NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Part 2 Chapter 1 The Story of Indian Farming

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Class 7 Social Science Part 2 Chapter 1 Question Answer

Answer:
Indian agriculture is a mix of traditional and modern methods. It depends heavily on monsoon rains, has three cropping seasons (kharif, rabi, zaid), uses diverse soil types across regions, employs both small and large landholdings (mostly small) and involves a huge workforce – about 46% of India’s working population, with women doing most of the actual farm work.

Answer:
Climate decides how much rain and sunshine a region gets, which decides what type of soil forms there and what crops can grow. Soil provides nutrients and support to plants. Water (from rain or irrigation) is essential for the crop to grow at all. So a region’s farming pattern depends on the combination of its climate, soil type and water availability – change any one and the crops grown change too.

Answer:
Traditional methods (crop rotation, organic manure, contour ploughing, terracing) are sustainable and soil-friendly but give lower yields. Modern methods (HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, machinery) give high yields but harm soil and water in the long run. Combining both – using modern tools with eco-friendly traditional wisdom (like neem-based pesticides, organic farming) – can give good yields while keeping farming sustainable.

(You may refer to the political map of India at the end of the book if you wish.) Which of the food items do you think grow in and around where you live? What do you think are the reasons that they are cultivated in your region? Which of them comes from other places? Why do you think they are not grown in your area?
Answer:
I usually eat chapati, rice, dal, vegetables, fruits and mustard oil. I live in Delhi, where wheat, mustard, vegetables and some fruits are grown because of fertile soil, a suitable climate and irrigation. Tea, coffee, coconut and cardamom come from other states as they need more rainfall or hilly and coastal regions, which are not found in Delhi.

Answer:
Likely water-intensive kharif crops like rice, sugarcane and vegetables would become scarce/expensive, since these depend heavily on monsoon rainfall.

Answer:
State/Union Territory: Delhi

• Kharif Crops: Rice, Bajra, Maize
• Rabi Crops: Wheat, Mustard, Barley, Gram
• Zaid Crops: Watermelon, Muskmelon, Cucumber

Answer:

• Alluvial – UP, Punjab
• Black – Maharashtra, Gujarat
• Red – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
• Laterite – Kerala, Odisha;
• Desert – Rajasthan
• Alpine – Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh

Answer:
Delhi (Union Territory):
The predominant soil found in Delhi is Alluvial Soil. It is fertile and suitable for growing crops like wheat, rice, mustard and vegetables.

Answer:
The soil samples from my neighbourhood contain sand, clay, small stones and humus. The soil was formed over many years by the weathering of rocks and the decay of plants and animals. I noticed some signs of human activity, such as plastic pieces and other waste. If this continues, the soil may become polluted and less fertile, making it difficult for plants to grow.

Answer:

Answer:
Family Food Flowchart

• Chapati → Wheat → Alluvial Soil
• Rice → Rice → Alluvial Soil
• Dal → Gram / Arhar → Alluvial Soil
• Potato Curry → Potato → Alluvial Soil
• Mustard Oil → Mustard → Alluvial Soil
• Mango → Mango → Alluvial Soil

Answer:
Examples: neem-based pesticides (natural, inspired by traditional pest control), organic farming (compost, seed cake, animal manure instead of chemicals), beejamrit (cow dung/urine seed coating developed by ICAR from traditional practice), Sikkim’s fully organic farming model.

Answer:
I listened to a farmers’ programme on the radio/television for a few days. I learned about weather forecasts, crop care, modern irrigation methods, good quality seeds, fertilisers, pest control and government schemes for farmers. The programme also advised farmers on saving water and improving crop production.
Questions that came to my mind:

1. How can small farmers afford modern irrigation systems?
2. Which crops need the least amount of water?
3. How can farmers protect crops from sudden weather changes?

Answer:
Kerala has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall (from both monsoons) and alluvial/laterite soil suited to rice, which needs a lot of water. Punjab has a subtropical climate with less rainfall and alluvial soil suited to wheat, a rabi crop needing cooler, drier conditions. If swapped, Kerala’s excess water would be wasted on wheat (which needs less water and a cool dry season), and Punjab wouldn’t have enough natural water for rice, requiring heavy artificial irrigation — both would give poor yields without major changes to farming methods.

Answer:

Answer:
Certain crops thrive in specific regions because crop growth depends on a combination of climate (temperature, rainfall), soil type (nutrients, texture) and water availability (rain-fed or irrigated) specific to that region. A crop suited to one combination (e.g., rice needing warm, wet conditions and water-retentive soil) won’t thrive where conditions are different (e.g., dry, cool regions with sandy soil).

Answer:

• HYV (high-yielding variety) seeds increased food grain production
• Tractors, harvesters and threshers made farming faster and less labour-intensive
• Drip and sprinkler irrigation use water more efficiently
• Chemical fertilisers and pesticides boosted yields
• Drones help assess soil moisture; digital technology gives better market access and information

This led to India achieving self-sufficiency in food through the Green Revolution.

Answer:
Sustainable agriculture is important because it meets present food needs without damaging the environment for future generations. Overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides (as seen after the Green Revolution) has caused soil impoverishment, groundwater depletion, water contamination and health problems including higher cancer rates in rural areas. Sustainable practices – organic farming, neem-based pesticides, efficient irrigation, crop rotation – combine modern productivity with traditional eco-friendly wisdom, keeping soil healthy, water resources protected and farming viable long-term. Sikkim’s fully organic model is a good example.

Answer:

• Decreasing landholding size (average ~0.75 hectare) due to division among family members → low income, difficulty using machinery
• Climate change → unpredictable rains, droughts, floods → crop destruction and losses
• Dependency on seed companies (seeds not reusable) → higher costs
• Debt traps from loans taken during hardship → many farmers (reportedly ~2,300/day) forced to abandon farming
• Stress on water sources like the Ganga → threatens long-term food production

Farmers today face challenges such as unpredictable weather, droughts, floods, rising temperatures, water scarcity, pests and diseases and increasing farming costs. The impact on people includes reduced farmers’ income and well-being, food security risks due to lower crop production and rural distress, which forces many people to migrate to cities in search of better opportunities.

Answer:
For the Topic (Traditional methods are better)
Examples: Moat (Pulley System), Dhekli, Chain Pump, Rahat (Persian Wheel)

• They are simple and low-cost.
• They do not require electricity.
• They are suitable for small farms.
• They preserve traditional farming practices.

Against the Topic (Modern methods are better)
Examples: Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation

• They save water.
• They increase crop production.
• They require less labour and time.
• They are more efficient, especially in dry areas.

Conclusion: Modern irrigation methods are generally better because they save water and increase crop yield. However, traditional methods are still useful for small farms and in areas where modern facilities are not available.

Answer:
When I am 60 years old, I think farming will be much more advanced. Farmers may use drones to check crops and robots to help with planting and harvesting. Smart irrigation systems will save water and weather forecasts will help farmers plan their work better. Eco-friendly farming methods and solar-powered machines may become common. I hope farming will be easier, more productive and better for the environment. Farmers will grow healthy food while protecting nature for future generations.

Answer:
Presentation: Issues Affecting the Ganga Basin and Their Solutions
Issues

• Water pollution from factories and sewage.
• Plastic and garbage dumped into the river.
• Deforestation and soil erosion.
• Overuse of river water for farming and industries.
• Loss of aquatic animals like the Gangetic dolphin.

Solutions

• Treat sewage and industrial waste before releasing it into the river.
• Stop plastic pollution and promote recycling.
• Plant more trees along the riverbanks.
• Use water wisely and encourage rainwater harvesting.
• Protect wildlife and spread awareness about keeping the river clean.

Rationale (Reasons)
These solutions will keep the Ganga clean, protect plants and animals, provide safe water for people and ensure that future generations can benefit from a healthy river.

Answer:
In my home, we regularly use rice, wheat, millets, mustard oil, pulses, vegetables, fruits and cotton (in clothes). These crops have been used since ancient times and are still an important part of our daily life. This shows that many traditional crops have remained useful and continue to support our food and lifestyle today.

Class 7 Social Science Part 2 Chapter 1 Very Short Answer Type Questions.

1. What does the word “agriculture” mean?
See AnswerAgriculture comes from Latin words “agri” (field) and “culture” (to cultivate).

2. What percentage of India’s GDP comes from agriculture (2022-23)?
See AnswerA little over 18% of India’s GDP comes from agriculture and allied activities.

3. Where were rice grains found dating back to the 7th-8th millennium BCE?
See AnswerRice grains dating to the 7th-8th millennium BCE were found in the Ganga Plain.

4. What crops were cultivated at Mehrgarh around the 7th millennium BCE?
See AnswerBarley and millets were cultivated at Mehrgarh in the 7th millennium BCE.

5. Name the three cropping seasons in India.
See AnswerThe three cropping seasons in India are kharif, rabi, and zaid.

6. When does the southwest monsoon bring rainfall?
See AnswerThe southwest monsoon brings rainfall from June to September every year.

7. Name the six major soil types of India.
See AnswerThe six major soil types are alluvial, black, red, laterite, desert and mountain soil.

8. What is humus?
See AnswerHumus is dark organic matter in soil formed by decomposition of plant and animal matter.

9. What is contour ploughing?
See AnswerContour ploughing means ploughing along natural curves of a hill slope to prevent erosion.

10. What is drip irrigation?
See AnswerDrip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to plant roots through tubes and emitters.

11. Who is known as the architect of the Green Revolution?
See AnswerM.S. Swaminathan is known as the architect of India’s Green Revolution.

12. Which state is India’s first fully organic state?
See AnswerSikkim is India’s first 100% organic state, having banned chemicals since 2014.

13. What is hydroponics?
See AnswerHydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions without soil.

14. What is the average landholding size in India?
See AnswerThe average landholding in India is approximately three-fourths of a hectare.

15. Name a government scheme that provides crop insurance to farmers.
See AnswerPradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop insurance to farmers in India.

Class 7 Social Science Part 2 Chapter 1 Short Answer Type Questions.

1. How does the southwest and northeast monsoon affect Indian agriculture?
See AnswerThe southwest monsoon (June-September) supports kharif crops in northern and central India. The northeast monsoon (October-December) brings rain to eastern and southern India. Coastal regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu benefit from both, enabling year-round rice cultivation.

2. Explain crop rotation and multiple cropping as traditional soil conservation methods.
See AnswerCrop rotation involves growing different crops in the same field across seasons to prevent soil from losing specific nutrients. Multiple cropping means growing several crops together in one field, reducing pest risk and ensuring farmers get at least one successful harvest.

3. What is the difference between rain-fed and irrigated agriculture?
See AnswerRain-fed agriculture relies entirely on monsoon rainfall and is common in areas with sufficient rain, though farmers face risks from droughts. Irrigated agriculture uses artificial methods like canals, wells and modern techniques to supply water, reducing dependence on monsoons and boosting productivity.

4. Describe two traditional irrigation systems mentioned in the chapter.
See AnswerPhad systems are community-based irrigation methods found in Maharashtra that use small canals to divert river water to fields. Bamboo drip irrigation, practised in northeastern India, uses bamboo pipes to channel water from springs directly to farmers’ fields.

5. What positive changes did the Green Revolution bring to Indian agriculture?
See AnswerThe Green Revolution introduced high-yielding variety seeds, better irrigation, chemical fertilisers and pesticides and mechanised equipment like tractors and harvesters. It significantly increased wheat and rice production, helping India achieve self-sufficiency in food grains and transforming farming into a modernised sector.

6. What negative long-term effects did the Green Revolution cause?
See AnswerOver time, the Green Revolution led to impoverishment of soil, depletion of groundwater and contamination of soil and water due to excessive chemical use. It also harmed human and animal health and disrupted ecosystems by affecting pollinators like bees.

7. What is sustainable agriculture, and why is it gaining importance?
See AnswerSustainable agriculture combines the productivity of modern farming with the eco-friendly wisdom of traditional practices. It includes organic farming using natural fertilisers like compost and manure and neem-based pesticides. It is gaining importance because it protects soil health and the environment long-term.

8. How does soil type influence the crops grown in different regions of India?
See AnswerDifferent soils suit different crops based on their fertility and composition. Alluvial soil, rich in nutrients, supports rice and wheat; black soil is ideal for cotton; red and laterite soils suit ragi and groundnuts. This is why crop patterns vary across India’s regions.

9. Mention any three challenges faced by Indian farmers today.
See AnswerIndian farmers face shrinking landholdings due to land division among family members, making mechanised farming difficult and reducing income. They also face climate change causing unpredictable rainfall, droughts and debt traps from loans taken during hardship, forcing many to abandon farming.

10. How does the government support farmers in India?
See AnswerThe government provides farmers access to seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, weather forecasts and training on new farming techniques. It offers subsidised electricity for irrigation, crop insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and purchases crops to ensure farmers get fair prices for their produce.

Class 7 Social Science Part 2 Chapter 1 Long Answer Type Questions.

1. Trace the history of Indian farming from prehistoric times to the historical period.
See AnswerIndian farming dates back to prehistory, with evidence of rice cultivation in the Ganga Plain as early as the 7th-8th millennium BCE. At Mehrgarh, barley and millets were cultivated around the same period. Later, barley and wheat became staple crops for the Harappans, along with rice and millets in some regions. Over time, farmers learned to cultivate oilseeds, legumes, fibre crops, vegetables and fruits. Ancient texts like the Arthashastra, Amarakosha, Krishiparashara, Brihatsamhita, and Vrikshayurveda provide detailed knowledge on seed preparation, soil cultivation, irrigation and even grafting techniques, showing how deeply agricultural wisdom was documented by our ancestors.

2. Explain the six major soil types of India and their significance for agriculture.
See AnswerIndia has six major soil types: alluvial soil (formed by river silt deposits, rich in nutrients, ideal for rice and wheat), black soil (formed from volcanic rock weathering, holds moisture well, suited for cotton), red soil (formed from lava weathering, less fertile, suits ragi and groundnuts), laterite soil (formed by heavy rainfall weathering, less fertile but suits tea and coffee with proper care), desert/sandy soil (found in arid regions, suits drought-resistant crops) and mountain/alpine soil (thin and rocky, found in the Himalayas). Each soil type, combined with climate, determines what crops can be successfully grown in a region.

3. Discuss both traditional and modern methods of soil conservation.
See AnswerTraditional soil conservation methods include crop rotation (growing different crops in the same field to prevent nutrient loss), multiple cropping (growing several crops together to reduce pest risk and ensure harvests), contour ploughing (ploughing along hill slopes to prevent soil erosion) and using organic fertilisers like cow dung and panchagavya. Modern approaches include terracing on hilly slopes to slow water runoff, afforestation to prevent erosion, mulching and precise fertiliser application for efficient use. Together, these methods, whether ancient or modern, aim to maintain soil health and fertility, ensuring good harvests for future generations.

4. Explain the Green Revolution – its features, benefits, and limitations.
See AnswerThe Green Revolution, which took place during the 1960s and 1970s, was a major turning point in Indian agriculture. It introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, increased irrigation facilities, chemical fertilisers, pesticides and mechanised equipment like tractors and harvesters. This led to a significant rise in wheat and rice production, helping India achieve self-sufficiency in food grains and establishing agriculture as the backbone of the Indian economy. However, over the decades, its limitations became visible – long-term soil impoverishment, groundwater depletion, water and soil contamination from chemicals and damage to human and animal health, including rising cancer cases in rural areas, prompting scientists to question its long-term sustainability.

5. What challenges do Indian farmers face today, and how is the government helping them overcome these challenges?
See AnswerIndian farmers face several serious challenges: decreasing landholding sizes due to generational land division (average landholding is about three-fourths of a hectare), making it hard to use expensive machinery or earn sufficient income; climate change causing unpredictable weather patterns, droughts and heavy rainfall that destroy crops; and depletion of water sources like the Ganga basin due to glacier melting, excessive irrigation and groundwater extraction. These challenges often push farmers into debt traps, forcing thousands to abandon agriculture daily. To address this, the government provides support through access to seeds, fertilisers, weather forecasts and training; subsidised electricity for irrigation; crop insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana; and better market access through cold storage and digital technology to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce.