Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Assertion and Reason Questions - Contemporary India - II

Assertion (A): Tea is indeed an important beverage crop introduced in India by the British during colonial times. This statement is true.

Reason (R): In 2018, India was the second-largest producer of tea after China. This is also true.

Relationship between (A) and (R): While both statements are true, the fact that India was the second-largest producer of tea in 2018 does not explain why tea is an important beverage crop or why it was introduced by the British. The introduction of tea by the British in India was driven by their colonial interests and the favorable climatic conditions in regions like Assam and Darjeeling, not because of India's ranking in tea production in 2018.

Assertion (A): The statement is true because as the population increases, the size of landholdings per farmer continues to shrink, making it difficult for farmers to sustain themselves by growing only foodgrains. This is due to limited profitability and increasing costs.

Reason (R): This is also true because diversifying cropping patterns from cereals to high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and cash crops can significantly improve farmers' incomes and make agriculture more sustainable.

Relationship between (A) and (R):  However, while R offers a potential solution, it does not directly explain why A is true. Thus, R is not the correct explanation for A.

Assertion: India’s primary activity is agriculture. This is true because agriculture has historically been and continues to be a major sector of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and livelihoods.

Reason: Two-thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities. This is also true, as a significant portion of the Indian population is involved in agriculture, even though the proportion has been decreasing in recent years.

Relationship:

The reason (that two-thirds of the population is engaged in agricultural activities) directly explains why agriculture is considered the primary activity in India.

Thus, Option A is correct.

Assertion: Agriculture is not an old economic activity. This statement is False as agriculture is old economic activity. 
Reason: Farming varies from subsistence to commercial type. This statement is True as farming can be classified into two main types: subsistence farming and commercial farming. The type of farming practiced depends on geographical conditions, demand for produce, labor, and the level of technology.
Correct option is D. If Assertion is false but reason is true.