Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about India - Land Use and Agriculture from Class 10 Social_Science. We will explore the factors affecting land, types of land use, the meaning and significance of agriculture, types of agriculture, distribution of crops, factors affecting cropping patterns, and details about food crops, commercial crops, fibre crops, beverage crops, horticulture, and floriculture. Note these learning objectives carefully as they form the foundation of this chapter.
Land is the most important natural resource. Making use of land for various purposes like cultivation, forestry, grassland, fallow land, and purposes other than agriculture is called Land use. This definition is crucial for your examinations. Depending on the necessity and characteristics, land is utilized for different purposes. Many natural, economic, and social factors influence the manner in which land is used.
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The natural factors include land forms, climate, and characteristics of soil. The economic factors include land holdings, population, market, demand for agricultural products, and profession. The social factors include the attitude of people and social conditions. Other factors include technology, irrigation facility, human capability, and land ownership. Understanding these factors helps us analyze regional agricultural patterns effectively.
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Land use as practised in India is divided into different types. The first is Net sown area. It is the most important type of land use in India. As India is mainly an agriculture based economy, a major portion of the land is being used solely for cultivation. India ranks second in the world with respect to the extent of area under cultivation, after the United States of America. The total cultivation area in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar is more than 60 percent. The second type is Forest land. According to a survey, the total area under forests in India is only 21.71 percent. It was 16.2 percent in 1950-51. According to the National Forest Policy, 33 percent of the area should be covered with forests. Hence attempts are being made to increase the area under forest.
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The third type is Land use for non agricultural purpose. Apart from cultivation and forest development, some of the land is used for purposes other than agriculture. It is used for construction of buildings, dams, industries, and roads. The fourth type is Fallow land. It is the land left uncultivated. With the increase in population, there is great demand for agricultural products, and as such, more and more land is being used for cultivation. Therefore, even fallow land is being utilized for agriculture with the help of technology.
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The fifth type is Grassland. Grasslands are diminishing continually with the expansion of area being taken up for agriculture. Himachal Pradesh has the largest area under grasslands whereas Punjab and Haryana have the smallest grasslands. The sixth type is Other uncultivated land. Land which was earlier used for agriculture is now left uncultivated due to certain changes in the chemical composition of the soil which have rendered it unsuitable.
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Now let us move on to Agriculture. Agriculture is one of the ancient occupation of human beings, and has engaged in it since the beginning of civilization. Agriculture has been described as the art of cultivating the land. Cultivating or tilling the land and growing crops is called agriculture. Agriculture also includes fisheries, cattle rearing, and forestry. Let us understand its importance. Agriculture is the main occupation of Indians. It can be seen in all parts of the country in different forms, and cultivating different crops. Farming supplies the food grains of the huge population of the country. It is a life subsistence occupation and provides more employment opportunities than all other sectors of economy.
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There are many industries in India which depend on the raw materials provided by agriculture. Thus, indirectly, agriculture nurtures many industries, for example, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and industries manufacturing farming equipment. Agriculture supports even many tertiary occupations like transport, trade, and banking. Different types of farming exist in India. They are Intensive farming, Subsistence farming, Commercial farming, Mixed farming, and Plantation farming. Let us define them carefully. Growing two to three crops on the same plot in a year is called Intensive Farming. India population being huge, there is large demand for our agricultural products. Hence this kind of farming is in practice in areas which are fertile and have huge population.
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Next, Farmers growing crops for their own use is called Subsistence Farming. In this kind of farming, farmers grow food grains, oil seeds, and vegetables. Subsistence farming are divided into two types, sedentary farming and shifting cultivation. Sedentary Farming is settled agriculture. The agriculture practices and seeds used are traditional ones, the produce is mainly used domestic consumption and in small holdings. Shifting cultivation occurs when people do not settle down in any particular area, but cut down forests and engage in farming. After one or two years, when the fertility of the soil reduces, they move on to other areas and start cultivation there. This is called shifting cultivation. It has been banned in the modern days.
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Next is Commercial Farming. Agriculture practiced to commercial purpose is called Commercial Farming. Tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, coffee, and rubber are commercial crops. Mixed Farming is the raising of crops and cattle rearing, poultry, beekeeping, pig rearing, silk farming, and aquaculture. This is called Mixed Farming. Plantation Farming refers to the cultivation of a single crop over a large area for exports. It is one of the important types of Indian agriculture. Coffee, Tea, Coconut, Arecanut, and Rubber are the important plantation crops of India.
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Let us understand Cropping Pattern. The cropping pattern of a region refers to the proportion of an area under different crops at a given point of time. The ratio of these crops is known as Cropping Pattern. The crop ratio includes Food Crops and Non food or Commercial Crops. The cropping pattern of any area in India is mainly dependent on land forms, climate, soil, water availability, economic factors, social factors, and technology. The crop of any one region is influenced by the natural, economic, social factors and the farmers attitude of that area. Natural factors include land forms, climate, and rainfall. Economic factors involve commercial crops growing in vast holdings, where earning a huge profit is the main purpose. Social factors include traditions, superstitions, and illiteracy.
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Farmer attitude plays a very important role. For example, earlier, farmers in North Karnataka used to grow mainly jowar and wheat. However, now they are growing sunflower, groundnut, toor dal, and onion which fetch a greater profit. In addition, water availability, transport facilities, market, hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers, and land development influence cropping patterns. In India, agriculture is carried on throughout the year in different seasons. We see three types of crop seasons. First is the South west monsoon or kharif crops. The crops grown during the south west monsoon season are called kharif crops. Seeds are sown in the month of June or July and crops are harvested during September and October. Maximum cropping area of the country is cultivated during this season. Paddy, ragi, cotton, jowar, maize, and oil seeds like groundnut are the main crops grown during this season.
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Second is the North east monsoon or rabi crops. It is the important cropping season in regions receiving rain during winter months. North western part comprises of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and in the South, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the states known for this cropping season. Wheat is the most important rabi crop of the north western states. During the winter months, the cool temperate with light rain is most suitable for the growth of wheat. The seeds are sown in October to November and the crops are harvested during February and March. Third is the Summer or zaid crops. In many areas of the country, during the period between rabi and kharif crops, crops are cultivated. The crops grown during summer is also called as Zaid farming. Pulses like black gram, green gram, oil seeds, and vegetables are grown in this season.
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Now let us study the Major Crops. India is one of the most important agriculture based countries. As a result of the green revolution, Indian agriculture has seen tremendous progress utilizing irrigation facility, modern agricultural implements, chemical fertilizers, high yield variety seeds, insecticides, and pesticides. Besides, the country has become self sufficient in the production of food grains. The most important crops grown in India are food grains, commercial crops, fibre crops, and beverage crops. First, Food crops. Paddy, or Rice, is the most important food crop of India. India has the largest Paddy growing area in the world, and second place in production. Majority of the people of the country use rice as their staple food. Paddy is a major kharif crop. About 25 degrees Celsius temperature and 100 to 200 centimeters of annual rainfall are necessary for the growth of paddy. Fertile alluvial soil and clayey soil is most suitable for the cultivation of paddy. It requires standing water till the crop is ready for harvesting, hence flat land is required. Wherever rainfall is less, irrigation is necessary. West Bengal is the largest Paddy producing state. Other states are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab are major producers of Paddy.
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Wheat is an important Rabi crop of India. Our country has made a lot of progress in the production of wheat. India is one of the leading wheat exporting countries of the world. Wheat needs 10 to 15 degrees Celsius temperature and 50 to 70 centimeters annual rainfall for its growth. Wheat grows well in sand mixed clay and black soil. Wheat is largely grown in the states of Northern regions of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Punjab is known as the granary of wheat. Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, North Karnataka, and Maharashtra are the other wheat growing states. Uttar Pradesh stands first in the production of wheat. Next, Commercial Crops. Sugarcane is the most important commercial crop of India. In India, sugarcane cultivation has been in practice since ancient times. India is the origin of sugarcane. India occupies second place in the world. It is an annual crop and is growing in irrigated areas. This crop needs a climate of high temperature and moisture. It needs a temperature of 21 to 26 degrees Celsius and 100 to 150 centimeters annual rainfall. Alluvial and black soil is most suitable. Most of the states in India grow sugarcane. In the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, sugarcane is the most important commercial crop.
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Do you know this? Sugarcane is a perennial plant belonging to the group officinarum. The industries of sugar, khandasari sugar, jaggery production, and alcohol depend on sugarcane production. Besides, sugarcane bagasse pulp is the main raw material for manufacturing of paper. Also, the Ratoon system is widely used in the production of sugarcane in India. First crop is produced by planting small pieces of sugarcane horizontally. Subsequent crops are produced by cutting the sugarcane at the base leaving a small piece with the root in the soil. This is called Ratoon System. Tobacco is the next commercial crop. India stands third place in the production of tobacco. Tobacco is used in beedi, cigarettes, hukka, and snuff. Tobacco products are also consumed directly. Despite the wide spread knowledge that tobacco is injurious to health, demand for tobacco products is on the increase every day. This is a tropical crop, which requires a temperature of 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. Regions of moderate rainfall with average 50 centimeters. It grows well in sandy soil, it requires chemical fertilizers. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra are the producers of tobacco. Karnataka Nipani town of Belagavi district is the marketing center for tobacco.
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Do you know this? Tobacco belongs to the group nicotiana. Its place of origin is the Andes Mountains of South America. Jean Nicot introduced tobacco to France. From France the Portuguese brought it to India in the 17th century. Now, Fibre crops. Cotton and jute are the most important fibre crops grown in India and they support cotton textile and jute industries. Cotton is the most important fibre crop in India. Raw cotton is also used as raw material in cotton mills. A large quantity of cotton is exported, thus it earns foreign exchange. India ranks first in area under cotton cultivation, and second in production of cotton. Cotton is a tropical and sub tropical crop. It grows well in areas where temperature is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius with a rainfall of 75 to 150 centimeters. Black soil and alluvial support the growth of cotton. Black cotton soil which can hold moisture is most suitable. This is grown as a kharif crop. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh are cotton growing areas.
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Beverage Crops: Coffee and tea are the most important beverage crops grown in India. India is also an important tea and coffee producing and exporting country in the world. Tea is the most popular drink not only in India but also in the world. India has the largest production of tea in the world. For a long time, India had monopolized the export of tea in the international market. Tea production has gained lot of importance because it provides employment opportunity. Tea is a perennial crop growing in the evergreen tropical and sub tropical regions. Average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius and rainfall of 150 to 200 centimeters are essential. It requires fertile soil with rich organic matter and hill slopes with sand mixed black soil are required. Tea grows well at an altitude of 1200 to 2400 metres. Important tea growing states are Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. India is famous for Tea export. Do you know this? Tea contains a stimulant theine. Tea gardens are found in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur.
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Now let us discuss the Role of Horticulture and Floriculture in Development of Agriculture. India produces not only food crops, commercial crops, and fibre crops, but also many horticultural and floricultural products. Horticulture and floriculture have progressed very well in recent years with the help of research centres. Horticultural crops involve cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It consists of crops which yield harvest in a very short period. Horticulture is more intensive and commercial than other agriculture techniques. India ranks first in the world in the production of mango, banana, chikoo, and citric fruits. Due to this, the government is giving more importance to horticulture and this field is witnessing immense progress. This progress of the horticultural field is known as the Golden Revolution. India has all the facilities needed for horticulture like diverse conditions, land forms, climate, soil, irrigation facility, labour, market, and governmental encouragement. Do you know this? Indian Council for Agricultural Research and Indian Institute of Horticultural Research are engaged in research work in the agricultural field.
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Floriculture refers to the production of flowers for marketing. India is known for the art of growing flowers from ancient times. India produces flowers like jasmine, champa, marigold, chrysanthemum, kanakambara, rose, and lily. These are very important. There is a lot of demand for cut flowers like rose, orchids, gladiolus, lily, carnation, and anthurium, and their production has gained significant progress. Floriculture is limited to a few states in India. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and other states are the major states engaged in floriculture. Floriculture in India is adopting variety in its produce. Thus there is a high potential for development of agriculture. Both plantation crops and Floriculture crops have helped for the improvement in the condition of farmers. Do you know this? An ambitious project has been taken up to link the areas in which horticultural crops are grown with the market. This market has direct contact with the surrounding producing areas. This is called Terminal Market.
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Now, let us carefully go through the Exercises. I will read each question and provide the complete answer. Exercise One: Fill in the blanks with suitable words. Question one: Utilising the land for a variety of purposes is known as Land use. Question two: Growing two to three crops on the same plot in a year is called Intensive Farming. Question three: Farmers growing crops only to sustain themselves is called Subsistence farming. Question four: Progress in the horticultural field is known as Golden Revolution. Question five: The state that is the largest producer of paddy in India is West Bengal. Question six: The crops grown during summer is also known as Zaid farming.
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Exercise Two: Answer the following questions in brief. Question seven: What are the factors that influence land use? Answer: The factors that influence land use are natural factors like land forms, climate, and characteristics of soil; economic factors like land holdings, population, market, demand for agricultural products, and profession; social factors like attitude of people and social conditions; and other factors like technology, irrigation facility, human capability, and land ownership. Question eight: What is Agriculture? What are the types of Agriculture? Answer: Cultivating or tilling the land and growing crops is called agriculture. Agriculture also includes fisheries, cattle rearing, and forestry. The types of agriculture are Intensive farming, Subsistence farming, Commercial farming, Mixed farming, and Plantation farming. Question nine: What is kharif crop? Answer: The crops grown during the south west monsoon season are called kharif crops. Seeds are sown in June or July and harvested in September and October. Examples include paddy, ragi, cotton, jowar, maize, and groundnut.
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Question ten: What is meant by rabi crop? Answer: Rabi crops are grown during the winter months when there is cool temperate weather with light rain. Seeds are sown in October to November and harvested in February and March. Wheat is the most important rabi crop. Question eleven: What are the factors essential for growing cotton? Answer: Cotton requires a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, rainfall of 75 to 150 centimeters, and grows well in black soil and alluvial soil. Black cotton soil that holds moisture is most suitable. It is grown as a kharif crop.
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Exercise Three: Activities. Activity one: Collect samples of the various food grains and pulses in India. Activity two: Mark the Sugarcane and Tobacco growing regions of India in the outline map of India. Activity three: Tobacco using is injurious to health. Collect the information from the nearest Doctor. Exercise Four: Projects. Project one: Collect pictures and information about the various crops grown in your neighbourhood. Project two: Conduct a group discussion on how floriculture makes women self dependent.
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This completes our detailed study of India Land Use and Agriculture. Remember to revise the definitions, crop requirements, and state rankings carefully, as they are frequently asked in examinations. Practice marking the crop regions on your outline maps to strengthen your geographical understanding.
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]