Class 10 Social Science Chapter 9 Agriculture (Geography) Practice Paper 1

Class: X Subject: Social Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 04 - Agriculture Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. Which primitive form of agriculture is called 'Jhumming'?
(a) Intensive subsistence farming
(b) Commercial farming
(c) Slash and burn agriculture
(d) Plantation agriculture

Q2. India is the second largest producer of rice after which country?
(a) USA
(b) China
(c) Japan
(d) Thailand

Q3. Which of the following is NOT a Kharif crop?
(a) Paddy
(b) Cotton
(c) Wheat
(d) Groundnut

Q4. Tea cultivation requires which type of climate?
(a) Hot and dry
(b) Warm and moist frost-free
(c) Cold and humid
(d) Temperate

Q5. Which is known as the 'Golden Fibre'?
(a) Cotton
(b) Silk
(c) Jute
(d) Hemp

Q6. Aus, Aman and Boro are three crops of which cereal?
(a) Wheat
(b) Maize
(c) Paddy
(d) Barley

Q7. The Green Revolution was introduced in India during which period?
(a) 1950s
(b) 1960s and 1970s
(c) 1980s
(d) 1990s

Q8. Which state is the largest producer of groundnut in India?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Gujarat
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Maharashtra

Q9. Ragi is rich in which nutrients?
(a) Iron and calcium
(b) Protein and fat
(c) Vitamin C and D
(d) Carbohydrates only

Q10. The Bhoodan-Gramdan movement was initiated by:
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Vinoba Bhave
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Sardar Patel

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. Differentiate between Rabi and Kharif crops with two examples each.

Q12. Why are pulses important in crop rotation? Explain briefly.

Q13. Name four different names of primitive subsistence farming practiced in different states of India.

Q14. What is meant by 'plantation agriculture'? Give two examples.

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Describe the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of tea.

Q16. Explain three major institutional reforms introduced in Indian agriculture after Independence.

Q17. What are millets? Why are they called 'coarse grains' despite having high nutritional value?

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Discuss the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy. Explain any five major challenges faced by Indian farmers in the 21st century.

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Case Study 1: Rinjha lived with her family in a small village at the outskirts of Diphu in Assam. She enjoys watching her family members clearing, slashing and burning a patch of land for cultivation. She often helps them in irrigating the fields with water running through a bamboo canal from the nearby spring. However, this little girl has no idea about the declining fertility of the soil and her family's search for a fresh patch of land in the next season. (i) What type of farming is Rinjha's family engaged in? (1 mark) (ii) Why does the family need to search for a fresh patch of land every season? (1 mark) (iii) Name the tool commonly used in this type of farming. (1 mark) (iv) Suggest one measure to improve the productivity of this type of farming. (1 mark)

Q20. Case Study 2: India is an agriculturally important country where two-thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities. Agriculture produces most of the food consumed and also provides raw materials for various industries. Some agricultural products like tea, coffee, and spices are exported. However, sustained use of land without compatible techno-institutional changes has hindered agricultural development. (i) What percentage of India's population is engaged in agriculture? (1 mark) (ii) Name any two agricultural products that India exports. (1 mark) (iii) What does 'techno-institutional reforms' mean in agriculture? (1 mark) (iv) Name one scheme introduced by the Government of India for the benefit of farmers. (1 mark) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 01

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Q1. Answer:
(c) Slash and burn agriculture Jhumming is a primitive subsistence farming method practiced in northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. It involves clearing, slashing, and burning a patch of land for cultivation.

Q2. Answer:
(b) China India is the second largest producer of rice in the world after China. Rice is the staple food crop for the majority of people in India.

Q3. Answer:
(c) Wheat Wheat is a Rabi crop (sown in winter and harvested in summer). Paddy, cotton, and groundnut are Kharif crops (grown with the onset of monsoon).

Q4. Answer:
(b) Warm and moist frost-free Tea bushes require warm and moist frost-free climate all through the year with frequent showers evenly distributed to ensure continuous growth of tender leaves.

Q5. Answer:
(c) Jute Jute is known as the 'Golden Fibre' and is used in making gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets, and other artifacts.

Q6. Answer:
(c) Paddy In states like Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha, three crops of paddy are grown in a year named Aus, Aman, and Boro.

Q7. Answer:
(b) 1960s and 1970s The Government of India embarked upon introducing agricultural reforms including the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s based on the use of package technology.

Q8. Answer:
(b) Gujarat Gujarat was the largest producer of groundnut followed by Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu in 2019-20.

Q9. Answer:
(a) Iron and calcium Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, other micro-nutrients, and roughage, making it highly nutritious despite being classified as a coarse grain.

Q10. Answer:
(b) Vinoba Bhave Vinoba Bhave initiated the Bhoodan-Gramdan movement, also known as the Bloodless Revolution, where landowners voluntarily donated land to landless villagers.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Q11. Answer: Rabi Crops: Sown in winter from October to December Harvested in summer from April to June Examples: Wheat, barley, peas, gram, mustard Kharif Crops: Grown with onset of monsoon Harvested in September-October Examples: Paddy, maize, cotton, jute, groundnut

Q12. Answer: Pulses are important in crop rotation because: They are leguminous crops that help restore soil fertility All pulses except arhar fix nitrogen from the air into the soil This natural nitrogen fixation reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and maintains soil health for subsequent crops

Q13. Answer: Four different names of primitive subsistence farming in India are:

1. Jhumming - North-eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland)

2. Bewar/Dahiya - Madhya Pradesh

3. Podu/Penda - Andhra Pradesh

4. Kumari - Western Ghats

Q14. Answer: Plantation Agriculture: It is a type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown on a large area. It has an interface of agriculture and industry, covering large tracts of land using capital- intensive inputs with migrant laborers. Examples: Tea plantations in Assam, Coffee plantations in Karnataka

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Q15. Answer: Geographical conditions required for tea cultivation:

1. Climate: Tropical and sub-tropical climates with warm and moist frost-free conditions throughout the year

2. Rainfall: Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves

3. Soil: Deep and fertile, well-drained soil rich in humus and organic matter

4. Labour: Being a labour-intensive industry, it requires abundant, cheap, and skilled labor

5. Processing: Tea must be processed within the tea garden to restore its freshness

Q16. Answer: Three major institutional reforms in Indian agriculture:

1. Land Reforms: The main focus of First Five Year Plan included collectivization, consolidation of holdings, cooperation, and abolition of zamindari system to address fragmentation caused by inheritance rights

2. Credit Facilities: Establishment of Grameen banks, cooperative societies, and banks for providing loan facilities to farmers at lower rates of interest. Introduction of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS)

3. Crop Insurance: Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire, and disease to protect farmers from natural calamities and reduce their financial risks

Q17. Answer: Millets: Jowar, bajra, and ragi are the important millets grown in India. They are called 'coarse grains' because: They have a rougher texture compared to rice and wheat They require less processing and refinement They are traditionally consumed by poorer sections of society Despite being coarse grains, they have high nutritional value because: Ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, other micro-nutrients, and roughage They provide essential nutrients that are sometimes lacking in refined grains They are suitable for dry regions and require minimal inputs, making them sustainable crops

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Q18. Answer: Importance of agriculture in Indian economy: Two-thirds of India's population is engaged in agricultural activities Produces most of the food consumed by the population Provides raw materials for various industries (cotton textiles, sugar, jute, etc.) Source of export earnings through products like tea, coffee, and spices Provides livelihood for more than 60% of the population Five major challenges faced by Indian farmers in the 21st century:

1. Land Fragmentation: The right of inheritance has led to division of land among successive generations, making land holdings uneconomical and reducing productivity per unit area

2. Dependence on Monsoon: Despite development of irrigation sources, most farmers in large parts of the country still depend upon monsoon and natural fertility, making agriculture vulnerable to climate uncertainties

3. Lack of Modern Technology: Many farmers do not use fertilizers, modern inputs, or have access to high-yielding variety seeds, resulting in low productivity

4. Financial Problems: Farmers face exploitation by speculators and middlemen, lack of adequate credit facilities, and problems of indebtedness leading to severe economic distress

5. Climate Change Impact: Increasing frequency of droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns affect crop production and threaten food security, requiring farmers to adapt their practices

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Q19. Answer: (i) Type of farming: Rinjha's family is engaged in primitive subsistence farming, specifically 'Jhumming' or slash and burn agriculture, which is practiced in northeastern states. (ii) Need for fresh patch: When the soil fertility decreases after cultivation, the family needs to shift and clear a fresh patch of land. This allows nature to replenish the fertility of the soil through natural processes. (iii) Tools used: Primitive tools like hoe, dao, and digging sticks are commonly used in this type of farming, along with family/community labor.

(iv) Measure to improve productivity: Introduction of organic fertilizers or compost to maintain soil fertility, allowing the same land to be used for longer periods without depleting nutrients. Other measures include terracing to prevent soil erosion and using crop rotation methods.

Q20. Answer: (i) Percentage engaged in agriculture: Two-thirds (approximately 67%) of India's population is engaged in agricultural activities. (ii) Agricultural exports: Two agricultural products that India exports are: Tea Coffee (Other examples: spices, rice, wheat) (iii) Techno-institutional reforms: Techno-institutional reforms refer to changes that combine technological improvements (like HYV seeds, modern irrigation, mechanization) with institutional changes (like land reforms, credit facilities, cooperative societies, crop insurance) to improve agricultural productivity and farmers' welfare.

(iv) Government scheme: One scheme introduced for farmers' benefit is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. Other schemes include Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS), minimum support price announcements, and crop insurance schemes.