Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 6 Geography Chapter 5 Types of Agriculture

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Agriculture refers to the cultivation of land.
2. Subsistence farming is practised by poor farmers who own small pieces of land.
3. Intensive farming is practised on small plots of land.
4. Extensive farming is practised in areas of low population and where of land is available for cultivation.
5. Shifting cultivation is practised mainly by tribal people in some primitive and densely forested regions of the world.
6. In commercial forming, crops are grown on a large scale, mainly for selling the produce in the market-both at home and abroad.
7. Plantation farming is a type of commercial farming. Here, a single crop, instead of multiple crops, is planted over a large area known as a plantation.

IMPORTANT TERMS

1. Agriculture: Cultivation of a field.
2. Combine harvester: a large farm machine which cuts a crop and separates the grain from the rest of the plant.
3. Commercial: Connected with the buying and selling of goods and services.
4. Machete: A broad, heavy knife used as a cutting tool or a weapon.
5. Subsistence: The state of having just enough money or food to stay alive.
6. Yield: The total amount of crops produced.

THINK AND ANSWER

Question : Why do you think commercial farming is practised in countries like the USA and Australia?
Answer:
Both USA and Australia are developed countries having large farms and more money to invest in large machinery, hybrid crops, fertilizers and pesticides. The machineries allow the farmers to cultivate grains like wheat, maize, barley etc. on a large scale.
These countries have vast stretches of open land which makes it easier to use giant machines for every step of farming. This high-tech approach ensures they can produce enough food to sell to other countries for a profit.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Commercial" as "Commerce" or "Business" - farming done specifically to make money.
Exam Tip: Always mention "large scale" and "machinery" when describing farming in developed countries to get full marks.

VALUES AND LITE SKILL

Question : Farmers put in a lot of hard work and money in producing crops. We should remember this and not waste food. What should you do if you do not like a dish that is served in the school canteen?
Answer:
We should not throw the food even if we don’t like it’s taste. We shall keep the dish on the wall for birds or animals to eat.
Wasting food means wasting the effort of the farmer and the natural resources like water used to grow it. If we cannot eat it, ensuring it doesn't go to a trash bin helps keep the food cycle moving.
Teacher's Tip: Only take as much food on your plate as you can finish to avoid wastage.
Exam Tip: When answering values-based questions, focus on the themes of respect for labor and environmental responsibility.

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks
1. Food grains are the most important products that come from agriculture.
2. Farmers who practise subsistence farming depend on the monsoon rains for water for the crops.
3. Intensive farming requires a lot of labour on a small piece of land.
4. Extensive farming is practised in areas of low population.
5. Shifting cultivation is generally practised in forested areas.

B. Match the columns:
A
1. subsistence farming
2. intensive farming
3. extensive farming
4. shifting cultivation
5. plantation farming
B
(i) aims at high yield.
(ii) is a primitive practice.
(iii) is done with cash crops.
(iv) is practised by farmers who own small pieces of land.
(v) uses heavy machinery.

Answer:
1. subsistence farming - (iv) is practised by farmers who own small pieces of land.
2. intensive farming - (i) aims at high yield.
3. extensive farming - (v) uses heavy machinery.
4. shifting cultivation - (ii) is a primitive practice.
5. commercial farming - (iii) is done with cash crops.
Matching these terms allows us to understand the scale and purpose behind different farming methods used around the world. It provides a clear way to see how technology and land size determine what kind of agriculture is practiced.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Extensive" as covering an "Extended" area of land which needs heavy machinery to manage.
Exam Tip: In a matching question, always double-check that each item in Column A has exactly one partner in Column B to avoid losing marks.

C. State whether the following are true or false

Question : Agriculture is not an important occupation anymore.
Answer:
False. Correct - Agriculture is an important occupation anymore.
Agriculture remains the foundation of our world as it provides the food we eat every single day. Even with new technology, it is still the primary source of livelihood for millions of people globally.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that everything on your dinner table starts with a farmer's work.
Exam Tip: If a statement is false, always write the corrected statement to score full marks.

Question : Farmers who practise subsistence farming use modern methods of irrigation.
Answer:
False. Correct - Farmers who practise subsistence fanning use old methods of irrigation or depend on the monsoon rains.
Subsistence farmers usually lack the funds to buy expensive pumps or drip systems. They rely on nature and traditional tools to keep their small plots of land watered.
Teacher's Tip: Connect "Subsistence" with "Survival" - they use whatever simple tools they have to survive.
Exam Tip: Use the word "monsoon" when correcting statements about traditional Indian farming.

Question : Intensive farming requires very little labour to work on the farm.
Answer:
False. Correct - Extensive farming requires little labour to work on the farm.
In intensive farming, a lot of human effort is needed to get the highest possible production from a small area. Extensive farming, however, uses huge machines so fewer people are needed on the field.
Teacher's Tip: "Intense" work means lots of people working hard on a tiny spot.
Exam Tip: Be careful not to confuse "Intensive" (lots of labor) with "Extensive" (lots of machinery).

Question : Extensive farming is practised in countries like India, China and Japan.
Answer:
False. Correct - Intensive farming is practised in countries like India, China and Japan.
These countries have very high populations, so they must use intensive methods to grow as much food as possible on limited land. Every inch of soil is used carefully with a lot of manual labor to feed the people.
Teacher's Tip: High population countries usually practice intensive farming because land is scarce.
Exam Tip: Associate India and China with "Intensive" farming due to their large populations.

Question : Shifting agriculture is wasteful and harmful to forests and wildlife.
Answer:
True.
This method involves cutting and burning trees, which destroys natural habitats and kills beneficial forest organisms. It also leaves the soil bare and prone to erosion once the farmers move to a new spot.
Teacher's Tip: Shifting cultivation is also called "Slash and Burn" agriculture.
Exam Tip: For "True" statements, you do not need to rewrite the sentence, just write "True" clearly.

D. Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1: What do you understand by agriculture?
Answer:
Agriculture means cultivation of a field. It includes growing of crops, rearing animals for dairy and meat products, poultry farming and rearing fish in ponds.
It is a broad science that covers everything from planting seeds to raising livestock for food and materials. Basically, it is the process of using land and animals to produce things humans need.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that agriculture is not just about plants; it's about animals too!
Exam Tip: Mention both "crops" and "animals" to give a complete definition of agriculture.

Question 2: Name any three types of agriculture practised around the world.
Answer:
The various types of agriculture practised around the world include subsistence farming, intensive farming and extensive farming.
These types are classified based on the size of the land and the amount of labor or machinery used. Each method is chosen based on the local climate and the needs of the population.
Teacher's Tip: Just remember the "Big Three": Subsistence, Intensive, and Extensive.
Exam Tip: When asked for three types, list them clearly with commas to make them easy for the teacher to spot.

Question 3: Define subsistence agriculture.
Answer:
Subsistence farming is growing crops to meet the farmers own needs. The land is small and organic or natural fertilizers like cow dung, dried plants, etc. are used. It depends on monsoon rains for watering of crops.
In this type of farming, there is rarely any extra food left over to sell in the market. The goal is simply to provide enough food for the farmer's family to eat throughout the year.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Subsistence" as "Self-sufficiency" - growing what you eat yourself.
Exam Tip: Mention "cow dung" or "natural fertilizers" to show you understand the traditional nature of this farming.

Question 4: Why is intensive farming expensive?
Answer:
Intensive farming is expensive as the farmer tries to get maximum field from his small land using hybrid seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
Buying high-quality chemical inputs and specialized seeds requires a significant amount of money upfront. Additionally, the cost of hiring many workers to manage the small plot adds to the total expense.
Teacher's Tip: "Intensive" equals "High Input" - more money spent to get more food out.
Exam Tip: Use the term "hybrid seeds" to explain why the costs are higher than traditional farming.

Question 5: Name the crops grown by extensive farming.
Answer:
The main crops grown in extensive farming are wheat, maize and barley.
These crops are ideal for large-scale farming because they can be planted and harvested easily by big machines. They are usually grown over hundreds of acres of flat land.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Grains for the World" - wheat and maize are the most common extensive crops.
Exam Tip: List at least two examples like wheat and maize to provide a solid answer.

Question 6: Why is shifting cultivation not productive in the long run?
Answer:
This form of agriculture is wasteful and harmful to forests and wildlife. After a few years the fertility of the land is reduced. The infertility is caused by excessive leaching, a process in which the salts and minerals of the soil are drained away by water.
Once the forest is cleared and the soil loses its nutrients, it takes a very long time for the land to recover naturally. This forces people to keep destroying more forest areas just to find fertile soil.
Teacher's Tip: "Leaching" is like washing the "vitamins" out of the soil with too much rain.
Exam Tip: Using the scientific term "leaching" shows a deeper understanding of soil geography.

Question 7: In which parts of India is shifting cultivation practised?
Answer:
In India, this practice is prevalent in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram in the north-east and in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. It is also practised in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These regions often have hilly terrain and thick forests where tribal communities follow their age-old traditions. In the north-east, this practice is locally known as 'Jhum' cultivation.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "North-East India" as the primary hub for shifting cultivation.
Exam Tip: Name at least two specific states like Nagaland and Mizoram to show accurate knowledge.

Question 8: Mention any two features of commercial farming.
Answer:
In commercial farming, crops are grown on a large scale, mainly for selling the produce in the market-both at home and abroad. The main aim of this type of farming is to earn profit. The farms may or may not be very large. Modem methods of cultivation such as using high yielding variety of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides are used along with modem irrigation techniques and cold storage to store the produce after harvest.
This type of farming relies heavily on technology and money to ensure a massive harvest. The use of cold storage is vital so that the crops do not spoil before they reach buyers far away.
Teacher's Tip: The two key features are "Profit Motive" and "Modern Technology."
Exam Tip: Mention "export" or "selling abroad" to emphasize the commercial nature of this farming.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs

Question 1: Briefly explain subsistence agriculture.
Answer:
Subsistence farming is practised by farmers who own small pieces of land. Such farmers grow just enough crops to meet their needs and those of their families. They generally grow rice or vegetables and use organic or natural fertilizers such as cow dung, animal droppings and dead and dried plants. They depend on the monsoon rains for water for the crops.
This method is very traditional and usually involves the whole family working on the field together. Since they don't use expensive chemicals, the food grown is very natural, but the quantity is only enough for survival.
Teacher's Tip: Subsistence farming is "small-scale" and "family-oriented."
Exam Tip: Contrast it with commercial farming to show you understand how the two systems differ.

Question 2: Distinguish between intensive and extensive farming.
Answer:
Intensive farming :
Land is small.
More labour is employed.
Expensive farming as more fertilizers, hybrid seeds, pesticides, etc. are used.
Extensive farming:
Plenty of land.
Less labour is employed work is done by large machines like combine harvesters, etc.
Low cost farming. Mostly cereal crops are grown.
Intensive farming focuses on getting a lot of food from a tiny area, while extensive farming covers massive areas with less focus on the yield per acre. One relies on human muscles, while the other relies on diesel engines.
Teacher's Tip: "Intense" means small and crowded; "Extensive" means big and spread out.
Exam Tip: Using a side-by-side comparison list is the best way to answer "Distinguish" questions.

Question 3: What do you understand by shifting agriculture?
Answer:
Shifting agriculture is mainly practised by tribal people who clear a small area in the forests, scatter the seeds, leaves them to grow, depend on monsoon for water and when the land becomes infertile after some years shift themselves to a new piece of land in the forests.
It is one of the oldest forms of farming where nature is allowed to do most of the work. However, because it requires moving frequently, it cannot support a large number of people.
Teacher's Tip: The name tells the story: they "shift" from one plot to another every few years.
Exam Tip: Mention "infertile land" as the main reason why farmers move to a new spot.

Question 4: What crops are grown by commercial farming? What are the methods that are employed?
Answer:
The main crops grown on commercial scale are apples, grapes, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. These crops are mainly grown to earn profit. Modern methods of cultivation such as hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, modem irrigation techniques and cold storage to store the produce after harvest are used.
Commercial farmers choose high-value crops that people in cities or other countries want to buy. They use science and business planning to ensure they get the best price for their harvest.
Teacher's Tip: Commercial farming is like running a factory, but the products are plants!
Exam Tip: Be sure to mention "cold storage" as a key modern method for commercial success.

Question 5: Write a short note on plantation farming.
Answer:
Plantation farming is a kind of cofhmercial farming in which a single crop is grown instead of multiple crops. These crops include tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, coconut, sugarcane, cotton, etc.
A plantation is usually a giant estate owned by a company or a wealthy individual. It requires a lot of labor and usually has its own factory on-site to process the crops immediately after picking.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Plantation" as "One Big Crop" grown over a huge area.
Exam Tip: Always list tea or coffee as examples, as these are the most famous plantation crops.

Question 6: Write a short note on mixed farming.
Answer:
Mixed farming is a form of farming in which crops are grown and animals are reared on the same farmland. Farmers grow a variety of crops and also keep a number of dairy animals to get milk. Sometimes poultry is also kept. Farmers practise mixed farming mainly with a view to increasing their earnings, from two different sources. One of the major benefits of mixed farming is that if one form of farming enterprise fails, the farmer could still depend on the other. Modem machinery and tools, selected high quality seeds, chemical fertilizers in large quantities and other highly advanced techniques of farming are used. The natural manure provided by the animals helps in minimizing soil erosion, rotation of crops and conservation of water. Mixed farming makes good use of crop residue which, if not used as animal feed, can be used as fertilizers in the soil.
This is a very smart way to farm because the plants feed the animals, and the animals provide manure to feed the plants. It creates a mini-ecosystem on the farm that protects the farmer's income from bad weather or pests.
Teacher's Tip: "Mixed" means Crops + Animals together on one farm.
Exam Tip: Highlight the "safety" aspect - if crops fail, the farmer can still sell milk or eggs.

F. Picture study
The photograph here shows a farmer tending to his field.

Question 1: What type of farming is he practicing?
Answer:
The farmer is practising subsistence farming i.e. growing crops to meet his own daily needs.
You can tell this because he is using traditional bullocks and simple wooden tools instead of a tractor. This suggests he is working on a small scale just for his family.
Teacher's Tip: If you see oxen or bullocks in a picture, it's almost always subsistence or traditional farming.
Exam Tip: Define "subsistence" in your answer to show you understand the term fully.

Question 2: What are the difficulties that he might face?
Answer:
He might not get good yield because of poor seed quality, bad monsoon and lack of fertilizers and pesticides.
Without modern technology, he is at the mercy of nature and could lose everything if the rains don't come on time. He also lacks the money to buy the protections that commercial farmers use to save their crops.
Teacher's Tip: Lack of money is the root of most difficulties for subsistence farmers.
Exam Tip: Mention "bad monsoon" specifically, as it is the biggest challenge for farmers in India.