Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Class 8 Questions and Answers Notes Basic Science Chapter 7 Kerala Syllabus

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Class 8 Basic Science Chapter 7 Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Question Answer Notes

Class 8 Basic Science Chapter 7 Notes Kerala Syllabus Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Question Answer

Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Class 8 Questions and Answers Notes

Let’s Assess

Question 1.
Arrange the information given in boxes A and B in the table suitably.

Answer:

Space constraints	Synthetic fertiliser	Organic fertiliser
Vertical farming.	Urea	Manure
Terrace farming	Ammonium phosphate	Vermicompost
Sack farming	Superphosphate	Bone meal

Question 2.
Satheesh has 15 cents of homestead land and 30 cents of paddy field. He says that paddy cultivation is not profitable. What suggestions do you have to make farming profitable by making use of the homestead land and the paddy field?
Answer:
Integrated farming methods can be adopted. There is potential for vegetable cultivation, papaya cultivation, poultry farming, and cattle farming on the land. There is potential for duck farming and rearing of fishes along with paddy cultivation in the field.

Question 3.
Which is the odd one? What are the common features of the others?
a) Wick irrigation, Vertical farming, Drip irrigation, Mulching
b) Hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, geographical indication
Answer:
a) Vertical farming, others are various irrigation methods.
b) Geographical indication, others are parts of smart farming.

Question 4.
‘Farming will be profitable only if all the pests are killed!’ What is your response to this comment from a farmer? How can effective pest control be implemented?
Answer:
I do not agree with this opinion of the farmer. Pest control methods should be selected taking into account the density and nature of the crops. The farmers’ need is not to kill the entire pests, but to 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 /lets and traps, friendly insects, and the cultivation of seeds that are resistant to pests.

Question 5.
Observe the illustration.

a) What are the benefits to farmers by producing such products?
b) Prepare a similar illustration of any other crop.
Answer:
a) The farmer’s income increases through the marketing of value-added products. New employment opportunities arise.

b) Pineapple jam, pineapple juice, pineapple squash, pineapple leaf fiber, pineapple wine, pineapple candy, dried pineapple pieces, pineapple vinegar, pineapple pickle.

Basic Science Class 8 Chapter 7 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Answers to the indicators on page no. 104
Question 1.
What are the ideas you have learned from the news reports?
Answer:

• A school student has caught the media’s attention by developing a simple machine for harvesting cassava.
• The little scientist has applied for a patent for his invention.
• A young farmer with a higher degree sells banana leaves when the price of banana leaves is low.
• He earns a good income by exploiting the market potential of nutritious leafy vegetables.
• He earns income by making several value-added products from turmeric
• He uniquely cultivates the rare Gandhakashala rice and markets it under a special brand, earning good sales.

Question 2.
What are the circumstances that have prompted farmers to choose new ways?
Answer:

• The use of light machinery for harvesting cassava has made harvesting easier.
• A unique idea that banana leaves can be sold when they are cheap.
• Utilising the market potential of nutritious leafy vegetables.
• Due to the fall in price of turmeric during the harvest, several value-added products have been created from turmeric and brought to the market.
• Gandhakshala rice, which is being grown elsewhere, is being cultivated in a unique way and brought to the market under a special brand.

Question 3.
What are the other possibilities to make farming profitable?
Answer:

• Construction of simple machines to save time and effort in farming.
• The sale potential of not only fruits but also other parts of plants, such as leaves.
• Value-added products from agricultural products.
• Agricultural products are branded and marketed in a special way.
• Growing crops that have high demand in the market.

Question 4.
Completed illustration 7.1

Answer:

Observe figure 7.3 (pg. no. 107) and prepare a note based on the indicators through discussion.

Question 5.
How does it help to overcome space constraints?
Answer:
Vertical farming uses shelves or stacked layers to grow plants upwards, allowing more crops to be grown in a smaller space.

Question 6.
How does it ensure availability of light?
Answer:
The plants are arranged in such a way that all layers receive sufficient sunlight.

Question 7.
How does it help to reduce the use of water?
Answer:
Since water drips from the top layer to the bottom, many plants reuse the same water, thereby conserving it.

Question 8.
How to Control Construction Costs?
Answer:
If you use waste materials like plastic bottles, old wood, and containers, the cost is lower. Otherwise, the cost will increase.

Answers of Indicators, Page No. 108 from the Textbook
Question 9.
Macronutrients and Micronutrients:
Answer:
Plants obtain the elements they need from the soil. Of these, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are the elements that are required in large quantities. These are called macronutrients. However, elements like barium, boron, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, molybdenum, chlorine, and nickel are required in very small quantities and are known as micronutrients.

Question 10.
Need for the application of fertilisers:
Answer:
Fertiliser is applied to ensure the availability of all the elements necessary for crops to grow.

Analysis of Table 7.1, Pg.no. 110

Question 11.
Why is it necessary to include local vegetables in the diet?
Answer:
We can also get all the elements that plants get in various forms by consuming them. Native vegetables like Colocasia leaf, curry leaves, Drumstick leaves, and Sweet amaranth contain more protein, fiber, starch, calcium, iron, carotene, and vitamin C than other vegetables.

Question 12.
Observe the illustration 7.3 showing the methods of production of high-yield planting materials. Prepare notes on it.

(a) Grafting

• The process of joining the stem of one plant with the stem, including the roots, of another plant to form a single plant.
• Used in plants such as Mango tree and roses.
• Property: Combines the properties of both plants.

(b) Budding

• A method of attaching a bud from one plant to the stem of another plant.
• Used in roses, lemons, etc.
• Advantage: Faster production

(c) Layering

• A branch of a plant is bent to the ground and covered with soil to grow roots. Later, it is cut and planted.
• Used in jasmine, peach, strawberry, etc.
• Advantage: New plants are similar to the mother plant.

(d) Tissue culture

• Seedlings are produced by isolating tissues from suitable parts of the plant and growing them in a special nutrient medium.
• Used in bananas and orchids.
• Benefits: Rapid production of large numbers of healthy, disease-free plants.

(e) GM crops (Genetically Modified Crops)

• These are crops that have had their genes altered in a lab to improve their characteristics. Their production requires strict safety testing.
• Examples: Bt cotton, golden rice.
• Properties: Pest resistance, superior qualities, high yield.

(f) Hybridisation

• The process of crossing two plants with different traits to produce a new plant with superior traits.
• Used in wheat, rice, and tomatoes.
• Advantages: High yield, disease resistance.

Figure 7.10 Cartoon Analysis on page 113

Question 13.
What are the problems farmers face regarding water use?
Answer:
Heavy rain, floods, droughts, and water scarcity

Question 14.
What are the suggestions to solve the problems faced by farmers regarding water use?
Answer:
Water from heavy rainfall is stored in dams and reservoirs. The stored water is then transported to farmlands through systems such as canals during times of water scarcity.

Answers to the indicators on page 114
Question 15.
What are the main pests affecting crops in our region?
Answer:
Pod borer (Legume), Leaf-rolling Caterpillar (Okra), Stem Borer (Brinjal)

Question 16.
What are the various methods adopted by farmers in your area to control pests?
Answer:

• Use of chemical pesticides
• Use of natural enemies of pests (biological control)
• Use of biological pesticides.
• Farmers change the type of crop grown in a field each season. This prevents pests from multiplying because they do not get the same crop to attack each time.
• Use of pest-resistant varieties.
• Keeping the fields clean.
• Weeds and debris are removed from the fields regularly. This prevents pests from hiding in the fields and breeding.

Answers to the indicators on page no. 116, by analysing illustration 7.4

Question 17.
Integrated farming- advantages and possibilities:
Answer:
(a) Benefits of integrated farming:

• Better use of resources.
• No resources are wasted. Animal waste is used as fertiliser for plants. Water is reused.
• More income for farmers
• Farmers get income not only from crops, but also from selling milk, eggs, fish, and vegetables.
• Even if one crop (like a bad crop) fails, other crops (like fish or eggs) provide income.

(b) The possibilities of integrated farming:

• It can be used in villages, small farms, and even in urban areas where there is space.
• Helps in self-employment and sustainable agriculture.
• Promotes organic farming and protects the environment.

(c) Food security

• Integrated farming produces non-toxic food.
• There is less need for pesticides or artificial feed.
• It improves nutrition for families and consumers.

(d) Reducing production costs

• Money is saved on fertilisers and feed. Because the residue of one is used as fertiliser for the other.
• Waste is recycled efficiently.
• The need to buy products from outside will be reduced.

Answers to the indicators on page no. 119, based on illustration 7.6

Question 18.
What are the benefits of diversifying agriculture?
Answer:
Agriculture is not just about producing food. Farming for Banana leaves, horticulture, Poultry farming, medicinal plant cultivation, Betel cultivation, floriculture, ornamental fish farming, and raising pets are all ways of diversifying agriculture.

Benefits:

• More sources of income – Farmers can earn money from many activities, not just from one crop.
• Even if one crop fails, income can be generated from other crops.
• Efficient use of land and resources – Different activities can be done in the same area by using waste from one activity for another.
• Employment for more people
• Helps small families and women to get work done from home.
• Supports local markets and economies

Question 19.
Which of these can be done even by those with limited space?
Answer:

• Medicinal plant cultivation – on terraces, balconies or small gardens
• Rearing of chickens – in backyards or coops
• Ornamental fish rearing – in small tanks or containers
• Floriculture – in pots or small plots
• Raising of pets – at home
• Betel cultivation – in shaded areas or along fences

Class 8 Basic Science Chapter 7 Question Answer Extended Activities

Question 1.
Find out the common plant diseases in your area. Prepare a pictorial chart listing their pathogens, mode of transmission, symptoms and remedies and display it on the bulletin board.
Answer:

Diseases	Causative organism (Pathogen)	Symptoms	Mode of transmission	Remedial measures
Blight disease in Rice	Bacteria	The tips of the leaves turn yellow, and the leaves become dry.	Through infected seeds, rain, and wind	Avoid diseased seeds.
Wilt disease in Banana	Fungus	The leaves turn yellow and wilt.	Through soil, and through water	Destroy infected plants.
Mosaic disease in Tapioca	Virus	Mosaic pattern on leaves	Through insects	Use healthy seedlings and control pests

Question 2.
Collect information about the major agricultural research institutes in Kerala and their contributions to the agricultural sector, and prepare a list of them.
Answer:

• Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur – Research on crops. Training for farmers
• Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode – Research on spices like ginger, pepper and turmeric
• Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram – Research on tuber crops
• Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam – Production of good varieties of rubber

Question 3.
You know that many machines are used in the agricultural sector to reduce human effort. The results of thinking about how to alleviate the difficulties of farmers led to the discovery of most of the machinery seen today. Design a model of an innovative device that will be useful to the farmers in your area.
Answer:
Hint: Think about common issues experienced by small-scale farmers in a tropical, monsoon-affected area, particularly related to labor and resource management.
(An example is given below for you…)
Farmers in Kerala, particularly those cultivating crops like coconuts, spices, and various vegetables, often face challenges such as:

• Labor Shortage & Cost
• Nutrient Management
• Post-Harvest Damage
• Accessibility
• Environmental Concerns

Device Name: Coco-Smart Harvester & Nutrient Analyzer.
The Coco-Smart Harvester & Nutrient Analyzer is a semi-autonomous, drone-based system designed to efficiently harvest tree-borne products (initially focusing on coconuts and later adaptable for other tall tree crops) while simultaneously assessing the nutrient needs of the tree/soil and delivering targeted solutions.

Operational Workflow:

1. Pre-Flight Planning: Farmer maps out the area using a user-friendly tablet app, identifying trees for harvesting or analysis.
2. Automated Scan & Analysis: The drone flies autonomously over the designated trees, conducting a hyperspectral scan and, if needed, deploying the soil sensor.
3. Harvesting (if applicable): Based on visual recognition (AI-powered to identify ripe products) and farmer input, the drone’s robotic arm engages the harvesting mechanism, gently collecting the product.
4. Nutrient Recommendation: The AI analyses the data and provides precise nutrient recommendations to the farmer’s app, indicating which trees need what specific nutrients and in what quantities.
5. Targeted Application: The drone can then be programmed to autonomously apply the recommended nutrients via its micro-dosing sprayer or granular dispenser.
6. Data Logging: All data (harvest quantity, nutrient status, application history) is logged for future analysis and improved farm management.

The Coco-Smart Harvester & Nutrient Analyzer aims to be a game-changer for farmers in Kerala, addressing critical challenges with a blend of robotics, AI, and precision agriculture.

Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Class 8 Notes

Class 8 Basic Science Let’s Cultivate and Reap Goodness Notes Kerala Syllabus

• Innovative agricultural initiatives can strengthen rural economies, enhance food security, and inspire future generations to engage in farming.
• Various farming methods to make use of most of the space include sack farming, aquaponics, pet bottle farming, vertical farming, pot cultivation, and terrace farming.
• Elements that plants need in large quantities are called macronutrients and elements that plants need in small quantities are called micronutrients.
• Fertilisers are used to ensure the availability of all the elements that plants need to grow.
• Different types of fertilisers used in agriculture – organic fertilisers, artificial fertilisers, nano fertilisers, and biofertilisers.
• Grafting, budding, layering, and tissue culture are methods used to produce seedlings that have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
• GM crops are crops that can incorporate new characteristics into crops by changing the genetic structure through genetic engineering.
• Tissue culture is a technology that helps produce large numbers of plants that have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
• 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.
• Drip irrigation is an irrigation method that uses pipes and valves to drop water into the root zone.
• Wick irrigation is a method of delivering water directly from a water source to the root zone of plants with the help of a cotton wick.
• Mulching is a traditional method of covering the soil in agricultural fields with leaves and straw to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
• 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.
• Integrated farming is the management of diverse organisms together.
• Smart farming is the effective use of modern technologies in agriculture, such as hydroponics, aeroponics, etc.
• Depending on the characteristics of the land where the products are grown, there will be differences in the taste, colour, smell and nutritional value of the products. On the basis of this, agricultural products produced in some areas are given Geographical Indication (GI) status.
• There are apps that provide weather warnings, pest and disease warnings, expert advice on agriculture, market price levels and information about benefits for farmers.

INTRODUCTION

In a world that often feels overwhelmed by challenges and negativity, the concept of “cultivating and reaping goodness” offers a powerful and hopeful perspective. This idea isn’t just a feel-good platitude; it’s a profound call to action, urging us to intentionally nurture positive qualities, actions, and intentions within ourselves and our communities. Just as a farmer carefully tends to their crops, preparing the soil, planting seeds, and providing consistent care, we too can consciously foster an environment where goodness can flourish. This process involves recognising that every small act of kindness, every moment of empathy, and every effort to uplift others contributes to a larger harvest of positive outcomes. When we actively cultivate goodness, we not only transform our own lives but also create a ripple effect, inspiring and empowering those around us to do the same. Ultimately, this journey is about understanding that the positive impact we wish to see in the world begins with the seeds we choose to plant today. In this chapter, we will deal with various agricultural initiatives, careful utilisation of land, application of fertilisers, use of high-quality planting material for getting better yield, water utilisation and pest control measures and integrated farming in detail.

AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES

• The ‘Karshaka Pratibha’ Puraskar is an award given by the state government to the best student farmer.
• Innovative agricultural initiatives can strengthen rural economies, enhance food security, and inspire future generations to engage in farming.

MAXIMISING LAND UTILISATION

• Various farming methods to make use of most of the space include sack fanning, aquaponics, pet bottle farming, vertical farming, pot cultivation, and terrace farming.
• Vertical farming is an innovative way to overcome space constraints.

APPLICATION OF FERTILISERS

• Elements that plants need in large quantities are called macronutrients.
• Elements that plants need in small quantities are called micronutrients.
• Fertilisers are used to ensure the availability of all the elements that plants need to grow.
• Different types of fertilisers used in agriculture – organic fertilisers, artificial fertilisers, nano fertilisers, and biofertilisers.

• All the elements that plants get are also available to us as food in various forms.
• Native varieties will grow in harmony with the local environment.

FOR BETTER YIELD, HIGH QUALITY PLANTING MATERIALS

• Grafting, budding, layering, and tissue culture are methods used to produce seedlings that have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
• GM crops are crops that can incorporate new characteristics into crops by changing the genetic structure through genetic engineering.
• Tissue culture is a technology that helps produce large numbers of plants that have the same characteristics as the parent plant.

UTILISATION OF WATER AND PEST CONTROL
UTILISATION OF WATER

• A greenhouse is a system that helps in cultivating crops both in the rainy season and in the summer.
• Drip irrigation is an irrigation method that uses pipes and valves to drop water into the root zone.
• Wick irrigation is a method of delivering water directly from a water source to the root zone of plants with the help of a cotton wick.
• Mulching is a traditional method of covering the soil in agricultural fields with leaves and straw to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

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.

INTEGRATED FARMING

• Integrated farming is the management of diverse organisms together.
• Smart farming is the effective use of modern technologies in agriculture.
• Hydroponics – Plants are grown in nutrient solutions, and the amount of nutrients is detected with the help of sensors and provided as needed.
• Aeroponics – Water and nutrients are provided to the roots growing in the air in a timely manner with the help of sensors.
• If a system is set up for consumers to see the process from sowing to harvesting, the reliability and market value of the products can be increased.
• Depending on the characteristics of the land where the products are grown, there will be differences in the taste, colour, smell and nutritional value of the products. On the basis of this, agricultural products produced in some areas are given Geographical Indication (GI) status.
• Agriculture is not only about producing food.
• There are apps that provide weather warnings, pest and disease warnings, expert advice on agriculture, market price levels and information about benefits for farmers.