Students revise important topics using Class 7 Social Science Extra Questions and Class 7 SST Part 2 Chapter 1 The Story of Indian Farming Important Extra Questions before exams.
The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 Extra Question Answer
Extra Questions of The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 SST Chapter 1
The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What is agriculture?
Answer:
Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and rearing animals. It provides food and raw materials.
Question 2.
Name one allied activity.
Answer:
Animal husbandry is an allied activity. It provides milk, meat, and manure.
Question 3.
What is humus?
Answer:
Humus is dark organic matter in the soil. It increases soil fertility and moisture.
Question 4.
Name one kharif crop.
Answer:
Rice is a kharif crop. It grows during the monsoon season.
Question 5.
Name one rabi crop.
Answer:
Wheat is a rabi crop. It grows during the winter season.
Question 6.
What is irrigation?
Answer:
Irrigation is the artificial supply of water to crops. It helps farming in dry regions.
Question 7.
What is grafting?
Answer:
Grafting is the joining of one plant with another. It helps improve plant quality.
Question 8.
Which soil grows cotton?
Answer:
Black soil is suitable for cotton. It holds moisture very well.
Question 9.
What is beejamrit?
Answer:
Beejamrit is a natural paste used to treat seeds. It protects seeds and improves germination.
Question 10.
Name the summer crop season.
Answer:
The summer crop season is called zaid. It grows between rabi and kharif.
The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What is agriculture and why is it important in India?
Answer:
Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and raising livestock. It includes fanning, horticulture, animal husbandry, and forestry. In India, agriculture is vital because over 46% of the population depends on it for livelihood, and it contributes around 18% to the GDP. Farming traditions are passed down through generations and fonn a key part of cultural life. Agriculture also ensures food security and supports industries like textiles and dairy.
Question 2.
What are traditional and modem methods of farming in India?
Answer:
Traditional farming uses manual labour, oxen ploughs, and local knowledge. For example, rice seedlings are transplanted by hand. Modem methods use tractors, harvesters, and mechanized tools, improving efficiency and yield. Some regions, like Dal Lake in Kashmir, use floating gardens.
Farmers often combine both methods to suit local conditions, preserving heritage while increasing productivity. Adaptation of techniques depends on terrain, climate, and water availability.
Question 3.
What are kharif, rabi, and zaid crops?.
Answer:
India has three cropping seasons:
- Kharif: Sown during the monsoon (June-Sept), crops like rice, maize, cotton.
- Rabi: Sown in winter (Oct-Nov), harvested in spring (Mar-Apr), includes wheat, barley, gram.
- Zaid: Grown between rabi and kharif (Mar-Jun), includes watermelon, cucumber, pumpkin.
These seasonal cycles ensure continuous food supply. Each season depends on climate, rainfall, and irrigation availability.
Question 4.
What are alluvial soils and which crops grow there?
Answer:
Alluvial soil is formed from silt, sand, and clay deposited by rivers. It is fertile and suitable for crops like rice, wheat, maize, barley, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, and vegetables. Found mainly in northern plains and river valleys, alluvial soil retains moisture and nutrients, making it ideal for intensive farming. With proper irrigation, farmers can grow a wide variety of crops in this soil.
Question 5.
How does the monsoon influence agriculture in India?
Answer:
The monsoon provides essential rainfall for farming. The southwest monsoon (June-Sept) benefits northern and central India for kharif crops. The northeast monsoon (Oct-Dec) brings rain to southern and eastern coastal regions. Adequate rainfall ensures crop gemination, growth, and yield. Delayed, weak, or excessive monsoons can damage crops. Farmers often combine monsoon rainfall with irrigation to ensure water supply for different cropping seasons.
Question 6.
How do farmers preserve and improve soil fertility?
Answer:
Farmers maintain soil fertility through traditional methods like crop rotation, multiple cropping, mulching, ploughing back crop residue, and using organic fertilisers like cow dung and compost. Modem methods include terracing, afforestation, and controlled greenhouses. These practices prevent soil erosion, maintain nutrients, and improve water retention. Healthy soil ensures better crop yields and sustainable agriculture for future generations.
Question 7.
What is the role of irrigation in Indian agriculture?
Answer:
Irrigation provides water to crops, especially in areas with low or irregular rainfall. Traditional methods include ponds, canals, bamboo drip systems, and lakes like Munsar Lake. Modern methods include drip irrigation and sprinklers, which save water and improve efficiency. Irrigation allows cultivation of crops year-round, increases productivity, and reduces dependence on unpredictable monsoons.
Question 8.
What was the Green Revolution and its impact?
Answer:
The Green Revolution (1960s-70s) introduced high-yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilisers, mechanisation, and improved irrigation. Led by M.S. Swaminathan, it increased wheat and rice production, making India self-sufficient in food grains. While it improved food security, it caused soil fertility loss, groundwater depletion, pesticide contamination, and reduced biodiversity. Modem approaches now aim to balance productivity with sustainability.
Question 9.
What are sustainable farming practices?
Answer:
Sustainable agriculture combines traditional knowledge with modem methods to protect soil, water, and biodiversity. Practices include organic farming, crop rotation, using natural fertilisers, integrated pest management, and efficient irrigation. Sikkim became India’s first 100% organic state. Sustainable farming reduces environmental damage, maintains productivity, ensures food security, and supports farmers’ livelihoods for the long term.
Question 10.
What challenges do Indian fanners face today?
Answer:
Farmers face small landholdings, unpredictable climate, water scarcity, debt, soil degradation, and pest problems. Climate change causes irregular rainfall, heatwaves, and floods, affecting crops. Small farms make machinery use difficult and reduce income. Crop failures may force farmers to borrow loans, sometimes leading to debt traps. Sustainable practices, government support, and technology can help overcome these challenges.
The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Explain the different types of soils in India and their crop suitability.
Answer:
India has six major soil types:
- Alluvial soil: Fertile, deposited by rivers; grows rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, pulses.
- Black soil: Sticky, moisture-retaining; ideal for cotton, jowar, sunflower.
- Red soil: Iron-rich, low fertility; needs manure; grows ragi, arhar, groundnuts, vegetables.
- Laterite soil: Found in high rainfall areas; grows rice, ragi, tea, coffee, coconut.
- Desert soil: Sandy, low moisture; with irrigation, grows bajra, barley, wheat, dates.
- Alpine/mountain soil: Rocky, thin; supports maize, rice, tea, saffron, apples.
Soil type affects water retention, nutrient availability, and the choice of crops. Farmers select crops suitable to their soil for higher yields.
Question 2.
Describe traditional farming systems in India.
Answer:
Traditional farming systems in India are based on local knowledge, seasonal cycles, and sustainable use of resources. Examples include kulagar, a homestead system growing food crops, vegetables, fruits, spices, and medicinal plants around homes, and gokrishi, which uses cows and bullocks for manure and ploughing.
Methods like terrace farming prevent soil erosion, and crop rotation maintains soil fertility. Traditional irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and mixed cropping help manage water and risks. These systems rely on family participation and ecological balance. ICAR studies show that over 85% of traditional practices are scientifically effective, highlighting the wisdom of farmers in adapting to their environment.
Question 3.
Explain how climate and monsoons affect agriculture in India.
Answer:
India has diverse climates, affecting crop patterns. Farmers depend heavily on monsoons: the southwest monsoon (June-Sept) benefits northern and central regions, while the northeast monsoon (Oct-Dec) helps southern and eastern coasts. Adequate rainfall ensures germination, growth, and yield of kharif crops. After monsoons, rabi crops rely on soil moisture and irrigation.
Seasonal variations and agroclimatic zones determine the type of crops grown. Unpredictable rainfall or climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and increase financial risk for farmers. Proper planning, irrigation, and sustainable practices help manage these climatic challenges.
Question 4.
What are modem technologies used in Indian agriculture?
Answer:
Modern agriculture uses machinery, irrigation systems, and scientific knowledge to improve productivity. Tractors, threshers, harvesters, and transplanters reduce manual labour. Sprinkler and drip irrigation provide water efficiently. Greenhouses create controlled environments for year-round farming. Drones monitor soil moisture, crop health, and temperature.
High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, and pesticides boost production. Scientific seed treatments like beejamrit protect plants from pests. Combining these technologies with traditional wisdom ensures higher yields, reduces environmental damage, and supports sustainable food production.
Question 5.
How does irrigation improve crop productivity?
Answer:
Irrigation supplies water to crops, especially where rainfall is insufficient or irregular. Traditional methods like ponds, lakes, bamboo drip systems, and phad canals conserve and distribute water. Modem techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation reduce wastage by delivering water directly to roots or spraying evenly.
Irrigation allows multiple cropping, increases yield, and enables cultivation of water-sensitive crops in dry regions. By stabilizing water supply, it reduces dependence on monsoon rains, ensures crop growth during dry periods, and helps farmers earn a reliable income.
Question 6.
Describe the Green Revolution and its benefits and drawbacks.
Answer:
The Green Revolution (1960s – 70s) introduced high-yielding seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation, and mechanisation. Led by M.S. Swaminathan, it increased wheat and rice production, making India self-sufficient in food grains.
Benefits included higher productivity, reduced hunger, and better farm incomes. However, excessive use of chemicals caused soil fertility loss, groundwater depletion, pesticide contamination, and reduced biodiversity. The Green Revolution highlighted the need for sustainable practices. Today, a balance of modern techniques and traditional wisdom aims to maintain productivity while protecting the environment.
Question 7.
What is sustainable agriculture, and why is it important?
Answer:
Sustainable agriculture focuses on long-term productivity while protecting the environment. It combines traditional knowledge with modern science to maintain soil fertility, conserve water, and support biodiversity. Practices include organic farming, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and efficient irrigation.
Sustainable farming reduces chemical use, prevents soil erosion, and ensures healthy crops. It protects farmers’ livelihoods, reduces environmental damage, and secures food for future generations. States like Sikkim demonstrate how organic and eco-friendly practices can be successful and economically viable.
Question 8.
Discuss challenges faced by Indian farmers.
Answer:
Farmers face small landholdings, unpredictable climate, water scarcity, pests, debt, and soil degradation. Climate change causes floods, droughts, heatwaves, and irregular rainfall, affecting crop yields. Small plots make mechanisation difficult and reduce income.
Crop failure can trap farmers in debt. Limited access to technology, seeds, and markets also affects productivity. These challenges can lead to financial stress, migration, and reduced food security. Solutions include government support, irrigation, sustainable practices, crop insurance, and modern technology.
Question 9.
How do soil types influence crop selection?
Answer:
Soil type determines water retention, nutrient availability, and suitability for crops. For example, alluvial soil is fertile for rice and wheat; black soil retains moisture for cotton; red soil needs manure for ragi and pulses; laterite soil supports rice, tea, and coffee; desert soil requires irrigation for bajra and barley; alpine soil grows maize, tea, and temperate fruits. Farmers select crops suited to local soil, ensuring better growth, higher yield, and efficient use of natural resources.
Question 10.
Explain traditional and modem irrigation methods.
Answer:
Traditional irrigation includes lakes, ponds, phad systems, and bamboo drip channels. These use local water sources efficiently and often involve community participation. Modem methods include drip and sprinkler irrigation, which reduce water wastage, supply water to roots directly, and allow cultivation in dry areas. Both methods help farmers overcome rainfall variability. Combining traditional knowledge with modern technology ensures water conservation, improves crop growth, and supports sustainable agriculture.
The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 Source Based Questions
Question 1.
Rice is a staple food crop in Kerala. Farmers prepare the fields during the monsoon season and transplant seedlings by hand. The paddy fields are irrigated with rainwater and small canals. Rice grows well in clayey soil which retains water. After about three to four months, the rice is harvested and processed for consumption.
(i) Which crop is mainly grown in Kerala?
Answer:
Rice
(ii) How is rice transplanted in Kerala?
Answer:
Seedlings are transplanted by hand.
(iii) Why is clayey soil suitable for rice cultivation?
Answer:
Clayey soil retains water well, which is essential for rice to grow.
Question 2.
Punjab is known as the ‘Granary of India’ because it produces a large amount of wheat. Farmers use tractors to plough the fields and high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds to increase production. Wheat is sown in winter (rabi season) and harvested in spring. Farmers rely on canal irrigation and groundwater for water. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides are used to improve yield.
(i) Which crop is called the ‘Granary of India’?
Answer:
Wheat
(ii) When is wheat sown and harvested in Punjab?
Answer:
Sown in winter (rabi season) and harvested in spring.
(iii) Name two methods used by farmers in Punjab to increase wheat production.
Answer:
Use of HYV seeds and application of chemical fertilisers/pesticides.
Question 3.
Alluvial soil is found in the northern plains of India. It is formed from silt, sand, and clay brought by rivers. This soil is soft, fertile, and ideal for growing rice, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables. Farmers often use irrigation to improve crop yield. The soil is replenished naturally during floods, which adds nutrients and minerals.
(i) Where is alluvial soil mainly found?
Answer:
In the northern plains of India.
(ii) Name two crops grown in alluvial soil.
Answer:
Rice and wheat (or sugarcane, vegetables).
(iii) How do floods benefit alluvial soil?
Answer:
Floods deposit silt and minerals, replenishing nutrients and improving fertility.
The Story of Indian Farming Class 7 Picture Based Questions
Look at the pictures and answer the questions that follow.
(i) Identify the irrigation method shown in the picture.
Answer:
Drip irrigation.
(ii) To which part of the plant is water supplied directly?
Answer:
The roots.
(iii) State any two advantages of this method.
Answer:
Water is delivered slowly and directly to the roots through pipes and small outlets. This method saves water and reduces wastage.
Question 2.
(i) Name the farming method shown in the picture.
Answer:
Terrace farming.
(ii) In which type of area is this method used?
Answer:
Hilly areas.
(iii) Give any two benefits of this farming method.
Answer:
The steps of terrace faming method reduce water runoff and stop soil from being washed downhill.
Class 7 The Story of Indian Farming Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which soil is ideal for cotton?
(a) Red
(b) Black
(c) Alluvial
(d) Desert
Question 2.
Kharif crops are grown during ………….
(a) winter
(b) summer
(c) monsoon
(d) spring
Question 3.
Which crop is a rabi crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Cotton
(c) Wheat
(d) Jowar
Question 4.
Humus is ………….
(a) a rock
(b) chemical fertiliser
(c) organic matter
(d) sand
Question 5.
Assertion (A): Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations.
Reason (R): People depend on agriculture for food.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explantion of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is HYV?
Question 2.
What is monsoon?
Question 3.
What is rain-fed agriculture?
Question 4.
Name one organic fertiliser.
Question 5.
What is terrace farming?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is terrace farming and where is it practiced?
Question 2.
How do farmers use crop rotation to maintain soil fertility?
Question 3.
What are high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds?
Question 4.
How do pests and diseases affect crops?
Question 5.
What is mixed cropping, and why is it useful?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
How does climate change impact agriculture in India?
Question 2.
What is the significance of horticulture in India?
Question 3.
Explain the role of government schemes in supporting farmers.
Question 4.
What is organic farming, and why is it beneficial?
Question 5.
How do farmers deal with natural disasters?