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Chapter 5: Land Resources and Agriculture

Geography • Class 12 • Class 12 Indian Human Geography

5

Land Resources and Agriculture

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Geography • Class 12 • Class 12 Indian Human Geography

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Prelims High-Yield Explanations & Traps

  • to note that
  • the expansion
  • for Teacher
  • for women as most of the fodder and
  • cereals has been given in the
  • cereal crop
  • ingredient of
  • pulse crop in the
  • oilseeds grown in India
  • crops grown in India
  • in a
  • strategies for agricultural development followed
  • community’s natural resource, where every member has the right of access and usage with specified obligations, without anybody having property rights over them
  • that irrigation acts as a supplementary source of water over and above the rainfall

Essential Definitions & Formulas

LAND RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE You must have observed that the land around you
put to different uses.
Some land
occupied by rivers, some may have trees and on some parts roads and buildings have been built.
The Survey of India
responsible for measuring geographical area of administrative units in India.
It is important to note that area under actual forest cover
different from area classified as forest.
The latter
the area which the Government has identified and demarcated for forest growth.
Most of this type land
owned by the village ‘Panchayat’ or the Government.
Only a small proportion of this land
privately owned.
Much of this land
privately owned.
Any land which
left fallow (uncultivated) for more than five years is included in this category.
This is the land which
left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year.
Fallowing
a cultural practice adopted for giving the land rest.
This is also a cultivable land which
left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years.
If the land
left uncultivated for more than five years, it would be categorised as culturable wasteland.
The physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested
known as net sown area.
This type of change
common in developing countries, like India.
The agricultural land
being used for building purposes.
The number of people that the agricultural sector has to feed
increasing day by day.
The rate of increase
the highest in case of area under non-agricultural uses.
This
due to the changing structure of Indian economy, which is increasingly depending on the contribution from industrial and services sectors and expansion of related infrastructural facilities.
The increase in net area sown
a recent phenomenon due to use of culturable waste land for agricultural pupose.

Related PYQs (45)

2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.21

With reference to 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana', consider the following statements:

1
Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
2
This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Economic and Social Development
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.24
Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?
Agriculture and Economic Development
2016•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.69
According to the above passage, the biggest challenge to world agriculture is:
CSAT
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.45

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

1
Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2
This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3
It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Science and Technology
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.59

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ?

1
Avoiding the monoculture practices
2
Adopting minimum tillage
3
Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4
Using crop residues to cover soil surface
5
Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
Economic and Social Development
2019•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.41
Which one of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial message conveyed by the above passage ?
CSAT
2019•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.42

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :

1
The issue of effects of natural calamities on agriculture is not given due consideration by GM technology companies.
2
In the long run, GM technology will not be able to solve agricultural problems arising due to global warming.
CSAT
2019•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.43
Which one of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage ?
CSAT
2019•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.44

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :

1
Food safety is a complex issue that calls for a multipronged solution.
2
Great investments need to be made in developing the manpower for surveillance and training.
3
India needs to make sufficient legislation for governing food processing industry.
CSAT
2019•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.45
The passage seems to argue
CSAT
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.91

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

1
Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2
Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3
Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4
Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
GS-III
2020•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.26

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :

1
Structural and rural transformation is impossible when farms are mainly small and marginal.
2
A good price incentive can trigger investments in agriculture.
3
India needs to build value chains for high-value agri-products like livestock and horticulture.
4
Higher global prices of agricultural commodities are essential for India's poverty reduction.
Agriculture - Rural Transformation and Value Chains
2020•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.43

Which of the following are the most rational inferences that can be made from the passage?

1
Farmers' income will be higher with pulse cultivation than with paddy cultivation.
2
Pulse cultivation causes less pollution as compared to paddy cultivation.
3
Pulse straw can be used to improve soil quality.
4
In the context of northern Indian agriculture, paddy straw has no usefulness.
5
Mechanized agriculture is the main cause for stubble burning.
CSAT
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.51

How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?

1
Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are pre-dominant.
2
Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
3
Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
4
Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Environmental Ecology
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.22

"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

1
Reduced seed requirement
2
Reduced methane production
3
Reduced electricity consumption
Environment
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.26
Which one of the following best describes the concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field'?
Land Reforms and Agriculture
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.98

With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

1
To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
2
Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.
3
An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.
Governance
2016•Mains•GS-I•Q.15
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.
Geography
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.30
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission : I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
Animal Husbandry and Rural Development
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.28

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?

1
Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
2
Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
3
Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)
Economic and Social Development
2016•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.
GS-III
2016•Mains•GS-III•Q.9
Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.
GS-III
2018•Mains•GS-I•Q.15
Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.
GS-I
2018•Mains•GS-III•Q.13
Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?
GS-III
2018•Mains•GS-III•Q.14
How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.
GS-III
2019•Mains•GS-III•Q.3
How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?
Agriculture
2019•Mains•GS-III•Q.4
Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas.
Agriculture
2020•Mains•GS-III•Q.3
What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?
Agricultural Marketing
2020•Mains•GS-III•Q.13
What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?
GS-III
2021•Mains•GS-III•Q.3
How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers?
GS-III
2021•Mains•GS-III•Q.4
How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India's water crisis?
GS-III
2022•Mains•GS-I•Q.15
Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.
GS-I Geography
2022•Mains•GS-IV•Q.9
(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation? (b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok? (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why? (e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?
GS-IV
2022•Mains•GS-III•Q.13
What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?
GS-III
2022•Mains•GS-III•Q.14
What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?
GS-III
2023•Mains•GS-I•Q.17
From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.
Economy
2024•Mains•GS-III•Q.13
What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.
GS-III
2025•Mains•GS-I•Q.5
What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.
Geography
2025•Mains•GS-I•Q.17
1. Amidst the scuffle and the resultant confusion, the thief managed to slip away. 2. There was not a single person amongst those assembled who was willing to become the leader. 3. Among the members of the community the local doctor was the one who was most respected. Select the answer using the codes given below :
Geography
2026•Mains•GS-I•Q.17
Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.
Geography
2026•Mains•GS-III•Q.3
Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.
GS-III
2026•Mains•GS-III•Q.13
How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture.
GS-III
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.24
Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
Geography
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.94

In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the 'Seed Replacement Rates' of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/constraints in its wider/greater implementation?

1
There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
2
There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
3
There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.
Economics
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.11

What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

1
Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
2
Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3
Leaching of nitrate to the groundwater can occur.
Environment and Agriculture