1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture where a single crop is grown on a large area?
(a) Shifting Agriculture
(b) Plantation Agriculture
(c) Horticulture
(d) Intensive Agriculture
Answer: (b) Plantation Agriculture
(ii) Which one of the following is a rabi crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Gram
(c) Millets
(d) Cotton
Answer: (b) Gram
(iii) Which one of the following is a leguminous crop?
(a) Pulses
(b) Jawar
(c) Millets
(d) Sesamum
Answer: (a) Pulses
2. Answer the following questions in 30 words.
(i) Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth.
Tea is an important beverage crop. It requires deep, fertile, well-drained soil, rich in humus, and warm, humid climate with annual rainfall of 150-250 cm. Tea is grown on slopes for good drainage.
(ii) Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced.
Rice is the staple crop of India. It is mainly grown in the plains of North and Eastern India (West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar) and also in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
(iii) Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.
Major institutional reforms include abolition of zamindari, consolidation of land holdings, cooperative societies, crop insurance schemes, minimum support price (MSP), and provision of credit and subsidies.
3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Suggest the initiative taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production.
The Indian government has undertaken several measures to boost agricultural production. The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties of seeds, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and expansion of irrigation facilities. Land reforms such as abolition of zamindari system and consolidation of holdings improved land ownership and utilization. Cooperative societies were promoted to facilitate credit, marketing, and supply of agricultural inputs. The government has launched crop insurance schemes to protect farmers against crop failures due to natural calamities. Minimum Support Price (MSP) ensures fair prices for crops, encouraging farmers to increase production. Agricultural universities and extension services provide training and disseminate modern farming techniques. Modernization of agriculture through mechanization, research, and development has also been promoted.
(ii) Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.
Rice needs high temperature (above 25°C) and high humidity during its growth period. It requires annual rainfall of 100-200 cm; irrigation is essential in areas of low rainfall. Rice thrives in alluvial soil or clayey loam, which can retain water. It is generally cultivated on lowlands and river valleys, where water stagnation is good. Proper supply of water during the growing season, levelled fields for flooding, and adequate sunlight are important for optimal growth. In India, states with suitable geographical conditions for rice include West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.