NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture– This article includes free NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture to help students of Class 8 learn the solutions and ace their exams.

It has been developed by the subject matter experts at GFG, according to the latest CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, and guidelines to help the students of Class 8 create a solid conceptual base for Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture

The solutions to all the exercises in Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture of your NCERT textbook have been collectively covered in NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science.

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture

NCERT  Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 3: Agriculture

The solutions for Chapter 3: Agriculture have been listed below, and students can refer to NCERT Solutions Class 8 for other subjects.

Page No- 30

1. Answer the following questions.

(i) What is agriculture?

Answer:

Agriculture is the practice of growing crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and raising livestock. It’s also known as farming, and it’s a primary activity that provides food and raw materials for humans. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and two-thirds of India’s population still depends on it.

Agriculture activity depends on the topography of soil and climate. The seven steps involved in agricultural practices are: Ploughing, Sowing, Adding nutrients, Irrigation, Protecting plants, Harvesting, and Storage. The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into foods, fibers, fuels, and raw materials (such as rubber).

(ii) Name the factors influencing agriculture?

Answer:

Agriculture is influenced by number of factors:

• Climate: Weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunlight help in determining the type of crops that can be grown in a particular area.
• Soil: The type of soil, its fertility, pH level, and drainage capacity affect crop growth. Different crops require specific soil conditions for optimal growth.
• Topography: The landscape of an area, including factors such as altitude, slope, and landforms, can influence the types of crops that can be grown and the farming methods that can be used.
• Water Supply: Adequate and reliable water supply is essential for agriculture, whether through natural rainfall, or irrigation systems.
• Government Policies and Support: Government policies related to agriculture, including subsidies, price supports, and market can have a significant impact on the farming sector.
• Socioeconomic factors: Socioeconomic factors such as farmer education and rural infrastructure, are important determinants of agricultural success in India.

(iii) What is shifting cultivation? What are its disadvantages?

Answer:

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash and burn agriculture, is a farming practice that involves clearing land by cutting down and burning trees. The ashes are then mixed with the soil, and crops like maize, yam, potatoes and cassava are grown are grown. After the land has lost its fertility, the land is abandoned and the cultivator moves to a new plot. It is practised in the thickly forested areas of Amazon basin, tropical Africa, parts of southeast Asia and Northeast India.

Disadvantages of shifting cultivation include:

• Shifting cultivation requires clearing large areas of land, which leads to deforestation. 
• It can lead to soil erosion and desertification.
• Shifting cultivation result in soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and decreased fertility.
• The traditional slash-and-burn methods used in shifting cultivation yield lower agricultural productivity compared to modern farming techniques
• Shifting cultivation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and can increase the climate change.

(iv) What is plantation agriculture?

Answer:

Plantation agriculture is a type of commercial farming that involves growing a single crop of tea, coffee, sugarcane, cashew, rubber, banana or cotton for a year. It requires a lot of capital and labor. Major plantations are found in the tropical regions of the world. Rubber in Malaysia, coffee in Brazil, tea in India and Sri Lanka are some examples.

Characteristics of plantation agriculture are:

• It involves clearing land or forest to create a farming area for a single crop.
• It’s an intensive, commercial farming method.
• It’s typically owned by a single company or government.
• It requires large land areas.
• It’s a type of farming where crops are grown for profit.
• It’s a type of farming where the crop production may be further processed on the farm itself or in nearby factories or small scale industries.
• It’s a type of farming where a transport network is essential.

(v) Name the fibre crops and name the climatic conditions required for their growth.

Answer:

Fiber crops are plants cultivated mainly for their fibers. They are used in various industries, including textiles, papermaking, and rope production. Some common fiber crops include:

• Cotton: Cotton requires a warm climate with temperatures between 21°C to 30°C and a frost-free growing season of about 180 to 200 days. Cotton also needs well-drained soil and adequate water supply, particularly during the growing season.
• Jute: Jute is mainly grown in regions with a tropical climate. It thrives in hot and humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of around 1500 to 2500 mm. Jute requires fertile, well-drained soil, preferably with high levels of organic matter.
• Flax: Flax, also known as linseed, is grown in cooler regions with temperate climates. It prefers temperatures between 15°C to 20°C during the growing season and requires a moderate amount of rainfall, around 500 to 700 mm annually. Flax grows well in well-drained loamy soils.
• Hemp: Hemp can adapt to a variety of climates but thrives in temperate regions with mild summers and cool winters. It requires temperatures between 15°C to 27°C and a well-drained soil with good moisture retention. Hemp is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering.

2. Tick the correct answer

(i) Horticulture means

(a) growing of fruits and vegetables (b) primitive farming (c) growing of wheat

Answer:

(a) Growing of fruits and vegetables

(ii) Golden fibre refers to

(a) tea (b) cotton (c) jute

Answer:

(c) jute

(iii) Leading producers of coffee

(a) Brazil (b) India (c) Russia

Answer:

(a) Brazil

3. Give reasons.

(i) In India agriculture is a primary activity

Answer:

Agriculture is primary activity in India because:

• India has a large amount of fertile land that is favorable for agriculture.
• Agriculture is the primary source of employment for a significant portion of the Indian population, especially in rural areas.
• It is a major source of raw materials for other industries.
• India’s large population means there is a growing need for food production.
• Agriculture is the source of food and fodder.
• Agriculture plays an important role in international business in import and export activities.
• India’s monsoon climate is favorable for farming.

(ii) Different crops are grown in different regions.

Answer:

Different crops are grown in different regions because of geographical conditions, such as soil, climate, topography, rainfall, temperature, and water availability. To maximize crop production, crops are grown in regions that are suitable for them. For example, in tropical regions, the growing season can last all year, but in other tropical regions, it can be too dry for crops to grow. In temperate regions, the length of the growing season depends on temperature, with warm summers and cold winters. Elevation, or the height above sea level, also affects the growing season.

Other factors that affect the type of crops grown in a region include demand for the produce, labor, and level of technology. For example, plantation agriculture is a commercial farming that focuses on a single crop, such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, cashew, rubber, bananas, or cotton. This form of farming requires a significant amount of labor and capital.

4. Distinguish between the followings.

(i) Primary activites and tertiary activities

Answer:

Difference between Primary activites and tertiary activities are:

Features	Primary Activities	Tertiary Activities
Nature of Activity	It involves direct production of raw materials from natural resources.	It involves providing services to individuals and businesses.
Examples	Agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry.	Healthcare, education, banking, tourism.
Economic Contribution	Contributes to the initial stage of production.	Contributes to the final stage of production.
Dependency on Resources	Depends on natural resources and raw materials.	Depends more on human skills, technology, and capital.
Labor Intensity	Labor-intensive activities.	Require skilled labor and specialized knowledge.
Location	Often located in rural or resource-rich areas.	Often concentrated in urban centers or service hubs.
Impact on Economy	Important for the livelihoods of rural populations.	Important for economic growth and development.

(ii) Subsistence farming and intenstive farming.

Answer:

Difference between subsistence farming and intensive farming are:

Features	Subsistence Farming	Intensive Farming
Purpose of Farming	Primarily for self-sufficiency and survival.	Aimed at maximizing output and profit.
Scale of Production	Small-scale, with limited resources.	Can be large-scale, often involving modern techniques.
Output	Produces enough food to meet the needs of the family or local community.	Generates surplus produce for sale in markets.
Technology	Depends on traditional and labor-intensive methods.	Uses advanced machinery, technology, and inputs.
Land Use	Involves small land holdings and diverse crops.	May focus on monoculture and specialized crops.
Input Requirements	Requires minimal external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.	Demands significant inputs such as fertilizers and irrigation.
Labor Intensity	Depends on family labor and manual techniques.	May require hired labor and machinery operation.
Sustainability	Often sustainable, with minimal environmental impact.	Can lead to environmental concerns due to intensive resource use.
Income	Generally provides subsistence-level income.	Has the potential for higher income due to increased productivity.

Chapter 4 – Agriculture Summary

Chapter 4 focuses on agriculture, covering topics such as farming techniques, crop cultivation, and agricultural practices. It discusses the significance of agriculture for food security, livelihoods, and economic development. The chapter explores various types of farming systems, including subsistence farming, commercial farming, and organic farming. It addresses challenges in agriculture such as land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change impacts. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture practices for environmental conservation and resilience. The chapter also highlights the role of technology, government policies, and agricultural research in improving productivity and addressing food security issues.

Important Topics Discussed in the Chapter

Important topics discussed in the chapter are:

• Types of farming
• Cropping Pattern
• Major Crops
• Non-Food Crops
• Technological and Institutional Reforms
• Types of Agriculture in India
• Differentiate between the farms in India and the USA
• Sustainable Agriculture – Definition, Practices & Importance

FAQs on NCERT Solution for Class 8 Geography Chapter 3: Agriculture

What is the main aim of agriculture class 8?

The main aim of agriculture in class 8 is to teach students about the various aspects of farming, including types of crops, farming techniques, and their importance in our lives.

What is agriculture class 8 question and answer?

The word agriculture is derived from Latin words ager or agri meaning soil and culture meaning, cultivation or tilling of soil. Agriculture is a primary activity that includes growing crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers and rearing of livestock.

What are the two main types of agriculture?

The two main types of agriculture are subsistence agriculture and commercial farming.

What is the main aim of agricultural development?

The main aim of agricultural development is to increase food security, which means that food is available, accessible, and affordable to everyone at all times.

How can NCERT Solution for Class 10th Chapter 4: Agriculture benefit students?

The NCERT Class 8 Geography Chapter 3: Agriculture covers different types of farming systems, crops, and developments. It also includes information about how agriculture can be developed and achieved.