NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 3 Land Resources and Agriculture

1. Choose the right answers:

(i) Which one of the following is NOT a land-use category?

• (a) Fallow land
• (b) Marginal land
• (c) Net Area Sown
• (d) Culturable Wasteland

Answer: (b) Marginal land

(ii) Main reason due to which share of forest has shown an increase:

• (a) Extensive and efficient efforts of afforestation
• (b) Increase in community forest land
• (c) Increase in notified area allocated for forest growth
• (d) Better peoples’ participation in managing forest area.

Answer: (c) Increase in notified area allocated for forest growth

(iii) Main form of degradation in irrigated areas:

• (a) Gully erosion
• (b) Wind erosion
• (c) Salinisation of soils
• (d) Siltation of land

Answer: (c) Salinisation of soils

(iv) Which crop is not cultivated under dryland farming?

• (a) Ragi
• (b) Jowar
• (c) Groundnut
• (d) Sugarcane

Answer: (d) Sugarcane

(v) Group of countries where HYVs of wheat and rice were developed:

• (a) Japan and Australia
• (b) USA and Japan
• (c) Mexico and Philippines
• (d) Mexico and Singapore

Answer: (c) Mexico and Philippines

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Differentiate between barren and wasteland and culturable wasteland.

Answer: Barren and wasteland is land that cannot be brought under cultivation with available technology, such as hilly terrains or deserts. Culturable wasteland is land left uncultivated for more than five years but can be reclaimed and brought under cultivation with proper measures.

(ii) How would you distinguish between net sown area and gross cropped area?

Answer: Net sown area is the physical area on which crops are sown and harvested within a year. Gross cropped area includes the total area sown once as well as more than once in a year, accounting for multiple cropping in the same field.

(iii) Why is the strategy of increasing cropping intensity important in a country like India?

Answer: Increasing cropping intensity allows for multiple crops to be grown in a year over the same area, maximizing output from limited land. This is crucial in India where land is scarce and the population is large and dependent on agriculture.

(iv) How do you measure total cultivable land?

Answer: Total cultivable land is the sum of net sown area, all fallow lands (current and other than current), and culturable wasteland. It represents the total land available for cultivation after taking into account fallows and wastelands that can be reclaimed.

(v) What is the difference between dryland and wetland farming?

Answer: Dryland farming is practiced in areas with less than 75 cm annual rainfall, using drought-resistant crops and water conservation measures. Wetland farming occurs where rainfall exceeds soil moisture requirements, enabling cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) What are the different types of environmental problems of land resources in India?

Answer: Land resources in India face several environmental problems. These include soil fertility loss through processes like salinisation, alkalisation, and waterlogging, which are common in irrigated areas due to excessive irrigation.

Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to toxic accumulation in soils, harming beneficial organisms and reducing soil productivity.

Reduction in fallow lands and leguminous crops results in decreased natural nitrogen fixation, further reducing soil health.

Soil erosion, caused by water and wind, especially in humid and semi-arid tropics, removes fertile topsoil, decreasing the land's productive capacity.

Expansion of agriculture into marginal and forested land also depletes biodiversity and common property resources.

Collectively, these problems pose a threat to sustainable agriculture and food security in India.

(ii) What are the important strategies for agricultural development followed in the post-independence period in India?

Answer: After independence, India's agricultural development focused on increasing production through land reforms, expansion of irrigation, and adoption of modern technology.

The Green Revolution in the 1960s introduced high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and improved irrigation facilities, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana, leading to substantial growth in foodgrains.

This was complemented by schemes for input subsidies, credit facilities, and minimum support prices for farmers.

Agro-climatic planning from 1988 and the focus on diversification, including dairy, livestock, and horticulture, broadened the agricultural economy.

Recent efforts emphasize sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and better market access through digital platforms like the Farmer’s Portal.

These strategies have improved food security and farmer incomes but challenges like resource degradation and inequity still persist.

Land Resources and Agriculture: Key Concepts and Preparation Tips

Mastering Land Resources and Agriculture is essential for Class 12 Geography. This chapter covers vital topics such as land use categories, changes over time, and major cropping patterns in India.

Focus on understanding types of farming practices, land degradation, and agricultural challenges. Revising definitions, tables, and key examples will boost your retention and help you score higher in board exams.

Regular practice of NCERT-based questions will solidify your concepts. Stay consistent with revision, and use diagrams to visualize trends and processes for a stronger exam strategy.