Chapter 13 Solutions — The Story of Indian Farming

Questions and Activities

1. 1.
   Why do farmers in Kerala grow rice while farmers in Punjab grow mostly wheat? What would happen if they swapped?
2. 2.
   Match the following: Column A — Column B

   • (a) Kharif crops —
   • (i) Crops during the winter
   • (b) Rabi crops —
   • (ii) Crops grown during the monsoon
   • (c) Alluvial soil —
   • (iii) Thin, rough, and rocky soil found in mountainous regions
   • (d) Terrace farming —
   • (iv) Crops grown in summer
   • (e) Alpine soil —
   • (v) Soil rich in nutrients deposited by rivers
   • (f) Zaid crops —
   • (vi) Method of farming on hillsides
3. 3.
   Why do certain crops thrive in specific regions?
4. 4.
   How has modern technology helped farmers?
5. 5.
   Why is sustainable agriculture important? Write a short note on this.
6. 6.
   Name some challenges that farmers face today. What might be their impact for people?
7. 7.
   Have a debate in class on the topic "Traditional irrigation methods are better than modern ones."
8. 8.
   Write a short essay describing what farming might be like when you are 60 years old. You could also draw / paint a picture to illustrate what you envision.
9. 9.
   Form small groups and discuss the issues affecting the Ganga basin. Prepare a presentation proposing your solutions and their rationale (your reasons). Share and discuss in class. Your teacher will guide you in this exercise.
10. 10.
    Looking at the crops listed in the section 'Echoes from the Past', which ones do you find in use in your home? What conclusion can you draw from your observations?