NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 13
The Story of Indian Farming
This chapter explores the history and evolution of agriculture in India, tracing farming practices from ancient times to the present day. Students learn about the diversity of crops, irrigation techniques, and the challenges facing Indian farmers. The chapter highlights the central role of agriculture in India's economy and culture.
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Key Terms
- Agriculture
- The practice of cultivating land, growing crops, and raising livestock to produce food and raw materials.
- Irrigation
- The artificial supply of water to agricultural land through canals, wells, tanks, and modern sprinkler systems to support crop growth.
- Subsistence Farming
- A type of farming where crops are grown mainly for the farmer's own consumption rather than for sale in the market.
- Kharif Crops
- Crops sown at the beginning of the monsoon season (June–July) and harvested in autumn, such as rice, cotton, and maize.
- Rabi Crops
- Crops sown in winter (October–November) and harvested in spring, such as wheat, mustard, and pulses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main farming seasons in India?▾
India has three main farming seasons: Kharif (monsoon crops like rice and cotton), Rabi (winter crops like wheat and mustard), and Zaid (short summer season crops like watermelon and cucumber).
Why is agriculture important for India?▾
Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, employing about half the workforce, providing food security, supplying raw materials to industries, and contributing significantly to the GDP.
What are the major challenges facing Indian farmers?▾
Indian farmers face challenges such as dependence on monsoon rains, small and fragmented land holdings, lack of modern technology, inadequate irrigation, debt, low market prices, and climate change.
How has farming changed in India over the centuries?▾
Farming in India evolved from slash-and-burn shifting cultivation in ancient times to settled agriculture with iron ploughs, then to the Green Revolution with high-yield seeds and fertilizers, and now toward sustainable and precision farming methods.
What is the significance of rivers for Indian agriculture?▾
Rivers provide water for irrigation through canals and wells, deposit fertile alluvial soil during floods, and support millions of farmers in the plains. Major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Krishna are lifelines for agriculture.
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