NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 4 Primary Activities

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

i. Which one of the following is not a plantation crop?

• (a) Coffee
• (b) Sugarcane
• (c) Wheat
• (d) Rubber

Answer: (c) Wheat

ii. In which one of the following countries co-operative farming was the most successful experiment?

• (a) Russia
• (b) Denmark
• (c) India
• (d) The Netherlands

Answer: (b) Denmark

iii. Growing of flowers is called:

• (a) Truck farming
• (b) Factory farming
• (c) Mixed farming
• (d) Floriculture

Answer: (d) Floriculture

iv. Which one of the following types of cultivation was developed by European colonists?

• (a) Kolkoz
• (b) Viticulture
• (c) Mixed farming
• (d) Plantation

Answer: (d) Plantation

v. In which one of the following regions is extensive commercial grain cultivation not practised?

• (a) American Canadian prairies
• (b) European Steppes
• (c) Pampas of Argentina
• (d) Amazon Basin

Answer: (d) Amazon Basin

vi. In which of the following types of agriculture is the farming of citrus fruit very important?

• (a) Market gardening
• (b) Plantation agriculture
• (c) Mediterranean agriculture
• (d) Co-operative farming

Answer: (c) Mediterranean agriculture

vii. Which one type of agriculture amongst the following is also called ‘slash and burn agriculture’?

• (a) Extensive subsistence agriculture
• (b) Primitive subsistence agriculture
• (c) Extensive commercial grain cultivation
• (d) Mixed farming

Answer: (b) Primitive subsistence agriculture

viii. Which one of the following does not follow monoculture?

• (a) Dairy farming
• (b) Mixed farming
• (c) Plantation agriculture
• (d) Commercial grain farming

Answer: (b) Mixed farming

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

i. Future of shifting cultivation is bleak. Discuss.

Answer: The future of shifting cultivation is bleak due to increasing population pressure, reduction of forest areas, environmental concerns, and government restrictions. Shorter cycles of "jhum" have led to decreased soil fertility, making it unsustainable and less productive over time.

ii. Market gardening is practised near urban areas. Why?

Answer: Market gardening is practised near urban areas because high-value and perishable crops like vegetables and fruits need quick access to markets. Proximity to cities ensures fresh delivery, reduces transportation costs, and meets the high demand of urban consumers.

iii. Large scale dairy farming is the result of the development of transportation and refrigeration.

Answer: Transportation and refrigeration have made it possible to store and move perishable dairy products over long distances. This has facilitated large-scale dairy farming by providing access to distant markets and reducing spoilage, making the industry economically viable.

3. Answer the following questions in not more than 150 words.

i. Differentiate between Nomadic Herding and Commercial Livestock Rearing.

Answer: Nomadic herding, or pastoral nomadism, is a primitive subsistence activity where herders move from place to place with their animals. They rely on their animals for food, clothing, and shelter. A wide variety of animals are reared depending on the region, and the movement is guided by pasture and water availability. Nomadic herders follow traditions and occupy well-identified territories.

Commercial livestock rearing, on the other hand, is highly organised and capital intensive. Animals are reared on permanent ranches which are scientifically managed. Only one type of animal is usually raised for commercial purposes such as meat, wool, and hides. Rearing is based on scientific breeding, disease control, and health care. It is market-oriented and prevalent in developed countries like the USA, Argentina, and New Zealand. The main emphasis is on productivity and export.

ii. Discuss the important characteristic features of plantation agriculture. Name a few important plantation crops from different countries.

Answer: Plantation agriculture is characterised by large estates, high capital investment, managerial and technical support, scientific methods, and single crop specialisation. It depends on cheap, skilled labour and efficient transport for linking estates with factories and export markets.

Important plantation crops include tea (India, Sri Lanka), coffee and cocoa (West Africa), rubber (Malaysia), sugarcane and bananas (West Indies), and coconut (Philippines). European colonists introduced and developed this form of farming in tropical regions, and today, plantations are often run by governments or local owners in various countries.

Master the Fundamentals of Primary Activities in Geography

Understanding primary activities is crucial for Class 12 Geography. This chapter explains economic activities like hunting, gathering, pastoralism, agriculture, and mining, offering a strong base for further studies and helping you excel in the NCERT exam for 2025-26.

Focusing on real-world examples, these NCERT solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 4 make learning about agricultural systems and mining methods simple and relatable. Quick revision with these notes can significantly boost your confidence before exams.

To achieve high marks, practice exercise-based solutions regularly and review the definitions, types, and features of primary activities. This strategy helps strengthen concepts and maximizes your performance in board exams.