I. Answer the following.
2. Modern farming methods require more inputs which are manufactured in industries. Do you agree?Ans: Yes, it is correct to say that modern farming methods require more inputs which are manufactured in industries. It is because modern farming methods use high-yielding varieties of seeds. These seeds require both chemical fertilisers and pesticides, agricultural implementations like tractors and proper irrigation facilities like electric tube wells, and all these elements are manufactured in industries. However, on the other hand, traditional farming methods use a relatively low-yielding variety of seeds and use cow dung and other natural manures as fertiliser, which is why they are less dependent on industrial outputs.
3. How did the spread of electricity help farmers in Palampur?Ans: The spread of electricity helped the farmers of Palampur as it aided in the transformation of the irrigation system of the village. The farmers earlier used Persian wheels to draw water from wells and irrigate small fields. But after the spread of electricity, electric tube wells replaced these Persian wheels. The first tube well was installed by the Government, but later, private tube wells were also set up by the farmers, resulting in the cultivation of the entire 200 hectares of irrigated land by the 1970s.
4. Is it important to increase the area under irrigation? Why?Ans: It is important to increase the land under irrigation because farming is the main source of income for the maximum part of the population in India and only less than 40 per cent of the land is cultivable in the country. Farmers are dependent on the erratic monsoon season, and if the rainfall is less, farmers are bound to suffer a major loss. So if the water is provided for irrigation to the farmers for a larger portion of land, it would give better output and make more land cultivable in India and also encourage farmers to take up newer farming methods without the fear of suffering loss.
5. Construct a table on the distribution of land among the 450 families of Palampur.Ans:
| Area of land Cultivated | Number of Families |
|---|
| 0 | 150 |
| Less than 2 hectares | 240 |
| More than 2 hectares | 60 |
6. Why are the wages for farm labourers in Palampur less than minimum wages?Ans: There are many landless farm labourers who are paid less than the minimum wages in Palampur. The Government-declared wage for a farm labourer is Rs 300 per day, but the competition for work among the farm labourers is very high, which is why people agree to work for lower wages.
7. In your region, talk to two labourers. Choose either farm labourers or labourers working at construction sites. What wages do they get? Are they paid in cash or kind? Do they get work regularly? Are they in debt?Ans: This question requires students to conduct their own research and provide their findings.
8. What are the different ways of increasing production on the same piece of land? Use examples to explain.Ans: To grow more than one crop on a piece of land during the year is known as multiple cropping. It is the most common way of increasing production on a given piece of land. The best example of this is the cultivation in Palampur. In Palampur, jowar and bajra grow during the rainy season, followed by potato between October and December, and during the winter season, wheat is sown in the fields. The main reason for this is the well-developed system of irrigation.
9. Describe the work of a farmer with 1 hectare of land.Ans: A farmer with 1 hectare of land will be called a small farmer. Since the area for cultivation is small, the outcome may also not be high. So, in order to be able to get the best possible yield, the farmer needs money. This money is borrowed from a moneylender at a high interest rate and at times may also have to work as a farm labourer for the moneylender. Once the farm is cultivated, the produce has to be divided for personal use and for selling in the market. Whatever profit is earned, the farmer has to usually give it away to the moneylender, and little money is left for the use of the farmer himself. The only help a small farmer gets is that of his family members.
10. How do the medium and large farmers obtain capital for farming? How is it different from the small farmers?Ans: Large and medium farmers sell surplus farm products from a part of their produce. A part of the earnings is saved and kept for buying capital for the next season. A few of them give away the savings to small farmers and loans at high interest rates and get back the amount by the next season. Thus, they are able to arrange for the capital for farming from their own savings. Some farmers might also use the savings to buy cattle, trucks, or to set up shops.
11. On what terms did Savita get a loan from Tejpal Singh? Would Savita’s condition be different if she could get a loan from the bank at a low rate of interest?Ans: Savita got a loan from Tejpal Singh at the rate of interest of 24 per cent for four months and also had to work for Tejpal Singh as a farm labourer at the wage of Rs 100 per day during the harvest season. The case would have been different if Savita had taken the loan from a bank. The rate of interest would have been lesser than what was asked by Tejpal Singh and also she would have been able to pay complete attention to her own field during the time of harvest.
12. Talk to some old residents in your region and write a short report on the changes in irrigation and changes in production methods during the last 30 years.Note:This answer is according to Raigarh region
Ans:
The Raigarh region has undergone a dramatic shift in agricultural practices over the last 30 years. Farmers have moved from traditional, manual methods to more modern, technology-driven approaches.
Irrigation:Traditional methods (bullock-driven wells, small canals) have been replaced by tube wells, electric pumps, check dams, and rainwater harvesting systems.Drip and sprinkler irrigation have gained popularity, boosting efficiency and reducing water waste.Expanded canal networks provide more equitable access to water resources.
Production Methods:Mechanization (tractors, harvesters) has reduced labor intensity and increased productivity.High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds have replaced local varieties, leading to higher yields and pest resistance.Chemical fertilizers and pesticides have boosted productivity but raised concerns about environmental sustainability.Farmers have diversified into cash crops, vegetables, and fruits, enhancing income stability and reducing risk.Scientific farming practices (soil testing, crop rotation, integrated pest management) have contributed to more sustainable and productive agriculture.
Conclusion:Raigarh's agricultural transformation has brought progress, but also challenges. Balancing increased output with environmental protection remains a key concern. This dynamic evolution continues to shape the region's future.
13. What are the non-farm production activities taking place in your region? Make a short list.Note:This answer is according to Raigarh region
Ans: Non-farm production activities encompass various sectors other than agriculture. Here is a short list of these activities:
1. Dairy: Many families are engaged in dairy production, where milk is sold to nearby villages and towns.
2. Small-Scale Manufacturing: This includes activities such as weaving, pottery making, and other small handicraft industries.
3. Shopkeeping: Many people run small shops selling goods and services to the local community.
4. Transport: This includes activities such as driving auto-rickshaws, trucks, and other vehicles for transporting goods and people.
5. Teaching: Some individuals work as teachers in schools, providing education to children in the region.
6. Tailoring: Tailoring and garment making is another common activity, where people make clothes for local customers.
7. Construction: Engaging in construction work, including building houses, roads, and other infrastructure projects.
These activities provide additional sources of income for families and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.
14. What can be done so that more non-farm production activities can be started in villages?Ans: To promote more non-farm production activities in villages, the following steps can be taken: Loans must be available for people at lower interest rates so that they can start the non-farm production activities. Proper markets should be set up so that the produced goods can be sold. The concerned authorities must set up better transportation between cities and villages so that the produced goods can be transported to cities and more money can be earned through the non-farming activities.
