Questions and Answers
What percentage of the Indian workforce is primarily dependent on agriculture?
Which of the following best describes the farming type prevalent in India?
What is the leading agricultural product for which India holds the 1st rank?
Which factor significantly affects Indian agriculture, limiting productivity?
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What percentage of the total cropped area in India is occupied by food crops?
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What major factor contributes to the stagnation in the production of major crops in Indian agriculture?
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Which of the following is a result of poor credit systems in rural areas?
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What technique is suggested to combat soil exhaustion in Indian agriculture?
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What is one of the primary solutions proposed to improve irrigation facilities in Indian agriculture?
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How does the practice of land subdivision for inheritance affect agriculture?
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What was a major outcome of the Green Revolution in India initiated in 1965?
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In which area should financial inclusion be improved for Indian farmers to succeed?
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What challenge does over-dependence on monsoons pose for Indian agriculture?
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What was one of the main achievements of the Green Revolution in India?
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What transition in farming did farmers make as a result of the Green Revolution?
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Which was a negative impact of the Green Revolution?
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During which years did the Green Revolution take place in India?
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What was one of the goals of the Green Revolution's Umbrella Scheme, Krishonnati Yojana?
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What was a consequence of the increased agricultural production during the Green Revolution?
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Which of the following issues was NOT directly linked to the Green Revolution?
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What was one impact of the Green Revolution on rural employment?
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Study Notes
Overview of Indian Agriculture
- Agriculture serves as the backbone of India's economy, employing approximately 49% of the population.
- Accounts for about 35% of national income and contributes 18% to GDP.
- Provides food for people and fodder for animals, and is a main source of raw materials for agro-based industries like sugar and textiles.
Salient Features of Indian Agriculture
- Farming is largely subsistence-based, relying heavily on monsoon rains (60% dependence).
- India's diverse geography allows for a wide variety of crops, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate varieties.
- Food crops constitute around two-thirds of the total cropped area.
- Major challenges include inadequate electricity, storage, water supply, credit access, and marketing.
- India ranks first globally in the production of milk, mangoes, bananas, and various other crops, and it is the largest exporter of spices and millets.
Major Challenges Faced by Indian Agriculture
- Cultivation methods remain outdated due to illiteracy and a lack of awareness.
- Environmental issues include global climatic change, floods, droughts, and soil erosion.
- Land holdings are often small and fragmented, leading to inefficiencies.
- Production stagnation for major crops is a pressing concern due to poor seed quality and defective market systems.
- Farmers face high input costs and significant pressure to adopt modern agricultural techniques.
Solutions for Indian Agriculture
- Improve irrigation through methods like drip and sprinkler systems.
- Encourage consolidation of land holdings for better productivity.
- Implement soil conservation techniques and mechanization in farming practices.
- Financial inclusion for farmers to access credit and resources.
- Enhance rural infrastructure, providing reliable electricity, storage systems, and real-time market pricing.
Green Revolution in India
- Introduced in 1965, spearheaded by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, to boost food grain production through high-yield variety (HYV) seeds.
- Marked a shift from a food-deficient economy to a leading agricultural nation, significantly increasing wheat production and yields per hectare.
Effects of Green Revolution
- Achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, with wheat yield increasing from 850 kg to 2281 kg per hectare.
- Transitioned farmers from subsistence to commercial farming, resulting in higher incomes.
- Created employment opportunities in rural areas, particularly in sectors like transportation and food processing.
Issues and Disadvantages of Green Revolution
- Environmental concerns included soil and water pollution, and degradation of soil quality.
- Regional disparities emerged, with inequalities between large and small-scale farmers.
- Criticism regarding health impacts due to pesticide use and inadequate irrigation coverage.
Current Initiatives
- The Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana was approved to enhance productivity and income for farmers from 2017 to 2020.
- The scheme encompasses multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure and reducing production costs.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental aspects of Indian agriculture, emphasizing its economic significance and contribution to the national income. It highlights key features such as crop diversity, reliance on monsoon, and major challenges faced by farmers. Test your knowledge on India's agricultural landscape and its global standing.
