Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture 

 EXERCISES

1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.

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

(a) Fallow land (c) Net Area Sown

(b) Marginal land (d) Culturable Wasteland

Answer:  (d) Culturable Wasteland

(ii) What one of the following is the main reason due to which share of forest

has shown an increase in the last forty years?

(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) Which one of the following is the main form of degradation in irrigated

areas?

(a) Gully erosion (c) Salinisation of soils

(b) Wind erosion (d) Siltation of land

Answer: (c) Salinisation of soils.

(iv) Which one of the following crops is not cultivated under dryland farming?

(a) Ragi (c) Groundnut

(b) Jowar (d) Sugarcane

Answer: (d) Sugarcane.

(v) In which of the following group of countries of the world, HYVs of wheat

and rice were developed?

(a) Japan and Australia (c) Mexico and Philippines

(b) U.S.A. and Japan (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: Land completely unproductive due to harsh conditions (deserts, mountains).

*Wasteland: Land unused but could be productive after improvements (saline soil, degraded forests).

*Culturable wasteland: Subset of wasteland with potential for agriculture after treatment (removing weeds, improving soil).

Essentially, barren land is a no-go zone, wasteland has options with effort, and culturable wasteland is ready for cultivation with some care.

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

area?

Answer:  Net sown area: Land sown with crops only once in a year.

Gross cropped area: Land sown with crops once or multiple times in a year (counted for each sowing).

Think of it this way:

*Net sown area: Like your single bed, always ready for one sleeper.

*Gross cropped area: Like a bunk bed, can accommodate one or two sleepers depending on use (single sowing or double sowing).

    The difference tells you how actively land is being used for crop production.

(iii) Why is the strategy of increasing cropping intensity important in a

country like India?

Answer:  In India, increasing cropping intensity is crucial for several reasons:

*Limited land: With a high population density, maximizing use of existing farmland is vital to meet food demands.

*Resource constraints: Expanding farmland might strain water and other resources, so intensifying existing cultivation offers a sustainable alternative.

*Economic benefits: Multiple crops per year boost farmer income and contribute to overall agricultural growth.

    Think of it like squeezing more juice from the same orange – getting more crops from the land you already have.

(iv) How do you measure total cultivable land?

Answer: Measuring total cultivable land involves adding the net sown area (currently farmed land) to fallow lands (currently not farmed but usable) and culturable wastelands (improvable for farming). Simple as summing three land categories!

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

Answer: Dryland relies on limited rainfall (often <75cm) and adapts with drought-resistant crops, while wetland thrives in abundant water, often flooded fields for crops like rice. Think arid vs. soaked fields, with different tools and crops for each!

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

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

Answer: India faces a multitude of environmental problems with its land resources, interconnected and posing complex challenges:

*Deforestation: Loss of forest cover (1.3 million hectares annually) leads to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and altered climate patterns.

*Soil erosion: Unchecked by vegetation, wind and water erode topsoil, reducing fertility and causing sedimentation in rivers, impacting agriculture and infrastructure.

*Land degradation: Overgrazing, excessive use of chemicals, and unsustainable farming practices degrade soil quality, reducing productivity and increasing desertification.

*Water mismanagement: Over-irrigation in some areas leads to salinization and waterlogging, while others grapple with droughts due to poor water management practices.

*Urbanization: Sprawling cities encroach upon fertile land, disrupting ecosystems and reducing agricultural capacity.

    These interrelated issues threaten food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem stability, demanding urgent action towards sustainable land management practices.

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

Answer: India's post-independence agricultural development relied on several key strategies:

Early Focus on Food Security (1947-60s):

*Land reforms: Redistribution of land to marginalized groups aimed at equity and increased production.

*Expansion of cultivable land: Bringing more fallow and wastelands under cultivation.

*Community Development Programs: Integrated approach focusing on infrastructure, irrigation, and education.

*Focus on food crops: Shifting resources from cash crops to wheat and rice production.

Green Revolution (1960s-80s):

*High-yielding varieties (HYVs): Introduction of crop varieties with higher yields through genetic engineering.

*Increased irrigation: Expansion of canal networks and adoption of groundwater wells.

*Chemical inputs: Increased use of fertilizers and pesticides to boost productivity.

Diversification and Sustainability (1980s-Present):

*Focus on rainfed agriculture: Programs for efficient water management in dry areas.

*Horticulture and livestock promotion: Encourages income diversification and reduces pressure on food crops.

*Agro-climatic planning: Tailoring strategies to specific regional conditions for sustainable development.

*Technological advancements: Integration of precision agriculture, automation, and climate-smart practices.

    These strategies have led to significant progress, achieving self-sufficiency in foodgrains. However, challenges remain including environmental degradation, income inequality, and the need for further technological advancements.



Questions Type By: Himashree Bora.