Important Questions (1 Mark): Agriculture - Class 10

Introduction:
India is a diverse country with a wide range of occupations. However, agriculture stands out as one of the most important occupations in India. This answer will provide a detailed explanation of why agriculture is considered the most important occupation in India.
Reasons why agriculture is the most important occupation:
1. Contribution to the economy: Agriculture plays a crucial role in India's economy. It is the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population, contributing to income generation, employment opportunities, and poverty reduction.
2. Food security: Agriculture ensures food security by producing a variety of crops. India's vast agricultural sector helps meet the food requirements of its large population, ensuring adequate food supply and reducing dependency on imports.
3. Rural development: Agriculture is primarily practiced in rural areas, and its development directly impacts the overall development of rural communities. It provides opportunities for income generation, infrastructure development, and improved living standards in rural areas.
4. Export potential: India is a major exporter of agricultural products. The agricultural sector contributes significantly to the country's export earnings, boosting the overall trade balance and foreign exchange reserves.
5. Employment generation: Agriculture is labor-intensive and provides employment opportunities to millions of people. It serves as a means of livelihood for farmers, agricultural laborers, and various other rural workers.
6. Supporting industries: Agriculture acts as a backbone for many supporting industries. These include agro-processing, food processing, agri-business, and manufacturing sectors that rely on agricultural produce as raw materials.
7. Sustainable development: Agriculture can promote sustainable development practices. With a shift towards organic farming, conservation of natural resources, and the use of environmentally friendly techniques, the agricultural sector can contribute to sustainable development goals.
Conclusion:
Considering the significant contributions of agriculture to the economy, food security, employment generation, rural development, and supporting industries, it is evident that agriculture is the most important occupation in India.

Answer:

Types of Economic Activity:

• Primary Activity: This type of economic activity involves the extraction of natural resources directly from the environment. It includes activities such as agriculture, fishing, mining, and forestry.


• Secondary Activity: This type of economic activity involves the processing and manufacturing of raw materials obtained from primary activities. It includes activities such as manufacturing, construction, and electricity generation.


• Tertiary Activity: This type of economic activity involves providing services to individuals and businesses. It includes activities such as retail, transportation, finance, healthcare, and education.

Agriculture:

Agriculture is a primary economic activity. It involves the cultivation of crops, raising livestock, and other activities related to the production of food, fiber, and raw materials. Agriculture is the foundation of many economies around the world and plays a crucial role in providing food and resources for human consumption.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Primary activity. Agriculture is considered a primary economic activity as it involves the direct extraction and production of raw materials from the environment.

Primitive Subsistence Farming in North-eastern States:
In the north-eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, Primitive Subsistence Farming is known as Jhumming. Here is a detailed explanation of this agricultural practice:
1. Jhumming:
- Also known as shifting cultivation, Jhumming is a traditional farming method followed by indigenous communities in the north-eastern states.
- It involves clearing a patch of land, often in forests, and burning the vegetation to release nutrients into the soil.
- The ash from the burnt vegetation acts as a natural fertilizer for the crops.
- The land is then cultivated for a few years until the soil fertility decreases, after which the farmers move to a new patch of land and repeat the process.
- Jhumming is characterized by small-scale farming, low input usage, and crop rotation.
- It is mainly practiced for subsistence purposes rather than commercial production.
2. Characteristics of Jhumming:
- It relies on the natural fertility of the soil and does not involve the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- The crops grown in Jhumming include rice, maize, millets, potatoes, and vegetables.
- The farming system is dependent on the traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations.
- Jhumming also has social and cultural significance for the indigenous communities, as it is often associated with their identity and traditional practices.
3. Challenges and Concerns:
- Despite its cultural significance, Jhumming is facing challenges due to the changing socio-economic conditions and environmental concerns.
- The practice requires large areas of land, which leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
- The decreasing fallow periods and increased population pressure have resulted in reduced soil fertility.
- Efforts are being made to promote sustainable alternatives to Jhumming, such as terrace farming, agroforestry, and the use of improved farming techniques.
Overall, Jhumming, or Primitive Subsistence Farming, is an integral part of the agricultural practices in the north-eastern states. It is an age-old tradition that has sustained the livelihoods of indigenous communities for generations. However, with changing times, there is a need to balance tradition with sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the preservation of culture and the environment.

There are two types of the intensive subsistence agriculture. One is dominated by wet paddy and the other is dominated by crops other than paddy, e.g., wheat, pulses, maize, millets, sorghum, kaoling, soya-beans, tubers and vegetables.

Rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but in Odisha, it is a subsistence crop.

Major Kharif crops are rice, maize, cotton, jowar, bajra etc. Major Rabi crops are wheat, gram, peas, barley etc. 

Zaid Cropping Season:
The Zaid cropping season, also known as the summer or dry-season crop, is practiced in regions with adequate irrigation facilities. It typically occurs between the months of March and June in India. During this season, crops that require less water and have a shorter duration are cultivated. One of the crops produced during the Zaid cropping season is muskmelon.
Crops produced during Zaid cropping season:
- Muskmelon: Muskmelon is a popular fruit that is grown during the Zaid cropping season. It requires a warm climate and can be grown with the help of irrigation facilities. Muskmelons are known for their sweet and aromatic flavor and are consumed fresh or used in various culinary preparations.
- Other crops: While muskmelon is a notable crop produced during the Zaid cropping season, there are other crops cultivated as well. Some of these include:
- Sugarcane: Sugarcane is a perennial crop that is harvested during the summer season. It requires a longer duration to grow and is often grown in areas with sufficient water availability.
- Groundnut: Groundnut, also known as peanut, is another crop that can be cultivated during the Zaid cropping season. It is a leguminous crop that requires a moderate amount of water and is commonly used for oil extraction and as a snack.
- Moong: Moong, or mung bean, is a pulse crop that can be grown during the Zaid cropping season. It has a shorter duration compared to other leguminous crops and is commonly used in various culinary preparations.
In conclusion, muskmelon is one of the crops produced during the Zaid cropping season. However, other crops such as sugarcane, groundnut, and moong can also be cultivated during this season depending on the water availability and agricultural practices in the specific region.

Answer:
The correct answer is option C: Three-Aus, Aman, Boro.
Explanation:
In states like Assam, West Bengal, and Orissa, multiple crops of paddy are grown in a year. These crops are known by different names and are classified as follows:
1. Aus: It is a type of paddy crop grown during the rainy season, also known as the Kharif season. It is typically sown in May-June and harvested in September-October.
2. Aman: Aman is another type of paddy crop grown during the monsoon season. It is sown in June-July and harvested in November-December.
3. Boro: Boro is the third type of paddy crop grown during the winter season, also known as the Rabi season. It is sown in November-December and harvested in April-May.
These three crops, Aus, Aman, and Boro, are collectively known as the paddy crops grown in the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Orissa. Each crop has its own specific cultivation and harvesting periods, allowing farmers to have multiple paddy crops in a single year.

Coarse Grains
Coarse grains are a category of grains that have a larger particle size compared to other grains. They are known for their hard texture and are often used as staple foods in many regions. Among the options provided, the coarse grains are:
Millets - Jowar, bajra, and ragi
- Millets are small-seeded grains that are highly nutritious and rich in fiber.
- Jowar, also known as sorghum, is a versatile grain used in various dishes such as rotis, porridge, and snacks.
- Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is a drought-resistant grain commonly consumed in India.
- Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a popular grain in Southern India and is used to make dosas, porridge, and baked goods.
Pulses - Urad, arhar, gram
- Pulses are leguminous crops that are harvested for their dried seeds.
- Urad, also known as black gram, is commonly used in Indian cuisine to make dal, idli, and dosa.
- Arhar, also known as pigeon pea, is a widely consumed pulse in India and is used to make dal.
- Gram, also known as chickpea, is a versatile pulse used in various dishes such as curries, salads, and snacks.
Other grains
- Wheat and rice are not considered coarse grains. They have a finer texture and are widely consumed as staple foods in many parts of the world.
- Oilseeds, such as sesame, sunflower, and mustard seeds, are not classified as coarse grains either. They are primarily used for their oil content.
In conclusion, the coarse grains among the given options are millets (jowar, bajra, and ragi) and pulses (urad, arhar, and gram). Wheat, rice, and oilseeds do not fall under this category.

Answer:

The crop that is used both as a food and as a fodder is Maize.

Explanation:

Maize, also known as corn, is a versatile crop that can be used for various purposes, including as a food for human consumption and as a fodder for animals. Here is a detailed explanation:

• Maize as a food: Maize is a staple food for many cultures around the world. It is consumed in various forms, such as fresh corn on the cob, cornmeal, corn flour, and cornstarch. It is used to make a wide range of food products, including tortillas, cornbread, corn flakes, popcorn, and corn oil.



• Maize as a fodder: Maize is also widely used as a fodder crop for livestock. The entire plant, including the leaves, stalks, and grains, can be used as animal feed. It is particularly valuable as a source of energy and nutrients for cattle, poultry, and swine. Maize silage, which is made by fermenting the whole plant, is a common feed for dairy cows and beef cattle.

In conclusion, maize is a crop that serves both as a food for humans and as a fodder for animals. Its versatility and nutritional value make it an important crop in many agricultural systems worldwide.

India is the largest producer as well as consumer of pulses in world. Since pulses are the major source of protein in a vegetarian diet, these are used by most of the Indian population. They need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions.

Main Source of Jaggery, Khandsari, and Molasses:
The main source of jaggery, khandsari, and molasses is sugarcane.
Explanation:
Sugarcane is a widely cultivated crop that is primarily used for sugar production. However, apart from sugar, sugarcane also serves as the main source for various by-products such as jaggery, khandsari, and molasses.
- Jaggery: Jaggery is a traditional sweetener that is made by boiling sugarcane juice until it solidifies. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine and is known for its distinct flavor.
- Khandsari: Khandsari is another type of unrefined sugar that is produced from sugarcane juice. It is made by evaporating the water content from the juice and then crystallizing it.
- Molasses: Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is a by-product of the sugar production process. It is obtained by boiling sugarcane juice multiple times and then separating the sugar crystals. Molasses is commonly used as a sweetener in baking and cooking.
In conclusion, sugarcane is the main crop used for the production of jaggery, khandsari, and molasses. These by-products are widely consumed and have various culinary uses.

The major Rabi crop in India is wheat, followed by barley, mustard, sesame, Oats, Grams, Linseed and peas. Hence, D is the correct option.

Kharif Crop Account for Half of the Major Oilseeds Produced
The kharif season refers to the monsoon season in India, which is from June to September. During this season, various crops are grown, including oilseeds. Among these oilseeds, one crop stands out as accounting for about half of the major oilseeds produced in the country:
Groundnut
Here is a detailed explanation:
- Kharif Crop: Kharif crops are sown and harvested during the monsoon season in India, which typically starts in June and ends in September.
- Major Oilseeds: Oilseeds are crops that are primarily cultivated for their oil content. Major oilseeds in India include mustard, coconut, groundnut, and soybean.
- Groundnut: Groundnut, also known as peanut, is a kharif crop that accounts for about half of the major oilseeds produced in the country. It is widely cultivated in states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- Importance of Groundnut: Groundnut is a versatile crop with various uses. It is primarily grown for its oil, which is used for cooking, as well as in the production of margarine, soap, and cosmetics. Groundnut is also consumed as a snack and is used in the preparation of various food products like peanut butter and confectionery items.
- Other Oilseeds: While groundnut is the kharif crop that accounts for about half of the major oilseeds produced, other oilseeds like mustard, coconut, and soybean also contribute to the overall oilseed production in the country. These crops have their own significance and are grown in different regions of India.
In conclusion, groundnut is the kharif crop that accounts for about half of the major oilseeds produced in India. It is a versatile crop with various uses and is widely cultivated in several states across the country.

Group of Crops Known as Beverage Crops:

1. Tea: Tea is a popular beverage crop grown in many parts of the world. The leaves of the tea plant are used to make various types of tea, such as green tea, black tea, and oolong tea.


2. Coffee: Coffee is another well-known beverage crop. The seeds of the coffee plant, known as coffee beans, are roasted and ground to make coffee. It is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally.

Explanation:
The correct answer is option D: Tea and Coffee. Tea and coffee are both widely consumed beverages, and their crops are specifically grown for their leaves (tea) and seeds (coffee beans) to produce these beverages. Castor seed and sunflower (option A) are not beverage crops but are primarily grown for oil extraction. Peas and gram (option B) are pulses and are commonly used in cooking. Cotton and jute (option C) are fiber crops used in the textile industry.

Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming where crops are grown for profit. Countries that experience tropical climate with high annual temperatures and high annual rainfall are best suited for this type of agriculture. In order to practice plantation agriculture, we need large land areas. You can generally find plantation agriculture in the mountain slopes and valleys where humus-rich mountainous soil is available. Tea, coffee, spices and tropical fruits are products of plantation agriculture.

Horticulture Crops

Horticulture crops refer to plants that are grown for their edible parts or for ornamental purposes. These crops are usually cultivated in gardens, nurseries, or greenhouses. The following options are known as horticulture crops:

• Fruits: These are the mature ovaries of flowering plants and are consumed for their sweet or savory taste. Examples include apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, etc.


• Vegetables: These are herbaceous plants that are consumed for their savory or aromatic taste. Examples include tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, etc.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Fruits and Vegetables. Tea, coffee, cotton, jute, rubber, and tobacco are not considered horticulture crops. They belong to different categories:

• Tea and coffee: These are beverage crops that are cultivated for their leaves or seeds, respectively.


• Cotton and jute: These are fiber crops that are grown for their fibers, which are used in the textile industry.


• Rubber: This is a latex crop obtained from the rubber tree and is used in the production of various products.


• Tobacco: This is a commercial crop cultivated for its leaves, which are processed and used in the production of tobacco products.

It is important to note that horticulture crops play a significant role in providing food, nutrition, and economic benefits to individuals and communities. They contribute to the overall well-being and sustainability of agricultural practices.

India is believed to be the original home of the following fibre crops:
- Cotton: Cotton is one of the major fibre crops that originated in India. It has been cultivated in the Indus Valley since ancient times and has played a significant role in the country's textile industry.
- Jute: Jute is another important fibre crop that is believed to have originated in India. It has been cultivated in the Bengal region for centuries and is widely used for making ropes, bags, and other coarse textiles.
- Hemp: While India is not the original home of hemp, it has been cultivated in the country for thousands of years. Hemp has various uses, including the production of textiles, paper, and building materials.
- Silk: Silk production is believed to have originated in China, but India has a long history of sericulture and silk weaving. The silk industry in India is renowned for its intricate designs and high-quality silk products.
Overall, India has a rich heritage in cultivating and producing various fibre crops, making it an important player in the global textile industry.