The comprehensive approach in SCERT Class 8 Basic Science Textbook Solutions Chapter 7 Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Important Questions ensure conceptual clarity.
Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Basic Science Chapter 7 Kerala Syllabus
Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Class 8 Important Questions
Question 1.
Choose the correct answer.
Statement 1: Statement 1: Vertical farming is an innovative agricultural method in which crops are grown in vertically stacked layers.
Statement 2: Vertical farming can be implemented even in urban areas with limited space.
(a) Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Statements 1 and 2 are wrong
(c) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false
(d) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true
Answer:
(a) Statements 1 and 2 are correct
Question 2.
Which one is isolated? Write the common characteristic of the others.
Potassium, zinc, copper, manganese
Answer:
Potassium, others are micronutrients
Question 3.
Complete the statement.
The taste, colour, smell, and nutritional value of the products will vary depending on the characteristics of the land where they are cultivated. Based on this, agricultural products produced in certain regions receive …………………..
Answer:
Geographical indication status
Question 4.
Identify and match the word pairs. Also, write the relationship between the word pairs.
Azospirillum: Biofertiliser:: Urea: ……………………..
Answer:
Artificial fertiliser, fertilisers and their characteristics.
Question 5.
Complete the table.
| Irrigation method | Peculiarity |
| Drip irrigation | ………….(a)…………… |
| ………….(b)………….. | A method of directly supplying water to the roots of plants through a cotton cloth filter from a water source is called wick irrigation. It requires less water than drip irrigation. |
Answer:
(a) This is an irrigation method using pipes and valves to water the roots in drops. By doing this, the loss of water is reduced to maximum. Another significance of this method is that the availability of water to all plants is ensured.
(b) Wick Irrigation
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Question 6.
Which are the correct pairs?
a) Pod borer – Legume
b) Leaf-rolling Caterpillar – Brinjal
c) Stem Borer – Okra
d) Pod borer – Brinjal
e) Leaf-rolling Caterpillar – Okra
Answer:
(a), (e).
Question 7.
Which pair is correct?
a) Online system – Disease and pest information collection, solution – Up-to-date knowledge about climate change – Market opportunities
b) Family members – financial assistance to farmers, procurement, marketing
c) Local self Government Institutions – Financial Assistance, Employment Assistance, Psychological Support.
d) Cooperative societies – Use of barren lands – Approval – Government assistance
e) Krishi Bhavan – Distribution of best planting materials – Scientific guidance and training programs for agriculture
Answer:
(a), (e).
Question 8.
Select and write down the possibilities of overcoming space constraints from those given below.
| Sack fanning, smart farming, aquaponics, greenhouse, vertical farming, terrace farming, tissue culture, mulching |
Answer:
Sack farming, aquaponics, vertical farming, and terrace farming.
Question 9.
Observe the picture and answer the questions below.

(a) Which farming method is shown in the picture?
(b) What is the advantage of this farming method?
Answer:
(a) Pet bottle farming
(b) To maximise the use of space
Question 10.
Select the ones related to artificial fertilisers from the ones given below.
a) Does not harm soil structure or decomposers.
b) A much smaller amount is sufficient compared to other fertilisers.
c) Plants can easily absorb it.
d) Urea is an example
e) Plants get the nutrients released from these bio residues by the decomposers.
f) It is artificially produced and used to increase the nutrient value of the soil.
g) Excessive fertilizer application can harm soil structure and decomposers.
h) Microorganisms are added to the soil to help fix nitrogen and phosphorus.
Answer:
(c), (d), (f), (g)
Question 11.
Observe the newspaper article and answer the questions below.
| GM crops as hope for farmers… Kochi – GM crops are reaching farmers to increase their income….. |
(a) What are GM crops?
(b) Write examples of GM crops?
Answer:
(a) GM crops are genetically modified crops. Genetic engineering allows for the incorporation of new traits into crops by altering their genetic structure.
(b) Examples of such crops include cotton, which is resistant to pests, soybeans, which are resistant to herbicides, and rice, which is rich in vitamin A.
Question 12.
What is tissue culture?
Answer:
This is a technology that helps produce large numbers of plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant. Seedlings are produced by separating tissues from suitable parts of the plant and growing them in a special nutrient medium.
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Question 13.
Differentiate between drip irrigation and wick irrigation.
Answer:
Drip irrigation – This is an irrigation method that uses pipes and valves to deliver water in droplets to the root zone. This minimises water loss and ensures that all plants receive the same amount of water.
Wick irrigation – This method delivers water directly from the water source to the root zone of plants using a cotton wick. It requires less water than drip irrigation.
Question 14.
(a) What are the characteristics of the following agricultural products?
| Palakkadan Matta rice, Malabar pepper, Kuttiyattur mango |
(b) On what basis are such agricultural products special?
Answer:
(a) They have been granted geographical indication status.
(b) Depending on the characteristics of the land where it is cultivated, the taste, colour, smell, and nutritional value of the products will vary. Based on this, agricultural products produced in certain regions are given Geographical Indication status.
Question 15.
What is the role of the following in making agriculture a success story?
(a) Online system
(b) Family members
(c) Local self-government bodies
Answer:
(a) Online system – disease and pest information collection, solutions, real-time information on climate change, market opportunities
(b) Family members – Financial assistance – Employment assistance – Psychological support
(c) Local self-government bodies – Use of barren lands, approval, government assistance.
Question 16.
List the following. Give a title to the list.
Magnesium, chlorine, nickel, sulfur
| …………………………………. | …………………………………… |
Answer:
| Macronutrients | Micronutrients |
| Magnesium, Sulfur | Chlorine, Nickel |
Question 17.
Write the similarities and differences.
• Nano fertilisers
• Artificial fertilisers
Answer:
Similarity – Both are artificial fertilisers. They can be easily absorbed by plants.
Difference – Nano fertilisers: Artificial fertilisers in the form of nanoparticles. Much smaller amounts are required compared to other fertilisers. They do not change the chemical composition of the soil like artificial fertilisers.
Artificial fertilisers: Excessive application of fertilisers can harm the soil structure and disrupt the activities of decomposers.

Question 18.
If there is a mistake in the underlined part of the statements given below, correct it and write it down.
(a) Nanofertilisers added microorganisms to the soil that help in the fixation of nitrogen and phosphorus.
(b) When using organic fertilisers, plants receive nutrients that decomposers release from them.
(c) Organic fertilisers are sufficient in very small quantities compared to other fertilisers.
(d) Ammonium sulphate is an artificial fertiliser.
(e) Excessive application of biofertilisers can harm soil structure and decomposers.
Answer:
(a) Biofertilizers are fertilizers that add microorganisms to the soil that help fix nitrogen and phosphorus.
(c) Nano-fertilisers are only needed in very small quantities compared to other fertilisers.
(e) Excessive application of artificial fertilisers can harm soil structure and decomposers.
Question 19.
Native varieties are beneficial for the environment. Justify the statement.
Answer:
Native varieties are adapted to the local environment and can be grown in harmony with it. They are naturally resistant to pests and diseases in the area, which reduces the use of pesticides. They also help maintain the ecological balance by supporting local pollinators. They also require less fertiliser, which can reduce costs.
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Question 20.
A farmer raises cattle, chicken, duck, fish, and rice.
(a) What is this fanning method known as?
(b) What are the advantages of this fanning method?
Answer:
(a) Integrated farming
(b) Multiple sources of income – Farmers can earn money from multiple activities, not just from one crop. Even if one crop fails, they can earn income from other crops.
Efficient use of land and resources – Waste from one activity can be used for another by doing different activities in the same area.
Question 21.
Complete the illustration.
Answer:
(a) By sharing images and information related to crops, you can find solutions to problems with the help of artificial intelligence.
(b) Plants are grown in nutrient solutions, and with the help of sensors, the amount of nutrients is detected and provided as needed.
(c) Aeroponics
Question 22.
What is the government aiming to achieve by giving agricultural awards to children?
Answer:
The government gives such awards to encourage children to develop an interest in agriculture and understand the importance of agriculture in our lives. Such agricultural awards /make children proud of learning and participating in agriculture. Recognise children who farm at school or at home and motivate them to do more farming. It helps students understand why agriculture is important for food and the environment. Young minds may have new and creative ideas for agriculture. Awards help encourage such ideas. It teaches teamwork, responsibility, patience, and care for nature. Agriculture is a part of our culture and heritage. These awards help children appreciate it.
Question 23.
What are some agricultural awards in Kerala?
Answer:
- Karshakottama Award for the best farmer
- Karshaka Tilakam Award for the best woman farmer
- Kerakesari Award for the best coconut farmer
- Samashakti Award for the best agricultural worker
- Yuva Karshaka Award for young farmers
- Karshaka Pratibha Award for the best student farmer
Question 24.
What are the government-led programs to help new entrepreneurs?
Answer:
Government of India:
- Startup India
Objective – Supporting new business ideas - Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
Objective – Providing financial assistance to start small enterprises. - Atal Innovation Mission
Objective – Encouraging creative and innovative ideas among children in schools and colleges. - Made in India
Objective – Developing India as a manufacturing hub.
Government of Kerala
- Kerala Start-up Mission
Aim – To make Kerala a start-up friendly state - Young Innovators Program
Aim – To identify and encourage innovative ideas among school and college students - Kudumbashree Mission
Aim – Women empowerment
Question 25.
What are the Various farming methods to maximise the use of space for farming?
Answer:
Sack farming, aquaponics, Pet bottle farming, vertical farming, pot cultivation, and terrace farming.
Question 26.
What are the limitations and possibilities of various farming methods to maximise the use of land for agriculture?
Answer:
- Sack farming: Potential: Helps grow vegetables in small spaces using old sacks.
Limitations: Requires regular watering, cannot grow crops with deep roots. - Aquaponics: Potential: Grows plants and fish together, saves water and space.
Limitations: Requires technical knowledge and regular maintenance. - Pet bottle farming: Potential: Reuses waste bottles to grow small plants in limited spaces.
Limitations: Only suitable for small plants with shallow roots. - Vertical Farming: Potential: Grows more crops in less space using vertically stacked layers.
Limitations: Requires proper sunlight or artificial lighting. Costs more - Pot farming: Potential: An Easy way to grow vegetables and flowers at home.
Limitations: Limited soil and space can reduce plant growth. - Terrace Farming: Potential: Converts rooftops into mini-farms for farming.
Limitations: There is a possibility of water stagnation on the terrace. The ground should be provided with a drainage system.
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Question 27.
Prepare a note on vertical farming.
Answer:
Vertical farming uses shelves or stacked layers to grow plants upwards, allowing more crops to be grown in a smaller space. The plants are arranged in such a way that all layers receive sufficient sunlight. Since water drips from the top layer to the ones below, many plants reuse the same water, which saves water.
Question 28.
A vertical farming model that can be built at school and home at low cost.
Answer:
Arrange 4 – 5 used plastic bottles or grow bags vertically on a wooden frame or hanging ropes. Make holes in each bottle for water to drain. Fill the bottle with soil and compost. Grow small plants like mint, spinach, coriander, and chili.
Question 29.
What are the different fertilisation methods?
Answer:
Some fertilisers are spread on the field before or after planting. Others are applied near the roots of plants. Liquid fertilisers are sprayed on the leaves, while others are mixed with water and sprayed on the crops. Using different methods, depending on the type of crop and soil, ensures better yields.
Question 30.
What are the different types of fertilisers used in agriculture?
Answer:
Organic fertilisers, artificial fertilisers, nano fertilisers, and biofertilisers.
Question 31.
What are the benefits of biofertiliser?
Answer:
Microorganisms that help in the fixation of nitrogen and phosphorus are added to the soil. They do not harm the soil structure and decomposers. Examples include Rhizobium, Azospirillum, and Mycorrhiza.
Question 32.
What are the characteristics of organic fertilisers?
Answer:
They are Bio-residues. It will not harm either the texture of the soil or the decomposers. Plants get the nutrients released from these bioresidues by the decomposers. Nutrients may be less, and the process of decomposition takes a long time.
Question 33.
What are the characteristics of nano-fertilisers?
Answer:
They are artificial fertilisers in the form of nanoparticles. They can be easily absorbed by plants. They are required in very small quantities compared to other fertilisers. They do not change the chemical composition of the soil like artificial fertilisers. Examples of nano-fertilisers include nano-urea, nano-phosphate, and nano-magnesium sulfate.
Question 34.
Prepare a note on artificial fertilisers.
Answer:
Artificial fertilisers are artificially produced and used to increase the nutrient value of the soil. These can be easily absorbed by plants. Excessive application of fertilisers can also harm the soil structure and decomposers. Ammonium phosphate, urea, and ammonium sulfate are examples of artificial fertilisers.
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Question 35.
What is the importance of indigenous varieties?
Answer:
Indigenous varieties are those that are adapted to the local environment. They are naturally resistant to pests and diseases in the area, so the use of pesticides can be reduced. They also help maintain ecological balance by supporting local pollinators. They also require less fertiliser and reduce costs.
Question 36.
What are the various methods of producing improved varieties of planting material?
Answer:
Grafting, budding, layering and tissue culture are used to produce seedlings with the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Question 37.
What would be the advantage of a rice plant that produces rice containing many nutrients?
Answer:
This will be very helpful as this rice plant can provide a complete diet. This means that, especially for people who cannot afford to buy a variety of foods, all the nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and energy can be obtained only from rice. This will reduce malnutrition, help keep people healthy, and make agriculture more useful. Scientists are already working on crops that contain vitamin A, such as golden rice.
Question 38.
Gather additional information about tissue culture.
Answer:
Uses
To grow large numbers of plants quickly. To produce exact copies (clones) of a healthy plant. To preserve rare or endangered plants. To grow disease-free plants.
Varieties
In agriculture – crops such as bananas, sugarcane, and orchids
In horticulture – for flowers and ornamental plants.
In forests – to grow more trees quickly.
In medicine and research – to study plant diseases and develop drugs.
Advantages
Rapid production of thousands of plants. All plants have the same quality, making it possible to grow plants even in places with limited space. Can be done all year round regardless of weather conditions.
Limitations
Requires a separate lab and trained people. The cost of setting up a lab is high.
Question 39.
How do GM crops threaten indigenous crops?
Answer:
GM crops can spread rapidly and take over farmland, reducing the number of traditional crops. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity. Native plants and their natural resistance to local pests or conditions may be lost over time.
Question 40.
How does a greenhouse help in agriculture?
Answer:
This system helps in cultivating crops in both the rainy season and summer. The greenhouse is made of sheets like plastic, nylon, and polyethene. It also helps in reducing the incidence of pests and diseases as it is covered on all sides.
Question 41.
What is the advantage of drip irrigation?
Answer:
This is an irrigation method that uses pipes and valves to help water drip down to the root zone. Doing this minimises water loss and ensures equal water availability to all plants.
Question 42.
What is wick irrigation?
Answer:
This is a method of delivering water directly from the water source to the root zone of plants using a cotton wick. It requires less water than drip irrigation.
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Question 43.
How does mulching help farms?
Answer:
This is the traditional method of covering the soil in the fiejds using dry leaves, hay, etc, to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Through this method, it is possible to reduce the growth of weeds and to enrich the soil.
Question 44.
Prepare a note on Integrated Pest Management.
Answer:
PEST CONTROL
- Although there are different methods for pest control, the population density of pests and the nature off the crops should be taken into account when choosing the pest control methods.
- Farmers do not want to kill all the pests, but rather control their growth in a way that does not damage the crops.
- Integrated pest control is a method that minimises the use of pesticides through automated pest control methods using various types of nets and traps, friendly insects, and the cultivation of seeds that are resistant to pests.
Question 45.
What is integrated farming?
Answer:
Agriculture is the cultivation of birds, fish, and animals along with plant care. Thus, integrated farming is the care of diverse organisms together.
Question 46.
Prepare a note on smart farming.
Answer:
Smart farming is the effective use of modern technologies in agriculture.
- Artificial intelligence: By sharing images and information related to crops, you can find solutions to problems with the help of artificial intelligence.
- Internet of Things (IoT): With the help of sensors, moisture, fertility, and pest infestations are identified, and a problem-solving system is prepared using machines.
- Hydroponics: Plants are grown in nutrient solutions, and with the help of sensors, the amount of nutrients is detected and proyided as needed.
- Aeroponics: Water and nutrients are delivered to the roots that grow into the air in a timely manner . with the help of sensors.
Question 47.
How to make agricultural product marketing smart?
Answer:
In this era of online marketing, agricultural marketing also needs to become smart. By providing a system that allows consumers to see everything from sowing to harvesting, the reliability and market value of the products can be increased. This can be easily achieved through sensors, drones, and AI cameras in the fields. This can also help deliver products directly to consumers worldwide. This can also increase the global marketing potential of products that have been granted geographical indication status.
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Question 48.
Prepare a note on geographical indication.
Answer:
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has to approve the geographical indication status. Depending on the characteristics of the land in which it is cultivated, there will be differences in the taste, colour, smell and nutritional value of the products. On the basis of this, agricultural products produced in certain areas are given geographical indication status. Such products get added value in the market.
Question 49.
What are some agricultural products that have received Geographical Indication status?
Answer:
Palakkadan Matta rice, Malabar pepper, Kuttiattoor Mango, Kodungallur pottuvellari, Tirur Vettila,
Benganapally mango, Kashmiri saffron, Nagpur orange, Jeeraksala rice, Arunachal orange.
Question 50.
What are the advantages of mobile apps for farmers?
Answer:
There are apps that provide weather alerts, pest and disease warnings, expert advice on agriculture, market price levels, and information about benefits for farmers. If such facilities are implemented properly, the agriculture sector will become stronger.