4-Agriculture

What does the term “agriculture” encompass, and how many people globally are engaged in agricultural activities?

Agriculture refers to the primary activity of cultivating crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and raising livestock. Approximately 50% of the global population is involved in agricultural activities.

What are the primary economic activities, and how is agriculture classified within them?

Economic activities are categorized into three types: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary activities involve the extraction and production of natural resources, including agriculture, fishing, and gathering.

Could you explain the different types of farming?

Farming is broadly categorized into subsistence farming and commercial farming. Subsistence farming aims to fulfill the basic needs of the farmer’s family, while commercial farming focuses on generating produce for sale in the market.

What are the objectives of agricultural development, and how do they differ between densely populated and sparsely populated regions?

The main objectives of agricultural development include increasing farm output to meet growing population needs. In densely populated areas, the focus is on intensive farming for subsistence, while in sparsely populated regions, commercial agriculture on larger holdings is more common to meet market demands.

What are some of the major crops grown globally, and what are their optimal growing conditions?

Major crops include food crops like wheat, rice, maize, and millet, fiber crops like jute and cotton, and beverage crops like tea and coffee. Each crop has specific requirements for temperature, rainfall, soil type, and other factors to thrive effectively.

The term “agriculture” originates from the Latin words “ager” or “agri,” which refer to soil, and “culture,” meaning cultivation. Agriculture encompasses the primary activity of cultivating crops, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and raising livestock. Globally, around 50% of the population is involved in agricultural activities.

In India, two-thirds of the population still rely on agriculture for their livelihood. For more in-depth information on this topic, students can refer to Chapter 4 of CBSE Class 8 Geography. Additionally, CBSE Notes Class 8 Geography Chapter 4-Agriculture are available to help students prepare comprehensively for their exams.