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GEOGRAPHY

AGRICULTURE STD 10

1. Name the food crops of India. Cereals like rice, wheat, maize; millets and pulses.

2.Name the cash crops of India.

Sugarcane, oilseeds, cotton, jute, tobacco, tea, coffee, rubber

3.Name the beverage crops of India .

Tea and coffee .

4.Name the fibre crops of India.

Cotton and jute

Food Crops

RICE

1.What are the geographical conditions (Temperature, Rainfall, Soil) required for the cultivation of rice?

Temperature: 22° C to 32° C with bright sunshine. 27° C is ideal for ripening Rainfall: 150cms to 300cms~ If irrigation is available, less rainfall is required.

Fields must be flooded in the first few weeks after it has been sown. Frequent

showers before ripening, helps to increase the size of the size of the grain. There

must be no rain at the time of harvesting. Soil: Alluvial soil with a sub-soil of impervious clay which prevents the water from draining away and allows it to stagnate in the fields.

2.What are the various methods of sowing?

A] Broadcasting: The seeds are sown by hand over the soil. This method is practiced

where labour is scarce and soil is not very fertile.

B.Dibbling: The seeds are dropped by hand at regular intervals in ploughed

furrows. This method is common in the Northern Plains.

C] Drilling: The seeds are soaked for 24hrs before they are sown to enable quick

germination. They are then dropped in a straight line at regular intervals in

furrows through a bamboo shaft attached to the plough. In this method there is no

wastage of seeds but it requires more time and labour.

D] Transplanting: After the seeds have been soaked in water for 24hrs, they are

sown in nurseries kept under water. After 5-6 weeks when the plants are 15-

20cms high, they are uprooted in bunches and transplanted in parallel rows at

regular intervals inflooded fields and left to grow till they mature. This

method uses less water and increases the yield. But, it is laborious involving a

lot of labour.

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3.What is the Japanese method of cultivating rice? Why is it the best method?

The Japanese method involves: a] The use of better quality seeds. Japonica gives a high yield and can be harvested in 95 days. b] The seeds are sown in raised nursery beds c] Seeds are transplanted in rows to facilitate fertilizing, weeding and harvesting d] Irrigation is done regularly to ensure the required supply of water during the period of growth. e] Heavy manuring is done both in the nursery and in the field. - Advantage: This method has increased the yield three fold. 4.What is Jhumming? Why should it be discouraged?

It is a method of growing rice in North East India. It is shifting cultivation of the

slash-and-burn kind. It is a wasteful method which Ieads.to soil erosion and is therefore discouraged.

5. How is rice harvested?

Rice is harvested by hand using a sickle and allowed to 'dry in the field for

three or four days. It is then threshed by beating the paddy against a hard rock or

against a board across a wooden tub so that the grain faIls into the tub. It is also

done by making bullocks trample the paddy under their feet.

6.How is rice processed?

Rice can be pounded with a wooden pestle in a wooden mortar. This method

preserves the nutrients in the rice. Rice can be polished in a rice mill where it

passes between varying sets of hullers and rollers. Rice loses much of its nutritive

value when polished.

7. What is India's rank among countries of the world in the cultivation of rice?

India is the second largest producer of rice in the world.

8. What is the importance of rice in Indian agriculture?

Rice is the most important crop of India and is widely cultivated throughout India.

It is the staple food for millions of Indians.

9. Name the varieties of Rice.

IR-20, Vijaya , Pankai, Ratna , Sona.

10. What is the difference between upland and lowland rice?

/ Upland-Rice Lowland Rice -Grown in terraced fields on hill slopes -Grown in flat low-lying areas

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- Cultivated without irrigation. Depends - Needs irrigation

during sowing

on rainfall. and harvesting.

-Cultivated without irrigation. Depends -Needs irrigation during sowing

on rainfall. and harvesting.

- Sown in March-April - Sown in June

Harvested in September-October Harvested in October-

November

-Used only for local consumption - Most of the rice in India is of lowland variety

11. Name the rice producing states of lndia?

Tamil Nadu (largest producer of rice)

West Bengal (second largest producer)

Bihar, U.P , Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.

12.Name the three crops of rice harvested in West Bengal?

A 1 Aus or autumn crop is sown in May-June and harvested in

September-October

B] Arnan or winter crop(the most important)sown in June-July

C] Boro or summer crop is sown in Nov-Dec and harvested in Mar-April. Grown in marshy land.

13.Name the most imp. Kharif crop.

RICE

14. Why does India import its rice inspite of being the second largest producer of rice in the world? This is because of its huge population.

15. Why is the yield of rice poor in our country? 1) Lack of assured and timely rainfall or irrigation water in the rice growing areas 2) Low level of soil fertility and inadequate use of fertilizers

3) Use of poor quality seeds

4) Inefficient methods of cultivation

5) Losses caused by pests.

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WHEAT

1. What are the geographical conditions (temperature, rainfall, soil) required for the

cultivation of wheat?

Temperature:10°C-15°C and 20°C--25°C at the time of ripening

Rainfall: 50cm to l00cm during the growing season. Less is required if irrigation

is available. A little ram before ripening helps to improve the quality of the grain.

However, too much rain: is harmful as it causes mildew

Soil: Clayey loamy soil or black soil which should contain some amount of lime

and be rich in humus:

2 Name the most important Rabi crop of India/Staple food of North

India.

Wheat

3. How and when is wheat a] Sown b]Harvested?

A] Wheat is sown in Oct-Nov just after the rains so that the soil is moist enough

for the growth of the plant and can be easily ploughed. Seeds are sown either by Broadcasting, Dibbling or Drilling. .

B]Wheat is harvested in March either by hand using a sickle or by machines.

Threshing and win

Name the diseases that wheat is susceptible to?

Rust and Smut

nowing cont

5. Name the different varieties of wheat ?

Emmer, Sonalika, Kalyan Sona, Choti Lerma

6. What is th ediffernce between the cultivation of wheat and rice? WHEAT RICE

Rabi Crop -Kharif Crop

-cool temp 10°C-15°C -High temp 18°C-32°C

-Light rain 50cm - 100cm -heavy rain 150cm-300cm

-Sown in Oct after rains -Sown in June when rain begins

-harvested in march just before summer - harvested after rains

inues till the end of March.

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7 .Where does India rank in the production of wheat?

India is the fourth largest producer wheat in the world.

8. What are the areas where wheat is produced? Western D.P. (largest producer), Punjab, Haryana, H.P., Rajasthan, Gujarat,

Maharashtra.

9. Give two man-made factors that favour the cultivation of wheat in Punjab?

1) The Bhakra Nangal Dam And canals made by man ensures constant supply of

water. The power supplied by the Bhakra Nangal Project is used to operate the

tube well. The flat level land allows the farmer to use a combined harvester to

harvest his crop.

10~ Why does the wheat farmer practice crop rotation

Wheat is a rabi crop so by growing kharif crops-

1) The· farmer's family requirements of cereal, pulses and oil are met 2) It ensures against crop pests and diseases . .

3) It helps in maintaining the fertility of the soil

11. Why has there been an increase in the production of wheat in the recent years?

1) Use of High yielding variety seeds

2) Adequate irrigation by canals and tube wells

3) Use of chemical fertilizers

4) Use of pesticides to protect the crop from pests & diseases

5) Development of rust resistant wheat

12. Give Reasons A]Wheat is not grown in the Thar region

B]Brahmaputra Valley is unsuitable for the cultivation of wheat

A] Wheat needs temperature between 10°C-15°C and 20°C-25°C with

plenty sunshine at the time of ripening. It needs rainfall of 50cms to 100cms during the growing season. Winter rain is

beneficial.

Wheat grows well in clayey, loamy soil or black soil with some amount of lime

&humus . The Thar region has high temp. hardly any rainfall and the soil is sandy

without any humus. Therefore wheat cannot be grown there.

B]Wheat needs light rainfall of 50cm to 100cms most of it in winter. The

Brahmaputra valley gets over 200cmsof rain & all of it in summer.

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MILLETS

1. What are millets? Name three millets ? "

Millets is a common name for certain species of the grass family. The main

varieties grown in India are Jowar, Bajra,Ragi.· .

2.What is the importance of millets in Indian agriculture?

The protein content in millets is as high as .it.is in wheat. The grain is used as

food by human beings while the leaves and stalks are used 'as fodder for livestock

3. What are the climatic and soil conditions which favors the

cultivation of millets? ....

Temperature: 27°C-32°C. Millets are both Kharif and Rabi .crops. They can survive high heat 'and drought conditions.

Rainfall: 50cm-120cm. They can survive even if it does not rain much.

Soil: Inferior alluvial soil where it is not possible to grow rice,Jowar needs

. medium or deep black soil.

4. Why are millets known as dry crops?

This is because they can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions.

5. Name the millet-producing states '. ,..' .

Jowar and Bajra: Gujarat, 'Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,

Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.

Ragi: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

6. 'Why are millets known as hardy crops? This is because they are resistant to heat and drought during the growing season.

7. What is the common feature of all millets? A common feature of nearly all of them is that their seeds are round and very

small and borne in large numbers on short stalks at the top of the stem.

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PULSES

1.What are pulses? .

Pulses include lentils like chana" tur, masur. Urad, moong and peas.

2. State the importance of pulses in Indian agriculture?

1) Pulses form the chief source of protein with high nutritive value for the . .. Vegetarian. .

2) They are leguminous plants and so help to restore the fertility of the soil in which they are grown ..

3) The leaves and stalks are used as fodder for livestock.

3. What are the climatic and soil conditions which favour the cultivation of pulses

Temperature: 20°C-25°C. Pulses are Kharif' crops in the north and rabi crops in

the south.

Rain: 50-75cms .Too much rainfall after sowing and during flowering is damaging

Soil: Dry, light soil.

4. Name the states that produce pulses.

Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar,

Tamil Nadu.

5. When are pulses sown and harvested? Pulses are sown from mid-October to November. The crop matures in 150 days.

The plants are pulled out when the leaves become dry and begin to shed. .

They are dried for about a week and threshed by trampling. them under the feet of bullocks or by beating them with sticks.· .

6. Why are pulses considered a good rotation crop for rice?

They are leguminous plants possessing root nodules, which fix and utilize

atmospheric nitrogen. hi this way they help to restore fertility of the soil in which

they are grown. Therefore they play an important part in rotation of crops.

7. State the importance of pulses in a vegetarian diet?

They form the chief source of protein with high nutritive value for the vegetarian

population.

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OILSEEDS

1.What are oil seeds? ,

Those seeds from which oil is extracted for various purposes, is known as oilseeds. 2. What is the economic importance of oilseeds?

Oil extracted from oilseeds in mills or in village guanis provide employment to

innumerable people both in urban and rural areas.

Oil seeds are exported thereby earning foreign exchange.

2.What are the uses of Oilseeds?

Used us a cooking medium.

Used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, lubricants and seasoning wood.

Leaves and stalks of the plant and the oilcake can be used as cattle and poultry

feed and as manure.

4.What is oilcake? What is it used for? , ' "

Oilcake-is the residue left after the oil has been extracted from the oilseed. It is used

as cattle-and poultry feed as well as manure.

5.Name the two varieties of groundnuts. ' ,

Bunch type which grows vertically 30-40 cms high where seed pods develop underground. ' , Runner type which is shorter, widespread and grows horizontally. At the time of

flowering, flower stalks bend down and seed pods enter the soil-and mature

underground.

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6.Why are groundnuts grown as rotation crops?

Because it adds valuable nitrogen to the soil

7. Name the non-edible oilseeds.

Castor seed and Linseed

8: Name the oilseed whose residue is poison for animals.

Castor seed. ,

9. Tabulate the geographical requirements, metil0d of cultivation' economic

importance and areas I states that grow the following oilseeds

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SUGARCANE

1. What is the importance of sugarcane in Indian agriculture?

Sugarcane belongs to the grass family. It has a thick jointed stem,

Which contains the cane sugar, The juice can be taken as a drink or made into sugar,

jaggery or khandsari. . The by-products of sugar are very useful. Bagasse is used to make paper, cattle

feed, fuel for mills-and cardboard; molasses for power alcohol.

Fertilizers, yeast and rum; and press mud of wax. and shoe polish. . It supports the pesticide and fertilizer industries.

Sugar factories provide employment to over a million 'workers India is the second largest sugarcane producer in the world .

2. What are climatic and soil conditions which favour the cultivation of sugarcane?

Temperature: 20°C-30°C. Temperature above 50°C arrests its growth and temperature below 20°C slows down its growth.

Rain: 75-120cms. It cannot withstand frost. For ripening it needs a cool dry season.

Soil: A medium heavy loam is ideal-In northern India it is cultivated on clay loams

and alluvial soil while in south India it is cultivated on brown or reddish loams, black

cotton soil and laterites.

3. How is sugarcane grown?

Sugarcane is sown by three methods:

1) Sugarcane can be grown by sowing its seeds. 2) Stalk cuttings of two or three joints, known as setts are taken from well manured, erect arid health canes and planted in furrows or trenches. The plant . starts to grow in about two weeks.

3) By ratooning. Ratoon is a shoot from the root stock of sugarcane which has been cut. The cane is cut loose to the ground , leaving the roots in the soil, which grows as the next crop.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of ratoon crop?

The advantages are: 1. Ratoons mature earlier than plant crops 2. It is cheaper for nothing has to be spent on preparatory cultivation of seeds 3. It saves on labour.

The disadvantages are: 1. Each successive ratoon crop diminishes in yield because the plant exhausts

the soil. 2. Ratoons are more susceptible to pests and diseases.

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5. What does the farmer have to do to ensure a good crop of sugarcane?

OR Why is there a lot of labour involved in the growing of sugarcane? The fanner must:

1) Clear the land of all vegetative growth before planting 2) Add cattle manure and compost to the soil well in advance of planting

3) Remove the weed and pile soil around the plants as they grow, to help

underground parts of the stem to grow and to form buds, out of which new stems begin to

grow. 4) Maintain optimum soil moisture during all stages of growth

5) Use pesticides to guard the plant against the insects like moths, white flies, black

bugs, grubs, borers and diseases like smut, red rot, ratoon stunting and rust.

6) Remove the lower leaves so that air can circulate through the plants. 6. How and when is sugarcane harvested? .

The sugarcane plant is ready to be harvested 'when the-lower-leaves begin to wither and

there are fewer green leaves at the top and before it begins to flower If the caneis eksali then it

takes a year to mature, an adsali takes 18 months. In northern India, the sugarcane ripens by early December.The cane is cut at ground level, after digging down the earthed-up ridges, as there is heavy sugar content-there. 7 How is sugarcane processed?

The cane is 'cut, the leaves stripped off.and the top of the stalk is cut. Once cut, The cane must be treated within 48 hrs or the sugar content will fall. Sugarcane juice is extracted by crushing the. cane in-crushers; operated by bullocks, oil engines or electric motors. The extracted juice boiled-with lime without delay and filtered. An evaporator and a vacuum pan remove much of the water from it. It is then made into a syrup, which is made into jaggery, sugar or Khandsari

8. Name the leading sugarcane producing states. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab.Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

Two sugar research centres are at Coimbatore and Lucknow.

9.What is the difference between the sugar plantations of North India and South India?

North India South india I

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• Small farms • Well planned plantations

• Outdated techniques • Modern scientific agricultural

methods

• Old-fashioned sugar mills far from • Sugar factories are located close to

plantations plantations

• Government fixes prices not • Capital investment is great due to

depending on quality sugar lobby.

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10. Why should sugar factories be located close to sugarcane fields?

Because once cut, the cane must be treated within 48 hours or the sugar content will fall.

Also it saves on transport costs.

11 Though the yield per hectare is higher in south India, the area under sugarcane is

more in North India. Why is this so? North India has flat level plains where it is. easier to cultivate than the rugged hard plateau of South India. Tube wells arid canals in North India make it easier to cultivate sugarcane under irrigation.

12. What are the problems of sugarcane fanners?

Sugarcane. is a soil-exhausting crop needing a large quantity of manure for Fertilization. The sugarcane farmer depends on canal irrigation, Canals are often non-: perennial so the supply of water-is-uncertain Monsoons are unreliable

Very often specially in the north the farms far away from the factories. A

delay of more than 48 hours between, harvesting and crushing results in decreased sugar content. .' ,

Cultivation of sugar on very small farms is uneconomical for the fanner. • . The government regardless of its quality, which does not provide incentive to the

farmer; fixes the price of sugarcane. Number of factories are less than the production of cane so sugarcane is

wasted.

13. What steps has the government taken to overcome the problems of sugarcane farmers? . .

Several fertilizer plants have been set up.:

Large water reservoirs have been constructed to insure a more dependable 'supply of water

In the Ganga plains, loans have been provided to farmers to construct tube wells. Co-operative societies have been established to provide support to the fanners where

together they can take concrete measures to improve the yield and quality of sugarcane.

Steps have been taken by the government to consolidate small agricultural farms into larger ones.

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RUBBER

1.What is natural rubber?

It is the Coagulated sticky milk or latex of the rubber tree, a native of the Amazon

forest known as HEVEA BRASILIENSIS ,.

2. Who started rubber plantations in India.

The British in 1902 when the seed was brought from brazil.

3. Where was the first plantation?

In Kerala on the banks of the Periyar River.

4. What is the importance of the rubber in Indian Agriculture?

The economic importance of rubber arises from its elastic and insulating

properties. It is also waterproof and airtight. It is for these reasons that rubber is

so widely used. It is used in the manufacture of automobile tyres, tubes, soles of shoes, sports goods, cushions, mattresses and insulating material for 'wires and

cables.

5. What are the geographical conditions that favour the cultivation of rubber? - Temperature: 21°C-35°C. Temperatures below 20°C are unfavourable. Rain: 175-300cms, well distributed throughout the year.

Soil: Alluvial soil from which virgin forests have been cleared or laterite soils which are porous and well drained.

6. What is the difference between propagation of rubber by seeds and propagation by bud grafting?

-Propagation by seeds produces standard, healthy planting material as it is

possible to exercise intensive care when the seeds are planted in nurseries.

Besides. plants, which are found to be unsuitable, can be eliminated at an early

stage.

Propagation by cloning or bud grafting ensures that the characteristics of a good

"mother" tree are transmitted to a vast number of trees.

7. Why is there a lot of labour involved in the growing of rubber?

The fanner has to:

a. Clear the plantation site of all growth and level it.

b. Construct drains on the plantation area, which must be on a hill slope, to

drain out surplus water.

c. Plant cover crops after the plantation is ready.

d. Plant leguminous creepers to conserve the soil.

e. Get skilled workers to ~ the rubber trees.

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8. How are rubber trees tapped?

Rubber trees are tapped to get the latex from the bark of the tree. Tapping is a

process of controlled wounding during which thin shavings of the bark are

removed. The tapper makes the first cut between one and one and a half meters

from the ground at an angle of 30°C to the horizontal. The cut, which is about

2mm deep, is deep enough to sever the latex tube but net-damage-the cambium.

Tapping cuts extends to half the circumference of the tree and slope down to

the

right. The cut leads to a-vertical' groove, to the base of which, a zinc spout is

fixed. Below the spout a Coconut shell is placed to collect the latex. Latex is .'

collected after 2-3'hours and-emptied into clean buckets and-carried to the

estate

factory where crude rubber is extracted.

8. How is rubber processed? . . . . '.'

Preparation-of commercial rubber consists of 3 processes: coagulation, pressing, smoking or drying.

After the latex has been collected, by tapping the rubber trees, it is taken to the

factory shed 'where .it is weighed, strained to remove impurities and coagulated

into soft, spongy blocks by adding formic or acetic acid 'to it The coagulum is

passed between a series of rollers to squeeze out the water. The wet sheets are

then hung on reapers in shade to get rid of excess water and then moved into

smoke houses for drying at a temperature of either 43°C or 60°C The sheets are

then graded and packed in bales of known weight and then marketed.

Sometimes part of the fresh latex is put into machines called separators, which remove part of the water from the latex. Ammonia or some other preservative

keeps the latex from coagulating. The liquid latex IS marketed in drums.

10. Name the rubber-producing states. ' Kerala (accounts for 90% of the total area under rubber), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,

Andamanand Nicobar Islands. Parts of West Bengal. Orrisa., Maharashtra,

Karnataka and'N.E parts of India are potential regions for rubber-cultivation.

11. What is synthetic rubber? Where in India do we have synthetic rubber plants?

Synthetic rubber is made from benzene and ethyl alcohol, which are obtained from steel plants and the sugar industry respectively,

There is a synthetic rubber plantation Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh and one at Vadodara in Gujarat.

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12. What is vulcanized rubber?' Vulcanisation is adding. sulphur during the processing of rubber and is important

for the production of tyres, hoses and conveyor belts. During vulcanization the

heat causes the sulphur to combine with the rubber and cure it. This makes the rubber stronger, more durable and gives hardness and elasticity to rubber.

13. What does the yield of rubber tree depend upon?

Rubber is subject to the influence of soil, climate and rainfall and therefore its

character varies from plantation to plantation. The yield also depends upon the

type of material planted and the skill of the tapper. .

14.'Give geographical reasons for. .

. a). Kerala is the leading state-in 'the production 'of rubber.

Rubber grows, best under the following conditions, which. prevail in Kerala : Temperature: 21°C-35°C.The temperature must fall below 27°C.

Rain : 200cm-400cm, well distributed throughout the year. . Soil:Alluvial soil··from which virgin forest has been cleared or laterite soils which are porous and well drained. .... . ',' ,

b) Cover crops are planted on rubber plantations.

To keep down the soil temperature during summer, to conserve the soil by providing

the soil with humus and nitrogen and to provide additional income till the rubber trees reach maturity. '. ,

c) Leguminous plants are grown on-rubber plantations. ,

To conserve the' soil for it adds nitrogen 'to the 'soil and to keep down the soil . temperature during summer. .

d) Tappers .have to be skilled workers.

The tapper has to be skilled enough to make a cut deep enough to sever the latex tube _

but not damage the cambium, which is a paper like skin between the bark and the wood of the tree. . .

e) Tapping is done in the mornings

The latex flows freely and there are fewer chances of it raining.

15. What are the advantages of propagating rubber by (a) seeds (b) bud grafting?

(a)Propagation by seeds produces standard. healthy planting material, as it is

possible to exercise intensive care when the seeds are planted in nurseries.

Besides, plants, which are found to be unsuitable; can be eliminated at an early stage. ." '. . '. - .: . .:' ..•. ,

(b )Propagation by cloning or bud grafting ensures that the characteristics of a

good "mother" tree are transmitted to a vast number of trees

16. a) How many years does a rubber tree yield latex?

b) How many trees can a worker tap in one morning?

c) How many days in a year can a rubber tree be tapped?

a) 25-30 years. b) 250-400 trees c) 250-300 days

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TEA

Q.l Mention the climatic conditions required for the growing of tea?

Ans. Temp: 13-35°C. Average of 25°C is suitable.

Humidity: - High humidity, heavy dew and morning fog promote growth

if healthy leaves.

Rainfall: Annual rainfalI (range) 150-350cm (well distributed)

Soil- Well drained mountain soil, light, loamy, porous rich in nitrogen

and iron/ laterite like the soil found in Assam

Q.2 Name two areas which are favourable for the growth of tea?

Ans. The slopes of hills as in Nilgiris (South India) and the Assam Valley

are ideal sites as stagnant water near the roots are harmful. .

Q.3 Why are shade trees planted alternately with rows of tea-shrubs? Ans. l. Frost is injurious to the plant

2. To save the bushes from extreme heat of the sun. Q.4 What is pruning?

Ans It is the process involved in cutting/trimming the ends of the lateral

branches of the tea plant. .

Q.5 Why is it necessary to prune the bush at regular intervals?

Ans In order to maintain the proper height of the bush at a level of

metre, as the leaves have to be hand plucked to ensure growth of

new sprouts.

Q.6 What is plucking? Ans The act of pulling out a young shoot comprising two leaves and a

bud i.e. an unopened leaf between first and second leaf is called (fine) plucking. This is done mostly by women-and, young girls on the tea estates. This section of the population has skilled, manipulative tender fingers. It is not done with machines. It is done in the early hours of the morning.

Q.7 At what time of the day does plucking begin? Ans It is done early in t he morning,

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Q.8 Describe the various stages involved in the processing of tea?

Ans l. Withering Stage:.

Moisture is removed from the tea leaves by blowing heated air over

leaves that are spread on wire or bamboo trays. It takes one or two days

till the leaves turn soft and flexible.

2.Rolling Stage

The soft and dried leaves are now passed through a rolling machine with flat

circular rollers. When rolled the leaves are pressed and curled, rolling also

breaks the leaf cells and exposes the juice to the air for fermentation to set in.

This is what gives tea its characteristic flavor

3. Fermentation Stage:-

At this stage the tannin in the leaves is partly oxidized in a room under controlled

humidity and temperature. The leaves are spread out on glass special trays. Now

the colour of tea changes from green to bright copper red.

4. Drying Stage:- ,

The fermented tea leaves are then dried in large air-heated ovens-at temp.70°C-75°C

for 25 minutes. The leaves are then passed through a cutting machine where tea

leaves are cut into different sizes, large, medium, small and broken.

5.Grading/Sorting/Sifting:-

At this stage tea leaves are separated and graded by passing them through special

sifters fixed with meshes of varying sizes.

Q.9 Which is the most crucial stage in the processing of tea? '

Ans Firming/Drying stage: If the temperatures, are too hot the leaves will be scorched

and if temperatures are too cold the leaves may not dry properly.

Q.10 What is "Blending" of tea? , " , '

Ans. Blending of tea means mixing tea leaves of" different taste, quality collected from

different tea gardens to produce the right brand of tea to satisfy the consumer:

This job is entrusted to a team of tea-tasters.

Q.ll Mention the three varieties of tea?

Ans The three varieties of tea are:-a) Black (b) Green (c) Oolong , India grows the black variety

Q.12 How is tea graded? "

Ans Tea is graded on the basis of the size and appearance of the leaves.

.. ,,""". ':,"'."

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Q.13 How is the tea plant sown/propagated? Ans (i) The seeds that resemble hazel nuts are sown in the nursery beds. They

germinate and grow for mine to twelve months. They are then transplanted in the

tea garden.

(ii) Another method is clonal planting Cuttings from good .high yielding plants

are first grown in nurseries till they are transplanted in tea gardens, 'Clonal planting' is

the more popular method.

Q.14 How long does a tea plant take to mature?

Ans A 'tea plant/shrub takes three to five years 'to mature & remain productive for

about fifty years.

Q.15 Name the state in order of ranks which produce tea on a large scale? Ans Assam is the largest producer of the tea (more than 50% of tea is grown in Surma

Valley of Assam). West Bengal ranks second and Tamil Nadu (hill slopes of

Nilgiris) ranks third

Q16 Why is tea packed in chests made of plywood?

Ans Tea is packed in sealed chests made of plywood and lined with aluminium foil to

protect it from damp moisture. It is also packed in this manner to ensure that tea

does not lose its flavour, . . " ~ .

Q.17 Name the largest tea exporting port in the world? Ans Kolkata, tea for N.E is brought to this port by river transport and railway. Ans Kochi being nearer, to the tea producing areas is better. It reduces the

transportation cost. There is a better network of roads and railways. . The backwaters of KeraIa are used for transportation of tea.

Q.19 Mention two centres famous for tea auction in fudia?' Ans Calcutta: tea grown in North-East India

Kochi: tea grown in South India.

Q.20 Name an area in the North-east and one in the south which produces flavoured tea?

'. Ans. Darjeeling/North-east) and Nilgiris (south) are famous for flavoured tea

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.

Q.21 State the importance of this beverage/cash/plantation crop to the economy of the

country?' . .' .' .... . .'. ,'"

Ans -Being a labour intensive' industry it provides employment to millions of people'

which include men, women and young girls. . .'

-It supports the plywood, fertilizer and transport industry

- It earns foreign exchange for the country.

Q.22 How is Assam tea different from Darjeeling tea? Why is it mixed with other tea?

Ans Assam tea is pungent tea. whereas Darjeeling . tea is known for its exquisite

flavour. It is blended with other tea to-give it added strength and colour.

Q.23 What is the difference between Orthodox tea and CTC tea?

Ans The difference between the two lies in the method of processing.

Orthodox Teat- The tea leaves are processed by withering, rolling, fermenting

and drying whereas CTC tea - the leaves are passed through a machine that works

on the leaves crushing, tearing and curling them.

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COFFEE

Q.l What type of a crop is coffee?

Ans, Coffee is a Beverage Plantation Cash Crop.

Q.2 Mention the three varieties of coffee commercially grown?

Ans a) Arabica:- superior and expensive variety of coffee

b)Robusta:- cheaper variety, the cost of production of this variety is less.

c)Liberica:- cultivated in a small area. It is used to make instant coffee.

Q.3 What are thegeographical'reqnirements.for the growth of coffee?

Ans. Temperatute:- should be ranging between l5 to 28°C throughout the year.

Frost free environment.

Direct raysof the sun are harmfui as it.is grown in the shade of trees.

In its early stages of growth it needs to be protected from hot.dry winds.

Rainfall:- 125cm- 250 cms throughout the year.

Soil:-. Well drained, weathered volcanic soil, red and laterite soil. The presence

of humus is essential.

.

Topography:- grows on hill slopes at elevation ranging from 500mts to 1800mts.

Q.4 Describe in detail the method of sowing coffee?

Ans. Firstly the land is cleared of all unwanted vegetation. The slopes are terraced and contour drains are provided, . -

a Coffee seeds are planted in nursery beds

b. After six months to two years they are transplanted in larger coffee estates/fields between furrows(during rainy season)

c. Shelter belts of silver oak/ jackfruit are planted one year in

advance to give shade to the young coffee plants.

Q.5 Why are coffee plants pruned regularly? .

Ans. The shrubs grow up to ·6 metres but they are pruned to about 3 metres 'as it makes

it easier to pluck the berries by hand. The branches are pruned to help the. growth

of fresh stem that will bear new fruits in the coming year.

Q.6· Why are coffee estates' inter planted with orange trees, cardamoms and pepper

vines? ..

Ans. . This is done to fetch additional income for farmers.

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Q.7 Mention the two ways in which coffee is processed? Describe each? Ans, . The two methods are.-

(a) Plantation/Parchment method-

Beans are obtained by pulping the berries. The skin is removed. The

beans are then run through a series if fermenting and washing tanks. They

are then dried and left to cure. Hulling machine removes the parchment. (b)Cherry or Native method-

The berries are dried in the sun to remove outer covering. The seeds are

pounded to remove their parchment - like skin.

Q.8 Why are coffee beans roasted after being sorted?

Ans Roasting gives coffee its brown color and the pleasing familiar aroma, flavour and

taste.

For overseas export roasting and final processing is done in the importing country

because the more freshly roasted the beans, the better the coffee. Q.9 Name the three major coffee producing states in order of importance along with the areas? Ans. Kamataka - (Largest producer) Chikamagalur, Coorg(lst coffee planatation set

up in Chikamagalur)

Tamil Nadu - Annaimalai, Nilgiri, Palni hills. Kerala - Annaimalai, Cardammom hills

Q.l0 Mention the problems associated with coffee cultivation in India?

Ans The present yield of coffee is low-pests, inadequate use of manure.

The quality of coffee fluctuates from year to year.

There is stiff competition from countries producing coffee e.g. Kenya, Brazil.

Q.ll Name the port used for exporting coffee? Ans Mangalore Port is used for exporting coffee to U.K., France; Germany.

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COTTON

Q.l Which is the mostimportant/extensivelycultivated fibre crop of India?

Ans The Cotton Plant (Shrub).

Q 2 What are the geographical requirements of cotton cultivation?

Ans -Temperature - 21°C - 30°C and plenty of sunshine during the growing and ripening period. .

-Rainfall- 50 - 80cm which is well distributed during the growing period.

-Soil- Black cotton soil of the Deccan Plateau which is water retentive.

Q.3 Why is dry weather necessary. at the time of harvesting'[ .

Ans Dry weather is essential for the development of boll during the fruiting stage. Rain may result in the

fibre becoming moulding and discoloured. This is also the reason why cotton grows best on

irrigated land in hot climate.

Q4 What determines the quality of cotton?

Ans The quality of cotton depends on length of fibres, fineness, strength and colour.

Q.5 What does staple mean? Ans It refers to the length of the tint that develops in cotton bolls. Most of the cotton grown in India is

short staple variety. It is the long staple variety which is considered to be the best.

Q.6 What are the two methods of sowing cotton seeds?

Ans The methods are:- 1) Broadcasting 2) Drilling(More Popular) Q.7 When is the crop harvested?

Ans The crop are harvested in October. The bolls are picked entirely by hand.

Q.8Mention the crops rotated with cotton?·

Ans The crops are oil-seeds - legumes and various cereals. Q.9 Name the disease that affects the cotton plant?

Ans. Wilt

Q.10 Name 2 pests that can destroy the cotton plant?

Ans Boll worm and Boll weevds.

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Q.l1 Explain the term Ginning? Ans The raw cotton has to pass through a process called ginning. The seeds are separated from the lent/fibres.

Q.12 Describe the method/process of marketing cotton? Ans Marketing of cotton begins as soon as the. crop is harvested.

The seeds are separated from the lint.

The processed cotton is packed in bales and stored.

The bales are transported to the terminal markets to be sold.

Q.13 Why are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab the leading cotton producing states?

Ans They are the leading cotton producing states because they have the following favourable

factors:-

a)Temperature: 20°C to 32°C Plenty of sunshine is available for its growth, ripening and picking.

b)These places receive about 50-120cm of rainfall which is well distributed during its time of growth.

c)Water-retentive soil i.e. Regur Soil is available in these states.

d)Cheap manual labour is found in. abundance for processes such as sowing, picking, ginning and

packing.

Q.14 Name the leading cotton growing states of south India? Ans The leading states are Kamataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,

Q.15 State the uses of cotton plant? Ans . The oil extracted from the cotton-seed is used in the preparation of Margarine and soap, in the

manufacture of vanaspati, for pharmaceutical purpose, residue is Used for cattle feed the oil cake is

used as manure whereas the fibre is spun into thread ready to be woven into fabrics, the short

fibres are used in the manufacture of synthetics. Q.16 Name the state which accounts for highest yield of long staple cotton?

Ans.Punjab has the highest yield.

Q.17 Mention problems faced by Indian cotton cultivators? Ans l.Rains during the time of ripening may discolour the fibre and make it mouldy. Also rain during the picking time damages the crop. 2.Strong winds and stormy weather conditions may lead to premature falling of cotton pods. 3.Diseases like wilt and pests like boll-worm and boll weevil, damage the plant. 4.Somtimes there may be shortage of abundant cheap labour during the

picking season.

JUTE

Q.l What are geographical requirements of jute?

Ans. l.Temperature - 21° C- 35°C

2.Rainfall- 170 -200cm evenly distributed rainfall. Jute requires plenty of water during its growth and

processing.

3.Soil:Clayey,loamy, non-porous, fertile. deltaic alluvial soil which is rich in humus, potash and

lime. It is best if the soil is replenished because jute plant depletes soil fertility rapidly.

4. Land- should be flat

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Q.2 Name the states where jute is grown extensively?

Ans West Bengal, Bihar and Assam grow jute extensively.

Q.3 What are the methods of sowing jute?

Ans The methods of sowing jute are t- l.Broadcasting over the soil.

2.Dibbling into furrows.

3.Drilling is the most popular method

4. Transplanting.

Q.4 Which area is best suited to the growth of jute?

Ans Ganga - Brahmaputra delta region because the soil is clayey, loamy, and fertile. The soil is

replenished every year by the deposition of fresh sediments brought down by the rivers. In this

area the land is flat and levelled.

Q.5What is the growing season for jute in tenus of time?

Ans The jute plant takes 4 to 6 months to filature and it is harvested when it starts to flower.

Q.6 How is the Jute plant harvested? . Ans. The plants are cut dose to the ground. The plants are sometimes uprooted, if the ground is flooded

or water logged. A small portion of the plant is not harvested so that the plants may mature further to produce seeds that may be used in the following year.

Q 7 Name the process that the jute has to pass through after being harvested? , Ans.1)Drying - plants are left in the field for three days so that they shed the leaves. 2)Tying - the stems are tied into bundles without the leaves.

3)Retting - is a microbiological process wherein the stems are immersed i.e, each bundle of stalks'

of jute plants without the leaves are submerged in gently flowing clean soft river water. This is

done to separate the long strands of fibre from the bark easily. The fibre thus slips' off the bark

easily

4)About ten/twelve stems are taken together and beaten with a mallet so that the fibre loosens from

the inner bark. .' .

5)The fibres are then washed in clean water, and also hung to remove extra water

6)Further the fibres are dried in the sun and then arranged into bundles.

7)The bundles are sorted out according to their quality.

8)Quality wise they are packed and pressed into bales.

Q.8Why is Jute called "brown paper of wholesale trade"? Ans.It is so called because - . .-

Gunny bags - (cloth made of jute) is used for packing material. ,

Jute sacks - are used for packing commodities such as rice, wheat, fertilizer, cement etc. . .

It is Widely used in the wholesale trade being the cheapest coarse fabric.

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Q.9 By what other name is jute popularly known? , Ans ‘Golden fibre of India' because it is an important foreign exchange earner and it has golden brown

colour,

Q.1O What makess jute a versatile fibre'? Ans Gunny bags - made out of Hessian are used for packing. Jute sacks are used for packing rice, wheat, fertilizers, cement.

It earns important foreign exchange.

It is used in the manufacture of carpets, rugs, tarpaulins, twines; ropes, making upholstery, furnishing

materials and decorative items.

Dried stalks are used as fuel.

Recently it has been used as binding material in construction of roads.

Q.ll Name the most important port for jute? Ans Calcutta is the most important port for jute. It is also the world's most important jute manufacturing

centre.

Q.12 What is the present status of the production of jute? Ans Today production of jute has extended to states other than West Bengal, Assam and Bihar. Today stiff competition is offered by Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt and Thailand in the international market.

Q.13 Name a crop which can substitute Jute? Ans Mesta which is coarser than jute and can tolerate drier conditions. It is used in the manufacturing of

coarser bags/sacks. It is grown in Assam, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa aid Tamil Nadu.

Q.14 . Why is jute preferred to Mesta? Ans The quality of the fibre (jute) is better than Mesta. It is stronger than Mesta.

Q.15 Name the two variety of Jute grown in India?

Ans.White jute and Tess jute(upland).

Q.16 Name the pest and disease that can cause damage to jute?

Ans.Fungal disease caused by jute mites.

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Explain the term Ginning? The Raw cotton has to pass through a process called girming. are separated from the len~s.

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