NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Agriculture

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3: Chapter 3 of the Class 8 Social Science Geography book is about agriculture. It explains how farming is important because it gives us food and raw materials.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Overview

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 PDF

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 PDF

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 – Agriculture

1. Answer the following questions.

(i) What is agriculture?

Answer: Agriculture is the practice of cultivating crops, raising animals, and other activities related to farming to produce food, fiber, and other products essential for human life. It involves using natural resources like soil, water, and sunlight to grow crops such as grains, vegetables, and fruits, as well as raising animals like cattle, poultry, and fish for meat, milk, and eggs. Agriculture is a fundamental activity that provides food security and supports economies worldwide.

(ii) Name the factors influencing agriculture.

Answer: Agriculture is influenced by several factors that play crucial roles in determining the success and type of farming practices:

1. Soil : Different types of soil affect what crops can be grown and how well they grow. Soil fertility, texture, and drainage are important considerations.
2. Climate : Temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours all affect crop growth and animal health. Different crops thrive in different climates.
3. Topography : The shape and elevation of the land impact water availability, soil erosion, and the types of crops that can be grown.
4. Population : The number of people living in an area affects the demand for food and agricultural products, influencing farming practices and techniques.
5. Technology : Advances in agricultural technology, such as machinery, irrigation systems, and biotechnology, can significantly improve productivity and efficiency.
6. Government Policies : Agricultural policies, subsidies, tariffs, and regulations can have a profound impact on farming practices and the economics of agriculture.

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

Answer: Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn cultivation, involves clearing land by cutting down trees and burning them. This practice leads to several drawbacks:

1. Deforestation : Cutting down trees for land clearance reduces forest cover, which is vital for biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
2. Loss of Soil Fertility : After a few years of cultivation, the soil loses its fertility because nutrients are rapidly depleted. This makes it challenging to grow crops effectively.
3. Soil Erosion : Without tree roots to anchor the soil, heavy rains can wash away fertile topsoil, leading to erosion and further degradation of the land.
4. Air Pollution : Burning trees releases smoke and harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and potentially affecting local air quality and health.
5. Insufficient Food Production : Shifting cultivation typically produces low yields and cannot sustain large populations over time. It's not suitable for meeting the food demands of growing populations.

(iv) What is plantation agriculture?

Answer: Plantations are a type of commercial farming where only one crop, such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, rubber, or bananas, is grown. This type of farming needs a lot of workers and money. The crops might be processed on the farm or in nearby factories. Having good transport links is crucial for getting the produce to markets. Major plantations are usually found in the tropical regions of the world. For example, rubber is grown in Malaysia, coffee in Brazil, and tea in India and Sri Lanka.

Answer: Jute and cotton are both fiber crops with specific climatic needs:

1. Jute : Jute requires high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and high humidity for optimal growth. These conditions are typically found in regions with tropical climates.
2. Cotton : Cotton thrives in regions with high temperatures, moderate rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. It does not require as much rainfall as jute and benefits from bright sunlight for its growth.

2. Tick the correct answer.

(i) Horticulture means

Answer: (a) Growing of fruits and vegetables

Answer: (c) Jute

(iii) Leading producers of coffee

Answer: (a)Brazil

3. Give reasons.

(i) In India, agriculture is a primary activity.

Answer: Agriculture is considered a primary activity in India because many regions have fertile land that is suitable for farming. Two-thirds of the Indian population still relies on agriculture as their primary source of income. This dependency is largely due to lower literacy rates among the people. With a densely populated country like India, there is a significant demand for food production to meet the needs of the population.

(ii) Different crops are grown in different regions.

Answer: The cultivation of different crops in various regions is influenced by several factors:

1. Topography and Soil : Different crops require specific soil types and topographical conditions. For example, rice thrives in flat, well-watered paddies, while grapes prefer well-drained, hilly terrain.
2. Climate : Each crop has its preferred climate conditions. For instance, wheat grows well in cool climates with adequate rainfall, while tropical fruits like mangoes need hot and humid conditions.
3. Rainfall : The amount and distribution of rainfall in an area determine which crops can be grown effectively. Some crops, like maize, require consistent rainfall throughout the growing season, while others, like cacti, can survive with very little water.
4. Technology : Modern agricultural techniques, such as irrigation systems and mechanization, can extend the range of crops that can be grown in certain areas and improve yields.
5. Labour Availability : Some crops require intensive labour for planting, cultivating, and harvesting. The availability of skilled and unskilled labour influences which crops are economically viable to grow.
6. Market Demand : The demand for certain crops, both locally and internationally, affects what farmers choose to grow. High demand often leads to higher prices and profitability.

4. Distinguish between the following.

(i) Primary activities and tertiary activities

Answer: Primary activities involve the production and extraction of natural resources, such as fishing, agriculture, and mining. These activities directly utilize natural resources from the Earth.

(ii) Subsistence farming and intensive farming.

Answer: Subsistence farming is when a farmer grows crops primarily to meet the needs of their own family. The crops cultivated are intended for personal consumption rather than for sale. This type of farming typically involves basic technology and relies heavily on household labor to produce a small amount of output.

Chapter 4 – Agriculture Summary

Types of Farming :

• Subsistence Farming : Farmers grow crops primarily to meet their own family's needs. It includes intensive subsistence agriculture, where small plots are cultivated with simple tools and labor, and primitive subsistence agriculture.
• Shifting Cultivation : Also known as slash-and-burn farming, this involves clearing land by burning vegetation, mixing the ashes into the soil, and moving to new land once fertility declines.

Other Types of Farming :

• Nomadic Herding : Herders move their livestock to find fresh pastures.
• Commercial Farming : Large-scale production of crops or livestock for sale.
• Mixed Farming : Both crops and animals are raised on the same farm.
• Plantations : Large estates dedicated to growing one crop, like tea or rubber.

Major Crops in India : Covers significant crops such as rice, wheat, millet, maize, cotton, jute, coffee, and tea, discussing their cultivation and importance in India's agriculture.

Agricultural Development : Focuses on efforts to meet the demands of a growing population. It examines suitable farming types for different countries based on their resources and needs.

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3

• Clear Understanding : They provide clear explanations and answers to questions in the textbook, helping students understand concepts related to agriculture such as types of farming, major crops, and agricultural practices.
• Structured Learning : The solutions are well-structured, making it easier for students to grasp key ideas and topics covered in the chapter.
• Enhanced Learning : By using these solutions, students can enhance their understanding of agricultural practices, factors influencing agriculture, and the significance of farming in different regions.
• Self-assessment : Students can use the solutions for self-assessment and understand their understanding of the chapter, identifying areas where they may need additional study or clarification.