The Story of Village Palampur – CBSE Class 9 Economics

There are about 4500 people living in the small village of Palampur, which is in northern India. The 450 families in the hamlet are from all social groups and have varied types of land, such as arable land, forested land, grazing land, and fallow land. Around 75% of those who are employed in Palampur’s labour force are employed in agriculture and related industries. Small-scale manufacturing, services, and dairy farming account for the remaining 25% of total employment. At Palampur, wheat, paddy, sugarcane, and potatoes are the main crops grown. People in Palampur engage in non-agricultural pursuits including weaving, pottery making, and handicrafts in addition to farming.

This article uses the tale of Palampur to teach students the fundamental ideas of economics and demonstrate how they are used in practical circumstances. It sheds light on the daily routines of the villagers and the many economic pursuits they partake in, such as farming, dairying, and non-agricultural labour. The chapter also covers how the government helps to foster economic growth and guarantee fair resource distribution.

Overview of Palampur

Village Palampur

The majority of the population of Palampur works in agriculture, and the area is renowned for its premium tea plantations. The region also produces significant amounts of rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. The community also has a sizable animal husbandry industry, with sheep and dairy farming being common activities. With apples and apricots being the primary fruits farmed, horticulture and floriculture are also significant economic activities in the area.

Overview

The article goes on to discuss the numerous economic activities that occur in Palampur. The agricultural, dairy, micro-manufacturing, and service industries are a few of these. The two main crops farmed by almost 75% of the population are wheat and rice. It also discusses how irrigation and HYV seeds, two modern farming methods, have increased agricultural productivity.

In Palampur, the dairy industry is a significant source of revenue. The milk from most families’ one or two dairy animals is sold to the neighbourhood dairy cooperative. The farmers can also get veterinary services through the cooperative.

In Palampur, small-scale manufacturing comprises tasks like weaving, pottery making, and woodwork. The majority of these operations are carried out by small, family-owned firms, and the goods are offered for sale through neighbourhood markets.

Transportation, communication, and healthcare are examples of activities that fall under the service sector in Palampur. The chapter highlights the village’s primary health facility and how a mobile health van also frequently travels through the community.

Challenges faced by the people

Here are some of the challenges that the people of Palampur face, as described in the chapter:

• Low Literacy Rate: Due to Palampur’s low literacy rate, it is challenging for residents to obtain the knowledge and tools that could improve their lives. They are also less able to benefit from emerging opportunities and technologies due to their lack of education.
• Inadequate Health Facilities: Due to their restricted access to healthcare services, residents of Palampur struggle to get prompt medical attention for diseases and injuries. Their inability to work and make money is also a result of this lack of healthcare.
• Limited Land: Due to the region’s hilly terrain, the residents of Palampur have a restricted amount of land available for farming. Because of this, they are forced to plant crops on limited plots of land, which makes it challenging for them to raise enough money to cover their basic necessities.
• Lack of Irrigation Facilities: Farmers find it challenging to raise crops in Palampur when there is insufficient rainfall since the city lacks an effective irrigation infrastructure. Lower agricultural yields as a result have an impact on farmers’ revenue.
• Dependence on Farming: Due to their reliance on agriculture, the residents of Palampur are particularly susceptible to changes in crop prices and climatic circumstances. 

Conclusion

The Palampur narrative sheds light on how the Indian economy operates. It emphasises the function of several production components, including land, labour, and capital, as well as their contribution to economic expansion. It also makes clear the importance of infrastructure, healthcare, and education in advancing the social and economic conditions of a society. It focuses on the challenges that the people of Palampur faced and their efforts to overcome them. Insights into the workings of the Indian economy and the factors promoting economic growth are also provided.

FAQs on Overview of Palampur

Question 1: What do the residents of Palampur do for a living?

Answer:

The majority of Palampur’s residents work in agriculture. The majority of the population—roughly 75%—depends on farming for a living.

Question 2: How is the growth of Palampur impacted by the absence of infrastructure?

Answer:

Basic infrastructure including adequate roads, reliable transportation, and electricity is lacking in Palampur. The village’s development is hampered by the absence of infrastructure since farmers find it challenging to convey their goods to markets. Additionally, it makes it challenging for people to have access to vital services like healthcare and education.

Question 3: How do the various production elements interact in Palampur?

Answer:

In Palampur, the various production factors—land, labour, capital, and enterprise—combine to create commodities and services. Crops are produced by farmers using land, labour, and capital, which are used to purchase inputs like seeds, fertiliser, and machinery.