Worksheet Solutions: Land Resources and Agriculture | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: The Land Revenue Department is responsible for the classification and maintenance of ________ records.
Ans: Land records.
The Land Revenue Department is responsible for the classification and maintenance of land records, ensuring accurate land ownership documentation.

Q2: Land can be classified into two categories based on ownership: Private land and ________.
Ans: Common Property Resources (CPRs).
Land can be classified into two categories based on ownership: Private land is owned by individuals, whereas Common Property Resources (CPRs) are shared lands accessible to the community.

Q3: Cropping Intensity (Cl) is calculated by dividing Gross Cropped Area (GCA) by ________ and multiplying by 100.
Ans: Net Sown Area (NSA).
Cropping Intensity (Cl) is calculated by dividing Gross Cropped Area (GCA) by Net Sown Area (NSA) and multiplying by 100, indicating the efficiency of land use.

Q4: ________ is the largest producer of cotton in India.
Ans: Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is the largest producer of cotton in India, contributing significantly to the textile industry.

Q5: India is the ________ largest producer of sugarcane in the world.
Ans: Second.
India is the second largest producer of sugarcane globally, highlighting its substantial role in the country's agricultural economy.

Q6: The primary producers of maize in India are ________ and ________.
Ans: Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka.
The primary producers of maize in India are Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, showcasing their significant contribution to maize cultivation.

Q7: ________ farming relies on rainfall as the main source of moisture for crops.
Ans: Rainfed.
Rainfed farming relies on rainfall as the primary source of moisture for crops, shaping agricultural practices in regions with varying rainfall patterns.

Q8: The Green Revolution made India self-sufficient in ________ production.
Ans: Foodgrain.
The Green Revolution made India self-sufficient in foodgrain production, transforming the nation's agricultural landscape and ensuring food security.

Q9: The sectoral composition of the economy is one of the major economic factors influencing ________.
Ans: Land use.
The sectoral composition of the economy, including agriculture, industry, and services, is one of the major economic factors influencing land use, determining the allocation of land for various purposes.

Q10: Land use changes are influenced by the scale of the ________.
Ans: Economy.
Land use changes are influenced by the scale of the economy, reflecting economic growth and demands for resources that drive shifts in land utilization patterns.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: India is the largest producer of jute in the world.
Reason: Jute is primarily grown in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and related.
(b) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
(c) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans: (a)
India is indeed the largest producer of jute globally, and the reason provided correctly states the primary states where jute is cultivated.

Q2: Assertion: The Green Revolution initially led to regional disparities in agricultural development in India.
Reason: Modern agricultural technology like HYV seeds and fertilizers were not available in all regions.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and related.
(b) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
(c) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans: (a)
The Green Revolution did lead to regional disparities in agricultural development initially due to uneven distribution of modern agricultural technology like High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and fertilizers.

Q3: Assertion: Pulses are primarily grown in the irrigated regions of India.
Reason: Pulses are one of the main crops contributing to India's agricultural economy.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and related.
(b) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
(c) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans: (b)
Pulses are primarily grown in rainfed areas and not necessarily in irrigated regions. While pulses are essential in India's agriculture, the reason provided is not accurate.

Q4: Assertion: India's land-human ratio is higher than the global average.
Reason: India has a large percentage of land used for agriculture, but a lower population.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and related.
(b) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
(c) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans: (a)
India does have a higher land-human ratio compared to the global average due to its large percentage of land used for agriculture and a relatively lower population.

Q5: Assertion: Land degradation in India is a result of excessive use of irrigation and chemical fertilizers.
Reason: The Green Revolution promoted the sustainable use of natural resources.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and related.
(b) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
(c) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans: (d)
Land degradation in India is caused by multiple factors, including overuse of water for irrigation and excessive chemical fertilizers. However, the Green Revolution, while increasing productivity, did lead to issues like soil degradation and water depletion in some regions, making the reason incorrect.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Define Cropping Intensity (Cl).
Ans: Cropping Intensity (Cl) refers to the number of times a piece of land is cropped in a year.

Q2: Name two types of farming based on moisture availability.
Ans: The two types of farming based on moisture availability are rainfed farming and irrigated farming.

Q3: Which state is the largest producer of rice in India?
Ans: The largest producer of rice in India is West Bengal.

Q4: What percentage of India's total cropped area is used for growing cereals?
Ans: Approximately 70% of India's total cropped area is used for growing cereals.

Q5: Explain the concept of Private Land.
Ans: Private land refers to land that is owned by individuals or private entities. It is not owned or controlled by the government.

Q6: List two major categories of land use changes from 1960-61 to 2008-09.
Ans: The two major categories of land use changes from 1960-61 to 2008-09 are agricultural expansion and forest area depletion.

Q7: Name one region in India where dryland farming is practiced.
Ans: The Deccan Plateau region in India is known for practicing dryland farming.

Q8: What is the main source of moisture for rainfed farming?
Ans: The main source of moisture for rainfed farming is rainfall.

Q9: Name a significant cash crop in India apart from sugarcane.
Ans: Cotton is a significant cash crop in India apart from sugarcane.

Q10: Define Common Property Resources (CPRs).
Ans: Common Property Resources (CPRs) refer to natural resources such as forests, rivers, and grazing lands that are collectively owned and managed by a community or group of people.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of Land-Human ratio in Indian agriculture.
Ans: The Land-Human ratio indicates the amount of land available per person for cultivation. In India, this ratio is 0.31 hectare, which is lower than the global average of 0.59 hectare. This low ratio implies higher pressure on land resources due to the large population, impacting agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Q2: Discuss the major problems faced by Indian agriculture due to the inconsistent South-West monsoon.
Ans: The inconsistent South-West monsoon in India causes both flood and drought situations. Floods damage crops and infrastructure, leading to economic losses. Droughts result in water scarcity, crop failure, and food shortages, affecting agricultural productivity. Only 33% of the country's cultivated area being irrigated exacerbates these issues.

Q3: Explain the impact of the Green Revolution on Indian agriculture and its limitations.
Ans: The Green Revolution, based on High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and chemical fertilizers, made India self-sufficient in food grain production. However, it initially focused on irrigated areas, leading to regional disparities. Additionally, excessive use of irrigation and fertilizers caused land degradation, including waterlogging and soil fertility decline.

Q4: Describe the major types of farming based on moisture availability in India.
Ans: India has Irrigated Farming, relying on irrigation methods, and Rainfed Farming, dependent on rainfall. Rainfed Farming includes Dryland Farming in regions with rainfall less than 75 cm and Wetland Farming in areas with excess rainfall, facing flood and soil erosion hazards.

Q5: Discuss the significance of Cotton and Jute in the Indian agricultural economy.
Ans: Cotton and Jute are vital fibre crops in India. Cotton, grown in short and long staple varieties, is the fourth largest globally. It supports the textile industry. Jute, primarily cultivated in West Bengal, is crucial for packaging and textiles, making India the world's largest producer.

Q6: Explain the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers in India.
Ans: Small and marginal farmers face financial constraints, high levels of indebtedness, and lack of access to credit facilities. Unequal land distribution and absence of land reforms worsen their situation, limiting agricultural development and commercialization.

Q7: Describe the factors influencing changes in land use patterns in India between 1960-61 to 2008-09.
Ans: Changes in land use are influenced by economic factors such as the scale and sectoral composition of the economy, and increasing demand for agricultural land. Factors like economic activities and demand lead to shifts in land use categories, impacting forest, fallow land, non-agricultural areas, and cultivable wastelands.

Q8: Explain the importance of Common Property Resources (CPRs) in rural areas.
Ans: CPRs, accessible to everyone, are vital for livelihood, especially for landless and marginal farmers. They provide fodder for livestock and fuel for households, ensuring economic sustainability. In rural areas, CPRs contribute significantly to the livelihood of communities.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the strategies implemented by the Indian government to boost agricultural production post-independence.
Ans: The Indian government has implemented several strategies to boost agricultural production post-independence. These strategies aimed to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and improve the overall productivity and sustainability of farming practices. Some of the key strategies include:

• Green Revolution: The Green Revolution was a significant initiative launched in the 1960s, focusing on the adoption of high-yielding varieties of seeds, modern agricultural techniques, and increased use of fertilizers and irrigation. This revolution led to a significant increase in food grain production, particularly wheat and rice, and helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
• Irrigation Development: The government has invested in the development of irrigation infrastructure to ensure water availability for agriculture. Major irrigation projects like the Bhakra-Nangal, Hirakud, and Tungabhadra have played a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity by providing water for irrigation.
• Agricultural Extension Services: The government has established agricultural extension services to disseminate knowledge and information regarding modern farming techniques, crop management practices, and pest control methods. These services provide technical support to farmers and help them adopt improved agricultural practices.
• Subsidies and Credit Facilities: The government provides subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation equipment to make them affordable for farmers. Additionally, credit facilities are made available to farmers through institutional mechanisms like rural banks, cooperative societies, and microfinance institutions to meet their financial requirements.
• Research and Development: The government has invested in agricultural research and development to develop new crop varieties, improve farming techniques, and address pest and disease management. Institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agricultural universities play a crucial role in conducting research and disseminating the findings to farmers.
• Market Reforms: The government has implemented policies to liberalize agricultural markets, encourage private investment in agriculture, and promote contract farming. These reforms aim to improve market access for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure fair prices for agricultural produce.

These strategies have played a significant role in transforming Indian agriculture and increasing agricultural production. However, challenges such as fragmented landholdings, climate change, and water scarcity still need to be addressed to ensure sustainable agricultural growth in the country.

Q2: Explain the major categories of agricultural crops in India, focusing on their cultivation areas and significance.
Ans: India is known for its diverse agricultural practices and cultivates a wide range of crops. The major categories of agricultural crops in India include food grains, cash crops, horticultural crops, and plantation crops. Let's explore each category in detail:

• Food Grains: Food grains are the staple crops in India and include rice, wheat, maize, millets, and pulses. Rice is mainly cultivated in the eastern and southern regions, while wheat is grown in the northern and central parts of the country. Millets and maize are primarily cultivated in the semi-arid regions, while pulses are grown throughout the country. These crops are of significant importance as they form the foundation of the Indian diet and provide essential nutrients and calories.
• Cash Crops: Cash crops are grown for commercial purposes and include cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, jute, and oilseeds. Cotton is predominantly cultivated in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, while sugarcane is grown in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Tobacco cultivation is concentrated in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Jute is mainly grown in West Bengal and Assam. Oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, and soybean are cultivated across various states. Cash crops contribute to the economy through exports, provide income to farmers, and support various agro-industries.
• Horticultural Crops: Horticultural crops include fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers. India is known for its rich diversity of horticultural crops due to its varied agro-climatic zones. Mangoes, bananas, citrus fruits, apples, and grapes are some of the major fruit crops. Vegetables like tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and leafy greens are widely cultivated. Spices such as black pepper, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon are grown in different regions. Flowers like roses, marigolds, and jasmine are cultivated for domestic consumption and export. Horticultural crops contribute to enhancing nutrition, generating employment, and earning foreign exchange.
• Plantation Crops: Plantation crops are grown on large estates or plantations and include tea, coffee, rubber, and coconut. Tea is primarily cultivated in the hilly regions of Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Coffee plantations are concentrated in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Rubber is predominantly grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Coconut cultivation is widespread along the coastal regions. Plantation crops are significant contributors to the country's export earnings and provide employment opportunities in the rural areas.

These categories of crops have diverse cultivation areas in different regions of India, each catering to specific agro-climatic conditions. They contribute to food security, income generation, employment, and overall economic development of the country.

Q3: Examine the impact of land degradation on Indian agriculture, emphasizing the causes and consequences.
Ans: Land degradation poses a significant threat to Indian agriculture, affecting soil fertility, productivity, and sustainability. Several factors contribute to land degradation, and its consequences have far-reaching implications. Let's examine the impact of land degradation on Indian agriculture, focusing on its causes and consequences:

Causes of Land Degradation:

• Soil Erosion: Improper soil management practices, such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper tillage, lead to soil erosion. Water and wind erosion remove the top fertile layer of soil, reducing its fertility and agricultural productivity.
• Waterlogging and Salinization: Excessive irrigation without proper drainage systems can lead to waterlogging, causing the water table to rise and saturate the soil. This leads to reduced soil aeration and nutrient availability for crops. Salinization occurs when the irrigation water contains high levels of salts, which accumulate in the soil over time and hinder crop growth.
• Deforestation and Land Conversion: Deforestation for agricultural expansion, urbanization, and industrialization results in the loss of forest cover. This leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecological balance, adversely affecting agricultural productivity.
• Chemical Pollution: The excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can lead to soil pollution, affecting soil microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. This pollution reduces soil fertility and poses risks to human health.

Consequences of Land Degradation:

• Declining Agriculture Productivity: Land degradation reduces soil fertility, leading to decreased crop yields and quality. This directly affects farmers' incomes and food security.
• Soil Erosion and Desertification: Soil erosion and desertification result in the loss of arable land and make it unsuitable for cultivation. This reduces the available land for agriculture and puts pressure on the remaining cultivable areas.
• Water Scarcity: Land degradation affects water resources by reducing water-holding capacity and increasing water runoff. This leads to water scarcity for irrigation, impacting crop growth and productivity.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Land degradation contributes to the loss of biodiversity, as it destroys habitats and disrupts ecological balance. This affects pollination, natural pest control, and nutrient cycling, influencing agricultural ecosystems.
• Climate Change Impact: Land degradation contributes to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide from deforestation and soil degradation. It also increases vulnerability to climate change by reducing the resilience of agricultural systems.

Addressing land degradation requires sustainable land management practices such as conservation farming, agroforestry, terrace farming, and organic farming. The government and various organizations are implementing measures to promote sustainable land management and raise awareness among farmers about the importance of preserving soil health for long-term agricultural productivity.

Q4: Discuss the role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of India, focusing on its significance for livelihoods and rural economies.
Ans: Agriculture plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of India, contributing significantly to livelihoods and rural economies. It remains the primary source of employment and income for a large section of the population. Let's discuss the role of agriculture in detail:

• Livelihoods: Agriculture provides livelihood opportunities to a significant portion of the Indian population, particularly in rural areas. Farmers, agricultural laborers, and their families depend on agriculture for their sustenance. It offers employment opportunities throughout the farming cycle, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, and marketing of agricultural produce.
• Food Security: Agriculture ensures food security by producing a diverse range of crops to meet the dietary requirements of the population. It helps in reducing hunger, malnutrition, and dependence on food imports. The availability of affordable food contributes to the overall well-being of the population.
• Rural Economy: Agriculture forms the backbone of the rural economy, contributing to income generation and poverty reduction. It promotes rural entrepreneurship and supports various agro-based industries, such as food processing, textiles, and handicrafts. Agricultural activities stimulate rural markets, create employment opportunities, and contribute to rural infrastructure development.
• Export Earnings: Agricultural exports, including commodities like rice, wheat, spices, fruits, and vegetables, contribute to foreign exchange earnings for the country. This strengthens the overall economy and supports other sectors through trade and investments.
• Social Cohesion: Agriculture plays a vital role in maintaining social cohesion and cultural heritage. It fosters community relationships, traditional knowledge, and practices. Festivals and rituals associated with agricultural cycles promote social integration and cultural identity.
• Environmental Sustainability: Agriculture, when practiced sustainably, contributes to environmental conservation. Sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and agroforestry, help in preserving soil health, water resources, and biodiversity. It promotes the conservation of natural resources for future generations.
• Poverty Alleviation: Agriculture has the potential to alleviate poverty by reducing income disparities and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. Government initiatives, like rural development programs and agricultural subsidies, aim to uplift marginalized farmers and improve their socio-economic conditions.

It is essential to invest in agricultural research, extension services, infrastructure development, and market reforms to enhance agricultural productivity, income generation, and overall rural development. By prioritizing agriculture, India can achieve inclusive growth, reduce rural-urban disparities, and ensure sustainable socio-economic development.