CHAPTER 2.

4 Agriculture

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

12. In which system of agriculture, a single crop
1. Name the crops for which India is the largest is grown on a large area? [CBSE
producer in the world. 2016] Ans :
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
13. Name some plantation crops. [CBSE
2. By which name is specialized cultivation of 2016]
fruits and vegetables known?
Ans :
Ans : [CBSE S.P. 2016-17]

3. Describe ‘Jhumming cultivation’ in one 14. Which type of farming is intensive

sentence. subsistence farming? [CBSE 2015]
Ans : [CBSE S.P. 2016-17] Ans :
4. Which is the leading coffee producer state in 15. Which two areas of India produce oranges
India? mainly?
Ans : [CBSE S.R 2016-17] Ans : [CBSE 2015]
5. By which other name is ‘slash and burn’ 16. Which country is the first largest producer of
agriculture known? [CBSE rice?
2014] Ans : [CBSE 2017]
Ans :
(Any one) 17. India is the largest producer as well as
consumer of which agricultural product in the
6. In which country the ‘slash and burn’ world?
agriculture is known as ‘Roca’ ? [CBSE Ans : [CBSE 2014]
2012] Ans :
18. Which crop is used both as food and fodder?
7. Hoe, dao, digging sticks are associated with Ans : [CBSE 2015]
which type of farming? [CBSE
19. Which crop is known as golden fibre?
2012] Ans :
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
8. Which crop is grown with the onset monsoons
20. Which state is the largest producer of ragi?
and are harvested in the month of September
and October? Ans : [CBSE 2000]
Ans : [CBSE 2016]

9. Which crop is the major crop of rabi? Q. Jute is called the ‘Brown Paper’. Why?
[CBSE
2014] Q. Coffee grows well in plateaus of South but
Ans : not in
10. Name some rabi crops. [CBSE
North India. Why?
2015]
Ans :
11. Name the two important wheat growing
zones in India.
Ans : [CBSE 2015]

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Agriculture in
21. In which type of soil does maize grow well? Describe any three technological and
Ans : [CBSE 2016] institutional reforms made in the field of
agriculture in India.
THREE MARKS QUESTIONS Ans : [CBSE 2015]
a. Land reforms: collectivization, .
consolidation of holdings, cooperation and
22. “Dense and efficient network of transport is a
abolition of zamindari.
pre- requisite for local and national
b. Agricultural reforms: Green revolution and
development”. Analyse the statement. White
Ans : [CBSE 2018]
a. The pace of development of country
depends upon the production of goods and
services as well as their movement over
space. Therefore efficient means of
transport are pre-requisite for national
development.
b. Today, the world has been converted into
a large village with the help of efficient
and fast moving transport system.
c. The trades from local to international
levels have added to the vitality of our
economy with the help of dense and
efficient network of transport in the
country. It has enriched our life and added
substantially to growing amenities and
facilities for the comforts of life.
23. Which are the two main cropping seasons in
India? Mention their growing and harvesting
periods.
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
The two main cropping seasons are Rabi and
Kharif:
a. Rabi crops are sown in winter from
October to December and harvested in
summer from April to June.
b. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of
monsoon in different parts of the country
and harvested in September-October.
24. What are the growing conditions required for
the main staple food crop of India? Mention
the main growing regions. [CBSE
2014]
Ans :
Growing conditions required for rice:
a. High temperature (above 25°C). It is a
Kharif crop.
b. High humidity with annual rainfall above
100 cm.
Main growing regions: Northern plains,
northeastern India, Coastal areas, deltaic
plains and river valleys.
25. Describe the institutional and technical
changes introduced in the field of agriculture
in India in the recent years. [CBSE 2014]
or
What were the attributes of the
comprehensive land development programme
initiated in India in the decade 1980 and
1990.

[CBSE2015] or
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Chap 2.4 :
revolution.
Agriculture a. In the 1980s and 1990s, a comprehensive
c. Land development programmes : land development programme was
Provision for crop in surance against initiated, which included both institutional
drought, flood, cyclone etc., and technical reforms.
establishment of Grameen banks, b. Provision for crop insurance against
Cooperative societies and banks for drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease
providing loans. establishment of Grameen banks for
d. Issuing of Kissan Credit Card and providing loan facilities to the farmers at
Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, lower rates of interest were some
etc. important steps in this direction.
e. Special weather bulletins and c. Kissan Credit Card (KCC), personal
agricultural programmes for farmers on accident
radio and TV.
26. Explain any two geographical conditions
required for the cultivation of pulses. Name
any two important pulses producing states.
[CBSE2013]
or
Why the pulses are mostly grown in rotation
with other crops? Name any two major pulse
producing states?
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
Pulses are mostly grown in rotation with
other crops because:
a. Pulses need less moisture and survive
even in dry conditions.
b. Being leguminous crops, all these crops
Major pulse producing states are :
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
27. Give an account of oilseeds in India. State
the importance of groundnut and name the
states where it is grown. [CBSE
2013]
or
Describe the uses of oilseeds? Which state is
the largest producer of groundnut?
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
Importance:
a. Are edible and used as cooking medium.
b. Used as raw material in production of
soap, cosmetics and ointment.
c. India-largest
producer. Groundnut:
a. Kharif crop.
b. Accounts half of the total oilseed
production.
c. State: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS

28. “The Government of India has introduced

various institutional and technological
reforms to improve agriculture in the 1980s
and 1990s”. Support this statement with
examples. [CBSE
2018]
or
Compare intensive subsistence farming with
that of commercial farming practiced in
India.
Ans : [CBSE 2018]

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Agriculture in
insurance scheme are some other inputs.
schemes introduced by the government of
29. What are millets? Give brief description of the
India for the benefit of the farmers.
climatic conditions and producing states of
d. Special weather bulletins and agricultural
the millets grown
programmes for farmers were introduced
on the radio and television.
e. The government also announces minimum
support price, remunerative and
procurement prices for important crops to
check the exploitation of farmers by
speculators and middlemen.
or
Intensive Commercial
Farming
Subsistence
Farming
1 This type of In this type of
. farming is farming single crop
practised in areas is grown on a large
of high population area.
pressure on land.
2. It is labour- The main
intensive farming, characteristic of
where high doses this type of farming
of biochemical is the use of higher
inputs and doses of
irrigation are used modern inputs e.g.
for obtaining HYV seeds,
higher production. chemical fertilisers,
insecticides and
pesticides in order
to obtain higher
productivity.
3. Though the ‘right In commercial
of inheritance farming plantation
leading to the has an interface of
division of land agriculture and
among industry. It covers
large tracts of land
successive using capital
generation intensive inputs,
has with the help of
rendered land- migrant labourers.
holding size.
Uneconomical the
farmers continue to
take maximum
output from thd
limited land in the
absence of
alternative source
of livelihood.
4. In this type of Crops are mainly
farming crops are grown for the
grown for family market or used in
consumption. industry as raw
material.
5. Rice, wheat, Tea, coffee,
maize, are mainly sugarcane, rubber,
grown with the banana etc. are
help of traditional grown with the
tools. help of modern

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Chap 2.4 :
c. Ragi-grown well in dry region on red,
Agriculture 31. Name any four oilseeds produced in India.
black, sandy and loamy soils. Explain the importance of oilseeds in our day-
States producing-Tamil Nadu, Himachal to-day life.
Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Ans : [CBSE S.R 2016-17]

30. Which crop is known as the ‘golden fibre’ ?

(i) Groundnut (ii) Mustard
Explain any two geographical conditions (iii) Coconut (iv) Sesamun
essential for the cultivation of this crop. (v) Soyabean, sunflower; etc.
Mention its any four uses. [CBSE S.R 2016- Importance of oilseeds:
17] Most of these are edible in the form of oil.
Used as raw material for manufacturing
Ans :
paints, varnishes, soaps, perfumes etc, oil
a. Jute is called the golden fibre. cake is used as cattle feed. Oil cake is also
b. Geographical conditions: used as a fertiliser.
c. Grows well in drained fertile soil of the
32. Mention any two geographical conditions
flood plains where the soil is renewed
required for the growth of maize crop in
every year.
India. Describe any three factors which have
d. High temperature is required during the
contributed to increase in maize production.
time of growth.
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
Uses: Can be used to manufacture gunny
bags, mats, ropes, yam, carpets and other Geographical conditions required for the
artefacts. growth of maize crop in India:
a. It is a kharif crop which requires
temperature between 21°C to 27°C.
b. It grows well in alluvial soil.
in India. [CBSE S.R 2016- Use of modern inputs such as HYV seeds,
17] fertilisers and irrigation have contributed to
Ans : the increasing production of maize.
Millets are coarse grains but have high 33. Explain any three geographical conditions
nutritional value e.g., ragi-rich in iron, required for the growth of rice in India. How
calcium. is it possible to grow rice in areas of less
a. Jowar-Rain fed crops mostly grown in rainfall? Explain with examples.
moist area. States producing- Ans : [CBSE 2015]
Maharashtra, Karnataka and MP.
Three geographical conditions for the growth
b. Bajra-grown well on sandy soils and
of rice:
shallow black soil. States producing-
a. It requires high temperature, (above 25°C).
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana
b. Annual rainfall above 100 cm.
and UP.

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Agriculture in
c. High humidity cyclone, etc, establishment of Grameen
It is possible to grow rice in areas of less banks, Cooperative societies and banks for
rainfall with the help of irrigation in Punjab providing loans.
and Haryana. 4. Issuing of Kissan Credit Card and Personal
Accident Insurance Scheme, etc.
34. Why has the agriculture sector in India got a 5. Special weather bulletins and agricultural
major setback in spite of increase in the GDP programmes for farmers on radio and TV.
growth rate? [CBSE 2015] 6. Government announces Minimum Support
Ans : Price (MSP) and remunerative and
a. More and more land is used for procurement prices to check exploitation.
construction of factories, warehouses and
shelters which reduced the land under
cultivation.
b. Soil gets degraded by the use of
pesticides, fertilizers, over irrigation, etc.,
which leads to water logging and salinity.
c. Today Indian farmers are facing a big
challenge from international competition.
d. Our government is reducing the public
investment in agriculture, subsidy on
fertilizers have decreased.
e. Reduction in import duties on agricultural
products have proved detrimental to
agriculture in the country.
35. What are the climatic conditions required for
the growth of rice? [CBSE
2014] Ans :
Climatic conditions required for the growth of
rice:
a. It is a Kharif crop which requires high
temperature (above 25°C).
b. High humidity with annual rainfall above
100 cm.
c. In the areas of less rainfall, it grows with
the help of irrigation.
d. It is grown in the plains of north and
north-easten India, coastal areas and the
deltaic regions.
e. Development of dense network of canal
irrigation and tubewells have made it
possible to grow rice in areas of less
rainfall such as Punjab and Haryana.
36. Suggest any five measures to enhance the
agricultural production in India. [CBSE 2014]
or
Explain any five institutional and technical
reforms brought by the government to
improve the condition of Indian Agriculture.
[CBSE
2012,2011,2010] or
Describe any five steps taken by the
government of India to increase the
productivity of agriculture in India.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
1. Land reforms: Collectivisation,
consolidation of holdings, cooperation and
abolition of zamindari.
2. Agricultural reforms: Green revolution
and White revolution.
3. Land development programmes: Provision
for crop insurance against drought, flood,

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Chap 2.4 :
7. The government provides HYV seeds and
Agriculture
fertilisers.
8. Government provides technical
assistance and training for farmers.
9. Soil testing facilities, cold storage and
transportation facilities are provided by
government for farmers.
37. Define plantation agriculture. Explain any
four characteristics of plantation
agriculture.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
Plantation Agriculture: It is a type of
commercial farming practised in tropical
and sub-tropical regions. It was introduced
by the British in India.
Characteristics:
a. A single crop is grown over large area.
b. It is capital intensive and done with
migrant labour.
c. All produce is used as raw material in
industries such as tea, coffee, rubber,
sugarcane, banana, etc.
d. Plantation has interface of agriculture
and industry both.
38. “Wheat and rice farming in India are fairly
different from each other”. Support the
statement with five suitable examples.
[CBSE 2012]
or
Wheat and rice farming in India are fairly
different from each other. Explain.
Ans : [CBSE 2011]

Basis Weat Rice

of
difference
1. Rainfall 50-75 cm Above 100 cm
2. Temperatu 15 cm o
Above 25o cm
re
3. Area wise North Planes of north
Distributio and and north-west
n North- part of the
west country
4. Type Rabi Kharif

of Crop
5. Major Punjab West Bengal
Producer
39. Distinguish between primitive subsistence
farming and commercial farming by stating
five points of distinction.
Ans :

[CBSE2012]

Subsistence farming Commercial

farming
1. It is practised on It is practised on a
small patches. large scale.
2. Farming depends Irrigation
on
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Chap 2.4 : www.rava.org.
Agriculture
Irrigation facilities are in
available.
3. Primitive tools are Modern
used.
technology is
used.
4. Production is low. Production is
high.
5. No costly fertilisers Chemical
are used.
fertilisers are
used.
6. Family members Labourers are
provide labour. hired.

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Chap 2.4 :
Agriculture e. India are : Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab
Subsistence farming Commercial and Haryana.
farming
7. Only cereals and Commercial
other food crops are
grown crops are grown.
40. Describe any four geographical conditions
required for the growth of tea. Mention the
two major tea producing states of South
India. [CBSE
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.
or
In which agricultural production, India is the
leading producer as well as exporter in
world? Describe the geographical
requirements for its growth and development.
[CBSE 2012]
or
What are the soil type, climatic conditions
and rainfall conditions required for the
cultivation of tea? Write two states of India
where tea grows.
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
a. Tea: Grows well in tropical and
sub¬tropical climates.
b. Soil type: Deep and fertile, well-drained
soil, rich in humus and organic matters.
c. Climate: Warm and moist, frost-free
climate throughout the year.
d. Rainfall: Frequent showers throughout the
year.
e. Two states: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya
and Tripura.

41. Describe four geographical conditions

required for the growth of sugarcane. Name
two major sugarcane producing states of
North India. [CBSE
2012]
or
What geographical conditions are required
for the cultivation of sugarcane? Name two
largest producing states of sugarcane.
Ans : [CBSE 2011,2010]
Geographical conditions required for the
growth of sugarcane in India:
a. It is a tropical as well as sub-tropical
crop so it requires a hot and humid
climate with a temperature of 24°C to
27°C.
b. It requires an annual rainfall between 75
to 100 cm.
c. It can be grown on a variety of soils.
d. Major sugarcane producing states of
North
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Agriculture
42. Which are the two major cotton producing inputs. in
states of North India ? Describe four Features of intensive farming:
geographical conditions required for the a. High yielding variety (HYV) seeds and
growth of cotton. [CBSE modem chemical inputs and irrigation are
2012] used to increase the production.
or b. The per hectare yield is very high.
Describe the geographical conditions
required for the cultivation of cotton.
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are the two major
cotton producing states of North India.
Geographical conditions required for the cultivation
of cotton:
a. It grows well in drier parts of the black
cotton soil of the Deccan plateau.
b. It requires high temperature.
c. It requires light rainfall or irrigation.
d. It requires 21 frost free days and bright
sunshine for its growth.
43. Explain Rubber cultivation in India under
the following heads:
a. Importance
b. Geographical conditions
c. Producing states.
Ans : [CBSE 2011,12]
a. Importance: Many industries depend
upon rubber as their raw material
especially transport industry.
b. Geographical conditions:
(i) It is an equatorial crop, but under
special conditions it is also grown in
tropical and sub tropical areas.
(ii) It requires moist and humid climate
with rainfall of more than 200 cm and
temperature above 25°C.
c. Rubber producing states are Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands and Garo hills of
Meghalaya.
44. Explain any four features of primitive
subsistence agriculture in India.
Ans : [CBSE2011]
Features of primitive subsistence agriculture
in India are:
a. It is practised on small patches of land
with the help of primitive tools.
b. Tools which are used are basically
traditional tools such as hoe, dao and
digging stick.
c. This type of agriculture totally depends
upon monsoon.
d. When the soil fertility decreases, the
farmers shift to another plot of land.
45. What is intensive subsistence farming?
Write three features of intensive farming.
[CBSE 2011] Ans :
Intensive subsistence farming is practised in
areas of high population pressure on land.
In this type of farming, the agricultural
production is increased by using high doses
of biochemical inputs and better agricultural

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Agriculture
c. More than one crop is cultivated during a year.
46. Compare the geographical conditions required
for the production of cotton and jute. [CBSE
2012] Ans :

Cotton Jute
1. Cotton Jute
requires
30°.
requires more than temperature.
21°C of
temperature
2. Rainfall: 50-100 cm Rainfall: Near
about 150 cm.
3. Frost free days are Hot and humid
must during climate is required.
Picking days
4. Loamy and black Well-drained
soil is required.
fertile loamy soil is
required.
47. Why is agriculture called the mainstay of
Indian economy?
or
What is the importance of agriculture in Indian
economy?
Ans : [CBSE 2013]
a. Agriculture is the mainstay of Indian
economy because about 67% of our
population depends directly or indirectly
on agriculture.
b. It provides raw materials to the industries.
c. India earns foreign exchange by exporting
agricultural products.
d. It contributes about 29% to the gross
domestic product.
e. It provides food to over 1250 million population.
48. Why has Indian agriculture started a decline
in the trend of food production? How can we
overcome this problem?
[CBSE 2011]
Ans :
Indian agriculture started a decline in the
trend of food production because:
a. More and more land is used for
construction of factories, warehouses and
shelters have reduced the land under
cultivation.
b. Soil gets degraded by the use of
pesticides, fertilizers, over-irrigation, etc.
which leads to water logging and salinity.
Remedial Measures:
a. Use of agricultural techniques which are
environmentally sustainable.
b. Use of biotechnology in modifying
different crops and increase the yield per
hectare. It reduces dependence on
insecticides and also require less water.

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