Sustainable Farming Practices

Questions and Answers

How does diversification of genetic resources contribute to farming resilience?

It enhances the ability to cope with disturbances by providing a variety of crops that can thrive under different conditions.

What are the productivity advantages of poly-cultures over monocultures?

Poly-cultures are more productive because they utilize resources more efficiently and reduce losses from pests and diseases.

In what ways do traditional multiple cropping systems contribute to global food supply?

They provide 20 to 40 percent of the world's food supply by ensuring diverse food sources and stable production.

Explain the role of farm biodiversity in coping with climate disasters.

Farm biodiversity allows for greater resilience by maintaining crop production during climatic disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

What farming techniques do GIAHS farmers use to minimize crop failures?

They utilize drought-tolerant local varieties, water harvesting, mixed cropping, and agroforestry. Signup and view all the answers

How does spatial and temporal diversity of crops benefit agro-ecosystems?

It buffers agro-ecosystems against climate variation and promotes healthier crop yields. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of insect and disease pressure in large farms compared to small farms?

Large farms face higher risks of loss due to pests and diseases compared to diverse small farms, which are more resilient. Signup and view all the answers

Why is incorporating wild and local varieties important in farming systems?

Incorporating these varieties increases resilience to changing environmental conditions and enhances overall farm productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary crops cultivated by the Early Harappan communities around 3000 BCE?

Wheat, barley, millet, field peas, sesame, mustard, cotton, and various fruits. Signup and view all the answers

How did the geographical location of Mohenjo-Daro contribute to its significance?

Mohenjo-Daro had easy land and water communication, making it a meeting ground for diverse peoples. Signup and view all the answers

Which sites are identified as urban centers during the late Harappan period?

Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dicki, Gonorreala, Dokalingam, and Mangalore. Signup and view all the answers

What types of domestic animals were known to be present in the Harappan civilization?

The water buffalo was among the domestic animals mentioned in the Harappan civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that millet was cultivated in the Indus Valley?

The only evidence is a drawing of the millet crop on a potsherd. Signup and view all the answers

List two legumes mentioned in the agricultural practices of the Early Harappan period.

Field peas and indications of other leguminous crops are noted. Signup and view all the answers

Which fibrous plant crop was grown in both Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa?

Cotton was the fibrous plant cultivated in both locations. Signup and view all the answers

What role did fruit crops play in the diet of the Harappan people?

Fruit crops such as melons, dates, bananas, and pomegranates diversified their diet. Signup and view all the answers

How did the arrival of rain impact agricultural practices related to the Indus Civilization?

The arrival of rain facilitated the cultivation of crops other than barley and wheat and aided in the growth of fish-crops. Signup and view all the answers

What celestial bodies were significant for the Indus people in predicting rain and agricultural cycles?

The constellations Mrigasira and Krittika, along with the planet Venus, were significant for predicting rain and agricultural cycles. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the compass-like object found in Mohenjo-Daro and Lothal.

The compass-like object, consisting of a shell ring with 8 or 12 slits, was presumed to be used for determining the time for annual events like sowing and harvesting. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the state treasury play in the agricultural system of the Indus Civilization?

The state treasury, along with temples, was assumed to receive farm taxes, indicating state control over land ownership and grain storage. Signup and view all the answers

How did trade evolve during the chalcolithic period according to the content?

Trade evolved into a fuller form during the chalcolithic period, featuring regular exchanges of goods with foreign lands and inland trade centers. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that the Indus people linked celestial events with agricultural timing?

The association of Mrigasira's rain-making potential and Krittika's rising period with agricultural practices suggests that celestial events were linked to timing for agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What types of crops were primarily cultivated by the Indus people aside from fish-crops, according to the text?

Aside from fish-crops, the Indus people primarily cultivated barley and wheat. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the seal representations serve a purpose for the Indus civilization?

Seal representations symbolized the rain-making agents and their connection to agriculture and trade in the Indus civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Rigveda play in documenting India's maritime trade during the Vedic period?

The Rigveda references sea voyages for trade, indicating India's engagement in maritime commerce, although it lacks direct evidence of specific commodities exchanged. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the evidence of trade between India and China in the 12th century B.C. as per the Chinese legend.

The legend suggests India imported sugar and silk from China, while exporting costus and pepper in return, highlighting active trade relations. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the significance of cow as currency during the Vedic period.

Cows were considered a form of currency, reflecting their value in trade and the agrarian economy of the Vedic society. Signup and view all the answers

What irrigation techniques were utilized in the Indian sub-continent during the Vedic period?

Irrigation practices included the use of canals and water diversion methods to enhance agricultural productivity, demonstrating early water management. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the types of farm implements mentioned in Vedic texts.

Vedic texts reference tools such as plows and sickles, which were essential for farming and harvesting crops. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the market activities during the Vedic age?

Market activities were marked by established trading classes, barter systems, and regulations on bargaining practices after prices were set. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the condition of farm laborers during the Vedic age.

Farm laborers in the Vedic age experienced a hierarchical status, often bound to landowners, and their livelihood was closely tied to agricultural cycles. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of the emergence of Sramanic traditions on agriculture during the early historic period.

The Sramanic traditions introduced new philosophies that influenced agricultural practices and the socio-economic framework of society, marking a significant transition. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of wells mentioned in historical irrigation techniques?

The two types of wells are ring wells and soak wells. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the water-lifting devices used in ancient irrigation as described.

Water-lifting devices included lever, wheel and axle, and animal power. Signup and view all the answers

What method did ancient civilizations use to keep canals full of water aside from hand methods?

They transported water using animals or utilized a bucket-chain. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Sakas associated with in terms of ancient irrigation technology?

The Sakas were associated with the Sakandhu, a form of water-wheel. Signup and view all the answers

Which natural phenomena were cited as causes of crop damage in ancient texts?

Natural phenomena included rains, droughts, and hailstorms. Signup and view all the answers

List two types of pests that ancient farmers needed to protect their crops from.

Insects such as locusts and birds like parrots and hawks. Signup and view all the answers

What innovative system was mentioned that involved the use of oxen in irrigation?

Oxen were used to haul water from a well into a supply canal by climbing a sloping ridge. Signup and view all the answers

What crop protection measures were historically recognized in India?

Preventive and protective measures against pests, diseases, and natural hazards were advocated. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Agricultural Resilience and Biodiversity

Diversification of genetic resources, production systems, and income sources enhances resilience in agriculture.
Small farms utilizing polycultures (growing multiple crops) are more productive overall compared to large monocultures.
Polycultures reduce losses from weeds, pests, and diseases while optimizing resource use (water, light, nutrients).
Traditional multiple cropping systems contribute approximately 20-40% of global food supply.
Farming systems displaying resiliency can adapt to human and climate changes, reducing crop failure risks through various techniques.

Farming Techniques and Climate Adaptation

GIAHS farmers employ drought-resistant local varieties, water harvesting, mixed cropping, and agroforestry to minimize climate change impacts.
Observations show that higher farm biodiversity correlates with greater resilience to climate disasters.
Indigenous practices include using wild and local crop varieties and enhancing crop diversity both temporally and spatially.

Indus Valley Civilization

The civilization was characterized by diverse racial interactions and effective communication through land and waterways.
Mohenjo-Daro served as a central hub for trade and cultural exchange within Asia.
Agricultural practices included the domestication of crops (peas, sesame, dates, cotton) and animals (water buffalo).
By 3000 BCE, urban centers emerged, with six Harappan cities identified, including Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

Early Harappan Crop Cultivation

Key crops cultivated included:
- Cereals: Wheat (Triticum species), barley (Hordeum varieties), and millet (Sorghum).
- Legumes: Field peas (Pisum arvense).
- Oilseeds: Sesame (Sesamum indicum) and mustard (Brassica juncea).
- Fibrous plants: Cotton.
- Fruit crops: Melons, date palms, and representations of banana and pomegranate.
- Spices: Fenugreek.

Agricultural Practices and Environmental Indicators

Periodic rains were vital for agricultural sustainability, preventing floods and aiding crop growth.
Celestial events (Mrgasira, Krittika constellations) were studied for rain predictions.
Ancient tools, possibly for measuring agricultural timing, were discovered in Mohenjo-Daro.

Taxation and Trade Systems

A form of agricultural tax was presumed to fund temples and state granaries.
Trade flourished during the chalcolithic period, with records of commerce in the Rigveda.
Evidence of maritime trade with China, including imports of sugar and silk, during the 12th century BCE.
Local trade was documented in the Vedic age with barter systems and references to market activities.

Vedic Period Agriculture Overview

Crop management and cultivation practices evolved during the Vedic period, highlighting agricultural diversity.

Water Management and Irrigation

Advanced irrigation techniques included both ring wells and soak wells, with references in ancient texts.
Canal irrigation systems allowed water transport through animal power and mechanical devices.
Innovations in water lifting and resource distribution techniques ensured effective crop irrigation.

Plant Protection Measures

Early records indicate proactive measures against pests (insects, birds, rodents) and natural phenomena (droughts, hailstorms).
Various diseases affecting crops prompted protective strategies, including the use of ancient texts for preventive measures.

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Explore the various strategies farmers use to enhance resilience and sustainability in agriculture. This quiz highlights the importance of genetic diversification, integrated production systems, and their contributions to food security and environmental health. Assess your understanding of small farming systems and their productivity advantages.