PYQs – Class 10 Geography Chapter 4: Agriculture | CBSE | GPN

📚 Past Year Questions (PYQs) 2019-2024

This section contains 35 authentic questions from CBSE board exams (2019 to 2024) for Geography Chapter 4: Agriculture. Organized by marks category with precise answers. Agriculture is India's backbone - this chapter explains how it works and faces challenges. Master these for solid marks in the economic geography section.

🌾 Chapter 4 Focus Areas

This chapter is weighty - typically carries 8-10 marks. High-weightage topics: Types of farming, cropping patterns, major crops (with producing states), food security, and agricultural reforms.

Most Repeated: Major crops & producing states (7 times), Types of farming (5 times), Green Revolution (4 times)

Map Skills: Crop-producing states map is almost certain to appear

Confusion Alert: Students often mix up Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid crops or confuse food crops with cash crops

PART A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)

Answer in one word or one sentence. Accuracy with crop names and states is crucial here.

What is plantation agriculture? [CBSE 2024]
Answer: A type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown on a large area using capital intensive inputs.
Name the leading producer of tea in India. [CBSE 2024]
Answer: Assam (accounts for about 50% of India's tea production).
Define subsistence farming. [CBSE 2023]
⚠️ Repeated
Answer: Farming in which crops are grown to meet the needs of the farmer's family with little or no surplus for sale.
Which crop is known as 'golden fiber'? [CBSE 2023]
Answer: Jute (because of its golden color and importance).
What is sericulture? [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Commercial rearing of silk worms for production of silk.
Name the leading producer of rubber in India. [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Kerala (accounts for about 70% of India's rubber production).
What is the Green Revolution? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: The large increase in agricultural production in India during the 1960s and 1970s due to adoption of modern methods and technology.
Name two rabi crops. [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Wheat and Mustard.
What is horticulture? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: Intensive cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Name the leading producer of sugarcane in India. [CBSE 2020]
Answer: Uttar Pradesh (accounts for about 40% of India's sugarcane production).

PART B: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Explain the characteristics of intensive subsistence farming. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
Answer: Characteristics of intensive subsistence farming:

(1) Small landholdings: Farmers cultivate small plots of land.
(2) High labor input: Family members provide labor.
(3) High yield per hectare: Due to intensive cultivation.
(4) Multiple cropping: Growing 2-3 crops annually.
(5) Traditional methods: Use of animal power, simple tools.
(6) Mainly for subsistence: Most produce consumed by family.
Describe the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of rice. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
⚠️ High Probability
Answer: Conditions for rice cultivation:

(1) Temperature: High temperature (above 25°C) during growing season.
(2) Rainfall: High rainfall (100-200 cm) or irrigation facilities.
(3) Soil: Deep clayey and loamy soil with good water retention.
(4) Land: Level land for water stagnation in fields.
(5) Labor: Abundant cheap labor for transplantation and harvesting.
(6) Season: Kharif crop (sown with monsoon, harvested in autumn).
Explain the different types of agriculture practiced in India. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Types of agriculture in India:

(1) Primitive Subsistence Farming: Shifting cultivation, slash and burn.
(2) Intensive Subsistence Farming: Labor intensive, small holdings.
(3) Commercial Farming: Use of HYV seeds, chemicals, for market.
(4) Plantation Agriculture: Single crop on large estates (tea, coffee).
(5) Mixed Farming: Crop cultivation + animal rearing.
(6) Organic Farming: Using natural inputs, avoiding chemicals.
Describe the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of wheat. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Conditions for wheat cultivation:

(1) Temperature: Cool growing season (10-15°C at sowing, 20-25°C at ripening).
(2) Rainfall: Moderate rainfall (50-75 cm) or irrigation.
(3) Soil: Well-drained fertile loamy soil.
(4) Land: Flat or gently sloping land.
(5) Season: Rabi crop (sown in winter, harvested in spring).
(6) Frost-free period: At least 100 frost-free days.
Explain the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Importance of agriculture:

(1) Employment: Provides livelihood to about 50% of workforce.
(2) GDP Contribution: About 16-17% of India's GDP.
(3) Food Security: Provides food for 1.3 billion people.
(4) Raw Materials: For industries (cotton textile, sugar, jute).
(5) Foreign Exchange: Through export of agricultural products.
(6) Market: Rural population provides market for industrial goods.
Describe the different cropping seasons in India. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Cropping seasons in India:

(1) Rabi Season: - Sown: October-December - Harvested: April-June - Crops: Wheat, barley, gram, mustard - Depends on: Winter rains (Western disturbances)

(2) Kharif Season: - Sown: June-July with monsoon onset - Harvested: September-October - Crops: Rice, maize, cotton, jute - Depends on: South-west monsoon

(3) Zaid Season: - Between Rabi and Kharif (March-June) - Crops: Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber - Requires: Irrigation
Explain the problems faced by Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Problems of Indian agriculture:

(1) Small landholdings: Fragmentation of land.
(2) Dependence on monsoon: Irregular rainfall.
(3) Soil degradation: Erosion, salinity, loss of fertility.
(4) Low productivity: Compared to world standards.
(5) Lack of irrigation: Only 48% area under irrigation.
(6) Indebtedness: Farmers trapped in debt cycle.
(7) Marketing problems: Lack of storage, transport, MSP issues.
Describe the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of cotton. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Conditions for cotton cultivation:

(1) Temperature: High temperature (21-30°C).
(2) Rainfall: Moderate rainfall (50-100 cm).
(3) Soil: Black soil (regur) is ideal.
(4) Sunshine: Bright sunshine during growth.
(5) Frost-free period: At least 210 frost-free days.
(6) Labor: Cheap labor for picking.
(7) Season: Kharif crop.
Explain the impact of Green Revolution on Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
⚠️ Most Important
Answer: Impact of Green Revolution:

Positive Impacts: (1) Increased food grain production (especially wheat and rice)
(2) Made India self-sufficient in food grains
(3) Increase in agricultural employment

Negative Impacts: (1) Limited to Punjab, Haryana, Western UP
(2) Increased regional disparities
(3) Environmental degradation (soil, water pollution)
(4) Benefited rich farmers more
(5) Loss of crop diversity
Describe the institutional and technological reforms in Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
Answer: Reforms in agriculture:

Institutional Reforms: (1) Abolition of zamindari system
(2) Consolidation of landholdings
(3) Green Revolution (1960s)
(4) Operation Flood (White Revolution)
(5) Provision of crop insurance

Technological Reforms: (1) Use of HYV seeds
(2) Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
(3) Mechanization (tractors, harvesters)
(4) Irrigation development (drip, sprinkler)
(5) Soil health cards, e-NAM

PART C: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks Each)

Describe the major crops of India with their producing states and required geographical conditions. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]

⚠️ Most Important

Answer: Major crops of India:

Crop	Type	Major Producing States	Conditions Required
Rice	Food/Kharif	West Bengal, Punjab, UP, AP	High temp, high rainfall, clayey soil
Wheat	Food/Rabi	UP, Punjab, Haryana, MP	Cool temp, moderate rain, loamy soil
Sugarcane	Cash/Kharif	UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka	Hot climate, heavy rainfall, fertile soil
Tea	Plantation	Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu	Warm temp, heavy rainfall, sloping land
Coffee	Plantation	Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu	Warm temp, moderate rain, well-drained soil
Cotton	Fiber/Kharif	Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP	High temp, moderate rain, black soil
Jute	Fiber/Kharif	West Bengal, Bihar, Assam	High temp, heavy rainfall, alluvial soil

Explain the different types of farming practices in India with examples. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]
Answer: Farming practices in India:

1. Primitive Subsistence Farming: - Also called shifting cultivation or slash and burn - Practiced in: North-east states (Jhumming), MP (Bewar), AP (Podu) - Features: Small patches cleared by burning, mixed crops, low productivity

2. Intensive Subsistence Farming: - Practiced in: High population density areas (UP, Bihar, West Bengal) - Features: Small landholdings, high labor, multiple cropping - Crops: Rice, wheat, pulses, vegetables

3. Commercial Farming: - Practiced in: Punjab, Haryana, Western UP - Features: Use of HYV seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery - Crops: Wheat, rice, sugarcane (for market)

4. Plantation Agriculture: - Practiced in: Assam (tea), Karnataka (coffee), Kerala (rubber) - Features: Large estates, single crop, capital intensive - Managed by: Companies, exports oriented
Describe the food security system in India. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Food security system in India:

Components of Food Security: (1) Availability: Enough food production in the country
(2) Accessibility: People can obtain food
(3) Affordability: People can afford to buy food

Government Measures: (1) Public Distribution System (PDS): - Provides subsidized food grains through ration shops - Includes: Antyodaya cards (poorest), BPL cards, APL cards
(2) Buffer Stock: - Maintained by Food Corporation of India (FCI) - To stabilize prices and ensure availability
(3) Minimum Support Price (MSP): - Government announces MSP for crops - Protects farmers from price fluctuations
(4) National Food Security Act, 2013: - Legal right to food - Provides 5 kg food grains per person per month at subsidized rates - Covers 75% rural and 50% urban population

Challenges: Leakages in PDS, storage losses, targeting errors
Explain the role of irrigation in Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Role of irrigation in Indian agriculture:

(1) Overcomes Monsoon Dependency: Reduces risk of crop failure due to erratic rainfall.
(2) Increases Agricultural Production: Enables multiple cropping (2-3 crops annually).
(3) Stabilizes Yield: Provides assured water supply, reducing yield fluctuations.
(4) Enables Cultivation of New Crops: Allows growing crops that need controlled water.
(5) Increases Employment: More crops mean more labor requirements.
(6) Improves Farm Income: Higher and stable yields increase farmers' income.
(7) Promotes Green Revolution: HYV seeds need assured irrigation.
(8) Food Security: Contributes to stable food production.
(9) Regional Development: Develops backward regions through irrigation projects.
(10) Drought Mitigation: Helps during drought years.

Current Status: Only about 48% of net sown area is irrigated, rest depends on rainfall.
Describe the major challenges faced by Indian agriculture and suggest measures to overcome them. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer:

Challenges: (1) Small and Fragmented Landholdings: Average size 1.15 hectares, decreasing due to inheritance.
(2) Dependence on Monsoon: Only 48% area irrigated, rest rainfed.
(3) Soil Degradation: Erosion, salinity, alkalinity, loss of fertility.
(4) Low Productivity: Yields lower than world average for many crops.
(5) Indebtedness: Farmers trapped in debt cycle, leading to distress.
(6) Marketing Problems: Lack of storage, transportation, exploitation by middlemen.
(7) Climate Change: Unpredictable weather, extreme events.

Measures: (1) Land Reforms: Consolidation of holdings, tenancy reforms.
(2) Irrigation Development: Micro-irrigation (drip, sprinkler), watershed management.
(3) Soil Health Management: Soil health cards, organic farming.
(4) Technology Adoption: Precision farming, drones, digital agriculture.
(5) Credit Facilities: Easy loans, crop insurance (PMFBY).
(6) Market Reforms: e-NAM, contract farming, better storage.
(7) Climate Resilient Agriculture: Drought-resistant varieties, crop diversification.
Explain the cropping patterns in India with examples. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer: Cropping patterns in India:

1. Rice-Wheat Cropping System: - Practiced in: Punjab, Haryana, Western UP - Rice (Kharif) followed by Wheat (Rabi) - Requires: Intensive irrigation

2. Rice-Rice Cropping System: - Practiced in: High rainfall areas (West Bengal, Coastal regions) - Two rice crops annually (Aman and Boro) - Requires: Abundant water

3. Millet-Based Cropping System: - Practiced in: Dry regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra) - Bajra, Jowar, pulses - Rainfed agriculture

4. Plantation Cropping System: - Practiced in: South India, North-east - Tea, coffee, rubber, spices - Commercial, export-oriented

5. Mixed Cropping: - Practiced in: Subsistence farming areas - Growing 2+ crops together (cereals + pulses) - Risk reduction strategy

6. Crop Rotation: - Sequential growing of different crops - Maintains soil fertility (legumes fix nitrogen)

Factors affecting cropping patterns: Climate, soil, water availability, technology, market demand, government policies.
Describe the importance of pulses in Indian agriculture and diet. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Importance of pulses:

Agricultural Importance: (1) Nitrogen Fixation: Leguminous crops fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil.
(2) Crop Rotation: Essential in crop rotation systems to maintain soil fertility.
(3) Low Water Requirement: Most pulses are drought-resistant.
(4) Short Duration: Can be grown as intercrops or catch crops.
(5) Less Fertilizer Needed: Reduce fertilizer requirement for subsequent crops.

Nutritional Importance: (1) Protein Source: Primary source of protein for vegetarians (20-25% protein).
(2) Essential Nutrients: Rich in iron, calcium, vitamins.
(3) Health Benefits: Help control diabetes, heart diseases.
(4) Balanced Diet: Complement cereals in Indian diet.

Economic Importance: (1) Employment: Provides employment in cultivation and processing.
(2) Foreign Exchange: India imports pulses, causing forex outflow.
(3) Food Security: Important for nutritional security.

Production: Major producers - Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
Challenges: Low productivity, susceptibility to pests, price fluctuations.
Explain the concept of organic farming and its importance in India. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Organic farming:

Concept: Farming system that avoids or largely excludes use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and relies on crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, and biological pest control.

Principles: (1) Health: Sustain and enhance health of soil, plant, animal, human
(2) Ecology: Based on living ecological systems and cycles
(3) Fairness: Fair relationships and quality of life
(4) Care: Protect health of current and future generations

Importance in India: (1) Environmental Sustainability: Reduces chemical pollution of soil and water.
(2) Soil Health: Improves soil structure and fertility.
(3) Health Benefits: Produces chemical-free, nutritious food.
(4) Cost Reduction: Reduces cost of chemical inputs.
(5) Export Potential: Growing global demand for organic products.
(6) Climate Resilience: Organic soils have better water retention.
(7) Biodiversity: Promotes diverse cropping systems.

Government Initiatives: - Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) - Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) - National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

Challenges: Lower yields initially, certification costs, marketing issues.
Describe the impact of globalization on Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Impact of globalization on agriculture:

Positive Impacts: (1) Technology Transfer: Access to better seeds, machinery, practices.
(2) Export Opportunities: Indian agricultural products in global markets.
(3) Investment: Foreign investment in food processing, cold chains.
(4) Diversification: Shift to high-value crops (horticulture, floriculture).
(5) Quality Standards: Improved quality to meet international standards.
(6) Price Realization: Better prices for export-oriented crops.

Negative Impacts: (1) Import Competition: Cheap imports affecting domestic farmers.
(2) Corporate Control: MNCs controlling seeds, inputs (Monsanto case).
(3) Monoculture: Focus on few export crops reducing biodiversity.
(4) Farmer Distress: Price fluctuations in global markets.
(5) Traditional Knowledge Loss: Indigenous practices being replaced.
(6) WTO Pressures: Pressure to reduce subsidies, remove trade barriers.

Examples: - Basmati rice exports to Middle East, Europe - Grape exports from Maharashtra - Flower exports from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu - Spice exports from Kerala

Government Response: Minimum Support Price, subsidies, import restrictions on some items.
Explain the role of women in Indian agriculture. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Role of women in Indian agriculture:

1. Labor Contribution: (1) Field Operations: Sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting.
(2) Post-Harvest Activities: Threshing, winnowing, storage.
(3) Livestock Management: Milking, fodder collection, poultry.
(4) Plantation Work: Tea plucking, coffee picking (predominantly women).

2. Decision Making: (1) Seed Selection: Traditional knowledge of seed preservation.
(2) Home Gardening: Kitchen gardens for family nutrition.
(3) Resource Management: Water, fuel, fodder collection.

3. Specialized Roles: (1) Sericulture: Women dominate silk worm rearing.
(2) Dairy: Women manage 75% of dairy operations.
(3) Horticulture: Flower cultivation, vegetable growing.
(4) Food Processing: Traditional methods of preservation.

4. Challenges Faced: (1) Gender Wage Gap: Paid less than men for same work.
(2) Land Rights: Only 13% women own agricultural land.
(3) Access to Resources: Limited access to credit, technology, extension services.
(4) Work Burden: Triple burden - farm work, household work, childcare.
(5) Health Issues: Occupational hazards, malnutrition.

5. Government Initiatives: - Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) - Support to women self-help groups - Joint land titles in some states

PART D: Map-based Questions (2 Marks Each)

Note: Crop-producing states and tea/coffee regions are favorite map questions. Practice shading different crop zones.

On the outline map of India, identify: (i) Wheat producing region (ii) Rice producing region [CBSE 2024, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Wheat: North-western states (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP). (ii) Rice: Eastern and southern states (West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu).
Locate: (i) Tea growing region (ii) Coffee growing region [CBSE 2023, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Tea: North-east India (Assam) and West Bengal. (ii) Coffee: South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu).
Identify: (i) Cotton producing region (ii) Jute producing region [CBSE 2022, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Cotton: Western and central India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh). (ii) Jute: Eastern India (West Bengal, Bihar, Assam).
Locate: (i) Sugarcane producing region (ii) Rubber producing region [CBSE 2021, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Sugarcane: Northern and peninsular India (UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka). (ii) Rubber: Southern India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka).
Identify: (i) Millet producing region (ii) Pulses producing region [CBSE 2020, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Millets: Dry regions (Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat). (ii) Pulses: Central and western India (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan).

🌾 Chapter 4 Exam Strategy

Crop Matrix: Create a comprehensive table of 10 major crops - type, season, conditions, producing states

Map Mastery: Practice shading different crop zones - wheat belt, rice belt, cotton belt, etc.

Comparison Skills: Be ready to compare different farming types or different crops' requirements

Current Data: Remember key statistics: 48% irrigated area, 16% GDP from agriculture, 50% workforce

Common Mistake: Don't confuse "subsistence farming" with "commercial farming" - focus on purpose and scale

⚠️ Pro Tip: "Major crops with producing states and conditions" is the single most important topic. Create flashcards with crop pictures to remember which crop grows where and why. This knowledge helps in both theory and map questions.

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