NCERT Solutions-The Story of Indian Farming-Class 7-Social Science

Exercise Question Answer for Chapter 1 -The Story of Indian Farming for Class 7 in Subject Social Science

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The Big Questions ?

1. What are the main characteristics of Indian agriculture?

1. Indian agriculture includes crop farming, animal rearing, fisheries, forestry, and horticulture.

2. It is practiced in different climates and regions across the country.

3. Farming follows three seasons – kharif, rabi, and zaid.

4. It uses a mix of traditional and modern methods.

5. A large part of India’s population depends on agriculture for livelihood.

2. How are farming, climate, soil, and water interrelated?

1. Climate decides temperature and rainfall needed for crops.

2. Soil type provides nutrients and support to plants.

3. Water availability affects crop growth and yield.

4. Different crops grow where climate, soil, and water suit them.

5. Farming depends on the balance of all three factors.

3. How can traditional practices and contemporary ones complement each other?

1. Traditional practices protect soil and nature.

2. Modern methods increase production and save labour.

3. Traditional knowledge helps in sustainable farming.

4. Modern technology improves irrigation and seed quality.

5. Using both together ensures high yield and long-term farming.

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Questions and activities:

1. Why do farmers in Kerala grow rice while farmers in Punjab grow mostly wheat? What would happen if they swapped?

1. Kerala's Climate: Kerala has a hot climate and receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon, making it ideal for the water-intensive Kharif crop, Rice.

2. Punjab's Climate: Punjab has a cooler, drier winter season, making it perfect for the Rabi crop, Wheat.

3. Swap Problem (Kerala): If Kerala tried to grow wheat, the climate would be too hot, and the heavy monsoon rains would ruin the crop.

4. Swap Problem (Punjab): If Punjab tried to grow rice in winter, the temperatures would be too cold, and it lacks the high natural water supply required for rice.

5. Conclusion: The choice of crop depends on the local climate, water availability, and the season.

6. 
   

Answer: (a) → (ii), (b) → (i), (c) → (v), (d) → (vi), (e) → (iii), (f) → (iv)

3. Why do certain crops thrive in specific regions?

Answer:

1. Different regions have different climates and rainfall.

2. Soil types vary, like alluvial, black, red, or laterite soil.

3. Crops need specific temperature and water conditions.

4. Monsoon patterns affect crop growth.

5. So, crops grow best where conditions suit them. 

4. How has modern technology helped farmers?

Answer:

1. Machines like tractors and harvesters save time and labour.

2. Drip and sprinkler irrigation use water efficiently.

3. High-yielding seeds increase food production.

4. Weather information and research help farmers plan better.

5. Technology helps in better yield and stable food supply.

5. Why is sustainable agriculture important? Write a short note.

Answer:

1. It protects soil, water, and environment.

2. It reduces use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

3. It keeps soil fertile for future generations.

4. It combines traditional wisdom with modern methods.

5. It ensures long-term food security.

6. Name some challenges that farmers face today. What might be their impact on people?

Answer:

1. Small landholdings reduce farmers’ income.

2. Climate change causes floods, droughts, and crop loss.

3. High cost of machines and seeds increases debt.

4. Crop failure affects food supply and prices.

5. People may face food shortage and higher costs.

7. Debate: “Traditional irrigation methods are better than modern ones.” (Points for discussion)

1. Traditional methods save water and protect nature.

2. They are cheap and community-based.

3. Modern methods increase crop production.

4. Modern irrigation uses water efficiently.

5. Best solution is to use both together wisely.

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.

Answer: 

1. Farming will use more machines and digital tools.

2. Water-saving methods will be common.

3. More farmers may adopt organic farming.

4. Climate-friendly crops will be grown.

5. Farming will balance technology and nature.

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.

Answer: 

1. Low water levels due to overuse and climate change.

2. Excess irrigation and dams disturb river flow.

3. Pollution harms soil and crops.

4. Solutions: save water, reduce pollution, protect glaciers.

5. This will help farmers and food production. 

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?

Answer: 

1. Rice, wheat, pulses, and vegetables are still used.

2. These crops were grown thousands of years ago.

3. Ancient farming knowledge is still useful.

4. Indian agriculture has strong continuity.

5. Traditional crops remain important today. 

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To Learn more Click Below: 

MCQs:

The Story of Indian Farming - CLICK HERE

Source Based Questions: 

The Story of Indian Farming - CLICK HERE