Food Resources and Crop Yield Improvements

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Questions and Answers

Why is it necessary to improve production from agriculture and animal husbandry?

It is necessary to improve agricultural and animal husbandry production to meet the increasing food demands of India's growing population. India is a very populous country with a still-growing population which needs more than a quarter of a billion tonnes of grain each year.

What are the major groups of activities for improving crop yields?

Crop variety improvement (correct)

Crop production improvement (correct)

Crop protection management (correct)

All of the above

What do we get from cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables?

Cereals provide carbohydrates for energy, pulses supply protein, fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals.

The growth of crops and flowering are dependent on sunlight.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways to incorporate desirable characters into crop varieties?

The two ways to incorporate desirable traits into crop varieties are hybridization and introducing genes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are factors for which variety improvement is done?

Higher yield Signup and view all the answers

What are the reasons for differences in farming practices across India?

Farming practices in India vary greatly based on factors like land size, monetary resources, and access to information and technology. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key nutrients required for plant growth?

The key nutrients required for plant growth are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium sulfur, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of using manure in farming?

Manure is beneficial as it enriches the soil with organic matter, nutrients, and improves soil structure. It also helps in increasing water holding capacity and improving drainage in sandy soils. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of biological materials used in manure generation?

Animal refuse Signup and view all the answers

What are the key drawbacks of excessive use of fertilizers?

Destruction of soil fertility due to depletion of organic matter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of ‘no cost’ production practices?

Using traditional farming methods Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories of agricultural production management?

The two main categories of agricultural production management are nutrient management and irrigation. Signup and view all the answers

How do biotic and abiotic factors affect crop production?

Biotic factors, such as diseases, insects, and pests, and abiotic factors, such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold, can negatively impact crop production. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how wider adaptability helps in stabilising crop production?

Wider adaptability means that a variety can grow and produce well in diverse environmental conditions, minimizing risks from climate changes and other environmental fluctuations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices are beneficial for insect, pest, and wheat control?

Mixed cropping Signup and view all the answers

What are the key advantages of using organic farming?

Organic farming is beneficial as it promotes sustainability, improves soil health, minimizes environmental pollution, and reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

How do farmers use bio-agents in organic farming?

Using cultures of blue-green algae for bio-fertilizers Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of irrigation systems used in India?

The common types of irrigation systems in India include wells (dug and tube wells), canals, and river lift schemes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main advantages of intercropping?

Key advantages of intercropping include maximizing use of nutrients, preventing pest and disease infestations, and ensuring a higher overall yield. Signup and view all the answers

Why is crop rotation considered a healthy practice?

Crop rotation helps maintain soil health, control pests and diseases, and improve overall crop yield by diversifying the crops grown on a particular piece of land. Signup and view all the answers

What does ‘varietal improvement’ refer to?

Varietal improvement involves developing new varieties of crops with improved characteristics, including higher yield potentials, better quality products, and increased resistance to various pests and diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of animal husbandry?

The two main types of animal husbandry include cattle farming (specifically dairy and draught animals) and poultry farming (for egg and meat production). Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to provide clean and hygienic shelter for cattle?

Clean and hygienic shelters are crucial for the health of the cattle, safeguarding their health and improving milk production in the case of dairy cows. Signup and view all the answers

Why is proper breeding of dairy cattle essential?

Proper breeding programmes are crucial for maximizing milk production as they allow for the selection of breeds with high yield potentials and improved disease resistance. Signup and view all the answers

Poultry farming is undertaken to raise domestic fowl for meat production and egg production.

True Signup and view all the answers

The housing and nutritional requirements of broiler chickens are exactly the same as egg-laying hens.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the main factors contributing to higher milk output in dairy cattle?

Factors that contribute to higher milk output include proper nutrition, good health, and a conducive environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of fish farming techniques?

Capture fishing Signup and view all the answers

Why is composite fish culture considered a good technique for fish farming?

Composite fish harvesting promotes efficient use of the available resources in the fishpond by ensuring that the fish species with different food habits utilize all available food resources. No food is wasted, and it increases overall fish yield. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of a bee variety suitable for honey production?

A good bee variety for honey production should be highly productive, less prone to stinging, easy to manage, and good for swarming in apiaries. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Resources Improvement

All living organisms need food, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Plants and animals are major food sources.
Efforts are continuously being made to improve agricultural and animal husbandry production.
India's large and growing population necessitates increased food production.
Intensive cultivation limits expansion of arable land.
Increased production efficiency is crucial for both crops and livestock.
Green Revolution and White Revolution have contributed to food grain and milk production improvements.
Sustainability in food production must be maintained, avoiding damage to natural resources.
Food security depends on availability and affordability.
Sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry are key to alleviating hunger.

Crop Yields Improvement

Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits provide essential nutrients.
Crop yield improvement strategies can be categorized into three stages: seed selection, crop care, and post-harvest protection.
Crop varieties are selected for desirable characters including disease resistance, fertilizer response, high yields, and product quality.
Hybridisation, intervarietal/interspecific/intergeneric crosses, and gene introduction improve crop varieties.
Climate, temperature, photoperiod, water availability, and soil quality directly impact crop yield.
Crop production management encompasses nutrient management, irrigation, and cropping patterns.

Nutrient Management

Plants require nutrients for growth, including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and other nutrients.
Macronutrients are needed in large quantities, while micronutrients are needed in small quantities.
Both macro and micronutrients are essential for growth and disease resistance.
Manure and fertilizers are used to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Utilizing biological waste material is environmentally beneficial.

Irrigation Management

Most Indian agriculture relies on rainfall.
Irrigation is essential in drought-prone areas and for increased yields.
Irrigation systems include wells, canals, river lift systems, and tanks.
Rainwater harvesting and watershed management help increase water availability for agriculture.

Cropping Patterns

Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously.
Intercropping involves alternating rows of different crops.
Crop rotation involves growing different crops in a planned sequence to maintain soil fertility.
These practices distribute risk, maximize nutrient utilization, and reduce pest and disease incidence.

Crop Protection Management

Weeds, pests, and diseases can significantly impact crop yields.
Controlling these factors includes utilizing resistant varieties, preventive measures, and pesticides.
Excessive pesticide use can create environmental problems.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry enhances food production by providing milk, meat, and other products.
Cattle and poultry farming are important segments of animal husbandry.
Considerations include breeding, feeding, managing diseases, and ensuring humane treatment for animal welfare.
Appropriate housing and nutrition contribute to high yields in cattle and poultry farming.

Fish Production

Capture fishing involves harvesting fish from natural habitats.
Culture fishery or fish farming involves raising and cultivating fish in controlled environments (like ponds or tanks).
Composite fish culture involves introducing several fish species with diverse feeding habits, resulting in higher yields and reduced competition.

Bee-Keeping

Honey production is a valuable agricultural activity.
Bee varieties are selected based on factors like honey collection capacity and disease resistance.
Pasturage, or the type of flowers available, affects honey quality.

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Description

Explore the critical aspects of food resources and their improvements, focusing on agricultural production and sustainability. Understand the role of various food sources and the strategies employed to enhance crop yields in response to India's food security needs.