Agriculture | Class 7 | Geography | Chapter 9 | Maharashtra State Board
Explore the vast realm of agriculture with the Arrowmite channel, where we delve into topics ranging from animal husbandry and dairy farming to beekeeping and organic farming. Discover insights on various types of farming, including intensive, subsistence, and commercial methods, along with niche practices like agrotourism and market gardening. Join us to learn about innovative techniques in greenhouse farming, sericulture, and more, while gaining valuable knowledge on marketing systems and sustainable agriculture practices.
Questions & Answers
Q.1. Select the proper option for the following statements:
1. In which of the following type of farming are the crops rotated?
(a) Intensive.
(b) Plantation.
(c) Commercial.
(d) All of these.
Ans. (a) Intensive.
2. Agriculture requires the following:
(a) Only ploughing
(b) Use of animals, implements, machines and manpower.
(c) Use of only manpower.
(d) Just cultivate the crop.
Ans. (b) Use of animals, implements, machines and manpower.
3. In India, agriculture has developed because…
(a) There are two seasons of agriculture in India.
(b) Majority of the people depend on agriculture.
(c) Traditional agriculture is practised in India.
(d) In India factors like climate, soils, water, etc. are conducive.
Ans. (d) In India factors like climate, soils, water, etc. are conducive.
4. It is necessary that modern methods and technology be used in agriculture in India because…
(a) There are factories producing improved seeds.
(b) There are industries producing fertilizers.
(c) Population is growing and there are agro-based industries.
(d) Modern means and machines are available.
Ans. (c) Population is growing and there are agro-based industries.
2. Give short answers for the following questions:
1. Describe the importance of irrigation for agriculture.
Ans. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land or soil for the purpose of growing crops or maintaining landscapes. Irrigation is important for agriculture because it can:
Increase crop yield and quality by providing sufficient and consistent water supply.
Reduce the risk of crop failure due to drought or irregular rainfall.
Support rural development and food security by enabling crop production in arid regions and enhancing farm income.
2. Distinguish between intensive farming & shifting cultivation.
Ans.
Intensive farming | Shifting cultivation |
Intensive farming uses high inputs of labour, capital, and resources to produce high yields per unit of land. | Shifting cultivation uses low inputs of labour, capital, and resources to produce low yields per unit of land. |
Intensive farming often involves irrigation, fertilization, pest control, mechanization, and crop rotation. | Shifting cultivation often involves slash-and-burn methods, where the vegetation is cut and burned to provide nutrients to the soil. |
Intensive farming can increase crop production and income, but it can also cause environmental problems such as soil erosion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. | Shifting cultivation can maintain soil fertility and biodiversity, but it can also lead to deforestation, land degradation, and carbon emissions. |
Intensive farming is suitable for areas of high human population densities and high market demand. | Shifting cultivation is suitable for areas of low human population densities and low market demand. |
3. Major Types of Farming:
Ans.
Dairy Farming: Involves raising milk-producing livestock.
Poultry Farming: Raising domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys for meat or eggs.
Flower Farming: Cultivation of flowering plants for commercial use.
Hay Farming: Growing crops like alfalfa or grass, which are dried and used as animal fodder.
Cooperative Farming: A group of farmers pool their resources for mutual benefit.
Organic Farming: Uses natural methods and substances for crop cultivation.
Dry Farming: Cultivation of crops in regions with little rainfall.
Commercial Farming: Large-scale production of crops for sale.
Subsistence Farming: Small-scale farming for personal consumption.
Arable Farming: Growing crops on arable land.
Fish Farming: Raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures.
Apiary: Beekeeping to produce honey.
Intensive Farming: Also known as intensive agriculture, it is a type of farming that uses higher levels of input and output per unit of agricultural land area. It is characterized by a low fallow ratio, higher use of inputs such as capital, labour, agrochemicals, and water, and higher crop yields per unit land area.
Extensive Grain Farming: This type of farming involves the large-scale growing of grain crops like wheat, barley, and cooking oils in areas with low agricultural productivity. It uses minimal inputs and is common in areas with lots of good soil.
4. Describe the characteristics of plantation farming.
Ans. Plantation farming is a type of agriculture that involves growing a single type of cash crop on a large area of land, using high levels of labour, capital, and technology. Some of the characteristics of plantation farming are:
• It is mostly practiced in tropical and subtropical regions, where the climate and soil are suitable for crops such as tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, etc.
• It is usually owned and managed by foreign or local private companies, who provide housing, food, medical facilities, and education to their workers.
• It is highly dependent on the export market, as the crops are mainly used as raw materials for industries in developed countries.
• It is often associated with environmental and social problems, such as deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, exploitation, and inequality.
5. Which are the crops cultivated in your area? What are the geographical reasons for that?
Ans. In the Kokan region of Maharashtra, the crops cultivated include Alphonso mangoes, cashew nuts, coconuts, jackfruit, rice, and bamboo.
The geographical reasons for this crop cultivation are:
Climate: The Kokan region has a hot and humid climate, which is favourable for the growth of these crops.
Rainfall: The region receives heavy rainfall, which is beneficial for crops like rice.
Soil: The region has fertile laterite soil, which is suitable for the cultivation of fruits.
Biodiversity: The region is home to a huge biodiversity, particularly for mangoes.
Government Support: The government provides farmers with better short duration yield seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
6. Why is the agriculture in India seasonal in nature? What are the difficulties for perennial agriculture?
Ans. The agriculture in India is seasonal in nature because most of the farming depends on the monsoon, which is seasonal and variable in India. The rainfall is uneven and uncertain in different regions and seasons, making it difficult to grow crops throughout the year.
The difficulties for perennial agriculture are:
• Lack of regular water supply and irrigation facilities.
• Variations in climatic conditions and soil quality.
• Lack of capital, technology, and infrastructure.
• Lack of awareness and adoption of scientific methods.
• Lack of marketing and storage facilities.
Perennial agriculture also faces challenges such as:
• Plant breeding and hybridization difficulties.
• Seed size and germination issues.
• Lodging and harvesting problems.
• Sustained yield and quality maintenance.
• Environmental and social impacts.
E X T R A
Q.1. Fill in the blanks.
1. Commercial dairy fanning is mainly undertaken for meat and milk.
2. Sheep rearing is carried out to obtain wool.
3. In order to achieve the best growth of fish, scientific methods are employed.
4. Silk thread is obtained from the cocoon of the silk moth.
5. Leaves of the mulberry trees are the main food for the silk worms.
6. Greenhouse farming is a highly specialized type of farming of the modem era.
7. Intensive farming and shifting cultivation are the two types in traditional farming.
8. Shifting cultivation is a primitive type of cultivation.
9. Cultivation of flowers and fruits is a subtype of market gardening.
10. Agrotourism is a new field of tourism.
11. Most of the farmers are economically weak and cannot market their product on their own.
12. As farm produce is perishable there has to be a proper arrangement for its sale.
13. Some of the farm produce is directly used by industries as raw material.
14. Israel is a major exporter of fresh farm produce.
15. International markets are now becoming easily available for farm produce due to globalization.
16. France and Italy are famous for horticulture.
17. Vermicompost is obtained from organic waste.
2. Select the proper option for the following statements:
1. Heavy capital investment is necessary for -
(a) Subsistence farming.
(b) Extensive grain farming.
(c) Shifting cultivation.
(d) Dairy farming.
Ans. (b) Extensive grain farming.
2. Getting maximum production from a minimum area is the characteristic of -
(a) Plantation farming.
(b) Intensive farming.
(c) Horticulture.
(d) Extensive grain farming.
Ans. (b) Intensive farming.
3. Complete the following sentence:
1. For our basic needs of food and clothing ______.
Ans. we make use of plants and animals.
2. In agricultural occupation, resources like _______.
Ans. manpower, animals, implements, etc. are used.
3. In the past primitive man had to wander in the forest to ______.
Ans. sustain himself on the collected forest produce.
4. Bees in order to collect honey, _______.
Ans. hover around the plants that bear flowers.
5. Silk thread is obtained from the _________.
Ans. cocoon of the silk moth.
6. Greenhouse farming facilitates _______.
Ans. getting maximum product from the land.
7. Greenhouse farming is ________.
Ans. highly specialized type of farming of the modern era.
8. Different types of agriculture has evolved due to _______.
Ans. geographical and cultural diversity and technological differences in different regions.
9. Intensive farming is carried out in ________.
Ans. one and the same farm for years together.
10. In shifting cultivation, ________.
Ans. every year a new area is chosen for cultivation.
11. The problems in extensive grain farming are ______.
Ans. droughts, attacks by pests, locusts, etc. and also market fluctuation.
12. Market gardening has developed mainly as a _______.
Ans. result of urbanization and the ready markets available in urban centres.
13. Cultivation of flowers and fruits is a ________.
Ans. subtype of market gardening.
14. As farm produce is perishable, _________.
Ans. there has to be a proper arrangement for its sale.
15. Most of the farmers are ______.
Ans. economically weak and cannot market their production on their own.
16. By advertising on the internet, ______.
Ans. the agricultural products get sold in local as well as international markets.
4. Answer in one sentence:
1. What do we depend on for our basic needs of food and clothing?
Ans. For our basic needs of food and clothing, we make use of plants and animals.
2. What is considered to be the main and the most important occupation in agriculture?
Ans. In agriculture, cultivation of crops is considered to be the main and the most important occupation.
3. Why had the primitive man to wander in the forest in the past?
Ans. Primitive man had to wander in the forest to sustain himself on the collected forest produce.
4. What is the core of animal husbandry?
Ans. Rearing different animals and obtaining various products from them for subsistence is the core of animal husbandry.
5. On what do sheep and goats survive?
Ans. Sheep and goats survive on short grass, shrubs and acacia, grown in remote hilly areas away from urban settlements.
6. What do we obtain from Beekeeping occupation?
Ans. We obtain honey and wax from Beekeeping.
7. What is Pisciculture?
Ans. Pisciculture is also called fish farming in which fish seeds are released in the pond to achieve the best growth of fish.
8. Name the fish reared in fish farms.
Ans. Warn, Roha, Rawas, Kolambi are reared in fish farms.
9. What is used to weave soft silk cloth?
Ans. Fine and strong silk thread obtained from the cocoon of the silk moth are used to weave soft silk cloth.
10. Which is the highly specialized type of farming of the modem era?
Ans. Greenhouse farming is a highly specialized type of farming of the modem era.
11. Which are the two types in traditional farming?
Ans. Intensive farming and shifting cultivation are the two types in traditional farming.
12. What is the characteristic of intensive farming?
Ans. Getting maximum production from a minimum area of land is the characteristic of intensive farming.
13. Where is shifting cultivation practised?
Ans. Shifting cultivation is practised in the tropics in densely forested areas or hilly tracts.
14. Name the two major types of farming covered under commercial farming.
Ans. Extensive grain farming and plantation agriculture are the two major types of farming covered under commercial farming.
15. What are the problems in extensive grain farming?
Ans. The problems in extensive grain farming are droughts, attack by pests, locusts, etc. and market fluctuations.
16. What are the major issues faced by the plantation farming?
Ans. Climate, manpower, deterioration of environment, economic and managerial problems are the major issues faced by the plantation farming.
17. Where is plantation farming practised?
Ans. Plantation farming is practised in India and other South Asian countries, Africa, South and Central America, etc.
18. What is a subtype of market gardening?
Ans. Cultivation of flowers and fruits is a subtype of market gardening.
19. What are the major products of horticulture?
Ans. Major products of horticulture are flowers like lily, gerbera, tulip, dahlia, chrysanthemum, marigold, etc.
20. Name some native and exotic fruits cultivated in fruit farming.
Ans. Different native and exotic fruits like mangoes, custard apples, grapes, bananas, pomegranates, dragon fruits, cherries, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, etc.
5.21. What is organic farming?
Ans. When farming is done using all vestal matter mixed in the soil, it is called organic farming.
22. Why do city dwellers visit the rural areas?
Ans. City dwellers are curious about the farmers life and environment so they visit the rural areas to see the rural life, local customs and culture.
23. Why are some fruits and vegetables harmful to health?
Ans. Some fruits and vegetables may have been produced using artificial chemicals, and pesticides for quicker production. Such fruits and vegetables are harmful to health.
5. Give geographical reasons:
1. The system of Agricultural Produce Market Committees is established at the Taluka level.
Ans. The system of Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) is established at the Taluka level to facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce by farmers. A Taluka is a sub-district administrative unit in India, usually consisting of several villages and towns. By setting up APMCs at the Taluka level, the farmers can easily access the nearest market yard and sell their produce to the traders at fair prices. This also reduces the transportation costs and losses of the produce. APMCs also provide various facilities and services to the farmers, such as grading, weighing, storage, and dispute resolution.
2. Poultry occupation is generally located in big cities.
Ans. Poultry occupation is generally located in big cities because of the following reasons:
The demand for poultry products such as eggs and meat are high in big cities, where there are more consumers and higher incomes.
The transportation of poultry products is easier and cheaper in big cities, where there are better roads and infrastructure.
The processing of poultry products is more efficient and hygienic in big cities, where there are more facilities and regulations.
The scientific methods of poultry farming are more accessible and advanced in big cities, where there are more resources and expertise.
These factors make poultry occupation more profitable and convenient in big cities than in rural areas.
3. Bee keeping is an important occupation with respect to agriculture.
Ans. Bee keeping is an important occupation with respect to agriculture because:
Bees are the main pollinators of many crops and wild plants, which increases the yield and quality of food production.
Bees produce honey and other products that have economic and nutritional value for humans and animals.
Bees help maintain the biodiversity and ecological balance of the environment by supporting the growth and reproduction of various plant species.
4. Specific type of fish species are reared separately.
Ans. Specific type of fish species are reared separately for various geographical reasons, such as:
Climate: Different fish species have different preferences and tolerances for water temperature, salinity, oxygen level, and pH. Therefore, fish farmers need to separate fish species that require different climatic conditions to ensure optimal growth and survival.
Competition: Different fish species have different feeding habits, growth rates, and sizes. Therefore, fish farmers need to separate fish species that may compete for food, space, or other resources, or that may prey on or harm each other.
Conservation: Some fish species are endangered, threatened, or vulnerable due to overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, or invasive species. Therefore, fish farmers need to separate fish species that need special protection or management to prevent their extinction or decline.
5. The expenditure of planting mulberry trees every year is saved.
Ans. The expenditure of planting mulberry trees every year is saved because once planted, the mulberry trees survive for a minimum period of 15 years. The leaves of mulberry trees are the main food for silk worms, so having mature, established trees is beneficial for silk production. This longevity of mulberry trees reduces the need for annual replanting, thereby saving costs.
6. Last few years, has seen the development of nurseries.
Ans. The development of nurseries in the last few years can be attributed to geographical reasons such as:
The increasing demand for ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants in urban and rural areas, which creates a market opportunity for nursery owners.
The availability of suitable land, water, and climatic conditions for growing a variety of plants in different regions of the country.
The promotion of nursery development by the government and non-governmental organizations, which provide technical guidance, financial assistance, and quality certification to nursery growers.
7. Heavy capital investment is necessary for extensive grain fanning.
Ans. Heavy capital investment is necessary for extensive grain farming because:
Extensive grain farming is an agricultural production system that uses small inputs of labour, fertilizers, and capital, relative to the land area being farmed.
Extensive grain farming is usually carried out in regions with low agricultural productivity, such as temperate grasslands, deserts, and semi-arid areas.
Extensive grain farming requires large-scale machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and storage facilities, to cultivate and transport the crops over vast distances.
Extensive grain farming also depends on external inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and seeds, to improve the yield and quality of the crops.
Extensive grain farming faces various risks, such as droughts, pests, market fluctuations, and natural disasters, which require insurance and contingency plans.
8. Market gardening is also known as truck farming.
Ans. Market gardening is also known as truck farming because:
Market gardening is the cultivation of vegetables and fruits for sale in nearby markets.
Truck farming is the transportation of fresh produce by truck or rail to distant markets, where the climate or season limits their cultivation.
Both terms refer to the same type of farming, but emphasize different aspects of the production and distribution process.
9. Agrotourism is financially beneficial for the farmer and his village.
Ans. Agrotourism is financially beneficial for the farmer and his village because:
Agrotourism allows farms to diversify their income sources and reduce their dependence on agricultural production, which may be affected by natural or market constraints.
Agrotourism creates employment opportunities and stimulates the local economy by attracting visitors and increasing the demand for goods and services in the rural areas.
Agrotourism enhances the value of the natural and cultural heritage of the rural areas, which can improve the quality of life and the social cohesion of the local communities.
10. In intensive farming the economic condition of the cultivator is poor.
Ans. The economic condition of the cultivator is poor in intensive farming because:
Intensive farming requires large amounts of labour and capital to apply fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and machinery to the crops, which increases the production costs and debts of the farmers.
Intensive farming faces competition from large-scale commercial farms that can produce and sell crops at lower prices, which reduces the profit margins and market opportunities of the small-scale farmers.
Intensive farming degrades the soil quality and fertility, which reduces the crop yields and increases the vulnerability to pests and diseases, which further affects the income and food security of the farmers.
11. How do farmers grow their crops?
Ans. Farmers grow their crops through various agricultural practices influenced by geographical factors such as climate, soil, and topography. The specific methods include:
Crop Selection: Farmers choose crops based on the local climate, soil type, and water availability. Different crops thrive in different environmental conditions.
Cultivation Techniques: Geographical factors determine the cultivation techniques, such as ploughing, planting, and harvesting methods. Topography influences terracing in hilly areas for erosion control and water conservation.
Irrigation: Depending on the availability of water resources, farmers implement irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, or traditional methods to ensure adequate water supply for crops.
Fertilization: Soil composition influences the choice and application of fertilizers to provide essential nutrients for crop growth.
Pest and Disease Management: Geographical regions with specific pests and diseases require farmers to adopt appropriate pest control measures, including chemical or organic methods.
Seasonal Planning: Understanding the local climate and weather patterns is crucial for planting crops during the appropriate seasons, ensuring optimal growth and yield.
Technology Adoption: Access to modern agricultural technology, machinery, and tools varies geographically, influencing the efficiency of farming practices.
6. Write short notes on:
1. Greenhouse farming
Ans. Greenhouse farming involves the cultivation of plants within an enclosed structure, providing controlled environmental conditions to optimize growth. The structure, typically made of transparent materials like glass or plastic, allows sunlight to enter while trapping heat, creating a microclimate that differs from the external environment. Here are key points about greenhouse farming:
Temperature Control: Greenhouses offer temperature regulation, enabling year-round cultivation and protection of crops from extreme weather conditions.
Humidity Management: Greenhouses maintain optimal humidity levels, reducing the risk of diseases and providing a favourable environment for plant growth.
Seasonal Independence: Farmers can grow crops outside their natural growing seasons, enhancing production and meeting market demands consistently.
Pest and Disease Control: The enclosed environment helps minimize exposure to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions and promoting healthier crops.
Water Efficiency: Controlled irrigation systems in greenhouses contribute to water conservation by minimizing evaporation and runoff.
Crop Diversity: Various crops, including flowers, vegetables, and herbs, can be cultivated in greenhouses, offering flexibility and diversification for farmers.
Urban Agriculture: Greenhouse farming is well-suited for urban and peri-urban areas where arable land may be limited, allowing for localized food production.
Resource Efficiency: Greenhouses optimize resource use, as the controlled environment maximizes the efficiency of water, fertilizers, and other inputs.
2. Market gardening
Ans. Market gardening, also known as truck farming, is a method of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers on a small scale for direct sale to consumers. Here are some key points:
Scale: Market gardens are typically under one acre, focusing on the small-scale production of cash crops.
Diversity: Unlike large-scale agriculture that often relies on monoculture, market gardens grow a diverse variety of crops.
Direct Sales: Market gardeners often sell their crops directly to customers, restaurants, and shops.
Manual Labour: Market gardens rely more on manual labour and gardening techniques than on large-scale agricultural machinery.
Profitability: Despite operating on a small scale, market gardens can be highly efficient and profitable. They can earn a good amount of money as they sell direct to consumers, avoiding the cut taken by wholesalers or distributors.
3. Organic farming
Ans. Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that involves the use of natural techniques and practices instead of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The goal of organic farming is to create a sustainable system that supports the environment, produces healthy crops, and protects the health of farmers and consumers. Organic farming is regulated by international standards and certified by various agencies. Some of the benefits of organic farming are:
It reduces soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
It enhances soil fertility, biodiversity, and pest resistance.
It improves the quality, safety, and nutrition of food products.
It increases the income and livelihood of small-scale farmers.
4. Agrotourism
Ans. Agrotourism, also known as agritourism, is a form of tourism that involves visitors experiencing and participating in various agricultural activities. Here are key points about agrotourism:
Farm Experience: Agrotourism provides tourists with the opportunity to engage in farm-related activities, including harvesting, planting, and animal care, allowing for a hands-on experience of rural life.
Rural Setting: Agrotourism destinations are typically located in rural areas, showcasing the agricultural practices, traditions, and lifestyle of the local community.
Educational Value: Visitors gain insights into the farming and agricultural processes, learning about sustainable practices, organic farming, and the cultivation of crops and livestock.
Culinary Experiences: Agrotourism often includes opportunities for tourists to sample and participate in the preparation of local and farm-fresh foods, connecting them directly with the agricultural products of the region.
Farm Stays: Accommodations may include farm stays, allowing tourists to reside on working farms and experience day-to-day agricultural activities, fostering a deeper connection to the farming lifestyle.
Cultural Exchange: Agrotourism promotes cultural exchange between visitors and local communities, fostering an appreciation for rural traditions, crafts, and customs.
Community Development: Agrotourism contributes to the economic development of rural areas by providing additional income sources for farmers and local communities through tourism-related activities.
Environmental Awareness: Visitors to agrotourism destinations often gain a heightened awareness of environmental issues and sustainable agricultural practices, promoting a sense of responsibility towards nature.
5. Importance of marketing system in India
Ans. The marketing system in India plays a crucial role in the economic development of the country. It serves as a bridge between production and consumption, facilitating the exchange of goods and services. Marketing systems help in:
Identifying consumer needs and preferences, which guides businesses in product development and innovation.
Enhancing market access for producers, especially in the agricultural sector, by connecting them with a wider range of buyers and markets.
Improving decision-making related to pricing, packaging, distribution, and promotion through Marketing Information Systems (MIS), which provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour and competitive strategies.
Driving economic growth by fostering competition, which leads to better quality products and services at competitive prices.
Supporting technological advancements and adapting to changes in the global trade environment, which is essential for maintaining international competitiveness.
6. Beekeeping
Ans. The marketing system in India plays a crucial role in the economic development of the country. It serves as a bridge between production and consumption, facilitating the exchange of goods and services. Marketing systems help in:
Identifying consumer needs and preferences, which guides businesses in product development and innovation.
Enhancing market access for producers, especially in the agricultural sector, by connecting them with a wider range of buyers and markets.
Improving decision-making related to pricing, packaging, distribution, and promotion through Marketing Information Systems (MIS), which provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour and competitive strategies.
Driving economic growth by fostering competition, which leads to better quality products and services at competitive prices.
Supporting technological advancements and adapting to changes in the global trade environment, which is essential for maintaining international competitiveness.
7. Pisciculture or Fish farming
Ans. Pisciculture, commonly known as fish farming, is an integral part of India’s aquaculture industry. It involves the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in controlled environments, such as ponds, tanks, or enclosures. Here’s a short note on its importance:
Economic Growth: Pisciculture contributes significantly to India’s agricultural exports and food security. It provides livelihoods to millions and is a source of affordable protein.
Technological Advancements: The industry has seen advancements like the in-pond raceway system (IPRS) and cage farming, which increase production while conserving resources.
Government Support: Various government schemes promote pisciculture, aiming to enhance food security, employment generation, and export earnings.
Sustainability: With the rising demand for fish and the depletion of natural stocks due to overfishing, pisciculture offers a sustainable alternative for meeting the country’s fish demand.
8. Give comparative account of any two methods of irrigation
Ans. Irrigation is essential for agriculture, especially in regions with irregular rainfall. Here’s a comparative account of two common methods of irrigation:
Well Irrigation:
Source: Utilizes groundwater accessed through wells, borewells, etc.
Area: Requires less land for the infrastructure.
Ownership: Often privately owned, allowing for flexible usage.
Cost: Generally, less expensive due to lower infrastructure needs.
Canal Irrigation:
Source: Involves dams constructed on rivers, with canals distributing the stored water.
Area: Requires a large area for dams and canal networks.
Ownership: Usually government-owned, which may affect ease and flexibility of use.
Cost: More expensive due to the extensive infrastructure required.
Both methods have their advantages and limitations. Well irrigation allows for more control by the individual farmer and is less costly, but it is limited by the availability of groundwater. Canal irrigation can support larger areas and is more reliable during dry periods, but it involves higher costs and depends on government policies and management.
9. Sericulture
Ans. Sericulture, or silk farming, is the cultivation of silkworms to produce silk. In India, it’s an important industry for several reasons:
Economic Significance: India is the second-largest producer of silk and the largest consumer of silk in the world. The industry provides livelihoods to around 8.7 million people in rural and semi-urban areas.
Variety of Silk: India has the unique distinction of producing all five known commercial silks - mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri, and muga, with muga being exclusive to India.
Geographical Spread: Sericulture activities are spread across 52,360 villages, preventing rural migration by providing local employment opportunities.
Cultural Heritage: Silk has been interwoven with Indian culture for centuries, reflecting its historical significance and traditional value.
Government Initiatives: Policy initiatives like the National Sericulture Project aim to enhance the quality and productivity of Indian silk, making it globally competitive.
Despite challenges such as competition from synthetic fabrics and disease outbreaks among silkworms, sericulture remains a key sector for India’s economy, culture, and sustainable development.
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