Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Land Resources and Agriculture

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Land Resources and Agriculture

1. Choose the right answers from the given options:

Question 1.(i): Which one of the following is NOT a land-use category?

Answer: (b) Marginal land

Question 1.(ii): What one of the following is the main reason due to which share of forest has shown an increase in the last forty years?

Answer: (c) Increase in notified area allocated for forest growth

Question 1.(iii): Which one of the following is the main form of degradation in irrigated areas?

Answer: (c) Salinisation of soils

Question 1.(iv): Which one of the following crops is not cultivated under dryland farming?

Answer: (d) Sugarcane

Question 1.(v): In which of the following group of countries of the world, HYVs of wheat and rice were developed?

Answer: (c) Mexico and Philippines

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words:

Question 2.(i): Differentiate between barren and wasteland and culturable wasteland.

Barren and wasteland are those lands which cannot be cultivated due to severe degradation or rocky terrain. Culturable wasteland refers to land left fallow for over five years but can be cultivated with proper treatment.

Question 2.(ii): How would you distinguish between net sown area and gross cropped area?

Net sown area is the actual land used for cultivation in a year, whereas gross cropped area includes all land cultivated multiple times annually, accounting for all crop cycles.

Question 2.(iii): What is the difference between dryland and wetland farming?

Dryland farming occurs in regions with less than 75 cm rainfall and focuses on drought-resistant crops. Wetland farming happens in areas with surplus moisture, supporting water-intensive crops like rice and jute.

Question 2.(iv): Why is the strategy of increasing cropping intensity important in a country like India?

In India, where arable land is limited, increasing cropping intensity maximizes land productivity by growing more crops per year, ensuring food security for a rapidly growing population.

Question 2.(v): How do you measure total cultivable land?

Total cultivable land is the sum of net sown area, current fallow, fallow other than current fallow, and culturable wasteland—indicating all land that can potentially be cultivated.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words:

Question 3.(i): What are the different types of environmental problems of land resources in India?

India’s land resources face multiple environmental challenges impacting productivity. Reliance on erratic monsoon leads to inconsistent irrigation, causing droughts and floods. Most rainfed regions receive uneven rainfall, making agriculture vulnerable. Low crop yields compared to global standards persist due to inadequate inputs and infrastructure, especially in dryland areas. Another major issue is land degradation. Faulty irrigation techniques have led to waterlogging, salinization, and loss of soil fertility. Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused toxicity. The shift away from leguminous crops and reduced fallow periods hampers natural soil enrichment. Additionally, deforestation and unsustainable farming practices cause wind and water erosion, further degrading the soil. These problems necessitate urgent attention towards sustainable agricultural techniques and better land management.

Question 3.(ii): What are the important strategies for agricultural development followed in the post-independence period in India?

Post-independence, India’s agricultural development aimed at ensuring food security. Initial efforts focused on converting cash crop land to food crops, expanding the cultivated area, and intensifying cropping on existing land. Government schemes like the Intensive Agricultural District Programme and Intensive Agricultural Area Programme were introduced. The 1960s droughts prompted a shift to high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice from Mexico and the Philippines. The Green Revolution brought a technological package—HYVs, irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides—leading to increased yields, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP. This transformation made India self-sufficient in food grains and spurred growth in agri-based industries. In the 1980s, agro-climatic planning was initiated to promote regionally balanced development. Diversification into poultry, horticulture, fisheries, and dairy was encouraged, enhancing farmers’ income and reducing dependence on traditional crops. These strategies significantly modernized Indian agriculture while emphasizing self-reliance.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 NCERT Extra Questions

Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1: Define land-use.

Land-use refers to the various ways in which human beings utilize land, such as for agriculture, housing, industry, and recreation. It involves using land as a resource for economic and social activities.

Question 2: What factors influence land-use to a large extent?

The nature and type of economic activities in a region significantly influence land-use patterns, determining how land is allocated for agriculture, industry, forestry, or settlements.

Question 3: Define Common Property Resources (CPR).

Common Property Resources are natural resources accessible to all members of a community, with shared rights of use and certain responsibilities, but without private ownership.

Question 4: How is cropping intensity calculated?

Cropping intensity is calculated by dividing the total cropped area (including repeated use of land) by the net sown area and multiplying by 100. It indicates how often land is cultivated in a year.

Question 5: Which is the 2nd most important cereal crop in India?

Wheat is the second most significant cereal crop in India after rice, contributing substantially to the country’s food grain production.

Question 6: Where is bajra grown in India?

Bajra is predominantly cultivated in the states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, especially in dry and semi-arid regions.

Question 7: What are the main fibre crops of India? How are they used?

Cotton and jute are the primary fibre crops in India. They are used for making textiles, ropes, sacks, and other everyday and industrial products.

Question 8: What is India’s rank in sugarcane production of the world?

As of 2011, India is the world’s second-largest producer of sugarcane, ranking just after Brazil.

Question 9: Name the beverage crops of India.

Tea and coffee are the two principal beverage crops grown in India, mainly in the hill regions with suitable climates.

Question 10: Cotton is grown in which season? Name another crop of this season.

Cotton is a kharif season crop grown in tropical and semi-arid areas. Another major kharif crop is rice.

Question 11: Name the coarse cereals.

Jowar, bajra, maize, and ragi are considered coarse cereals and are widely consumed and cultivated in various parts of India.

Question 12: What is India’s rank in cotton production?

India ranks fourth in global cotton production, following China, the United States, and Pakistan.

Question 13: What percentage of cropped area in India is under rice & wheat cultivation?

Approximately 25% of India’s cropped area is under rice cultivation, while about 14% is devoted to wheat.

Question 14: What is India’s rank in rice production in the world?

India is the second-largest rice producer in the world, coming after China.

Question 15: What are the functions of Land Revenue Department?

The Land Revenue Department maintains land-use records. It compiles data on how land is categorized and utilized, forming the basis for calculating the reporting area.

Question 16: What are the functions of the Survey of India?

The Survey of India is responsible for measuring and mapping the geographical area of administrative units across the country, ensuring accurate spatial data.

Question 17: Explain two reasons for the increase pressure on agricultural land in developing country like India.

First, the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP declines faster than the number of people depending on it. Second, population growth increases the burden on agricultural land to meet food demand.

Question 18: Why is it important for India to develop land saving technology?

Due to limited arable land and a large population, India must adopt land-saving technologies to increase productivity without expanding cultivated land.

Question 19: Why are various crop seasons not found in south India?

Southern India has a relatively stable climate throughout the year, which supports continuous cropping but limits the distinct seasonal variation required for multiple crop seasons.

Question 20: Explain why does the southern parts of India grow the same crops thrice a year?

The consistently warm climate in southern India allows tropical crops to grow year-round, enabling farmers to harvest the same crop varieties three times annually.

Question 21: What are fibre crops?

Fibre crops are those that yield fibres used in the production of textiles, bags, ropes, and other items. In India, the main fibre crops are cotton and jute.

Question 22: What are beverage crops?

Beverage crops are cultivated plants that are consumed as drinks after processing. Tea and coffee are prominent examples grown in India.

Question 23: Name the programmes initiated in the end of 1960 for development of agriculture.

The Green Revolution or package technology was introduced in the late 1960s to boost agricultural productivity through modern techniques and high-yielding varieties.

Question 24: What do you mean by low productivity?

Low productivity refers to minimal output generated per unit of land or labour. It indicates inefficiency in the use of resources in agricultural practices.

Question 25: Name the two HYV seeds imported in 1960.

High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat from Mexico and rice from the Philippines were imported by India in the 1960s to enhance crop production.

Question 26: What do you mean by small and fragmented landholdings?

Small landholdings are farms less than 1 hectare in size. When such plots are scattered across different locations instead of being in one place, they are termed fragmented.

Question 27: What do you mean by under-employment?

Under-employment occurs when individuals are engaged in work that does not fully utilize their skills, education, or time, resulting in lower productivity than their potential.

Question 28: What is barren and wasteland?

Barren and wasteland includes land such as rocky hills, deserts, and ravines that cannot be used for cultivation due to poor soil quality and harsh physical conditions.

Question 29: Define fallow land?

Fallow land refers to agricultural land left uncultivated for one or less than one year. This practice allows the soil to regain its fertility naturally.

Question 30: What is fallow other than current fallow?

It is cultivable land that remains unused for more than one year but less than five years. If the land remains uncultivated beyond five years, it is considered culturable wasteland.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1: Which four categories witnessed a decline in land use? Why?

The categories that witnessed a decline in land use are: Barren and wasteland, Culturable wasteland, Area under pastures and tree crops, and Fallow lands. These declines are attributed to rising pressure from both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Wastelands and culturable wastelands are increasingly brought under cultivation. Pasture lands have declined due to illegal encroachments and the expansion of farmlands.

Question 2: What are the varieties of rice in India?

India grows around 3,000 rice varieties suited to diverse agro-climatic zones—from sea level to 2,000 meters in altitude. In West Bengal, three seasonal varieties—‘aus’, ‘aman’, and ‘boro’—are grown annually. Rice is mainly a kharif crop in the Himalayas and northwestern regions.

Question 3: What is the importance of pulses in India?

Pulses are a vital protein source in the vegetarian Indian diet. As leguminous crops, they enrich soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. They are hardy, requiring minimal care, and are suitable for dry regions where fine cereals cannot thrive.

Question 4: What problems are faced by the fibre crops in India?

India lost major cotton and jute producing regions to Pakistan and Bangladesh during Partition. Additionally, fibre crops now face stiff competition from cheaper and more durable synthetic fibres, affecting their demand and profitability.

Question 5: Write a note on tea cultivation in India.

Tea is a key plantation crop used as a beverage. Black tea is fermented, while green tea is not. Introduced in the 1840s in Assam, tea is also grown in West Bengal and the Nilgiris. India is the third-largest tea exporter after Sri Lanka and China. Assam alone contributes over 50% of India’s total production.

Question 6: What is the importance of coarse cereals in India?

Coarse cereals like jowar, bajra, ragi, and maize cover 17% of India’s cropped area. Grown in dry and poor-quality lands, they need less care and input. They are nutritious and affordable, making them ideal for small and marginal farmers in arid regions.

Question 7: Why does India need irrigation?

Due to uneven and seasonal rainfall, irrigation is essential in India. It enables the growth of water-intensive crops, supports multiple cropping, and is necessary for the success of HYV seeds, which need a timely water supply.

Question 8: What are the advantages of common property resources?

Common property resources (CPRs) support rural livelihoods by:

• Providing fodder and fuel
• Supplying fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants
• Supporting the poor and landless farmers
• Assisting rural women in collecting daily resources

Question 9: Explain the conditions for the growth of wheat.

Wheat grows best in temperate zones and is a rabi crop in India. It requires fertile soil and is mainly cultivated in the Indo-Gangetic plain, Malwa Plateau, and Himalayan foothills. While largely grown under irrigation, it can be rainfed in upland regions.

Question 10: Explain the conditions for the growth of rice.

Rice thrives in tropical, humid conditions and is grown across elevations up to 2,000 meters. It grows with irrigation in dry regions like Punjab and Haryana. In areas like West Bengal and southern India, two to three rice crops are harvested annually.

Question 11: Which crops are included in oil seeds? Give a brief account of their production.

Major oilseeds include groundnut, rapeseed, mustard, soybean, and sunflower. These are cultivated mainly in the drylands of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Oilseeds occupy about 14% of India’s total cropped area and are used to extract edible oils.

Question 12: Give the desired conditions for the growth of cotton.

Cotton grows in semi-arid regions during the kharif season. It requires a clear sky during flowering and prefers black soil. States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are major producers. Irrigated regions yield more than rainfed areas.

Question 13: Give the desired conditions for the growth of sugarcane.

Sugarcane thrives in tropical and sub-humid climates and is mainly an irrigated crop in India. It is extensively grown in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, especially in regions with fertile soils and sufficient water supply.

Question 14: What is package technology?

Package technology refers to the introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties from Mexico and the Philippines, combined with chemical fertilizers and irrigation. Implemented in the 1960s, this led to the Green Revolution and a sharp rise in foodgrain output.

Question 15: Explain the land-use categories as maintained in the Land Revenue Records?

Land Revenue Records categorize land as follows:

• Forests
• Land used for non-agricultural purposes
• Barren and wastelands
• Permanent pastures and grazing lands
• Miscellaneous tree crops and groves
• Culturable wasteland
• Current fallow
• Fallow other than current fallow
• Net area sown

Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1: Give the land-use categories based on Land Revenue Records.

The land-use categories as recorded in the Land Revenue Records include:

• Forests: The area officially designated for forest growth by the government, which may differ from the actual forest cover.
• Land put to Non-Agricultural Uses: Includes land used for housing (rural and urban), infrastructure (roads, canals), industries, and commercial purposes.
• Barren and Wastelands: Includes hilly, desert, and ravine areas that are unsuitable for cultivation with current technology.
• Permanent Pastures and Grazing Lands: Mostly owned by village Panchayats or the government; a small portion is privately owned. These lands fall under Common Property Resources (CPRs).
• Miscellaneous Tree Crops and Groves: Land under orchards and fruit trees, generally privately owned. Not included in net sown area.
• Culturable Waste-Land: Land left uncultivated for more than five years. It can be brought under cultivation with proper reclamation.
• Current Fallow: Land left uncultivated for one or less than one year to allow recovery of fertility.
• Fallow other than Current Fallow: Cultivable land left unused for more than one year but less than five years.
• Net Area Sown: The total physical area on which crops are actually sown and harvested annually.

Question 2: How is land significant/valuable in the livelihood of people?

Land plays a vital role in the livelihood of people, especially in agriculture:

• Agriculture is entirely land-dependent, unlike other sectors. Thus, access to land directly affects rural poverty.
• The quality of land impacts agricultural productivity, making it more crucial than in industrial or service sectors.
• In rural areas, land ownership provides economic security, access to credit, social prestige, and resilience against risks like natural disasters or personal emergencies.

Question 3: What is the staple crop of our country? How many varieties are there? What is India’s contribution to the world? Where is it grown in India?

Rice is the staple food crop of India. There are around 3,000 rice varieties suited to different agro-climatic conditions, ranging from sea level to 2,000 meters altitude. India contributes about 21.6% of the world’s rice production, ranking second after China (as of 2008–09). Major rice-producing states include West Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. West Bengal cultivates three seasonal rice varieties: aus, aman, and boro. High yields are found in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, while productivity is lower in rainfed areas like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

Question 4: Show with example the development of agriculture with technology.

Agriculture in India has significantly advanced over the past 50 years:

• Production of rice, wheat, sugarcane, oilseeds, and cotton has increased sharply. In 2008–09, India was the world’s leading producer of pulses and jute.
• Irrigation coverage expanded from 20.85 million ha (1950–51) to 54.66 million ha (2000–01), enabling the use of HYV seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and farm machinery.
• Use of chemical fertilizers rose 15 times since the mid-1960s. By 2001–02, per hectare consumption reached 91 kg—on par with global averages.
• Punjab and Haryana have the highest fertilizer use. Increased pesticide usage accompanied the adoption of HYV seeds, which are more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Question 5: Write a note on the problems of Indian agriculture.

Indian agriculture faces several challenges, both regional and national:

• Erratic Monsoons: Only 33% of farmland is irrigated; the rest relies on unpredictable rainfall, making crops vulnerable to floods and droughts.
• Low Productivity: Crop and labor productivity are low compared to global standards due to overuse and poor soil quality.
• Financial Constraints: High input costs, coupled with crop failures, trap small farmers in cycles of debt.
• Land Inequality: Land reforms post-independence were poorly implemented, leaving land ownership highly unequal.
• Fragmented Landholdings: Farms are small and scattered, making modern farming techniques uneconomical.
• Lack of Commercialization: Many farmers grow food only for personal use, not for sale.
• Underemployment: Many agricultural workers remain underemployed, especially in rainfed areas.
• Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemicals and lack of crop rotation have harmed soil fertility.

Question 6: Define common property resources.

Common Property Resources (CPRs) are lands or resources owned collectively by a community or the state, accessible to all with defined rights and duties. These include community forests, grazing lands, village ponds, and other shared spaces. CPRs support rural livelihoods, especially of landless and marginal farmers, by providing fodder, firewood, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants. They are essential for women, who often gather fuel and fodder. These resources offer economic and ecological benefits and serve as a safety net for vulnerable populations.

Question 7: Classify farming based on the ‘source of moisture’.

Farming based on moisture source is classified into:

• Irrigated Farming:
  • Protective Irrigation: Supplementary water used to reduce crop failure due to moisture deficit.
  • Productive Irrigation: Provides sufficient moisture for high-yield production, with higher water input per unit of land.
• Rainfed (Barani) Farming:
  • Dryland Farming: Practiced in areas with less than 75 cm rainfall annually. Crops include bajra, gram, moong. Conservation techniques and water harvesting are common.
  • Wetland Farming: Occurs in areas with excess rainfall. Crops include rice, jute, sugarcane. Aquaculture is also practiced in water-abundant areas.

Question 8: What are the three economic factors that affect land-use?
OR
Describe the three types of changes that an economy undergoes which affect its land use pattern.

Three major economic factors that influence land-use patterns are:

• Size of the Economy: As the economy expands due to population growth, increased income, and technological advancement, the demand for land rises. This leads to the utilization of marginal lands that were previously unused.
• Composition of the Economy: Over time, the secondary (industrial) and tertiary (services) sectors grow faster than the primary (agriculture) sector, particularly in developing nations like India. This structural shift leads to the conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural uses such as housing and infrastructure, especially near urban areas.
• Continued Pressure on Agricultural Land: Despite a declining GDP share from agriculture, the number of people relying on it remains high. Population growth keeps increasing the number of mouths to feed, sustaining pressure on limited agricultural land.

Question 9: Which three categories have undergone increase in land use pattern? Explain why.

The three categories that have shown an increase in land use are:

• Non-Agricultural Uses: The highest rate of increase is seen in land used for non-agricultural purposes such as urban settlements, industries, and infrastructure. This is due to the growing dominance of industrial and service sectors in India’s economy, which demand more land.
• Forest Area: The increase in forest land is largely due to administrative reclassification and demarcation of land as forest area rather than actual growth in forest cover.
• Current Fallow and Net Area Sown:
  • Current Fallow: The area fluctuates based on rainfall patterns and crop cycles. It’s not consistently increasing or decreasing.
  • Net Area Sown: Recently, this has shown an increase due to conversion of culturable wastelands into agricultural land, although earlier it was declining due to rising non-agricultural use.

Question 10: Give statistical account of small and fragmented landholdings. Why are small and fragmented landholdings undesirable?

In India, more than 60% of ownership holdings are smaller than 1 hectare, and nearly 40% of farmers operate holdings less than 0.5 hectare. Due to rising population, average landholding size is continuously shrinking. Land fragmentation is widespread due to inheritance divisions. Some states have never carried out land consolidation, and others require a second round of consolidation.

Why they are undesirable:

• Uneconomic Operations: Small fragmented plots lead to inefficiency in farming.
• Wastage of Land: Land is lost to boundaries and fencing.
• Limits Mechanization: Use of modern farm machinery and techniques becomes difficult and less cost-effective.

Question 11: What is the importance of pulses in our diet? What are the main pulses grown in India?

Pulses are a crucial part of a vegetarian diet as they are rich in proteins. Being leguminous, they also enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

• India produces around 20% of the world’s pulses.
• Pulses occupy about 11% of India’s total cropped area.
• Grown mostly in drylands of Deccan Plateau, central India, and northwestern regions.
• Due to rainfed conditions, yields are low and inconsistent.

Main pulses:

• Gram (Chana): A major rabi crop in central and northwestern India.
• Tur (Arhar/Pigeon Pea): Grown under rainfed, marginal conditions in central and southern India. It accounts for about 2% of India’s cropped area.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Differentiates

Question 1: What is the basic difference between Land Revenue Department and Survey of India?

Question 2: Differentiate between protective irrigation and productive irrigation.

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

Question 1: Compare the features of productive and protective irrigation.

Protective Irrigation:

• Safeguards crops during moisture deficiency
• Focuses on covering a wider area with limited water
• Supplements rainfall-based farming

Productive Irrigation:

• Provides full moisture requirement for high yield
• Uses more water per unit area
• Supports water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane

Question 2: Why is traditional cropping pattern changing in India nowadays?

The shift in traditional cropping patterns is due to:

• Expanded irrigation enabling cultivation of non-native crops (e.g., rice in Punjab)
• Adoption of modern methods via package technology
• Changing dietary habits and consumer preferences
• Liberalization and market-driven agricultural choices
• Easier access to loans and credit for farmers

Question 3: The Green Revolution was not equally successful in all parts of India. Why?

Reasons for uneven success of the Green Revolution include:

• Concentration of irrigation in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western U.P.
• Lack of awareness and access to modern agricultural practices in other regions
• Poor distribution and storage of high-yielding seeds
• Farmers’ poverty and inability to invest
• Small and fragmented landholdings limiting efficiency

Question 4: “Indian farmers gamble with the monsoon”. Illustrate this statement.

This statement is justified by the following:

• Unpredictability of monsoon onset, duration, and withdrawal
• Uneven distribution of rainfall across regions and years
• Insufficient irrigation, making farmers heavily dependent on rainfall
• Recurring droughts and floods, affecting crop production and livelihoods

Question 5: Why do the large number of farmers produce crops for self-consumption in India?

Many Indian farmers grow crops mainly for personal consumption due to:

• Small landholdings, limiting surplus production
• Subsistence farming practices, meeting only family food needs
• Lack of market access, storage, and financial resources for commercial farming
• Low income, preventing investment in high-value or surplus crops