CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes Chapter 4 Agriculture

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes Chapter 4 Agriculture:- Agriculture is a key part of India’s economy and a way of life for millions. Chapter 4 of CBSE Class 10 Geography looks at the importance of farming, the different types of crops grown, and the methods used in India. It also explains how agriculture has changed over time with new techniques and technology. These notes make it simple to understand the main ideas, helping you revise quickly and do well in your exams. Let’s explore the world of farming and its role in shaping our country.

Check out: CBSE Class 10th Books

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes Chapter 4 PDF

Agriculture is the backbone of India, with nearly two-thirds of the population relying on it for their livelihood. It also provides the raw materials needed for many industries, making it one of the most important sectors in the country. CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes for Chapter 4 explain the different types of farming, cropping patterns, and the key crops grown in India.

By studying these notes, you’ll understand how agriculture influences the nation’s economy, provides employment, and contributes to overall production. For your convenience, these notes are also available as a PDF for offline access. Download the PDF below to explore the detailed coverage of Chapter 4, Agriculture, and strengthen your preparation for exams.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes Chapter 4 PDF

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes

Prepare for CBSE Class 10 Boards 2025 with PW’s CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes provided below:- 

What is Farming?

Farming refers to the cultivation of land and the rearing of animals for food, fibre, and other agricultural products. It is an essential practice that sustains human life and contributes significantly to the economy. Farming methods vary across regions depending on environmental conditions, technological advancements, and cultural practices.

Types of Farming

1. Primitive Subsistence Farming

This type of farming, also known as "slash and burn" agriculture, involves clearing a piece of land, cultivating it, and then moving to a new area when the soil fertility decreases. It is a traditional method commonly practised in small pockets of India. For example, in the northeastern states, it is referred to as "jhumming." This farming is dependent on monsoon rains, has low productivity, and supports a small population.

2. Intensive Subsistence Farming

Intensive subsistence farming is practised in regions with high population pressure on land. It is a labour-intensive method that uses high doses of biochemical fertilisers and irrigation to increase crop yield. It is common in densely populated areas and aims to maximise productivity from small landholdings.

3. Commercial Farming

Commercial farming focuses on producing crops for sale in the market. It involves using modern inputs such as chemical fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, and high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds. In plantation farming, a single crop, such as tea, coffee, or rubber, is cultivated on a large scale. This type of farming relies on capital-intensive methods and employs migrant labourers.

Check out: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers

What are Crops?

Crops are plants grown by farmers for food, raw materials, or other purposes. They are cultivated based on soil, climate, and local practices. Crops are essential for providing sustenance, income, and industrial inputs.

Types of Crops

1. Food Crops

Food crops are grown primarily for consumption. They include cereals, pulses, and fruits. Examples of food crops are rice, wheat, maize, and millet. These crops are essential staples in Indian households.

1. Rice

• Grown as a Kharif crop.

• Requires high humidity, temperatures, and annual rainfall above 100 cm.

• India is the second-largest producer of rice in the world, mainly cultivated in deltaic regions, coastal areas, and the plains of northern and northeastern India.

2. Wheat

• Grown as a Rabi crop.

• Requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine for ripening.

• Thrives in regions with 50–75 cm of evenly distributed annual rainfall.

• It is a staple food crop in the northern and northwestern regions of India.

3. Millets:- Millets such as jowar, bajra, and ragi are known as coarse grains and are highly nutritious.

• Jowar: Rain-fed crop grown in moist areas. Predominantly produced in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

• Bajra: Grows well in sandy and shallow black soils. Major producers include Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

• Ragi: Thrives in dry regions and is primarily grown in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

2. Non-Food Crops

Non-food crops are cultivated for industrial and commercial purposes. These include rubber, cotton, jute, and oilseeds.

1. Cotton

• Grown as a Kharif crop.

• Requires high temperatures, light rainfall, and bright sunshine.

• It is mainly cultivated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

2. Jute

• Known as the "golden fibre."

• Requires fertile, well-drained soils in floodplains and warm, humid climates.

• Produced extensively in West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Important Question PDFs

What are Cropping Patterns?

Cropping patterns refer to the sequence and variety of crops grown in a particular region during different seasons. In India, there are three major cropping seasons:

1. Rabi

• Sown in winter (October–December) and harvested in summer (April–June).

• Major crops include wheat, barley, peas, gram, and mustard.

2. Kharif

• Sown at the beginning of the monsoon (April–May) and harvested in September–October.

• Major crops include paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, and groundnut.

3. Zaid

• A short season between Rabi and Kharif (March–July).

• Crops like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, and vegetables are grown during this period.

Contribution of Agriculture to the National Economy

Agriculture is a vital sector in India, supporting more than half of the population's livelihood. However, its contribution to GDP has been declining. The government has introduced various initiatives to improve agricultural productivity, such as:

• Establishing institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

• Implementing the Green Revolution and White Revolution.

• Launching schemes like the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS).

• Providing minimum support prices to safeguard farmers from exploitation.

Benefits of PW Notes

PW (Physics Wallah) notes are a valuable resource for students preparing for board exams or competitive tests like JEE and NEET. These notes are designed to make studying easier and more effective. Here are some key benefits:

1. Well-Organised Content

PW notes cover all important topics in a structured and easy-to-understand way. Whether you need basic explanations or advanced concepts, the notes cater to all levels of learning.

2. Focused on Exam Preparation

The notes are specifically created to match the syllabus and exam patterns. They highlight key points, formulas, and tips to help students focus on what is most relevant for their exams.

3. Clear and Simple Format

The content is presented in a simple format, using diagrams, bullet points, and flowcharts to explain topics. This makes it easier for students to understand and revise quickly.

4. Additional Resources: Sample Papers and Question Banks

PW goes beyond just providing notes. They also offer sample papers and question banks to help students practise effectively:

• Sample Papers: These are model papers based on the latest exam pattern. They help students get familiar with the format and the types of questions likely to appear.

• Question Banks: A large collection of practice questions is provided, allowing students to test their knowledge and improve their problem-solving skills.

5. Topic-Wise Coverage

PW provides notes and practice material for each chapter, making it easier for students to focus on specific topics they find challenging. This targeted approach ensures thorough preparation.

6. Improves Time Management

With the help of sample papers and question banks, students can practise solving questions within a time limit. This builds speed and accuracy, which are essential for scoring well in exams.

Check out: CBSE Class 10th Question Banks

Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Notes FAQs

1. What is the main focus of Chapter 4 - Agriculture in Class 10 Geography?
The chapter explains the importance of agriculture in India, types of farming, major crops, cropping patterns, and challenges faced by farmers.

2. Why is agriculture important for India's economy?
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy as it provides employment to a large portion of the population, contributes to GDP, and supports industries by supplying raw materials.

3. What are the different types of farming mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter highlights three main types of farming:

• Primitive Subsistence Farming

• Intensive Subsistence Farming

• Commercial Farming

4. What are the major cropping seasons in India?
India has three cropping seasons:

• Rabi (winter crops like wheat and mustard)

• Kharif (monsoon crops like rice and maize)

• Zaid (summer crops like watermelon and cucumber)

5. Which are the main food crops grown in India?
The main food crops are rice, wheat, millets (jowar, bajra, ragi), maize, and pulses.