Solution:

(i) What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, medicinal plants, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.

(ii) Name the factors influencing agriculture?

The factors influencing agriculture are:

• Climate
• Soil
• Topography
• Water supply
• Technology
• Labour
• Capital

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

Shifting cultivation is a type of agriculture where a piece of land is cleared by cutting down vegetation and burning it. The land is cultivated for a few years, and then abandoned after the soil loses fertility. A new area is cleared and the process is repeated.

Disadvantages of shifting cultivation include:

• Soil erosion
• Loss of forest cover
• Reduction in biodiversity
• Low productivity

(iv) What is plantation agriculture?

Plantation agriculture is a large-scale form of farming where crops are grown for commercial purposes. These crops are usually grown on large estates and require a lot of capital and labour. Examples include tea, coffee, rubber, and sugarcane.

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

Fibre crops include:

• Cotton
• Jute

Climatic conditions required for their growth:

• Cotton: Warm climate with temperatures between 21°C to 30°C, and moderate rainfall.
• Jute: Tropical climate with high temperature and high humidity, with rainfall of around 150-200 cm annually.

Solution:

(i) Horticulture means

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

(ii) Golden fibre refers to

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

(iii) Leading producers of coffee

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

Solution:

Reasons for Agriculture being a Primary Activity in India

In India, agriculture is a primary activity because it is the main source of livelihood for a large portion of the population. The country has a vast land area with favorable climatic conditions for farming. The availability of natural resources like water, fertile soil, and a wide variety of crops suited to different regions further supports agriculture as a primary activity. Additionally, a significant portion of India's rural population depends on agriculture for employment and sustenance, making it the backbone of the economy in many regions.

Reasons for Different Crops Being Grown in Different Regions of India

India has diverse climatic conditions, soil types, and geographical features, which influence the type of crops that can be grown in various regions. For example, in the north-western regions, wheat and barley are grown due to the temperate climate, while in the southern parts, crops like rice and cotton thrive in the warmer, humid conditions. The availability of irrigation also plays a crucial role in determining which crops are cultivated. Coastal regions grow crops like coconut and cashew, while in the northern plains, crops like sugarcane and maize are more common. This regional variation is due to the combination of climatic, geographical, and environmental factors that make certain crops more suited to particular areas.

Solution:

(i) Primary activities and tertiary activities

Primary Activities: These are economic activities that involve the extraction and harvesting of natural resources directly from the earth. Examples include agriculture, fishing, mining, and forestry.

Tertiary Activities: These are economic activities that provide services rather than goods. Examples include education, healthcare, transport, and banking.

(ii) Subsistence farming and intensive farming

Subsistence Farming: This is a type of farming where the produce is primarily for the farmer's own consumption, with little surplus for trade. It is usually practiced on small plots of land and involves traditional methods of farming.

Intensive Farming: This is a form of farming that involves high levels of inputs such as labor, capital, and technology to produce high yields from small areas of land. It is often practiced in regions with limited arable land or high population densities.

Solution:

Difference Between the Lifestyle of Farmers in the USA and India

Farmers in the USA and India follow different lifestyles due to variations in geography, technology, infrastructure, and economic conditions. Here are some key differences based on pictures and information collected from various sources:

1. Farming Techniques

In the USA, farming is highly mechanized. Large-scale farming is common, with the use of advanced machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and automated irrigation systems. Farmers in India, however, often rely on traditional methods like bullocks for ploughing and manual irrigation using pumps or canals. While some parts of India have modernized, a large number of farmers still depend on small-scale and less mechanized farming.

2. Size of Farms

Farms in the USA are typically large, sometimes spanning hundreds or thousands of acres. The average farm size is significantly larger than in India, where most farmers work on small landholdings, often less than 2 hectares. This difference influences the way farming is managed and the types of crops grown.

3. Crop Diversity

Farmers in the USA often specialize in growing a few key crops, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, with large-scale monoculture farming. In contrast, Indian farmers usually grow a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, pulses, and vegetables, often on the same plot of land, as part of mixed farming systems that support both crops and livestock.

4. Use of Technology

In the USA, technology plays a major role in farming. GPS systems, drones, automated tractors, and genetic modifications are commonly used to optimize crop production and reduce labor costs. Indian farmers have less access to such advanced technologies, relying more on manual labor and traditional farming practices, though some areas are beginning to adopt newer technologies like drip irrigation and mobile apps for weather forecasts.

5. Infrastructure and Support

In the USA, farmers have better access to infrastructure like roads, storage facilities, and markets. The government also provides substantial subsidies and support through agricultural policies. In India, while there are some government programs to support farmers, issues like poor infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities, and limited market access are common challenges, especially in rural areas.

6. Economic Conditions and Livelihood

Farmers in the USA generally earn higher incomes due to large-scale production and market demand. Farming is often seen as a business in the USA, with well-established supply chains and exports. In India, farming is more of a livelihood than a business, with many farmers living in poverty or with low and unstable incomes. The challenges of land fragmentation and unpredictable monsoons also affect the economic stability of Indian farmers.

7. Role of Government

In the USA, farming is highly subsidized by the government, with programs for crop insurance, subsidies for fuel, and financial assistance for modernization. Indian farmers also receive government support, but it is often less consistent and varies greatly across different states. The agricultural policies in India aim to support rural development but face challenges in effective implementation.