By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 12 Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.
Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 12 Kerala Syllabus
Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Class 8 Important Questions
Question 1.
Which is the largest unorganised sector in India?
a. Industrial sector
b. Service sector
c. Agricultural sector
d. Information technology sector
Answer:
c) Agricultural sector
Question 2.
The method of cultivating only one crop at a time on a farmland is called:
a. Multiple cropping
b. Intercropping
c. Monocropping
d. Crop rotation
Answer:
c) Monocropping
Question 3.
The farming method in which a crop grows again and gives yield after harvesting is:
a. Mixed cropping
b. Ratoon cropping
c. Continuous cropping
d. Relay cropping
Answer:
b) Ratoon cropping
Question 4.
Which cropping system helps to increase soil fertility?
a. Monocropping
b. Relay cropping
c. Crop rotation
d. Multistoried cropping
Answer:
c) Crop rotation
Question 5.
What is the aim of the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM), an online platform for buying and selling agricultural products?
a. Provide agricultural loans
b. Distribute seeds
c. Help farmers sell their products as per their preference
d. Control pesticide application
Answer:
c) Helps farmers sell their products as they prefer
Question 6.
Growing maize and groundnut together is an example of which cropping system?
a. Intercropping
b. Relay cropping
c. Mixed cropping
d. Continuous cropping
Answer:
c) Mixed cropping
Question 7.
Which of the following is a social factor?
a. Irrigation
b. Farmers’ income
c. Food habits
d. Nature of soil
Answer:
c) Food habits
Question 8.
Growing crops of different heights and different root depths at the saihe time on the same farmland is called:
a. Precision farming
b. Vertical farming
c. Multistoried cropping
d. Organic farming
Answer:
c) Multistoried cropping
Question 9.
What is the chance of pest attack higher in monocropping (monoculture)?
a. Because the farmland remains fallow
b. Because only one crop is grown at a time
c. Because it is aimed at export
d. Because planting and maintenance are easy
Answer:
b) Because only one crop is grown at a time
Question 10.
Why is mixed cropping more popular in dry regions?
a. Because it helps control pests and weeds
b. Because it ensures efficient use of resources
c. Because if one crop fails due to adverse weather, other crops may still give a yield.
d. Because it does not require specific spacing
Answer:
c) Because if one crop fails due to adverse weather, other crops may still give a yield.
Question 11.
Assertion: Multiple cropping increases total production and income.
Reason: Two or more crops are grown without affecting the natural fertility of the soil.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 12.
Assertion: Precision farming ensures efficient use of water and nutrients.
Reason: It is a technology in which crops are given only the required nutrients, in the right amount, at the right time.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 13.
Assertion: Growing pulses after paddy is an example of crop rotation.
Reason: Crop rotation is a method of growing two or more crops at the same time in the same field without maintaining spacing.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
c) A is true, but R is false.
Question 14.
Assertion: In ratoon cropping, there is a chance of reduced yield and increased pest/disease attack.
Reason: The main advantage of ratoon cropping is that yield is obtained again from the same crop without replanting.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Question 15.
Assertion: Using drone technology in agriculture helps increase productivity.
Reason: Due to global population increase, climate change, and technological advancement, agricultural practices are continuously changing.
Options:
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.
Answer:
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Question 16.
Match the Following.
| Agricultural Pattern | Explanation |
| 1. Mixed cropping | a. Another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern. |
| 2. Inter- cropping | b. Cultivating crops of different plant families on the same field after harvesting each crop. |
| 3. Relay Cropping | c. Two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintain space between them. |
| 4. Crop Rotation | d. Growing a second crop on the field before harvesting the first crop. |
A. 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b
B. 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a
C. 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a
D. 1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c
Answer:
A. 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b
Question 17.
Match the following
| Cropping Pattern | Example |
| 1. Monocropping | a. Spinach, Sugarcane |
| 2. Sequence Cropping | b. Rubber, Tea |
| 3. Ratoon Cropping | c. Coconut, Pepper |
| 4. Multi- Tier Cropping | d. Pulses, Sesame |
A. 1-a, 2-c, 3-d, 4-b
B. 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a
C. 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c
D. 1-d, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b
Answer:
C. 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c
Question 18.
Match the following
| Factors Influencing Cropping System | Sub Factor |
| 1. Natural Factors | a. Area of Agricultural Land held |
| 2. Economic Factors | b. Scientific Irrigation |
| 3. Social Factors | c. Diet |
| 4. Technological Factors | d. Climate |
A. 1-a 2-b, 3-c, 4-d
B. 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b
C. 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
D. 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d
Answer:
B. 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b
Question 19.
Write two examples of the role played by the agriculture sector in the economy of a country.
Answer:
- Ensures food security of the country.
- Provides employment to the people (largest unorganized sector in India).
- Provides raw materials for industries
Question 20.
What is meant by cropping system?
Answer:
The order in which crops are cultivated on a farm during a specific period is called cropping system. Cropping system can be classified as Monocropping, Poly Cropping, Ratoon Cropping.
Question 21.
What is the main advantage of Ratoon Cropping?
Answer:
- During harvesting, the roots or lower part of the crop is left uncut. After harvesting, the crop that was cultivated grows again and produces yield.
- The advantage of this system is that the crop is harvested again from the same crop.
Question 22.
What are the Key components of Precision Farming?
Answer:
Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity. Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.
Question 23.
List any two technologies used in Digital Farming.
Answer:
- Big data analysis tools.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Mobile phones / Farm advisory apps
Question 24.
What is the importance of Rain Shelter Farming?
Answer:
A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming. Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions. If every household has a rain shelter, the household’s vegetables can be cultivated year-round.
Question 25.
Write any two examples for Mono Cropping.
Answer:
Rubber, Tea, Tapioca
Question 26.
WRat are the main objectives of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)?
Answer:
- Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help farmers cope with climate change.
- The main goals are to increase productivity and income, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Question 27.
How is intercropping suitable for weed and pest control?
Answer:
Growing another crop in between the rows of the main crop (intercropping) can help reduce weed growth and potentially reduce the spread of pests due to crop diversity.
Question 28.
What are the basic factors that distinguish small-scale industries from cottage industries?
Answer:
| Factors | Small scale industries | Cottage Industries |
| Investments/Turnover | Investment not exceeding ?10 crore and annual turnover less than ?50 crore. | Investment limit is low. |
| Labor force | Labor force can be used from outside the family members. | Only the labor force of family members is used. |
| Technology | Modem technology can be used. | Traditional technology can be used. |
Question 29.
Write any three natural factors that influence cropping systems.
Answer:
- Soil characteristics
- Topography
- Water availability
- Climate
Question 30.
List three benefits of crop rotation to agriculture.
Answer:
- Increases soil fertility.
- Increases soil productivity.
- It is an ideal method for controlling weeds and pests.
Question 31.
What is sequence cropping? Write examples for it.
Answer:
Sequence Cropping is the method of cultivating another short-term crop in the same field immediately after harvesting the main crop. This method utilises the moisture and nutrients remaining on the field. The main advantage is that the fields do not lie fallow. Example: On paddy fields, pulses or sesame are grown after the main crop, paddy.
Question 32.
What are the three main uses of drone technology in modern agriculture?
Answer:
- To successfully sow seeds in the field in less time.
- To effectively apply pesticides.
- To effectively apply fertilizers.
Question 33.
Why is Vertical Farming important in the era of urbanization?
Answer:
Vertical farming is being used as a practical way to produce food in cities due to urbanization and the scarcity of agricultural land. It helps in achieving higher yields in less space. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems are used. It uses hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems to produce food year-round with minimal water use.
Question 34.
Write the main differences between mixed Cropping and intercropping.
Answer:
Mixed Cropping: This is the method of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintaining spacing between them. This cropping system is more common in dry areas. The advantage is that even if the yield of one crop is poor due to adverse weather conditions, yields from other crops can still be obtained. Example: maize-groundnut, coconut-pigeon pea
Inter cropping: Inter Cropping is a cropping system where another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern. Production can be increased through the efficient use of resources. This is a suitable method for controlling weeds and pests. Example: Groundnut cultivated as an intercrop in cotton, which grows slowly in the initial stage. Plantain cultivated as an intercrop in coconut plantations
Question 35.
What is the importance of agro-based small/cottage industries?
Answer:
- They are a solution to some extent to the problems faced by the agricultural sector.
- They operate locally by utilizing agricultural resources and give a boost to the local economy.
- They help increase the income of farmers by producing value-added products.
Question 36.
List any three challenges/problems facing the Indian agriculture sector.
Answer:
- Climate change and natural disasters.
- High cost of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Lack of market for agricultural produce, lack of capital
Question 37.
How do infrastructures affect the choice of cropping systems? Give three examples.
Answer:
- Irrigation: If irrigation facilities are available, crops that require irrigation can be grown even in dry weather.
- Transportation: If good transportation facilities are available, perishable fruits and vegetables can be transported to the market.
- Market access: Farmers choose commercial crops based on the availability of market access.
Question 38.
What are the four main objectives of an efficient agricultural market?
Answer:
- Enable primary producers (fanners) to earn the best possible income.
- Provide fair prices for agricultural products while maintaining their quality.
- Provide products to consumers at fair prices.
- Help agricultural progress by streamlining the marketing system.
Question 39.
Explain the concept of multi-storied cropping. What is the main advantage of this method in terms of soil, water and sunlight?
Answer:
MULTIPLE CROPPING OR POLY CROPPING
Multiple Cropping is a cropping system in which two or more crops are cultivated on a single plot of land without affecting the natural fertility of the soil.
The advantage of this is to increase the total production from the farm land and thereby the income.
Mixed Cropping
- This is the method of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintaining spacing between them. This cropping system is more common in dry areas.
- The advantage is that even if the yield of one crop is poor due to adverse weather conditions, the yield from other crops can be obtained.
- Example: maize-groundnut, coconut-pigeon pea
Inter Cropping
- Inter Cropping Inter Cropping is a cropping system where another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern.
- This is a suitable method for controlling weeds and pests.
- Example: Groundnut cultivated as an intercrop in cotton, which grows slowly in the initial stage. Plantain cultivated as an intercrop in coconut plantations.
Sequence Cropping
- Sequence Cropping is the method of cultivating another short-term crop in the same field immediately after harvesting the main crop. This method utilises the moisture and nutrients remaining on the field.
- The main advantage is that the fields do not lie fallow.
- Example: On paddy fields, pulses or sesame are grown after the main crop, paddy.
Relay Cropping
- Relay cropping is the method of growing a second crop on the field before harvesting the first crop.
- Example: Cultivating vegetables before harvesting plantain.
Crop Rotation
- Crop rotation is the method of cultivating crops of different plant families on the same field after harvesting each crop. The main benefit of crop rotation is that it increases soil fertility.
- It is a suitable method for increasing soil productivity and for controlling weeds and pests.
- Example: Cultivating peas after paddy
Multi-Tier Cropping
- Multi-tier cropping is the method of cultivating crops of different heights, with different root depths and varying sunlight requirements on the same field simultaneously.
- Its advantage is that soil, water and sunlight can be used more effectively.
- Example: coconut, pepper, ginger/turmeric are cultivated simultaneously on the same farm.
Question 40.
Compare the Difference between Polyhouse Farming and Rain Shelter Farming.
Answer:
Rain Shelter Farming
- A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming.
- Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions.
Polyhouse Farming
- Polyhouse farming or Greenhouse farming is a method df artificially creating a suitable environment for plant growth by protecting the plant from heat, rain, cold and sunlight.
- This method of cultivation is done in polyhouses that are completely covered with polythene sheets.
Question 41.
Prepare a short note on the following modern agricultural trends (any four):
a. Precision Farming
b. Digital Farming
c. Organic Farming
d. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
Answer:
Precision Farming
- Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity.
- This method can be implemented in rain shelter and open areas.
- The advantages of this farming method are the precise use of water and nutrients, efficient use of machinery, and better management of agricultural land.
- Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.
Digital Farming: Digital farming is a farming method that incorporates diverse technologies. Technologies such as big data analysis tools, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital communication technologies such as mobile phones, digital platforms, robotics, and agricultural advisory apps are used in digital farming.
Organic Farming: Organic farming is a farming method that relies on organic pesticides, compost, green manures, crop rotation, machinery, and the like. It completely avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. Plant growth regulators and organically modified seeds are not used in this method.
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help fanners cope with climate change. The main goals are to increase productivity and income, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Question 42.
Government policies play a significant role in influencing cropping patterns.” Describe four factors that support this statement?
Answer:
- Export and import of crops: A policy that encourages the export of a crop will encourage farmers to grow more of that crop.
- Taxation: Taxes imposed on certain agricultural products will affect its production.
- Credit availability: Government loans and other financial assistance for crop cultivation affect farmers’ choices.
- Subsidies: Subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and modern equipment can help farmers choose certain cropping patterns.
Question 43.
Write the important role played by the agriculture sector in the economic, social and industrial sectors of India.
Answer:
1. Food Security: It ensures the food security of the country by providing food and fodder to the people and livestock.
2. Employment: As the largest unorganised sector in India, it provides employment to a large percentage of the people.
3. Raw materials for industries: It helps in the growth of industries by providing raw materials (cotton, sugarcane, etc.) required by industries.
4. Economic empowerment: It is the backbone of the rural economy. This sector is the source of economic empowerment of w’omen.
5. Foreign exchange: It earns foreign exchange for the country through the export of spices and agricultural products.
Question 44.
Explain five new agricultural trends and their reasons for adopting them to combat climate change and increase agricultural production.
Answer:
- Due to constant change in increasing world population, climate change, and growth of technology, the agricultural activities also change.
- The agricultural sector in India has undergone a radical transformation in the last few decades.
- The shift from traditional agricultural methods to modern agricultural methods using new technology is remarkable.
- Technology has taken on the challenges of agriculture and adopted innovative methods to increase productivity.
- The main objective of technology in the agricultural sector is to help farmers increase agricultural production.
Rain Shelter Farming
- A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming.
- Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions.
Polyhouse Farming
- Polyhouse farming or Greenhouse farming is a method df artificially creating a suitable environment for plant growth by protecting the plant from heat, rain, cold and sunlight.
- This method of cultivation is done in polyhouses that are completely covered with polythene sheets.
Precision Farming
- Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity.
- This method can be implemented in rain shelter and open areas.
- The advantages of this farming method are the precise use of water and nutrients, efficient use of machinery, and better management of agricultural land.
- Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.
Digital Farming: Digital farming is a farming method that incorporates diverse technologies. Technologies such as big data analysis tools, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital communication technologies such as mobile phones, digital platforms, robotics, and agricultural advisory apps are used in digital farming.
Vertical Farming: Vertical farming is being used as a viable way to produce food in cities due to urbanisation and scarcity of agricultural land. This technology involves growing crops in vertically stacked, layered, or built-up areas. It uses hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems to produce food year-round with minimal water use.
Organic Farming: Organic farming is a farming method that relies on organic pesticides, compost, green manures, crop rotation, machinery, and the like. It completely avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. Plant growth regulators and organically modified seeds are not used in this method.
Question 45.
Describe the various types of agricultural markets in the country for buying and selling agricultural products.
Answer:
Agricultural Market
- An agricultural market is a system for buying and selling agricultural products.
- An efficient agricultural market is essential for the progress of agriculture.
- The main objectives of an agricultural market are to enable primary producers to earn the best possible income and to provide fair prices while maintaining the quality of agricultural products.
Farmers And Market
It is the right of the farmer to get a fair price for his products. Therefore, farmers are trying to find markets that offer the maximum price. By using online markets, marketing without intermediaries between farmers and consumers, has become possible.
Agricultural Produce Market Committee: The APMC is a board set up by the state governments of the country to protect farmers from exploitation by large-scale and retail traders. The states regulate APMC through the Agricultural Produce Marketing Regulation Act (APMR Act).
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL MARKETS
- Structured and functional markets are essential for the progress of the agricultural sector.
- Agricultural markets are classified into two categories-Organised Agricultural Market and Unorganised Agricultural Market.
- Organised agricultural markets are those that operate according to the rules and regulations of the government. They operate mainly according to the APMC rules.
- Unorganised agricultural markets are those that operate without a specific structure.
- Rural Primary Markets: Rural primary markets are markets where farmers directly sell their produce without intermediaries. They are centred in small villages and are a mechanism of exchange between individuals in the village as main sellers and consumers. Markets meet once or twice a week in open areas. For example: Village markets, Haats.
- Village Haats: Haats are markets where producers, intermediaries and consumers of a village gather to buy and sell agricultural products.
- Mandis: These are permanent wholesale markets in district headquarters and other towns for daily transactions.
- Fairs/Festivals: Fairs are markets held at pilgrimage sites and major centres only during religious festivals or local festivals.
Wholesale Markets or Secondary Wholesale Markets:
Agricultural marketing is done in the state with the support of state self-governing bodies and farmer producer organisation. This is possible through a marketing network established in urban and rural areas. Of the wholesale markets in Kerala, three function in urban areas and three in rural areas. In addition to these, five District Procurement cum Marketing Centres are also functioning. These centres, which are under the Department of Agriculture, operate as per the market rules of the Government of Kerala. Six wholesale markets have also been registered under E-Nam. Apart from these, local market outlets at various levels facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce by mobilising it directly and through farmers’ associations. Marketing is done through the marketing system of Self-help Farmers’ Committees established by VFPCK at the production centres, eliminating intermediaries.
The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) is an organisation that promotes the marketing of agricultural produce and forest resources in India. Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) strengthen rural agricultural activities by undertaking services such as integration, marketing, value addition, grading, branding and packing of agricultural products.
- Keralagro: The Department of Agriculture has started marketing of agricultural products under a unified brand ‘Keralagro’ to energise the marketing of agricultural products, thereby increasing the income of farmers and making the products available to consumers at fair prices.
- E-Nam: The National Agriculture Market is a scheme launched by the government to enable farmers to sell their products at their will. It is an online platform for agricultural products.