1.
The Story of Indian Farming
A. MCQs
1. What does the word “Agri” mean in
Latin?
A. Water
B. Field
C. Crop
D. Soil
Answer: B. Field
2. Which activity is included in
agriculture?
A. Mining
B. Fishing
C. Banking
D. Weaving
Answer: B. Fishing
3. Which of the following is an
allied agricultural activity?
A. Forestry
B. Driving
C. Trading
D. Construction
Answer: A. Forestry
4. What is the process of separating
grains from straw called?
A. Harvesting
B. Irrigation
C. Threshing
D. Sowing
Answer: C. Threshing
5. Which civilisation practised
intercropping?
A. Mauryan
B. Gupta
C. Harappan
D. Mughal
Answer: C. Harappan
6. What is intercropping?
A. Growing one crop repeatedly
B. Growing crops without soil
C. Growing two or more crops together
D. Growing crops only in winter
Answer: C. Growing two or more crops
together
7. Which crop is mainly grown in
Punjab?
A. Rice
B. Tea
C. Wheat
D. Coffee
Answer: C. Wheat
8. Which state is famous for saffron
cultivation?
A. Kerala
B. Punjab
C. Kashmir
D. Odisha
Answer: C. Kashmir
9. Which monsoon is important for
kharif crops?
A. Northeast monsoon
B. Southwest monsoon
C. Winter monsoon
D. Summer winds
Answer: B. Southwest monsoon
10. Kharif crops are grown during
the:
A. Winter season
B. Summer season
C. Monsoon season
D. Spring season
Answer: C. Monsoon season
11. Which of the following is a
kharif crop?
A. Wheat
B. Mustard
C. Gram
D. Rice
Answer: D. Rice
12. Which of the following is a rabi
crop?
A. Cotton
B. Rice
C. Wheat
D. Bajra
Answer: C. Wheat
13. Zaid crops are grown during:
A. Winter
B. Summer
C. Rainy season
D. Autumn
Answer: B. Summer
14. Which of the following is a zaid
crop?
A. Watermelon
B. Wheat
C. Rice
D. Cotton
Answer: A. Watermelon
15. Which soil is formed by river
deposits?
A. Black soil
B. Red soil
C. Alluvial soil
D. Desert soil
Answer: C. Alluvial soil
16. Which soil is also called cotton
soil?
A. Red soil
B. Black soil
C. Desert soil
D. Alpine soil
Answer: B. Black soil
17. Which soil is rich in iron and
appears red?
A. Red soil
B. Black soil
C. Laterite soil
D. Alluvial soil
Answer: A. Red soil
18. Which soil is found mainly in
mountainous regions?
A. Desert soil
B. Black soil
C. Alpine soil
D. Alluvial soil
Answer: C. Alpine soil
19. Humus is formed from:
A. Rocks
B. Sand
C. Decomposed plants and animals
D. Water
Answer: C. Decomposed plants and
animals
20. Which process breaks rocks into
soil particles?
A. Irrigation
B. Weathering
C. Harvesting
D. Sowing
Answer: B. Weathering
21. Which farming method prevents
soil erosion on hills?
A. Terrace farming
B. Hydroponics
C. Drip irrigation
D. Intercropping
Answer: A. Terrace farming
22. Which method supplies water
artificially to crops?
A. Cultivation
B. Irrigation
C. Weathering
D. Grafting
Answer: B. Irrigation
23. Rain-fed agriculture depends
mainly on:
A. Canals
B. Groundwater
C. Rainfall
D. Machines
Answer: C. Rainfall
24. Which irrigation system saves
the maximum water?
A. Canal irrigation
B. Flood irrigation
C. Drip irrigation
D. Tank irrigation
Answer: C. Drip irrigation
25. In sprinkler irrigation, water
is sprayed like:
A. River flow
B. Rainfall
C. Waterfall
D. Flood
Answer: B. Rainfall
26. Bamboo drip irrigation is
practised mainly in:
A. Rajasthan
B. Punjab
C. Northeast India
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Northeast India
27. What is Beejamrit used for?
A. Irrigation
B. Seed treatment
C. Harvesting
D. Soil digging
Answer: B. Seed treatment
28. Which farming method avoids
chemical fertilisers?
A. Organic farming
B. Green Revolution
C. Terrace farming
D. Hydroponics
Answer: A. Organic farming
29. Which state became the world’s
first fully organic state?
A. Kerala
B. Punjab
C. Sikkim
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Sikkim
30. The Green Revolution began
during:
A. 1940s
B. 1960s
C. 1980s
D. 2000s
Answer: B. 1960s
31. Which of the following increased
during the Green Revolution?
A. Food production
B. Forest cover
C. Rainfall
D. River water
Answer: A. Food production
32. Which is a harmful effect of
excessive chemical use in farming?
A. Soil pollution
B. Better soil fertility
C. Increased rainfall
D. Faster harvesting
Answer: A. Soil pollution
33. Hydroponics means growing
plants:
A. On mountains
B. Without water
C. Without soil
D. Inside forests
Answer: C. Without soil
34. Which government scheme provides
crop insurance to farmers?
A. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
B. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
C. Jal Jeevan Mission
D. Green India Mission
Answer: B. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
35. Which of the following is a
major challenge faced by farmers?
A. Excess profits
B. Small landholdings
C. Too much rainfall everywhere
D. Lack of crops
Answer: B. Small landholdings
36. Climate change can cause:
A. Regular weather
B. Predictable rainfall
C. Droughts and floods
D. Better crop growth everywhere
Answer: C. Droughts and floods
37. What is a hectare used to
measure?
A. Weight
B. Temperature
C. Land area
D. Rainfall
Answer: C. Land area
38. One hectare is equal to:
A. 1,000 square metres
B. 5,000 square metres
C. 10,000 square metres
D. 50,000 square metres
Answer: C. 10,000 square metres
39. What is landholding?
A. A farming tool
B. Area of land owned by a person
C. A type of soil
D. A crop season
Answer: B. Area of land owned by a
person
40. Sustainable agriculture is
important because it:
A. Damages soil
B. Increases pollution
C. Protects nature and resources
D. Uses more chemicals
Answer: C. Protects nature and
resources
B. Short Answer Questions
(Answers with 3–4 Valid
Points)
1. Why
is agriculture important in India?
Answer:
- Agriculture provides food for the population.
- It gives employment to millions of people.
- It supplies raw materials to industries.
- It contributes greatly to India’s economy.
2.
What are allied agricultural activities?
Answer:
- Allied activities are activities connected
with farming.
- They include animal husbandry, fisheries, and
forestry.
- They help farmers earn additional income.
- They support the agricultural economy.
3.
What is intercropping? Mention its advantages.
Answer:
- Intercropping means growing two or more crops
together.
- It helps in better use of land.
- It reduces pest attacks and crop failure.
- It improves soil fertility and increases
production.
4. How
did domesticated animals help early farmers?
Answer:
- Animals helped in ploughing fields.
- They provided milk, meat, and manure.
- They were used for transportation.
- They reduced human labour in farming.
5. Why
is the monsoon important for Indian agriculture?
Answer:
- Many farmers depend on rainfall for
irrigation.
- Monsoon supplies water to crops.
- Good monsoon leads to better harvests.
- Weak monsoon may cause drought and crop
failure.
6.
What are kharif crops? Give examples.
Answer:
- Kharif crops are grown during the monsoon
season.
- They need warm weather and heavy rainfall.
- They are sown in June–July.
- Examples are rice, cotton, and maize.
7.
What are rabi crops? Give examples.
Answer:
- Rabi crops are winter crops.
- They need cool and dry weather.
- They are sown after the monsoon season.
- Examples are wheat, mustard, and gram.
8. Why
is soil important for farming?
Answer:
- Soil provides nutrients to plants.
- It stores water and air needed by roots.
- It supports plant growth.
- Fertile soil increases crop production.
9.
What is humus? Why is it important?
Answer:
- Humus is dark organic matter in soil.
- It is formed by decomposed plants and animals.
- It increases soil fertility.
- It helps soil retain moisture.
10.
Write any four features of alluvial soil.
Answer:
- It is formed by river deposits.
- It is very fertile.
- It is rich in nutrients.
- It is suitable for crops like rice and wheat.
11.
Why is black soil called cotton soil?
Answer:
- Black soil is ideal for growing cotton.
- It can hold moisture for a long time.
- It is rich in minerals.
- It is mainly found in the Deccan Plateau
region.
12.
What is soil conservation? Why is it necessary?
Answer:
- Soil conservation means protecting soil from
erosion and damage.
- It helps maintain soil fertility.
- It prevents loss of topsoil.
- It ensures long-term agricultural
productivity.
13.
What are the advantages of terrace farming?
Answer:
- Terrace farming prevents soil erosion.
- It conserves rainwater on hill slopes.
- It makes farming possible in hilly areas.
- It improves water absorption by soil.
14.
What is rain-fed agriculture?
Answer:
- Rain-fed agriculture depends completely on
rainfall.
- It is common in areas with less irrigation.
- Farmers face risk during poor monsoon.
- Drought-resistant crops are often grown in
such areas.
15.
Mention four advantages of drip irrigation.
Answer:
- It saves water.
- Water reaches directly to plant roots.
- It reduces water wastage.
- It improves crop growth and production.
16.
What is organic farming?
Answer:
- Organic farming avoids chemical fertilisers
and pesticides.
- It uses compost and natural manure.
- It protects soil fertility.
- It is environment friendly.
17.
Mention four achievements of the Green Revolution.
Answer:
- Food grain production increased greatly.
- India became self-sufficient in food grains.
- Farmers used HYV seeds and irrigation methods.
- Modern farming techniques became popular.
18.
What problems were caused by the Green Revolution?
Answer:
- Excessive chemicals damaged soil fertility.
- Groundwater levels decreased.
- Water and soil pollution increased.
- Harmful effects on human and animal health
appeared.
19.
How does the government help farmers?
Answer:
- Government provides seeds and fertilisers.
- It gives weather information and training.
- Farmers receive crop insurance schemes.
- Government helps farmers get fair prices for
crops.
20.
What challenges do farmers face today?
Answer:
- Farmers have small landholdings.
- Climate change causes floods and droughts.
- Farming costs are increasing.
- Many farmers face debt problems and low
income.
C. Long Answer Questions
(Answers with 5–6 Valid
Points)
1.
Explain the importance of agriculture in India.
Answer:
- Agriculture provides food for India’s large
population.
- Nearly half of India’s population depends on
agriculture for livelihood.
- It supplies raw materials to industries such
as textile and sugar industries.
- Agriculture contributes significantly to the
Indian economy.
- It supports allied activities like dairy
farming, fisheries, and forestry.
- Agriculture plays an important role in rural
development and employment.
2.
Describe the role of women in Indian agriculture.
Answer:
- Women perform important farming activities
like sowing and transplanting.
- They help in harvesting and threshing crops.
- Women also take care of livestock and poultry.
- They help in storing and processing food
grains.
- In many rural areas, women form a major part
of the agricultural workforce.
- Their contribution is essential for successful
farming and food production.
3.
Explain the importance of monsoon for Indian agriculture.
Answer:
- Indian agriculture largely depends on monsoon
rainfall.
- Monsoon provides water needed for crop
cultivation.
- Kharif crops especially depend on the
southwest monsoon.
- Good rainfall increases agricultural
production.
- Weak monsoon may cause droughts and crop
failure.
- Monsoon affects farmers’ income and the
country’s food supply.
4.
Describe the three cropping seasons in India.
Answer:
- India has three cropping seasons: kharif,
rabi, and zaid.
- Kharif crops are grown during the monsoon
season.
- Rabi crops are grown during the winter season.
- Zaid crops are grown during the summer season
between rabi and kharif.
- Rice, cotton, and maize are examples of kharif
crops.
- Wheat, gram, and mustard are examples of rabi
crops.
5.
Explain how soil is important for agriculture.
Answer:
- Soil provides nutrients needed for plant
growth.
- It stores water and air required by roots.
- Soil supports plants and helps roots remain
fixed.
- Fertile soil increases agricultural
productivity.
- Different soils support different types of
crops.
- Healthy soil is essential for sustainable
farming.
6.
Describe the features and importance of alluvial soil.
Answer:
- Alluvial soil is formed by river deposits.
- It is rich in nutrients and minerals.
- It is one of the most fertile soils in India.
- It is found mainly in the northern plains.
- Crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and jute
grow well in it.
- It plays an important role in India’s food
production.
7.
Explain the methods used for soil conservation.
Answer:
- Crop rotation helps maintain soil nutrients.
- Contour ploughing reduces soil erosion on
slopes.
- Terrace farming prevents washing away of soil
in hilly areas.
- Afforestation protects soil by planting trees.
- Organic fertilisers improve soil fertility
naturally.
- Multiple cropping reduces pressure on soil
nutrients.
8.
Describe the importance of irrigation in agriculture.
Answer:
- Irrigation supplies water artificially to
crops.
- It reduces dependence on rainfall.
- Irrigation helps crops grow properly during
dry periods.
- It increases agricultural production.
- Farmers can grow more than one crop using
irrigation.
- Modern irrigation methods help save water.
9.
Explain the advantages of drip irrigation.
Answer:
- Drip irrigation supplies water directly to plant
roots.
- It reduces water wastage.
- It saves a large amount of water.
- It improves crop growth and production.
- It reduces soil erosion and weed growth.
- It is useful in dry and water-scarce regions.
10.
Describe traditional irrigation systems in India.
Answer:
- Traditional irrigation systems were developed
according to local needs.
- Examples include phad system, kulls, eris, and
bamboo drip irrigation.
- These systems use local materials and natural
water flow.
- They are environment friendly and low cost.
- Traditional methods help conserve water.
- Many communities still use these systems
today.
11.
Explain the importance of seeds in agriculture.
Answer:
- Seeds are the starting point of farming.
- Healthy seeds produce healthy crops.
- Traditional seeds were preserved and shared by
farmers.
- Modern seeds increase crop production.
- Some seeds are resistant to pests and
diseases.
- Good quality seeds improve agricultural
productivity.
12.
Describe the Green Revolution and its achievements.
Answer:
- The Green Revolution started during the 1960s
and 1970s.
- It introduced HYV seeds, irrigation, and
fertilisers.
- Modern machines were used in farming.
- Food grain production increased greatly.
- India became self-sufficient in food grains.
- Farmers adopted modern agricultural methods.
13.
Explain the harmful effects of the Green Revolution.
Answer:
- Excessive use of chemicals damaged soil
fertility.
- Water pollution increased due to fertilisers
and pesticides.
- Groundwater levels decreased because of
overuse.
- Useful insects and organisms were harmed.
- Health problems increased due to chemical use.
- Long-term environmental damage occurred in
some areas.
14.
What is sustainable agriculture? Why is it important?
Answer:
- Sustainable agriculture protects nature while
producing food.
- It conserves soil and water resources.
- It reduces pollution caused by chemicals.
- It uses eco-friendly farming methods.
- Sustainable farming protects biodiversity.
- It ensures farming can continue for future
generations.
15.
Describe the features of organic farming.
Answer:
- Organic farming avoids chemical fertilisers
and pesticides.
- It uses compost and natural manure.
- Natural pesticides like neem are used.
- It improves soil fertility naturally.
- Organic farming protects the environment.
- It produces healthier food products.
16.
Explain how climate change affects farmers.
Answer:
- Climate change causes irregular rainfall.
- Farmers face droughts and floods more
frequently.
- Crops may get damaged due to extreme weather.
- Agricultural production decreases in some
areas.
- Farmers may suffer financial losses and debt.
- Food prices may rise due to lower production.
17.
Describe the challenges faced by Indian farmers today.
Answer:
- Many farmers have small landholdings.
- Climate change creates uncertainty in farming.
- Modern farming equipment is expensive.
- Farmers often face debt problems.
- Crop failure causes financial hardship.
- Market and price fluctuations affect farmers’
income.
18.
Explain how the government supports farmers.
Answer:
- Government provides seeds and fertilisers.
- Farmers receive weather forecasts and
training.
- Crop insurance schemes protect farmers from
losses.
- Electricity for irrigation is provided at
lower prices.
- Government purchases crops at support prices.
- Digital technology helps farmers access
markets and information.
19.
Describe hydroponics and its advantages.
Answer:
- Hydroponics is growing plants without soil.
- Plants grow in nutrient-rich water solutions.
- It can be used in cities and poor soil areas.
- Hydroponics saves space and water.
- Crops can grow in controlled environments.
- It is useful for urban farming and future
agriculture.
20.
Explain why Indian agriculture is called diverse.
Answer:
- India has many types of climates and soils.
- Different crops grow in different regions.
- Farming methods vary from place to place.
- India grows food crops, cash crops, fruits,
and spices.
- Different irrigation systems are used across
the country.
- Traditional and modern farming methods exist
together in India.
D. Assertion–Reason Questions
Directions:
Choose the correct option:
A. Both Assertion and Reason are
true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
B. Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct
explanation of Assertion.
C. Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
D. Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
1.
Assertion (A):
Punjab is famous for wheat
cultivation.
Reason (R):
Wheat grows well in cool and dry
climatic conditions.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
2.
Assertion (A):
Rice is widely grown in Kerala.
Reason (R):
Rice requires plenty of water and
heavy rainfall.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
3.
Assertion (A):
Alluvial soil is very fertile.
Reason (R):
It is formed by river deposits rich
in nutrients.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
4.
Assertion (A):
Black soil is called cotton soil.
Reason (R):
Black soil can retain moisture for a
long time.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
5.
Assertion (A):
Terrace farming is practised in
hilly regions.
Reason (R):
Terrace farming helps prevent soil
erosion on slopes.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
6.
Assertion (A):
Drip irrigation saves water.
Reason (R):
Water is supplied directly to the
roots of plants slowly.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
7.
Assertion (A):
Organic farming is environment
friendly.
Reason (R):
Organic farming avoids chemical
fertilisers and pesticides.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
8.
Assertion (A):
The Green Revolution increased food
grain production in India.
Reason (R):
HYV seeds, fertilisers, and
irrigation were introduced.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
9.
Assertion (A):
Humus is important for agriculture.
Reason (R):
Humus increases soil fertility and
retains moisture.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
10.
Assertion (A):
Rain-fed agriculture is risky.
Reason (R):
Rain-fed agriculture depends
completely on rainfall.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
11.
Assertion (A):
Sikkim became the world’s first
fully organic state.
Reason (R):
Chemical fertilisers and pesticides
were banned there.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
12.
Assertion (A):
Climate change affects farmers
negatively.
Reason (R):
Climate change causes droughts,
floods, and irregular rainfall.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
13.
Assertion (A):
Traditional irrigation systems are
still useful today.
Reason (R):
They are low-cost and environment
friendly.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
14.
Assertion (A):
Farmers with small landholdings face
difficulties.
Reason (R):
Modern agricultural machines are
expensive and designed mainly for large farms.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
15.
Assertion (A):
Hydroponics can be useful in cities.
Reason (R):
Hydroponics allows plants to grow
without soil using nutrient-rich water.
Answer:
✅ A. Both A and R are true, and R is the
correct explanation of A.
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