Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Practice Question Answers - Resources and Development

Q1: Which of the following is not a primary activity in agriculture?
(a) Plowing
(b) Weaving
(c) Sowing
(d) Harvesting
Ans: (b)
Weaving is a secondary activity related to the textile industry, not a primary agricultural activity.

Q2: Which method of irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants?
(a) Drip irrigation
(b) Flooding
(c) Furrow irrigation
(d) Sprinkler irrigation
Ans: (a)
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing water wastage.

Q3: Which crop is known as the "King of Crops" in India?
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Cotton
(d) Sugarcane
Ans: (b)
Wheat is often referred to as the "King of Crops" in India due to its significance as a staple food crop.

Q4: What is the primary function of a combine harvester in agriculture?
(a) Plowing
(b) Seeding
(c) Harvesting
(d) Irrigating
Ans: (c)
A combine harvester is primarily used for harvesting crops like wheat, rice, and barley.

Q5: Which of the following is an organic farming practice?
(a) Genetically modified crops
(b) Use of synthetic pesticides
(c) Crop rotation
(d) Monoculture farming
Ans: (c)
Crop rotation is a common practice in organic farming that involves alternating the types of crops grown in a particular field to improve soil health and reduce pests and diseases.

Q6: Explain the role of Green Revolution in Indian agriculture.
Ans: The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the 1960s, led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity. It introduced high-yielding crop varieties, modern farming techniques, and the use of fertilizers and irrigation. This revolution helped India achieve food security, increased crop yields, and reduced dependence on food imports.

Q7: What are the advantages and disadvantages of monoculture farming?
Ans: Advantages:

• Simplified management and farming practices.
• High crop yields of a single crop.
• Economies of scale in terms of equipment and labor.

Disadvantages:

• Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
• Soil depletion due to continuous cultivation of the same crop.
• Reduced biodiversity.
• Vulnerability to market fluctuations of a single crop.

Q8: Describe the steps involved in the process of winnowing in agriculture.
Ans: Winnowing is the process of separating grain from chaff. The steps involved are:

• Threshing: The harvested crop (usually wheat or rice) is beaten to separate the grains from the stalks.
• Tossing: The mixture of grains and chaff is tossed into the air on a windy day or using a winnowing fan.
• Separation: The lighter chaff is carried away by the wind, while the heavier grains fall back to the ground or onto a sheet below.

Q9: What are the factors influencing the choice of crops grown in a region?
Ans: Factors influencing crop choice include:

• Climate and temperature.
• Soil type and fertility.
• Availability of water and irrigation.
• Market demand and prices.
• Government policies and subsidies.
• Technological resources and infrastructure.

Q10: Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture and its importance.
Ans: Sustainable agriculture is a farming approach that aims to meet current food and fiber needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It involves practices that protect the environment, ensure economic viability, and promote social equity. Sustainable agriculture is important because it helps conserve natural resources, reduces environmental degradation, and ensures long-term food security while preserving the well-being of farming communities and ecosystems.

Q11: Explain the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy. Discuss the different types of agricultural practices prevalent in India and their significance.
Ans: Agriculture is a vital sector in the Indian economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to the country's GDP. It provides food security, raw materials for industries, and livelihoods for millions. In India, agriculture practices vary from region to region due to diverse climatic conditions. For example, in the Punjab region, the Green Revolution led to the adoption of modern farming techniques with a focus on wheat and rice production. In contrast, rainfed agriculture is prevalent in arid regions like Rajasthan. Understanding these practices is essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.

Q12: Describe the challenges faced by Indian farmers in modern agriculture. Discuss the role of technology and government policies in addressing these challenges.
Ans: Indian farmers face numerous challenges, including land fragmentation, small landholdings, lack of access to credit, and unpredictable weather patterns. Technology, such as improved seeds, irrigation systems, and mechanization, has helped increase agricultural productivity. Government policies, like Minimum Support Price (MSP) and crop insurance schemes, aim to protect farmers from price fluctuations and crop failures. The introduction of digital platforms for marketing and e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) has also facilitated access to a wider market. These measures aim to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable.

Q13: Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture. Discuss the importance of organic farming and crop rotation in sustainable agricultural practices.
Ans: Sustainable agriculture focuses on meeting the current food needs while preserving natural resources for future generations. Organic farming eliminates the use of synthetic chemicals and emphasizes natural fertilizers and pest control methods. It helps maintain soil fertility, reduce pollution, and produce healthier food. Crop rotation involves planting different crops in sequence on the same land to prevent soil exhaustion and control pests. These practices improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, making them essential for a sustainable future.

Q14: Discuss the impact of irrigation on Indian agriculture. Explain the different methods of irrigation and their suitability in various regions. Highlight the challenges and benefits associated with irrigation.
Ans: Irrigation plays a critical role in Indian agriculture by ensuring a consistent water supply for crops. Various methods, including canals, tube wells, and drip irrigation, are used depending on regional needs. For example, canals are suitable for areas with ample water resources, while drip irrigation is efficient in water-scarce regions. Challenges in irrigation include water wastage due to inefficient practices and over-extraction of groundwater, which can lead to water scarcity. However, irrigation also increases crop yields and allows for multiple cropping, contributing significantly to food security and agricultural growth.

Q15: Examine the concept of crop protection. Discuss the types of pests and diseases that affect crops and the methods used by farmers to protect their crops.
Ans: Crop protection is essential to ensure healthy and high-yielding crops. Pests, such as insects, rodents, and weeds, can damage crops, while diseases can reduce their quality and yield. Farmers employ various methods to protect their crops, including chemical pesticides, biological control methods (like introducing natural predators of pests), and organic farming practices that reduce the use of chemicals. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines multiple strategies to minimize pest damage while minimizing environmental impact. Understanding these methods is crucial for sustainable and responsible farming.