Access the Chapter 4 Agriculture Class 10 Important Questions and Answers

1. Which of the following is a rabi crop?

(a) Rice
(b) Millets
(c) Gram
(d) Cotton
Ans: (c) Gram

2. Mention some of the states of India where Intensive Subsistence

Farming is practised.
Ans: Intensive subsistence farming is found in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar
Pradesh, and West Bengal. In these areas, farmers use small pieces of land and
put in a lot of hard work and resources to grow crops. This farming method is
common where there are many people, so it's important to produce a lot of food
from limited land. It often involves growing crops like rice, wheat, and pulses.
This approach helps meet the high food demands in densely populated regions.

3. Give some examples of crops that may be commercial in one region and
may provide subsistence in another region.
Ans:
 Rice: In places like Japan and Thailand, rice is grown to sell and export. In
other areas, like parts of Africa and Asia, rice is mostly grown to feed local
families.
 Wheat: In the United States and Canada, wheat is grown to sell around
the world. In countries like India and Pakistan, it’s often grown to provide
food for local people.
 Sugarcane: In Brazil and Cuba, sugarcane is a major crop for making
sugar and ethanol. In other regions, like some parts of India, it’s mainly
grown for local use.
 Cotton: In the United States and China, cotton is grown to sell for making
clothes. In parts of West Africa, cotton is grown more to support local
needs and livelihoods.

4. Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical

conditions required for its growth.
Ans: One important beverage crop is tea. It needs specific conditions to grow
well. Tea plants require a warm and humid climate, with temperatures ranging
from 20°C to 30°C. They thrive in well-drained, acidic soils, ideally with a pH
between 4.5 and 5.5. Tea plants need ample rainfall, about 1500 to 2500 mm per
year, and they grow best in high-altitude areas where there is mist or cloud
cover. This environment helps protect the plants from too much heat and direct
sunlight.

5. Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the

government in the interest of farmers.
Ans:
 Minimum Support Price (MSP): Guarantees a minimum price for crops to
ensure farmers get a fair return.
 National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD):
Offers loans and support to improve rural and farming infrastructure.
 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Provides crop insurance
to protect farmers from losses due to bad weather or pests.
 Soil Health Management (SHM): Works on improving soil health by
testing and adding needed nutrients.
 Kisan Credit Card (KCC): This makes it easier for farmers to get loans for
their farming needs.
 Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF): Helps build and
improve rural facilities like irrigation systems and roads.

6. Describe the impact of globalisation on Indian agriculture.

Ans: Impact of Globalization on Indian Agriculture:

 Increased Productivity: New farming techniques, better seeds, and

technology have led to higher crop yields.
 Access to International Markets: Farmers can sell their produce globally,
often getting better prices.
  Increased Competition: Foreign products can compete with local
produce, sometimes lowering farmers' incomes.
 Shift to Cash Crops: More focus on cash crops for export can reduce the
production of essential food crops.
 Wider Gap Between Farmers: Large-scale farmers benefit more from
globalisation, widening the gap with smaller, less resourceful farmers.
 Market Access Issues: Small farmers may struggle to compete in global
markets due to limited resources.

7. What are the geographical conditions needed for rice to grow? Explain.
Ans: Rice needs specific conditions to grow well. It requires a warm climate, with
temperatures between 25°C to 35°C. It also needs a lot of water, so it grows best
in flat areas that can hold water. The soil should be rich and able to keep water.
Rice is usually grown in fields called paddies, which are kept flooded. These
conditions help rice plants grow and produce a good crop.

8. What are the 3 main features of a ‘Rabi crop season?’

Ans: The three main features of the 'Rabi crop season' are:

 Timing: Rabi crops are grown during the winter season, typically from
October to March. They are sown after the monsoon season and
harvested in the spring.
 Climate: Rabi crops require a cool, dry climate to grow. They thrive in the
winter months when temperatures are lower, which helps in the
development and yield of the crops.
 Water Supply: Rabi crops rely mainly on irrigation as they are grown after
the monsoon rains have ended. Farmers need to provide additional water
through irrigation to ensure proper growth and harvest.

These features make the Rabi season distinct from other crop seasons and are
crucial for successful farming.
9. Define the 3 main features of a ‘Kharif crop season’.
Ans: The Kharif crop season has three main features:

 Timing: The Kharif season starts with the monsoon rains and runs from
June to October. This season benefits from the heavy rainfall and warm
weather.
 Crops: During this season, farmers grow crops that need a lot of water.
Common Kharif crops include rice, maize, and cotton. These crops thrive
in the wet conditions of this season.
 Harvesting: Kharif crops are usually harvested from September to
December. The crops are gathered after the monsoon rains, as they have
had enough water to grow well.

These features make the Kharif season an important time for growing crops that
rely on rain and warm temperatures.

10. Name any two major fibre crops grown in India. Describe the conditions
required to grow these two crops.
Ans: The major fibre crops grown in India are cotton and jute.

 Cotton requires a warm climate with plenty of sunshine and well-drained

soil. It grows best in regions with moderate rainfall and temperatures
between 20°C and 30°C.
 Jute needs a hot and humid climate with abundant water. It grows well in
areas with high rainfall and temperatures around 25°C to 35°C. The soil
should be loamy and able to retain moisture. Both crops need proper
irrigation and pest control to thrive.
11. Mention any five institutional reform programmes introduced by the
government in the interest of the farmers.
Ans:
 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): This program gives
insurance for crops if they are damaged by natural events or pests.
 National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): An online platform where farmers
can sell their crops to get better prices in different markets.
 Soil Health Management (SHM): This scheme improves soil health with
organic fertilisers and soil testing.
 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): A program that focuses
on better irrigation to make sure water reaches all farms.
 Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Provides farmers with easy access to credit for
buying seeds, fertilisers, and other farming needs.

12. What are the climatic conditions, temperature, and rainfall needed for
growing jowar in India?
Ans: Jowar, also known as sorghum, grows well in warm and dry climates. It
needs a temperature range of 25°C to 35°C to thrive. Jowar can tolerate high
temperatures and does not need too much water, making it suitable for areas
with low to moderate rainfall. Ideally, it requires around 500 to 800 mm of rainfall
annually. However, it can also grow in regions with less rain if irrigation is
provided. The crop prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils but can adapt to
various soil types. Ensuring these conditions will help Jowar grow successfully in
different parts of India.

13. What are the four features of subsistence farming?

Ans: Four features of subsistence farming are:

 Small-Scale Production: Subsistence farming is done on small plots of

land. Farmers grow just enough crops and raise enough animals to meet
their own needs, with little left over to sell.
 Manual Labour: Most work is done by hand or with simple tools. Farmers
rely on their labour and that of their family members.
  Diverse Crops: Farmers often grow a variety of crops and keep different
types of animals to ensure they have enough food throughout the year.
 Low Technology: Subsistence farming usually uses traditional methods
and low-tech equipment. There is minimal use of machinery or modern
farming techniques.

14. What are the three features of commercial farming in India?

Ans: Commercial farming in India has three main features:

 Large-Scale Production: This type of farming involves growing crops on

a big scale, using advanced machines and tools. This helps produce a lot
of crops to sell in the market.
 Cash Crops: Farmers grow crops like cotton, sugarcane, and tea, which
are sold for money rather than for personal use. These crops are grown to
make a profit.
 Modern Methods: Farmers use new techniques like high-yield seeds,
fertilisers, and pesticides. These methods help in growing more crops and
make farming more efficient.

These features make commercial farming a key part of India's agriculture,

focusing on high production and profit.

15. What is the main purpose of the public distribution system?

Ans: The main purpose of the public distribution system (PDS) is to ensure that
essential goods like food and fuel are available to everyone at affordable prices.
It helps low-income families and people in need by providing these items through
government-run shops.

 The PDS ensures that essential goods are available to everyone,

especially those with low incomes, at lower prices.
 It supports families who may have difficulty affording necessities.
  The system aims to reduce poverty and prevent hunger by providing
access to essential items.
 It helps stabilise market prices and control inflation by managing the supply
of goods.
 By making sure people can get the items they need, it improves their
overall living standards.

16. What climatic conditions are necessary for growing tea? Name two
major tea-producing states.
Ans: Tea needs specific climatic conditions to grow well. It requires a warm,
humid environment with lots of rainfall throughout the year. The best
temperatures for tea are between 20°C and 30°C, and high humidity helps the
plants grow.

Necessary Climatic Conditions:

 Tea grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.

 It needs a lot of rain throughout the year.

 High humidity is important for healthy tea plants.

Two Major Tea-Producing States in India:

 Assam is known for its strong and bold tea.

 Darjeeling in West Bengal is famous for its fragrant and delicate tea.

17. Describe sugarcane crops and provide a brief overview.

Ans: Sugarcane is a tall plant that grows in hot places and is known for its sweet
stalks. These stalks are used to make sugar and other products.

 Growth: It grows well in warm areas with plenty of rain or water. It is

planted in rows and takes about a year to 18 months to be ready for
harvest.
  Harvesting: The stalks are cut close to the ground, either by hand or with
machines.
 Processing: The harvested stalks are crushed to get juice, which is then
boiled to make sugar.
 Uses: Sugarcane is used to make sugar, ethanol (a fuel), molasses, and
rum.
 Economic Importance: Growing sugarcane provides jobs and supports
local economies in many countries.

18. How does commercial farming differ from plantation farming?

Ans: Commercial farming and plantation farming are two different ways of
growing crops. Both aim to produce large amounts of crops but have unique
methods.

Commercial Farming:
 This type involves growing a variety of crops on a large scale for sale, not
just for personal use.
 It uses modern machines, technology, and chemicals to boost production
and efficiency.
 It can include different crops like grains, vegetables, and fruits.
 It usually happens in areas with the right climate and good facilities.

Plantation Farming:

 This type focuses on growing just one kind of crop, such as tea, coffee, or
rubber, on a large estate.
 It depends a lot on manual labour for planting and harvesting crops.
 It takes place in tropical regions with the right climate for that particular
crop.
  The crops are mostly grown for export rather than for local use.

19. Which states are the top producers of millet in India?

Ans: India grows a lot of millet, and several states are the top producers. These
states have the right conditions for growing millet and are key to its production.

 Rajasthan is the largest producer of millet in India due to its dry climate,
which is perfect for growing millet.
 Uttar Pradesh has large areas of farmland that are well-suited for millet
cultivation.
 Madhya Pradesh contributes significantly to millet production through its
diverse farming practices.
 Gujarat is another major producer, benefiting from its favourable farming
environment.
 Karnataka also produces a lot of millet because its climate and soil are
ideal for this crop.

20. Why do farming practices differ in various regions? List three main
reasons.
Ans: Farming practices vary across regions due to differences in local conditions
and resources. Each area has unique factors that influence how farming is done.

Here are three main reasons:

 Climate: Different regions have varying climates, such as temperature and

rainfall. These factors determine the types of crops that can be grown and
the farming methods used.
 Soil Type: Soil quality and type differ from place to place. Some soils are
better for growing certain crops, while others may need special treatment
or fertilisers.
  Water Availability: The amount of water available for irrigation can vary.
Regions with more water can support different crops and farming
techniques compared to areas with less water.

21. What are some basic tools used in ‘slash and burn’ agriculture?
Ans: Slash and burn agriculture is a traditional farming method where trees and
plants are cut down and burned to clear the land for farming.

 Machete: Used to cut down trees and bushes.

 Axe: Helps chop larger trees or thick branches.
 Hoe: Used for digging and preparing the soil after burning.
 Spade: Useful for turning the soil and planting seeds.
 Fire: Burns the cleared plants to clear the land and add nutrients to the
soil.

22. What is horticulture?

Ans: Horticulture is the part of farming that deals with growing fruits, vegetables,
nuts, herbs, and plants like flowers. It involves caring for these plants to produce
good quality food and attractive landscapes.

 Fruits and Vegetables: Horticulture includes growing a variety of fruits

and vegetables for people to eat.
 Flowers and Ornamental Plants: It also involves growing flowers and
other decorative plants for gardens and homes.
 Techniques and Practices: Horticulturists use methods like managing soil
and controlling pests to help plants grow better.
 Economic Importance: Horticulture helps the economy by creating jobs
and providing fresh food and beautiful plants for different areas.
23. What are the main types of farming practised in India? Describe each
type briefly.
Ans: In India, the main types of farming are:

 Subsistence Farming: Farmers grow crops mainly for their own family’s
needs, with little surplus for sale. It usually involves small plots of land and
simple tools.
 Commercial Farming: This type is aimed at producing crops for sale in
the market. It uses advanced techniques and machinery to produce large
quantities of crops.
 Mixed Farming: Farmers grow both crops and raise livestock on the same
farm. This approach helps in improving soil fertility and provides additional
income.
 Plantation Farming: Large-scale farms grow crops like tea, coffee, and
rubber. It requires a lot of labour and produces crops for commercial sale.

24. Describe the different types of soils found in India. How does soil type
affect crop cultivation?
Ans: India has several types of soils:

 Alluvial Soil: Found in river basins, it is very fertile and good for growing
crops like rice and wheat.
 Black Soil: Rich in minerals, it is ideal for cotton and sugarcane
cultivation.
 Red Soil: Contains iron, making it suitable for crops like millet and
potatoes but often requires fertilisers to improve fertility.
 Laterite Soil: Found in humid regions, it is used for growing cashews and
tea but needs proper management due to its low fertility.

Soil type affects which crops can grow well. Fertile soils support a wide range of
crops, while less fertile soils may require more inputs to grow crops effectively.
25. What are the challenges faced by Indian farmers in modern agriculture?
How can these challenges be addressed?
Ans: Indian farmers face several challenges:

 Water Scarcity: Many regions suffer from inadequate water supply,

affecting crop yields. Solutions include improving irrigation systems and
promoting water conservation practices.
 Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemicals depletes soil nutrients. Using
organic fertilisers and crop rotation can help maintain soil health.
 Pest Infestation: Pests can destroy crops and reduce yields. Integrated
pest management, including natural predators and safer pesticides, can
address this issue.
 Lack of Modern Technology: Many farmers use outdated methods.
Providing access to modern tools and techniques can increase productivity
and efficiency.

26. Explain the concept of 'cropping patterns' and discuss the major
cropping patterns followed in India.
Ans: Cropping patterns refer to the way crops are grown on a piece of land over
a year. It includes the types of crops planted and their arrangement.

 Kharif Crops: Planted during the monsoon season (June to September),

such as rice, cotton, and sugarcane.
 Rabi Crops: Grown in winter (October to March), including wheat, barley,
and pulses.
 Zaid Crops: Grown in between the Kharif and Rabi seasons (March to
June), like melons and cucumbers.