Agriculture Class 4 Notes SST

Land as a Resource

Land is very important for a country. It's like a fixed asset, meaning we can't make more of it. Agriculture is one of the main uses of land in India. It's where we grow crops, raise animals, and fish.

Agriculture

Agriculture means growing things on land. Farming gives us food to eat and materials for making things. Many industries in India depend on agriculture. It includes farming, gardening, raising animals, and fishing. 

Farming

Agriculture is one of the main uses of land, and it involves not only farming but also animal raising and fishing. In India, more than half of the people work as farmers. This means farming is the main job for many people in our country. 

Other agricultural activities apart from farming

Types of Farming

In India, farming is classified based on things like rainfall, irrigation, soil type, and the purpose of farming.

1. Dry Farming: This is done in areas where rainfall is less than 80 cm. Crops like jowar, bajra, and pulses are grown here. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and parts of Madhya Pradesh do dry farming.
   Dry Farming
2. Wet Farming: This happens in areas with more than 200 cm of rainfall. Rice and jute are main crops here. States like West Bengal and Assam do wet farming.
   Wet Farming
3. Irrigated Farming: This is done where rainfall is between 80 cm to 200 cm. Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are examples. Wheat, rice, and sugarcane are important crops here.
   Irrigated Farming

Classification of Agriculture

1. Rainfall
2. Irrigation facilities
3. Soil type
4. Purpose of production
5. Size of land holdings
6. Technology used
   
   

Different Kinds of Crops 

In India, we grow different types of crops because our land, weather, and water supply are good for farming. 

Significance of Major Crops 

1. Rice: Widely grown across India, except in areas with low rainfall, it's a staple food and India is the second-largest producer globally.
2. Wheat: Cultivated in the winter season, it's the second most produced crop in India and a dietary staple.
3. Tea: India is a major producer and exporter of tea, known for its quality and variety.
4. Cotton: Despite quality issues, India is the fourth-largest producer of cotton worldwide, used in textile industries.
5. Sugarcane: India has the largest area dedicated to sugarcane cultivation globally, supplying a significant portion of the world's sugar.
   
   

Agricultural Developments 

Since Independence, the government has worked to improve agricultural production through various efforts. This has led to successful initiatives like the Green Revolution, which significantly increased agricultural output. India has also seen growth in flower production, with local consumption increasing and exports beginning. 

Over the years, we've been producing more food and crops. This is because we've been using better seeds, more water for irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, and machines like tractors.

Other agricultural activities apart from farming

1. Gardening: Growing Fruits and Vegetables - Gardening is about growing fruits, flowers, and vegetables. People grow these things to sell them in markets. In India, we grow many different fruits, flowers, and vegetables in places like Jammu & Kashmir and the north-eastern states.
   Gardening
   
   
2. Livestock Rearing: Keeping Animals - Farmers also keep animals like cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. These animals help in farming and also provide us with things like milk, wool, and meat.
   Livestock Rearing
   
   
3. Fishing - Fishing is when people catch fish from the sea or from rivers and lakes. In India, some people catch fish from the sea, while others catch fish from rivers and lakes. This provides us with different types of fish to eat.
   Fishing