Class 9: Science (Chapter 15: Improvement in Food Resources) Video Lecture

Ans. The different sources of food include plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plants provide us with fruits, vegetables, grains, and pulses. Animals provide us with meat, milk, eggs, and fish. Microorganisms are used in the production of various food items such as curd, bread, and pickles.

Ans. Food production can be increased by adopting various measures such as: 1. Increasing agricultural land: By bringing more land under cultivation, we can increase food production. 2. Using improved crop varieties: High-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties can be used to increase the yield per unit area. 3. Providing proper irrigation: Adequate water supply through irrigation can help in increasing crop production. 4. Using fertilizers and pesticides: The use of fertilizers and pesticides can enhance the growth of crops and protect them from pests and diseases. 5. Crop rotation and mixed cropping: Crop rotation and mixed cropping can help in maintaining soil fertility and reducing the risk of crop failure.

Ans. Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that emphasizes the use of natural inputs and processes to enhance soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and promote the overall health of plants, animals, and the environment. Organic farmers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and growth regulators. Instead, they rely on organic manures, compost, crop rotation, biological pest control, and natural methods of soil management. Organic farming aims to produce safe, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable food.

Ans. Genetic engineering is a biotechnological technique that involves the manipulation of an organism's genes to introduce desirable traits or characteristics. It helps in improving food resources in the following ways: 1. Crop improvement: Genetic engineering allows scientists to introduce specific genes into crops to make them resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions. This leads to higher crop yields and reduced losses. 2. Nutritional enhancement: Genes can be inserted into crops to increase their nutritional value. For example, genetically modified crops can be engineered to contain higher levels of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. 3. Improved shelf life: Genetic engineering can help in developing crops with enhanced shelf life, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving food availability. 4. Reduced pesticide use: Genetically modified crops can be engineered to produce their own pesticides, reducing the need for external chemical pesticides and minimizing the harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Ans. Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers that contain beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. They have several advantages over chemical fertilizers: 1. Environmentally friendly: Biofertilizers are eco-friendly as they do not contain harmful chemicals that can pollute soil and water resources. 2. Cost-effective: Biofertilizers are relatively cheaper compared to chemical fertilizers, making them a cost-effective option for farmers. 3. Nutrient enrichment: Biofertilizers enrich the soil with essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are necessary for healthy plant growth. 4. Soil fertility improvement: The microorganisms present in biofertilizers help in improving soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and enhancing nutrient availability to plants. 5. Sustainable agriculture: The use of biofertilizers promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing the dependence on chemical inputs, conserving soil fertility, and minimizing environmental degradation.