CLASS- VII SOCIAL SCIENCE (PART-II) CHAPTER 1: THE STORY OF INDIAN FARMING

CLASS- VII

SOCIAL SCIENCE (PART-II)

CHAPTER 1: THE STORY OF INDIAN FARMING

 

v Introduction to Indian Agriculture

• Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations of human beings.
• It includes the preparation of soil, cultivation of crops, rearing of animals, forestry, and horticulture.
• Indian agriculture is a combination of traditional wisdom and modern scientific practices.
• Farming is closely connected with India’s climate, soil, water availability, and seasons.
• Agriculture plays a vital role in sustaining the population and the economy of India.

v Meaning and Scope of Agriculture

• The word “agriculture” comes from Latin words agri (field) and culture (cultivation).
• Agriculture includes:
• Crop cultivation
• Animal husbandry
• Fisheries
• Apiculture (beekeeping)
• Sericulture (silk production)
• Fibre crops like cotton and jute
• Agriculture and allied activities contribute nearly 18% significantly to India’s GDP
• Nearly half of India’s working population depends on agriculture for livelihood.
• Women form a major part of the agricultural workforce and perform most farming activities.

v India’s Agricultural Landscape

• India has a diverse agricultural landscape due to variations in landforms and climate.
• Examples include:
• Wheat fields of Punjab
• Paddy fields of Kerala
• Tea gardens of Assam and Nilgiris
• Saffron cultivation in Kashmir
• Crop cultivation depends on soil type, climate, rainfall, terrain, and water availability.

v Echoes from the Past: History of Indian Farming

• Farming in India dates back to prehistoric times.
• Rice cultivation existed in the Ganga plains as early as the 7th–8th millennium BCE.
• Barley and millets were cultivated at Mehrgarh presently in Pakistan during the same period.
• The Harappan civilisation cultivated wheat, barley, rice, millets, and vegetables.
• The Vedas also mention yava (barley), godhūma (wheat) and vrīhi (rice) as well as other crops such as sesame, black gram, and various types of pulses and legumes
• Intercropping was practised during Harappan times and continues today.
• Over time, farmers learned to grow oilseeds, legumes, fibre crops, fruits, and vegetables.

v Domestication of Animals

• Domestication of animals began during the pre-urban phase of the Indus Valley civilisation.
• Animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and poultry were domesticated.
• Livestock became essential for ploughing, manure, transport, and food.

v Agricultural Knowledge in Ancient Texts

• Ancient Indian texts provide detailed knowledge about farming practices.
• Important texts include:
• Arthaśāstra by Kautilya
• Kṛiṣhiparāśhara
• Bṛihatsamhitā by Varāhamihira
• Vṛikṣhāyurveda by Surapāla
• These texts describe seed treatment, irrigation, soil types, grafting, and plant care.
• Many traditional practices described in these texts are still used today.

v Climate, Seasons, and Crops

• India has diverse climatic conditions influencing crop cultivation.
• There are seven major climate types in India, including alpine, arid, semi-arid, tropical, sub-tropical and temperate.
• India is divided into 15 agro-climatic zones based on soil, climate, and terrain.
• Agro-climatic zones help in planning suitable crops and farming practices.

v Monsoon and Agriculture

• The monsoon is the backbone of Indian agriculture.
• The southwest monsoon (June–September) provides rainfall for kharif crops.
• The northeast monsoon (October–December) provides rainfall to southern and eastern India.
• Coastal regions receive rainfall from both monsoons.
• Availability of monsoon and irrigation allows some states to grow crops throughout the year.

v Cropping Seasons in India

Indian agriculture follows three main cropping seasons:

a. Kharif Crops

• Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon.
• They require high temperature and heavy rainfall.
• Examples include rice, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, and groundnut.

b. Rabi Crops

• Rabi crops are sown in winter and harvested in spring.
• They require cool climate and less water.
• Examples include wheat, barley, mustard, peas, and gram.

c. Zaid Crops

• Zaid crops are grown during the summer season.
• They require irrigation.
• Examples include watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, and pumpkin.

v Soil: The Foundation of Cultivation

• Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust that supports plant life.
• It is formed by weathering of rocks and decomposition of organic matter.
• Soil provides nutrients, water, air, and support to plants.
• Humus improves soil fertility and moisture retention.

v Major Types of Soils in India

India has six major soil types:

a. Alluvial Soil

• Formed by river deposits.
• Rich in nutrients and very fertile.
• Suitable for rice, wheat, sugarcane, and jute.

b. Black Soil

• Formed from volcanic rocks.
• Retains moisture well.
• Ideal for cotton cultivation.

c. Red Soil

• Rich in iron but poor in nutrients.
• Suitable for millets, pulses, and groundnut.

d. Laterite Soil

• Formed due to heavy rainfall.
• Poor in fertility.
• Suitable for tea, coffee, and cashew with proper management.

e. Desert Soil

• Sandy and low in nutrients.
• Found in arid regions.
• Suitable for drought-resistant crops.

f. Mountain or Alpine Soil

• Thin, rocky, and less fertile.
• Found in hilly regions.
• Suitable for tea, fruits, and barley.

v Nurturing and Conserving Soil

• Healthy soil is essential for sustainable farming.
• Soil contains microorganisms that help plants absorb nutrients.

(a)Traditional Methods

• Crop rotation prevents nutrient loss.
• Multiple cropping reduces pest damage.
• Contour ploughing reduces soil erosion.
• Organic manure improves soil fertility.

(b) Modern Methods

• Terracing is used on hillsides.
• Afforestation prevents soil erosion.
• Precise fertiliser use maintains soil health.

v Water in Agriculture

Water is essential for crop growth.

a. Rain-fed Agriculture

• Depends entirely on rainfall.
• Common in monsoon-dependent areas.
• Farmers use drought-resistant crops and water harvesting techniques.

b. Irrigated Agriculture

• Uses artificial sources like canals, wells, and tanks.
• Traditional systems include phad systems and bamboo drip irrigation.
• Modern methods include drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
• Irrigation increases crop yield and reduces dependency on monsoons.

v Seeds and Farming

• Seeds are preserved and shared across generations.
• High-yielding varieties are developed using scientific methods.
• ICAR promotes seed treatment using natural mixtures like beejamrit.
• Dependence on commercial seeds can create economic challenges for farmers.

v Traditional and Contemporary Agricultural Practices                                             

    (a) Traditional Farming

• Treats soil, plants, animals, and humans as one system.
• Uses natural fertilisers and local resources.
• Examples include terrace farming, kulāgar, and gokṛiṣhi.

    (b) Contemporary Farming

• Uses machinery, chemical fertilisers, and pesticides.
• The Green Revolution increased food grain production.
• It helped India achieve food self-sufficiency.

v Sustainable Agriculture

• Combines modern technology with traditional wisdom.
• Focuses on long-term soil health and environmental protection.
• Organic farming avoids chemical fertilisers.
• Neem-based pesticides are eco-friendly.
• Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state.

v Role of the Government

• Provides seeds, fertilisers, and technical guidance.
• Offers crop insurance schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
• Supplies electricity at subsidised rates.
• Purchases crops to ensure fair prices.
• Promotes cold storage, digital markets, and hydroponics.

v Challenges Faced by Indian Farmers

• Small and fragmented landholdings reduce income.
• High cost of machinery limits mechanisation.
• Climate change causes unpredictable weather.
• Groundwater depletion affects irrigation.
• Farmers often fall into debt due to crop failure.
• Many farmers are forced to abandon agriculture.