Maharashtra Board Class 7 Geography Chapter 9 Agriculture Question Answers and Notes

Chapter 9 – Agriculture

🔹 1. Select the Proper Option

(1) In which type of farming are crops rotated?

(a) Intensive
(b) Plantation
(c) Commercial
(d) All of these

Ans: (a) Intensive

(2) Agriculture requires the following:

(a) Only ploughing
(b) Use of animals, implements, machines and manpower
(c) Use of only manpower
(d) Just cultivation of crops

Ans: (b) Use of animals, implements, machines and manpower

(3) In India, agriculture has developed because…

(a) There are two agricultural seasons in India
(b) The majority of people depend on agriculture
(c) Traditional agriculture is practised in India
(d) Factors like climate, soil and water are favourable

Ans: (d) In India, factors like climate, soil and water are favourable

(4) Modern methods and technology are necessary in Indian agriculture because…

(a) Factories produce improved seeds
(b) Industries produce fertilizers
(c) Population is growing and there are agro-based industries
(d) Modern machines are available

Ans: (c) Population is growing and there are agro-based industries

🔹 2. Give Short Answers

(1) Importance of Irrigation in Agriculture

Ans

  • Supplying water to crops artificially is called irrigation.
  • A regular supply of water is essential for crop growth.
  • The monsoon rainfall in India is uneven and seasonal.
  • Groundwater is obtained by digging wells, bore wells and ponds.
  • Water is supplied to fields using electric pumps and canals.
  • Irrigation facilities help in growing crops on a large scale.

(2) Comparative Account of Two Methods of Irrigation

Well IrrigationCanal Irrigation
Groundwater is obtained by digging wells or bore wells.Water stored in dams is supplied through canals.
Requires a small area for wells.Requires a large area for dams and canals.
Wells are usually privately owned.Dams and canals are owned by the government.
Water can be used flexibly.Water use is less flexible.
Less expensive.Expensive method.

(3) Major Types of Farming

Ans: The two major types of farming are:

  • Intensive Farming
  • Extensive Grain Farming

🌾 Intensive Farming

  • Maximum production from a small area.
  • A type of subsistence farming.
  • Land holdings are small due to large population.
  • Mostly practised in developing countries.
  • Production is mainly for family needs.
  • Mainly uses human and animal labour.
  • Cereals and vegetables are grown.

🌾 Extensive Grain Farming

  • Maximum production from a large farm area.
  • Farm size is usually more than 200 hectares.
  • Practised in areas with sparse population.
  • Monocropping is common.
  • Major crops: wheat and corn.
  • Heavy capital investment required.
  • Problems include droughts, pests and market fluctuations.
  • Practised mainly in temperate grasslands.

(4) Characteristics of Plantation Farming

Ans:

  • Farm size is 40 hectares or more.
  • Practised in hilly and tropical regions.
  • Single crop cultivation (commercial crops).
  • Crops include rubber, coffee, coconut, cocoa and spices.
  • Requires large capital investment.
  • Export-oriented farming.
  • Faces climatic, environmental and managerial problems.

(5) Crops Cultivated in the Area and Geographical Reasons

Ans: Major crops grown in India include rice, coconut, mango and jackfruit.

Geographical Reasons:

  • High temperature and humidity.
  • Heavy rainfall.
  • Fertile alluvial soil.

In the Konkan region, rice and fruits like coconut, mango and jackfruit are widely grown due to favourable climatic conditions.

(6) Why is Agriculture Seasonal in India?

Reasons:

  • Agriculture depends mainly on the monsoon.
  • Rainfall occurs mainly from June to September.
  • Rainfall distribution is uneven and uncertain.

Difficulties for Perennial Agriculture:

  • Lack of regular water supply.
  • Climatic variations.
  • Lack of capital.
  • Poor transportation and storage facilities.
  • Lack of proper marketing facilities.

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📌 Quick Revision – Key Points

  • Irrigation is essential due to uneven monsoon rainfall.
  • Intensive farming uses small land areas for maximum production.
  • Extensive farming uses large areas with heavy machinery.
  • Plantation farming focuses on commercial crops.
  • Indian agriculture is seasonal because it depends on monsoon rainfall.

🏷️ Tags

Std 7 Geography, Maharashtra Board Solutions, Chapter 9 Agriculture, Types of Farming, Irrigation Methods, Plantation Farming, Intensive Farming, Extensive Farming

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