a winter crop, sown in October–December and harvested in March–April. It requires cool climate during growth and warm climate during ripening.

On the basis of grain type:

Hard wheat: It has high protein content and is mainly used for making bread and chapati due to its strong gluten.
Soft wheat: It has lower protein content and is used for making biscuits, cakes, and pastries.

Other factors influencing classification:

Climate, soil fertility, and irrigation facilities affect the quality and type of wheat grown in different regions.

2. Why does wheat dominate in the agriculture of north India?
Ans: Wheat dominates in the agriculture of North India due to favourable physical and climatic conditions. The region has fertile alluvial soil, which is ideal for wheat cultivation. The winter season provides cool temperatures required for the growth of wheat, while sufficient sunshine during ripening ensures good yield. Availability of irrigation facilities such as canals and tube wells further supports its cultivation. In addition, the use of modern farming techniques and high-yielding varieties has increased wheat production in this region.

3. Classify the crops of India according to their sowing season.
Ans: Crops in India are divided into three types:

Kharif crops:

These crops are sown with the onset of monsoon (June–July) and harvested in autumn (September–October).
They require high temperature and heavy rainfall for proper growth.
Examples include rice, maize, cotton, and jute.

Rabi crops:

These crops are sown in winter (October–November) and harvested in spring (March–April).
They require cool climate for growth and less rainfall.
Examples include wheat, mustard, barley, and peas.

Zaid crops:

These are short-duration crops grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons during summer (March–June).
They require warm weather and irrigation facilities.
Examples include watermelon, cucumber, and vegetables.

Basis of classification:

This classification is based on seasonal changes, temperature, and rainfall patterns in India.

4. Why wheat is cultivated during winter in India?
Ans: Wheat is cultivated during winter in India because it requires a cool climate for its growth and development. The temperature during winter is suitable for the germination and growth of wheat plants. Low temperature prevents the crop from drying and ensures proper development. During the ripening stage, bright sunshine and dry weather are required, which are available in the spring season. These climatic conditions make winter the most suitable season for wheat cultivation in India.

5. Why is coffee cultivation predominant in south India?
Ans: Coffee cultivation is predominant in South India because of suitable geographical conditions. The region provides a warm and humid climate with moderate temperatures and sufficient rainfall. The hilly slopes of the Western Ghats offer well-drained soil and ideal relief for coffee plantations. The presence of shade trees helps in maintaining the required humidity. In addition, the availability of skilled labour and plantation farming practices makes South India highly suitable for coffee cultivation.

6. What were the advantages and disadvantages of Green Revolution in India?
Ans:

Advantages	Description
Increased food production	The Green Revolution led to a significant rise in the production of food grains, especially wheat and rice.
Food security	India became self-sufficient in food grains and reduced dependence on imports.
Use of modern techniques	Introduction of HYV seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced farming methods improved agriculture.
Expansion of irrigation	Development of irrigation facilities ensured better water supply to crops.

Disadvantages	Description
Regional disparities	Benefits were mainly limited to states like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Soil degradation	Excessive use of chemical fertilizers reduced soil fertility over time.
Water depletion	Overuse of groundwater for irrigation led to falling water levels.
Environmental problems	Increased use of pesticides and chemicals caused pollution and health issues.

7. Name the important plantation crops of India and mention the regions where they are cultivated?
Ans:

Plantation Crop	Description	Major Regions of Cultivation
Tea	A major beverage crop that requires a humid climate and heavy rainfall; mostly grown on hill slopes.	Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Nilgiri Hills (South India)
Coffee	A plantation crop that needs warm climate, shade, and well-drained soil for proper growth.	Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Rubber	An industrial crop obtained from latex; requires high temperature and heavy rainfall.	Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Sugarcane	A commercial crop used for producing sugar, jaggery, and ethanol; needs fertile soil and irrigation.	Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Coconut	A tropical coastal crop used for food, oil, and fibre; grows well in sandy soils and humid climate.	Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Coastal regions

5. Explanatory questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Discuss the role of the different states in India regarding production and trade of wheat.
Ans:

States / Factors	Description
Punjab and Haryana as surplus producers	Punjab and Haryana are leading producers of wheat and generate surplus production due to advanced farming methods and irrigation.
Uttar Pradesh as the largest producer	Uttar Pradesh contributes the highest share of wheat production in India due to its vast fertile plains and favourable climate.
Madhya Pradesh as an emerging producer	Madhya Pradesh has shown rapid growth in wheat production and is becoming an important contributor to national output.
Rajasthan and Bihar as moderate producers	Rajasthan and Bihar produce wheat in moderate quantities and support regional consumption needs.
Role in inter-state distribution	Surplus-producing states supply wheat to deficit states, ensuring food availability across the country.
Government procurement system	Government agencies purchase wheat from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to maintain price stability and support farmers.
Public Distribution System (PDS)	Wheat is distributed to the public at subsidized rates through PDS to ensure food security for weaker sections.
Storage and transportation	Proper storage facilities and transport systems help in maintaining the supply chain of wheat across regions.
Participation in international trade	India exports surplus wheat to other countries, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.

2. Mention the problems of Indian agriculture along with its remedial measures.
Ans:

Problems:

Heavy dependence on monsoon rainfall: Indian agriculture largely depends on rainfall, making production uncertain and prone to droughts or floods.
Prevalence of small and fragmented landholdings: Land is divided into small and scattered plots, reducing efficiency and limiting the use of modern machinery.
Inadequate irrigation facilities: Many regions lack proper irrigation systems, forcing farmers to rely on unpredictable rainfall.
Use of traditional farming methods: Outdated tools and techniques result in low productivity and inefficient farming.
Degradation of soil fertility: Soil erosion, deforestation, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers reduce soil quality over time.
Poor storage, transport, and marketing facilities: Lack of proper infrastructure leads to wastage of crops and financial losses for farmers.
Indebtedness of farmers: Farmers often depend on loans and face financial stress due to low income and crop failure.

Remedial Measures:

Expansion of irrigation facilities: Development of canals, tube wells, and modern irrigation systems ensures a reliable water supply.
Adoption of modern agricultural techniques: Use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and machinery increases productivity.
Implementation of land reforms: Consolidation of landholdings improves efficiency and allows mechanization.
Soil conservation and sustainable practices: Methods like crop rotation, afforestation, and organic farming help maintain soil fertility.
Improvement of storage and transport infrastructure: Better warehousing, cold storage, and transport facilities reduce post-harvest losses.
Provision of institutional credit and subsidies: Easy loans and financial support help farmers invest in modern inputs.
Introduction of crop insurance schemes: Insurance protects farmers against losses due to natural calamities.
Supportive government policies: Minimum Support Price (MSP) and agricultural schemes ensure fair income and stability.

3. Discuss the physical factors favourable for growth of tea plantation in India.
Ans:

Factors	Description
Climate conditions	Tea requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, which supports continuous leaf growth throughout the year.
Rainfall requirement	Tea needs heavy and well-distributed rainfall between 150 to 300 cm annually, ensuring constant soil moisture without long dry spells.
Soil conditions	Tea grows best in deep, acidic, fertile, and well-drained soils rich in humus, which promote strong root development.
Relief (topography)	Tea is cultivated on hill slopes and undulating terrain, which helps in natural drainage and prevents water stagnation.
Humidity level	High atmospheric humidity is essential for proper growth of tender tea leaves and maintaining plant health.
Shade requirement	Shade trees are planted to protect tea bushes from direct sunlight, reduce evaporation, and maintain moisture.
Drainage conditions	Proper drainage is necessary because tea plants are highly sensitive to waterlogging, which can damage roots.
Labour requirement	Tea cultivation is labour-intensive as it requires careful plucking of leaves, pruning, and maintenance throughout the year.
Long growing season	Tea requires a long frost-free growing period, which allows multiple harvests in a year.

4. Briefly discuss the important characteristics of Indian agriculture.
Ans:

Heavy dependence on monsoon rainfall: Agriculture in India largely depends on seasonal monsoon rainfall for water supply. Since irrigation facilities are not uniformly developed, irregular or insufficient rainfall often leads to crop failure, droughts, or floods, making agriculture highly uncertain and risky.
Dominance of subsistence farming: A large number of farmers practice subsistence agriculture, where crops are grown mainly for their own consumption rather than for sale in the market. This is due to small landholdings, lack of capital, and traditional farming practices.
Diversity of crops: India has diverse climatic conditions, soil types, and relief features, which allow the cultivation of a wide variety of crops such as cereals (rice, wheat), pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and cash crops like cotton and jute.
Prevalence of small and fragmented landholdings: Agricultural land is divided into small and scattered plots because of population growth and inheritance laws. This reduces efficiency, makes mechanization difficult, and limits the adoption of modern farming techniques.
Labour-intensive nature of agriculture: Indian agriculture relies heavily on human labour rather than machines. Traditional tools are still widely used, especially in rural areas, resulting in lower productivity and slower farming operations.
Low level of productivity: The yield per hectare in India is relatively low compared to developed countries due to factors such as outdated techniques, poor irrigation, low-quality seeds, and inadequate use of fertilizers and technology.
Practice of mixed farming: Farmers often combine crop cultivation with livestock rearing, such as cattle, goats, and poultry. This helps in providing additional income, manure for fields, and reduces the risk of total crop failure.
Regional variation in agriculture: Agricultural practices and cropping patterns vary from region to region depending on differences in climate, soil, rainfall, and relief. For example, rice is mainly grown in high rainfall areas, while wheat is grown in cooler regions.

5. Discuss the suitable geographical conditions needed for growing milet crops and also mention the milet producing states of India.
Ans:

Factors	Description
Climate conditions	Millet crops require a warm and dry climate for proper growth and are best suited to arid and semi-arid regions of India.
Rainfall requirement	Millets grow well in areas receiving low rainfall ranging from 25 to 75 cm, making them suitable for drought-prone regions.
Temperature requirement	The ideal temperature for millet cultivation ranges between 20°C and 30°C, which promotes healthy growth and maturity.
Soil conditions	Millets can grow in poor, sandy, shallow, and less fertile soils where many other crops fail to grow.
Drought resistance	Millets are highly drought-resistant and can survive long dry spells with minimal water supply.
Short growing season	Millets have a short duration of growth, which makes them suitable for regions with uncertain rainfall.
Low input requirement	Millets require less use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, making them economical for farmers.
Adaptability	Millets can adapt to harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature and low soil fertility.
Major producing states	The major millet-producing states in India include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where natural conditions are favourable.