NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 Agriculture

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February 09, 2025

Class 8 Geography Chapter 4:- Chapter 4 of Class 8 Geography, Agriculture, introduces us to the world of farming, an essential part of our daily lives and global economies. This chapter helps students understand how different types of farming—whether growing crops for family needs or large-scale commercial farming—are practised across the world. It also explains how factors like soil, climate, and the lay of the land affect what farmers grow and how they do it. By learning about major crops and the evolution of farming techniques, students can see how agriculture is not just about food but a vital part of shaping communities and economies everywhere. Check out the What is agriculture class 8 and Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 from the below article.

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Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 Question Answer

Check out the agriculture class 8 questions and answers from the below table:-

(i) What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the soil to grow crops and rear animals to provide food, wool, and other products that support human life. It is considered a primary activity because it is directly related to the extraction and utilization of natural resources. It includes a wide variety of farming activities such as growing crops like wheat, rice, and vegetables, as well as fruits and flowers. Additionally, it also involves livestock farming, which provides meat, milk, and other animal-based products essential for everyday needs.

(ii) Name the factors influencing agriculture.

Several factors influence agricultural practices and productivity. These include:

Soil: The quality, type, and fertility of the soil play a significant role in determining which crops can be grown in a particular region.
Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and weather conditions directly affect crop growth and yield.
Topography: The physical features of the land, such as hills, plains, and valleys, influence agricultural methods, as some terrains are better suited for certain crops or farming techniques.
Population: The availability of labor, market demand, and local consumption needs also affect agricultural practices.
Technology: The use of modern tools, irrigation systems, and machinery improves efficiency and productivity in farming.

(iii) What is shifting cultivation? What are its disadvantages?

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional method of farming where a piece of land is cleared by cutting down trees and burning them. The ashes left after burning enrich the soil, and crops are grown on the plot for a few years. However, when the soil loses its fertility, the land is abandoned, and the farmers move to a new plot of land, repeating the process.

The disadvantages of shifting cultivation include:

Deforestation: Cutting down trees to clear land leads to the destruction of forests.
Loss of soil fertility: The fertility of the soil decreases over time, making it unsuitable for long-term cultivation.
Soil erosion: Once the trees are removed, the soil becomes more vulnerable to erosion due to wind and rain.
Air pollution: The burning of trees contributes to air pollution by releasing carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.
Low agricultural productivity: This method is inefficient in producing enough food to support large populations, as the land becomes barren quickly.

(iv) What is plantation agriculture?

Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming where crops are grown on a large scale, typically focusing on a single type of crop, such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, rubber, or cotton. This type of agriculture requires a significant amount of labor and capital investment, as it involves extensive land preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Plantation farming often takes place in tropical regions where the climate is suitable for these crops. The produce is usually processed either on the farm itself or in nearby factories, making transportation networks essential for its success. Examples include rubber plantations in Malaysia, coffee plantations in Brazil, and tea plantations in India and Sri Lanka.

(v) Name the fibre crops and name the climatic conditions required for their growth.

Fibre crops include jute and cotton, both of which are essential for textile production.

Jute: Grows best in areas with high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and high humidity. These conditions are typically found in regions with tropical climates.
Cotton: Requires high temperatures, light to moderate rainfall, and bright sunshine to thrive. It is commonly grown in regions with warm, dry climates.

2. Tick the correct answer:

(i) Horticulture means

(a) Growing of fruits and vegetables ✅
(b) Primitive farming
(c) Growing of wheat

(ii) Golden fibre refers to

(a) Tea
(b) Cotton
(c) Jute ✅

(iii) Leading producers of coffee

(a) Brazil ✅
(b) India
(c) Russia

3. Give reasons:

(i) In India, agriculture is a primary activity.

Agriculture is considered a primary activity in India because the majority of the population depends on it for their livelihood. India has vast expanses of fertile land, which are conducive to growing a wide variety of crops. Additionally, a significant portion of the Indian population resides in rural areas, where literacy rates are lower, and employment opportunities outside agriculture are limited. As a result, people in these areas rely heavily on farming to sustain themselves and their families. Furthermore, agriculture provides food for a densely populated country like India, making it an essential activity for both subsistence and economic development.

(ii) Different crops are grown in different regions.

The cultivation of crops varies across different regions due to factors such as the type of soil, climate, rainfall, and local demand for agricultural produce. Each region has specific conditions that make it more suitable for the growth of certain crops. For example, rice is grown in areas with abundant water and high humidity, while wheat is cultivated in drier, cooler regions. Furthermore, technological advancements and the availability of labor also influence the type of crops grown in each region, as some areas may have better access to machinery or manual labor.

4. Distinguish between the following:

(i) Primary activities and tertiary activities

Primary activities involve the extraction of natural resources directly from the environment, such as agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry. These activities form the base of the economy, as they provide raw materials needed for other sectors.
Tertiary activities provide services that support the primary and secondary sectors. These services include transportation, communication, banking, healthcare, and education, which are necessary for the smooth functioning of the economy.

(ii) Subsistence farming and intensive farming

Subsistence farming is practiced primarily to meet the needs of the farmer's family, with little to no surplus produced for sale. The methods used are generally traditional, with low technology, and the land area is small. The focus is on producing enough food to sustain the family.
Intensive farming, on the other hand, involves cultivating a small plot of land using more labor and improved tools or machinery. The goal is to maximize production from the available land, often for both personal consumption and commercial purposes. Crops such as rice, wheat, and pulses are commonly grown in this system. Intensive farming is more labour-intensive and is typically found in densely populated regions with fertile land.

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Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 Summary

Definition of Agriculture:

Agriculture involves the cultivation of the soil to grow crops and the rearing of animals. It encompasses activities related to growing food, fibre, and other products essential for human survival and economic activities. This practice forms the foundation of many societies and economies, providing food, raw materials, and employment.

Types of Farming:

Subsistence Farming:

Description: This type of farming is aimed at producing just enough food to meet the needs of the farmer’s family. It is typically practised on a small scale.
Characteristics: Low technology, minimal use of machinery, and reliance on traditional methods. The produce is usually consumed locally rather than sold in markets.

Commercial Farming:

Description: This farming method focuses on growing crops or raising animals for sale in the market, with the goal of making a profit.
Characteristics: It involves larger-scale operations, higher use of technology and machinery, and the production of surplus goods that are sold in domestic or international markets.

Shifting Cultivation:

Description: Also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, this method involves clearing a plot of land by cutting down and burning trees. The ash from the burnt vegetation enriches the soil.
Process: After the soil’s fertility is depleted over a few years, the land is abandoned, and the farmer moves to a new area to repeat the process.
Disadvantages:

Leads to deforestation, as forests are cleared for farming.
Causes loss of soil fertility over time.
Contributes to soil erosion due to lack of vegetation.
Burning vegetation releases pollutants into the air.
Often results in insufficient food production for growing populations.

Plantation Agriculture:

Description: This form of commercial farming involves the large-scale production of single crops, such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, rubber, or bananas.
Requirements: It requires considerable investment in labor and capital, and the produce may be processed on-site or sent to nearby factories.
Locations: Commonly practiced in tropical regions with suitable climatic conditions, such as Malaysia for rubber, Brazil for coffee, and India and Sri Lanka for tea.

Major Crops:

Rice: Grown in regions with abundant water and high humidity.
Wheat: Cultivated in cooler, drier climates.
Millets: Suitable for arid and semi-arid regions.
Cotton: Requires warm temperatures, light rainfall, and plenty of sunshine.
Jute: Thrives in hot, humid climates with heavy rainfall.
Coffee: Grows well in tropical climates with moderate rainfall.
Tea: Requires a warm climate with regular rainfall and high humidity.

Factors Influencing Agriculture:

Soil: The type of soil, its fertility, and its ability to retain moisture affect crop growth and productivity.
Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variations influence the types of crops that can be grown and their yield.
Topography: The physical features of the land, such as slopes, elevation, and flatness, affect agricultural practices and crop choices.

Agricultural Development:

Description: Efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency to meet the demands of a growing population. This includes adopting modern farming techniques, improving irrigation, and developing high-yield crop varieties.
Purpose: To increase food production, improve food security, and support economic growth by addressing challenges related to population growth and resource limitations.

Importance:

Agriculture plays a crucial role in supporting economies by providing food, raw materials for industries, and employment for millions of people worldwide. It also influences social and economic structures by contributing to trade and development and ensuring the survival and well-being of populations.

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Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 FAQs

Q1. What is agriculture?

Ans. Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and rearing animals. It includes activities related to producing food, fiber, and other products essential for human needs.

Q2. What are the main types of farming discussed in this chapter?

Ans. The chapter discusses subsistence farming (for personal consumption) and commercial farming (for market sale). It also covers shifting cultivation and plantation agriculture.

Q3. What is shifting cultivation?

Ans. Shifting cultivation, or slash-and-burn agriculture, involves clearing a plot of land by cutting and burning vegetation. The ashes enrich the soil, but once fertility is lost, the land is abandoned and a new area is cleared.

Q4. What are the disadvantages of shifting cultivation?

Ans. Disadvantages include deforestation, loss of soil fertility, soil erosion, air pollution from burning, and insufficient crop production for large populations.

Q5. What is plantation agriculture?

Ans. Plantation agriculture involves growing a single crop on a large scale, such as tea, coffee, or rubber, for commercial purposes. It requires significant labour and capital investment.

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