Chapter 12: Improvement in Food Resources Long Questions | science Class 9 CBSE

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Chapter 12: Improvement in Food Resources Long Questions | science Class 9 CBSE | ByteNotes.in

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Question 1

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Q1. Why is increasing food production necessary in India? How can this be achieved sustainably?

• India has a very large and growing population that requires a higher quantity of food grains annually.
• Cultivable land area is limited, so production efficiency must be improved.
• Green and White Revolutions have increased yields but stressed natural resources.
• Sustainable practices in agriculture and animal husbandry are essential to prevent environmental degradation.
• Improved incomes for farmers are also crucial for better access to food.
• Scientific farming techniques, mixed farming, and integrated systems can boost yields sustainably.
• Focus on both availability and access ensures true food security.

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Question 2

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Q2. What are the major groups of activities for improving crop yields?

• Crop variety improvement: Developing better crop strains through hybridisation or genetic methods.
• Crop production improvement: Using advanced techniques, proper nutrient and water management.
• Crop protection management: Preventing crop loss due to weeds, pests, and diseases.
• These stages include seed selection, crop nurturing, and protecting growing and harvested crops.
• Integrated farming systems can combine crops, livestock, and other components.
• Scientific management practices improve yield per unit area sustainably.
• Input use is based on the farmer's financial condition and resources.

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Question 3

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Q3. What is crop variety improvement? What factors are considered in selecting better crop varieties?

• Crop variety improvement aims to develop crop strains that give better yield and quality.
• Desirable characteristics include high yield, disease resistance, and good product quality.
• Resistance to biotic (pests/diseases) and abiotic (drought/salinity) stress is vital.
• Other factors: early maturity, wider adaptability, and desirable agronomic traits.
• Hybridisation (crossing different varieties/species) is commonly used.
• Genetic modification may be used to introduce specific traits.
• Farmers are provided quality seeds that perform well under diverse conditions.

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Question 4

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Q4. What is nutrient management in crops? How do plants obtain nutrients?

• Nutrient management involves supplying essential elements for plant growth and development.
• Plants get carbon and oxygen from air, hydrogen from water, and 13 other nutrients from soil.
• Nutrients are classified as macronutrients (needed in large amounts) and micronutrients.
• Macronutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, etc.
• Micronutrients include iron, zinc, boron, etc., required in smaller quantities.
• Nutrients are supplied via manures and fertilizers.
• Balanced nutrient management ensures higher yield and healthier plants.

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Question 5

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Q5. Compare manure and fertilizers in terms of advantages and effects on soil.

• Manure is organic and made from biological waste; fertilizers are chemical-based.
• Manure improves soil structure, water retention, and organic content.
• Fertilizers provide specific nutrients quickly and in larger amounts.
• Continuous fertilizer use can harm soil fertility and microorganisms.
• Manure is environment-friendly but nutrient content is less concentrated.
• Fertilizers require careful application to avoid pollution.
• A combination of both is ideal for long-term soil health and productivity.

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Question 6

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Q6. What is organic farming? How is it different from conventional farming?

• Organic farming minimizes or avoids chemical inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Uses natural fertilizers (compost, green manure), bio-pesticides, and crop rotations.
• Promotes environmental sustainability and soil health.
• Encourages biodiversity through mixed/inter-cropping.
• Involves recycling farm waste (straw, animal dung).
• Conventional farming focuses on high input and chemical-intensive practices.
• Organic methods are safer for human health and ecosystems.

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Question 7

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Q7. Explain the major irrigation systems used in Indian agriculture.

• Wells: Include dug wells and tube wells using pumps to lift water.
• Canals: Take water from reservoirs/rivers through a network of distributaries.
• River lift systems: Directly draw water from rivers where canal flow is limited.
• Tanks: Store runoff in small catchment areas; common in southern India.
• Rainwater harvesting and watershed management improve groundwater.
• Efficient irrigation ensures better yields and water conservation.
• Selection of irrigation system depends on region, rainfall, and water source.

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Question 8

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Q8. What are cropping patterns? Compare mixed cropping, intercropping, and crop rotation.

• Cropping patterns refer to strategic ways of growing crops on the same land.
• Mixed cropping: Two or more crops grown simultaneously on the same field (e.g., wheat + gram).
• Intercropping: Crops grown in definite row patterns (e.g., soybean + maize).
• Crop rotation: Sequential cultivation of different crops (e.g., legume followed by cereal).
• Intercropping reduces disease spread and uses nutrients efficiently.
• Crop rotation maintains soil fertility and controls pests.
• All methods aim for sustainable and higher agricultural returns.

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Question 9

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Q9. What is crop protection management? Why is it important?

• It involves controlling weeds, pests, and diseases to prevent crop loss.
• Weeds compete for nutrients, light, and space and must be removed early.
• Pests cut parts of plants or suck sap, affecting growth and yield.
• Diseases are caused by pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses).
• Protection measures include pesticides, resistant varieties, and crop rotation.
• Overuse of chemicals can cause pollution and harm biodiversity.
• Integrated pest management is preferred for safe crop protection.

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Question 10

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Q10. What precautions are necessary for safe storage of grains?

• Proper drying of grains in sunlight followed by shade drying is essential.
• Grains must be cleaned before storage to remove pests and moisture.
• Fumigation is done using safe chemicals to kill pests.
• Warehouses must have controlled temperature and moisture levels.
• Storage should prevent biotic losses from insects, rodents, fungi, and bacteria.
• Abiotic factors like high humidity and heat must also be managed.
• Good storage maintains grain quality and market value.

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Chapter 12: Improvement in Food Resources | Long Questions

Q1. Why is increasing food production necessary in India? How can this be achieved sustainably?

Q2. What are the major groups of activities for improving crop yields?

Q3. What is crop variety improvement? What factors are considered in selecting better crop varieties?

Q4. What is nutrient management in crops? How do plants obtain nutrients?

Q5. Compare manure and fertilizers in terms of advantages and effects on soil.

Q6. What is organic farming? How is it different from conventional farming?

Q7. Explain the major irrigation systems used in Indian agriculture.

Q8. What are cropping patterns? Compare mixed cropping, intercropping, and crop rotation.

Q9. What is crop protection management? Why is it important?

Q10. What precautions are necessary for safe storage of grains?

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