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CBSE Geography Chapter 4 Class 10 Agriculture Notes: FREE PDF Download
Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture which is aligned to the latest Class 10 Geography Syllabus engages two-thirds of Indiaโs population and is the primary activity which produces raw materials for a wide range of industries. In the Agriculture notes, you will study the different types of farming methods, major crops grown in India, different cropping patterns and the contribution of agriculture to the nationโs economy, employment and output.
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Chapter 4 Geography class 10 notes will give an insight into the agricultural sector of the country. Class 10 Agriculture is a very important chapter as it gives you an idea about this important economic activity also downloading the Class 10 Geography Notes PDF will help you prepare for your board examinations.
Agriculture Class 10 Notes: CBSE Geography Chapter 4
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FAQs on Agriculture Class 10 Notes: CBSE Geography Chapter 4
1. What are the three main types of farming discussed in Class 10 Geography Chapter 4?
For a quick revision, remember the three main types of farming:
- Primitive Subsistence Farming: Often called 'slash-and-burn' agriculture, it uses simple tools and relies on natural fertility and monsoon rains.
- Intensive Subsistence Farming: Practised in densely populated areas, this type involves high labour input and the use of biochemicals and irrigation to maximise output from a small plot of land.
- Commercial Farming: Characterised by the use of modern inputs like High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides to achieve high productivity for market sale. Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming.
2. How can I quickly summarise the three cropping seasons in India for revision?
India has three distinct cropping seasons. For a quick recap:
- Rabi: Sown in winter (Oct-Dec) and harvested in summer (Apr-Jun). Key crops are wheat, barley, peas, and mustard.
- Kharif: Sown with the onset of monsoon (Jun-Jul) and harvested in autumn (Sep-Oct). Important crops include paddy (rice), maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, and jute.
- Zaid: A short season between Rabi and Kharif (summer months). Main crops are watermelon, muskmelon, and cucumber.
3. What are the key climatic conditions to remember for India's main food crops, rice and wheat?
For revision, focus on these key differences: Rice is a Kharif crop that thrives in a hot and humid climate. It requires a high temperature (above 25ยฐC) and heavy annual rainfall (above 100 cm). In contrast, Wheat is a Rabi crop that needs a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening. It requires moderate annual rainfall of 50 to 75 cm.
4. Why are pulses considered crucial in crop rotation? What is the key scientific concept to revise here?
Pulses, such as tur, urad, and moong, are crucial in crop rotation because they are leguminous crops. The key concept to revise is nitrogen fixation. These plants have root nodules that host bacteria capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form in the soil. This process naturally restores soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical nitrogen fertilisers for the subsequent crop.
5. What were the major institutional and technological reforms introduced to improve Indian agriculture after Independence?
The key reforms to recall for revision are:
- Institutional Reforms: The main focus was on land reform, including the consolidation of land holdings, collectivisation, and the abolition of the zamindari system. Later reforms included establishing Grameen banks, cooperative societies, and providing crop insurance and the Kissan Credit Card (KCC).
- Technological Reforms: The most significant were the Green Revolution (based on HYV seeds and fertilisers) and the White Revolution (Operation Flood, to boost milk production).
6. How did the Green Revolution act as a turning point for Indian agriculture?
The Green Revolution was a major turning point because it transformed India from a food-deficient country to a self-sufficient one, particularly in food grains like wheat and rice. The key concept to remember is the package of technology it introduced: High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and assured irrigation. While it significantly boosted production, it's also important to revise its concentration in certain regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP.
7. For revision, what is the core economic significance of non-food crops like cotton and rubber?
While food crops ensure sustenance, non-food crops are vital as industrial raw materials. For revision, remember: Cotton, known as the 'golden fibre' of the past, is the backbone of the cotton textile industry. It requires black soil and 210 frost-free days. Rubber is a crucial raw material for various industries, from tyres to latex products. It is an equatorial crop requiring a moist, humid climate with heavy rainfall.
8. What is the main challenge for Indian farmers from globalisation, as discussed in Chapter 4?
The core challenge from globalisation is the increased competition from developed countries. Despite being a major producer of crops like rice, cotton, and tea, Indian farmers struggle to compete in international markets. This is because agriculture in developed nations is often highly subsidised by their governments, allowing them to sell their produce at lower prices, which puts Indian farmers at a disadvantage.
9. How do 'buffer stock' and the Public Distribution System (PDS) work together to ensure food security?
These two concepts are the key components of India's food security system. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures food grains from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and maintains a buffer stock. This stock is then distributed at subsidised prices to the poorer sections of society through a network of ration shops, which is known as the Public Distribution System (PDS). This ensures food availability, especially during shortages or disasters.
