Crop Production and Village Development

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Questions and Answers

What dish is called 'upside down' in Gujarati and why?

Undhiya; because the pot is placed upside down while cooking.

What are bajra rotis traditionally served with in the text?

Home-made butter, curd, and buttermilk.

How did farmers utilize cotton grown in their farms?

Family members spun cotton on a charkha to make cloth.

What methods are mentioned for protecting grains and pulses from insects at home?

Drying the seeds well. Signup and view all the answers

Name one farming-related festival and describe how it is celebrated.

Onam; it is celebrated in Kerala during the harvest season with special foods and community gatherings. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the traditional foods mentioned that are no longer cooked?

Specific foods are not mentioned, but the text suggests asking elders about traditional foods no longer cooked. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the bajra seed get stored in the wooden box?

1940 Signup and view all the answers

Where was the bajra seed born?

Vangaam in Gujarat Signup and view all the answers

How did Damjibhai protect the seeds from insects?

By putting neem leaves in the box Signup and view all the answers

What did Damjibhai store the seeds in before he made the wooden box?

Dried gourd (lauki) coated with mud Signup and view all the answers

What did the villagers celebrate when the crops were ready?

They celebrated with big feasts and lots to eat. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how undhiya is prepared.

Vegetables are put into a clay pot with fresh spices, sealed, and cooked slowly between hot coals. Signup and view all the answers

What materials did Damjibhai use to make the strong box?

Wood and neem leaves Signup and view all the answers

What kind of crop was harvested in the year the seed was born?

A good bajra (millet) crop Signup and view all the answers

What was Hasmukh's main goal in his farming approach?

To grow what can be sold in the market at a good price to make profits and improve life. Signup and view all the answers

From the perspective of the seeds, why might the changes in farming not be considered true progress?

Because it led to the reduced need for seeds like them, animals like bullocks, and workers on the fields. Signup and view all the answers

How did Damjibhai's farming methods differ from Hasmukh's in terms of irrigation and ploughing?

Damjibhai used traditional methods, likely involving animal labor for ploughing and natural irrigation, while Hasmukh used tractors and other modern equipment. Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of the tractor affect field workers according to the seeds?

It reduced the need for field workers, leading to concerns about their livelihoods. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Hasmukh have to buy expensive fertilizer after the traditional methods were abandoned?

Without cows and buffaloes, there was no cow dung to use as natural fertilizer. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges came with the new kinds of seeds that Hasmukh used?

The new seeds were vulnerable to harmful insects, requiring expensive medicines to keep the crops safe. Signup and view all the answers

Why did farmers have to use pumps for irrigation?

The canal water was not enough for the new crops. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the cotton prices and why?

The cotton prices were low because everyone was growing cotton. Signup and view all the answers

How did the repeated use of pesticides and chemicals affect the soil?

The soil could not grow anything well due to the continuous use of pesticides and chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Paresh choose to become a truck driver instead of continuing farming?

Paresh did not want to farm and saw becoming a truck driver as a better option. Signup and view all the answers

What were the consequences of taking loans from both banks and private moneylenders?

The interest was high, and even after small payments, the bank kept asking for more. Signup and view all the answers

What long-term impact could the soil degradation have on Hasmukh's farm?

The farm might become unproductive and unsustainable in the long run. Signup and view all the answers

How did the construction of the dam impact the village's water supply?

The dam enabled water to be brought from far away via a canal. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement significantly changed the village’s daily life?

Electricity. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the farmers in the village switch to growing only wheat and cotton?

They found that only wheat and cotton got better prices in the market. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the traditional crops like bajra and jowar?

They were forgotten and dismissed. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of new kinds of seeds being introduced?

Farmers no longer needed to store seeds from the old crop. Signup and view all the answers

What modern equipment did Hasmukh purchase to improve farming efficiency?

An electric motor, a motorcycle, and a tractor. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crops and Farming

Crops grown in the area include cereals, vegetables, and pulses.
Bajra and jowar were once commonly grown, but are now rarely seen.
Farmers used to grow multiple crops, including grains and vegetables, according to the season.
They would keep enough for their needs and sell the rest to shopkeepers from the city.

Changes in Farming Practices

The introduction of the canal brought water from a distant dam.
Electricity came to the village, allowing for the use of electric motors to pump water.
Farmers began to grow only a few crops, such as wheat and cotton, which fetched better prices in the market.
They started buying seeds from the market, which were new kinds of seeds.
The use of tractors and other machines increased efficiency, but reduced the need for labor.

Impact of Changes

The shift to new farming practices led to the decline of traditional crops and the loss of biodiversity.
The use of expensive fertilizers and pesticides became necessary.
The soil was affected, and crops began to struggle.
Farmers faced difficulties in earning a living, and many had to take loans to pay for expenses.

A Seed's Story

The story of a small bajra seed, born in 1940, and its experiences with Farmer Damjibhai and his family.
The seed was stored in a wooden box with different compartments, along with neem leaves to protect it from insects.
The farmer and his family would celebrate festivals together, such as the harvest festival, with feasts and traditional dishes like undhiya.

Progress and Development

The concept of "progress" is debated, with some arguing that it means growing only what is profitable, while others question the impact on traditional practices and the environment.
The story raises questions about who has the right over traditional seeds and knowledge - farmers or multinational companies.

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Description

This quiz explores the types of crops grown in a specific area, their national significance, and how changes in village infrastructure, such as canal water and electricity, have impacted crop production.