Agriculture - Class 8 Detailed Notes
Agriculture is the foundation of many economies worldwide, providing food, raw materials,
and income. In India, agriculture remains a vital sector, supporting millions of farmers,
while in developed countries like the USA, it’s highly mechanized. The process of farming
involves the cultivation of crops, rearing of animals, and management of resources like
water and soil. Here’s a more detailed exploration of agriculture.
1. Types of Farming
Farming methods can be broadly categorized based on the nature of farming, land
availability, and economic purposes. The major types of farming include subsistence
farming, commercial farming, mixed farming, and plantation farming.
a. Subsistence Farming
This form of farming is primarily practiced to produce food for the farmer’s own family, with
minimal surplus for sale. It is labor-intensive and generally practiced in regions with limited
access to technology and capital. Subsistence farming can be of two types:
• Intensive Subsistence Farming:
o This type of farming is practiced in areas with high population density and
small landholdings.
o Farmers use manual labor and high inputs like fertilizers, irrigation, and
modern tools to maximize crop yields.
o It’s commonly practiced in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
where crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables are grown.
o Example: A farmer grows wheat during the rabi season and pulses in the
kharif season.
• Extensive Subsistence Farming:
o This farming involves larger land areas and is practiced with low inputs,
often without irrigation or fertilizers.
o It requires fewer laborers, and the land is less fertile, resulting in lower
yields.
o Extensive farming is found in areas with low population density like parts of
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa.
o Example: Millets or sorghum might be grown in this system.
b. Commercial Farming
This type of farming is practiced for market-oriented production of crops and animals.
Commercial farming is highly mechanized, and the focus is on maximizing production to
sell in the market. It is practiced in regions with favorable climate, good irrigation, and
adequate capital. Some features of commercial farming include:
• Large-scale production of cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and
oilseeds.
• High capital investment in machinery and fertilizers, and often the use of
scientific methods for crop management.
• Commercial farming is commonly found in areas like Punjab, Haryana,
Maharashtra, and the Ganges Valley.
• In commercial farming, crops are grown for profit, often utilizing large farms with
modern tools and machinery to increase productivity.
c. Mixed Farming
Mixed farming refers to the simultaneous cultivation of crops and rearing of animals on
the same farm. This form of farming is a combination of both crop cultivation and livestock
farming. Mixed farming helps in ensuring a steady income for the farmer by diversifying the
production.
• Common in areas with adequate rainfall and fertile soils.
• Farmers grow crops like wheat, rice, and vegetables, while simultaneously raising
animals like cattle, goats, and chickens.
• Example: In Punjab and Haryana, farmers may grow wheat while also keeping
dairy cattle for milk production.
Advantages of mixed farming:
• Risk Reduction: Different crops and animals ensure income from multiple sources,
reducing the risk of loss if one crop fails.
• Better Soil Fertility: Manure from animals is used to enrich the soil for crops.
d. Plantation Farming
Plantation farming involves the cultivation of a single crop over a large area of land, often
requiring capital investment, and is usually carried out by large estates. It is labor-
intensive and is geared toward commercial production, often for export.
• This type of farming is typical in tropical and subtropical regions where conditions
are suitable for crops like tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, spices, and cotton.
• Large amounts of labor are required, especially in the harvesting of the crops.
• Capital investment is high due to the need for infrastructure like irrigation,
processing plants, and transportation.
Examples of plantation farming in India:
• Tea plantations in Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiris.
• Coffee in Karnataka and Kerala.
2. Crops and Their Classification
Crops can be classified based on purpose, growing season, and nutritional value. In
India, crop production varies depending on the region, monsoon season, and weather
conditions.
a. Food Crops
Food crops are grown primarily to feed the population. The major food crops in India are:
• Cereal Crops: These are staple foods and include rice, wheat, maize, and millets.
Rice is grown extensively in West Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, while wheat
is produced in the Haryana and Punjab regions.
• Pulses: These are important protein sources and include gram, lentils, pigeon
peas, and peas. Pulses are grown in regions like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Vegetables and Fruits: These are also important for food security, and major
vegetable crops in India include tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and cauliflower.
b. Cash Crops
Cash crops are grown primarily for sale and market value rather than for personal
consumption. Major cash crops in India include:
• Cotton: Grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Sugarcane: Produced in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
• Tobacco: Cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
c. Horticultural Crops
These crops include fruits and vegetables grown for local consumption and market sale.
They are grown in smaller areas and require intensive care and management.
• Major fruits include apples, bananas, mangoes, and oranges.
• Major vegetables include tomatoes, carrots, and brinjal.
3. Crop Production Steps
a. Preparation of Soil
Soil preparation is the first step in crop production and involves several processes to make
the soil more fertile and ready for planting. Methods of soil preparation include:
• Ploughing: The soil is turned over using a plough, which allows air to mix with the
soil, facilitating root growth.
• Levelling: The soil is leveled to ensure uniform distribution of water during
irrigation.
• Manuring: Adding organic matter or fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
b. Sowing
Sowing is the process of planting seeds into the soil. The timing of sowing is critical and
depends on the crop type and weather conditions. Seeds are sown using either a manual
method (broadcasting) or machine-assisted methods (seed drills or planters). Proper
spacing between seeds is essential to prevent overcrowding.
c. Irrigation
Irrigation is the supply of water to crops. There are several methods of irrigation:
• Canal Irrigation: Water from rivers or reservoirs is supplied to fields through canals.
• Well Irrigation: Farmers use wells and pumps to extract groundwater for crops.
• Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation: Modern methods used to save water and increase
efficiency, especially in dry regions.
d. Weeding
Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Weeding is done manually or using herbicides to eliminate these unwanted plants.
Regular weeding ensures that crops grow without competition.
e. Harvesting
Harvesting is the process of collecting mature crops. It can be done manually or using
machinery like combine harvesters. The timing of harvesting is crucial because crops
must be gathered when they are fully ripe to avoid loss.
f. Storage
After harvesting, crops are stored to prevent spoilage. Grains are stored in granaries or
silos, while perishable crops are kept in cold storage to maintain freshness.
4. Agricultural Challenges
Agriculture faces several challenges, including:
• Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns affect crop yield, especially in
regions dependent on the monsoon.
• Water Scarcity: Depleting groundwater levels and insufficient irrigation facilities
create challenges for farmers.
• Soil Degradation: Continuous use of the same land for farming without proper soil
management can lead to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and desertification.
• Pests and Diseases: Pests can destroy crops, and the spread of diseases can wipe
out entire harvests.
5. Innovations in Agriculture
To tackle challenges, modern technology and innovative practices are being implemented:
• Organic Farming: This method avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and relies
on natural processes to improve soil fertility.
• Genetically Modified Crops: Scientists have developed genetically modified crops
that are resistant to pests, diseases, and drought conditions.
• Drip Irrigation: Helps conserve water by delivering water directly to the plant roots.
• Precision Agriculture: Uses satellite imaging and GPS technology to monitor
crop growth and optimize farming methods.
Conclusion
Agriculture plays a critical role in food production, economic development, and rural
employment. The shift towards sustainable farming practices and innovative techniques
is essential to address challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil
degradation. The evolution of agriculture through technological advancements promises a
better future for food security and global agricultural prosperity.
