The Call of the Soil
Brainstorming – Solutions
(A1)
(i) Read the extract and state whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements. (a) Growing in abundance is more important than the quality of the crop.
False. The author emphasizes the quality of the crop (e.g., traditional, organic varieties like Kasbai) over abundance, as hybrids requiring chemicals sacrifice quality.
Corrected: Quality of the crop is more important than growing in abundance.
(b) The author wanted to grow the desi variety of rice.
True. The author specifically sought the traditional, desi variety of rice, such as Kasbai, for its low chemical requirements and pest resistance.
(c) The author did not succeed in finding Kasbai.
False. The author successfully found Kasbai seeds in Boripada from an Adivasi woman.
Corrected: The author succeeded in finding Kasbai.
(d) The aroma of the ‘desi’ rice would spread around the village.
True. Devu Handa describes how the aroma of Kasbai was so alluring that it would attract people passing the village during lunchtime.
(e) Newer hybrid crops have a great appetite for chemicals.
True. Devu Handa states that newer hybrids require increasing amounts of urea and pesticides, describing their “insatiable appetite for chemicals.”
(f) The author is an example of ‘reverse migration.’
True. The author, Venkat Iyer, left his IT job in Mumbai to live and farm organically in Peth village, exemplifying reverse migration from urban to rural life.
(ii) Complete the flow chart. Consider this to be an example of Note-Making. 
Answer:-
(iii) Read the text and fill in the blanks. One is done for you.
(a) The author wanted to grow organic moong.
(b) Moru Dada wanted to spray pesticides on the moong crop.
(c) Baban’s father and some elders mentioned the name of Kasbai.
(d) “Hybrids need more water, fertilizers, and pesticides,” said Devu Handa.
(e) The author bought a basket of rice from an Adivasi woman who lived in remote hills.
(A2)
(i) List the reactions of the agricultural officer to the author’s inquiry about Kasbai rice seeds. One is done for you.
(a) He had not heard of Kasbai.
(b) He said the villagers were taking the author for a ride.
(c) He offered to give the author some of the latest hybrid rice seeds free of cost for a trial.
(ii) Go through the text once again and note down Devu Handa’s fond memories of Kasbai in your exercise book. One is done for you.
Devu Handa has fond memories of Kasbai. They are as follows:
(a) It needs less rain.
(b) The entire village at one time grew only Kasbai, and its alluring aroma would force passersby to stop and ask for a meal during lunchtime.
(c) Even during flash floods in the sixties, Kasbai stood its ground, remaining strong when villagers returned after the floods receded.
(A3)
(i) The writer says he grew ‘an awful lot of moong’. Explain the word ‘awful’ in this sentence.
Answer:- In the sentence, “Soon it was harvest time and we managed a respectable 300 kilograms. An awful lot of moong and with it a lot of confidence,” the word ‘awful’ means “a large amount” or “a great deal.” It is used informally to emphasize the surprisingly large quantity of moong harvested, despite the author’s initial inexperience and commitment to organic farming without chemicals. The term conveys a sense of amazement and satisfaction at the abundant yield.
(ii) The word ‘scent’ is different from its synonyms ‘aroma’, ‘fragrance’, or ‘perfume’. Explain how the word ‘scent’ in the subtitle ‘Scent of the Rice’ has a deeper meaning than ‘perfume’ or ‘fragrance’. Tick phrases having a similar meaning from the following:
Answer:- The word ‘scent’ in the subtitle “Scent of the Rice” carries a deeper meaning than ‘perfume’ or ‘fragrance’ because it evokes not just the pleasant smell of the Kasbai rice but also its cultural, emotional, and historical significance. ‘Scent’ suggests a subtle, lingering quality that connects to the nostalgia, tradition, and identity of the rural community, as described in the text. Unlike ‘perfume’ (often artificial and cosmetic) or ‘fragrance’ (more general and pleasant), ‘scent’ captures the essence of the rice’s allure, tied to memories of village life and the natural, unspoiled quality of the indigenous variety. It symbolizes the author’s pursuit of preserving biodiversity and traditional farming.
Phrases with similar meaning (ticked):
(a) In pursuit of ✓
(c) To be keen ✓
(d) On the trail of ✓
(A4)
Read the following sentence:
(i) She muttered in reply and we looked at Jeevan for a quick
interpretation.
(ii) These are two complete sentences underlying the above sentence
| Question Part | Response |
|---|---|
| (i) Simple Sentences | |
| I stood in the middle of the lush green field of moong. | |
| My bare feet were muddy. | |
| Moru Dada was quite firm. | |
| I felt exhilarated. | |
| The sky was turning a bright orange. | |
| (ii) Compound Sentences | |
| The pods were not yet ripe and there was a light fuzz growing on them. | |
| I was not prepared for this, but Moru Dada was quite firm. | |
| He claimed that it would give a higher yield, but we did not want to do it. | |
| I made a quick trip to Surat and bought around 10 kilograms of moong. | |
| No one grew Kasbai and everyone had shifted to growing the new hybrid varieties. | |
| (iii) Complex Sentences | |
| After I had paid the advance money for the land, I thought I would have some time to get familiar with farming. | |
| When I asked them about the seeds, they all shook their heads and told me that it had disappeared. | |
| Because we were not very fluent with the local dialect, we asked the sarpanch to help us. | |
| Though much milder than Basmati, Kasbai is a traditional long-grained rice variety which has a distinct aroma. | |
| As we walked back against the fading sunset, I couldn’t help but wonder that here were the real people of India. | |
(ii) List of Subordinating Conjunctions
- After
- Although
- As
- Because
- Before
- If
- Since
- Though
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- While
(A5)
(i) Planting and growing more crops a year seems to be progress by normal standards; but the chapter makes a case against it. Give reasons.
Answer:- Reason 1: Growing multiple crops yearly often involves hybrid varieties that demand high inputs of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, which degrade soil fertility over time, as Devu Handa notes with hybrids’ increasing chemical needs.
Reason 2: Hybrids are less resilient to pests and natural disasters like floods compared to traditional varieties like Kasbai, leading to unreliable yields.
Reason 3: The shift to hybrids sacrifices cultural heritage and biodiversity, as seen with Kasbai’s unique aroma, prioritizing short-term gains over sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices.
(ii) Describe in about 150 words your experience similar to the writer’s when you pursued something and reached your goal.
Answer:- When I was in high school, I aimed to win the inter-school debate competition, driven by a passion for public speaking, much like the writer’s quest for Kasbai rice. Initially, I struggled with stage fright and lacked confidence in structuring arguments. Similar to the author’s persistence in searching villages, I dedicated weeks to practicing, researching topics, and seeking feedback from my teachers. I faced setbacks, like losing in practice rounds, but each failure taught me to refine my skills. Like the author’s thrill at finding Kasbai, I felt exhilarated when I delivered a compelling speech at the competition. Winning first place was a moment of triumph, mirroring the author’s joy at his organic harvest. This experience taught me that determination, hard work, and learning from challenges can lead to achieving meaningful goals, reinforcing my belief in perseverance. (141 words)
(iii) The writer goes in search of an invaluable indigenous variety of seeds. List three reasons for the importance of keeping records of our indigenous agricultural practices.
Answer:- Reason 1: Preserving biodiversity by documenting resilient indigenous seeds like Kasbai, which are adapted to local conditions and resist pests naturally.
Reason 2: Maintaining cultural heritage, as indigenous practices, like growing Kasbai, are tied to community traditions and historical identity.
Reason 3: Promoting sustainable farming, as these practices require fewer chemicals, supporting soil health and eco-friendly agriculture.
(iv) Write a blog in about 100 to 150 words on organic farming.
Answer:-
Organic Farming: A Sustainable Future
Organic farming, as depicted in The Call of the Soil, is a sustainable approach that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, nurturing the earth naturally. Using compost, crop rotation, and traditional seeds like Kasbai, it preserves soil fertility and biodiversity. Unlike conventional methods, which harm ecosystems with chemicals, organic farming ensures cleaner water and healthier crops. The author’s success with organic moong proves that nature can thrive without artificial inputs. Though yields may be lower initially, the long-term benefits include resilient crops and reduced environmental damage. Organic farming reconnects us with our roots, offering nutritious, flavorful produce while safeguarding the planet. Let’s support this eco-friendly practice to ensure a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come. Join the organic movement today! (126 words)
(v) Write a short paragraph in about 120 words, to be used as Counter-View for the following topic. ‘Buy a bigger cloth for your coat’.
View Section: (a) We cannot survive by the dictum ‘Cut your coat according to your cloth’ in today’s world.
(b) In the mordern world we should ‘Think Big’.
(c) Think of increasing your income instead of reducing your needs. (d) We connot deny ourselves, what the new world offers us
Counter-View: Buy a Bigger Cloth for Your Coat
The idea of “buying a bigger cloth for your coat” promotes unsustainable ambition over practical living. Chasing endless income to meet growing desires, as the view suggests, leads to overconsumption, environmental harm, and financial stress. The Call of the Soil shows the value of simplicity through organic farming, prioritizing sustainability over high-yield hybrids. Living by “cut your coat according to your cloth” encourages mindful resource use, reducing waste and fostering self-reliance. Denying unnecessary luxuries aligns with traditional values, preserving ecological balance. In today’s world, true progress lies in meeting essential needs wisely, not indulging in modern excesses. Sustainable living ensures a stable, fulfilling life for ourselves and future generations, rather than chasing an ever-expanding “cloth.” (122 words)
(vi) ‘Organic farming is the need of the time’. Write your views in favour and against the statement.
Answer:-
| Pros of Organic Farming | Counterviews Against Organic Farming |
|---|---|
| Environmental Sustainability: Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, preserving soil fertility and reducing water pollution, ensuring a healthier ecosystem. | Lower Yields: Organic farming may produce less than conventional methods, as seen with the author’s initial moong harvest, making it challenging to meet large-scale food demands. |
| Healthier Produce: Organic crops, like the author’s moong, are free from harmful pesticides, offering nutritious, chemical-free food for consumers. | Higher Costs: Organic practices require more labor and time, increasing costs for farmers, unlike cheaper chemical-based methods. |
| Preserves Biodiversity: Using traditional seeds like Kasbai maintains diverse, resilient crop varieties adapted to local conditions, unlike hybrids. | Market Challenges: The text notes that markets may not recognize traditional varieties like Kasbai, limiting sales opportunities for organic farmers. |
| Long-term Soil Health: Organic methods, such as compost use, enhance soil quality over time, supporting sustainable agriculture for future generations. | Transition Difficulty: Switching to organic farming, as the author experienced, involves overcoming skepticism and learning new methods, which can deter farmers. |
(vii) Appeal to your classmates to say ‘No to Junk Food’. Write an appeal to prefer organic food over junk food
Say No to Junk Food, Embrace Organic!
Dear Classmates, Let’s take inspiration from The Call of the Soil and say No to Junk Food! Junk food, loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar, and chemicals, harms our bodies, causing health issues like obesity and tiredness. Instead, choose organic food, like the author’s naturally grown moong and fragrant Kasbai rice, which is free from harmful pesticides. Organic food nourishes us with pure, wholesome goodness and supports eco-friendly farming that protects our planet, as shown in the text’s sustainable practices. By choosing organic over processed junk, we prioritize our health and the environment. Let’s commit to eating organic meals that are tasty, healthy, and sustainable. Join me in making this smart choice for a better future! Your Classmate
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