Notes Class 7 Chapter 9 Geography Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Geography Class 7

Agriculture

Introduction to Agriculture

• Agriculture is the primary occupation of humans and the backbone of many economies, especially in India.
• It includes crop cultivation, animal husbandry, dairy farming, poultry, fisheries, sericulture, horticulture, floriculture, and organic farming.
• Agriculture provides food, raw materials, and employment to millions of people.

Types of Agriculture

Agriculture is categorized based on farming methods, purpose, land use, and technology.

1. Subsistence Farming

• Practiced by small farmers for personal consumption.
• Traditional and labor-intensive with limited use of machinery.
• Crops include rice, wheat, pulses, and vegetables.
• Subtypes:

Intensive Farming

• Small landholdings with maximum use of available land.
• Labor-intensive with fertilizers and irrigation.
• Common in densely populated countries like India and China.

Shifting Cultivation

• Practiced in forested and hilly areas.
• Farmers clear land, burn trees, and use the ash as fertilizer.
• After 2-3 years, they shift to a new land as soil fertility decreases.
• Practiced in Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

2. Commercial Farming

Large-scale profit-oriented farming with modern machinery and fertilizers.

Requires capital investment and advanced techniques.

Subtypes:

Extensive Grain Farming

• Farms above 200 hectares in size.
• Uses tractors, planes, and mechanized tools.
• Monoculture (single crop farming) – wheat, corn, barley, oats, soybeans.
• Practiced in USA, Canada, Australia, Russia, Argentina.

Plantation Farming

• Large estates (40+ hectares) cultivating a single commercial crop.
• Requires skilled labor and high investment.
• Crops: Tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, coconut, spices.
• Practiced in India, Sri Lanka, Africa, South America.

3. Market Gardening (Truck Farming)

• Small-scale farming near urban markets to supply fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
• Uses irrigation, fertilizers, and transport networks.
• Crops: Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, strawberries, tulips, roses.
• Practiced in Europe, North America, India, and China.

4. Organic Farming

• Chemical-free farming using natural manure and biological pest control.
• Uses compost, cow dung, vermicompost, and neem pesticides.
• Produces high-quality crops with better nutritional value.

5. Greenhouse Farming

• Uses artificial structures (plastic/glass houses) to control climate and pests.
• Ensures year-round farming with high yields.
• Crops: Flowers (lily, gerbera), exotic vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers).
• Practiced in Israel, Netherlands, Canada, India.

6. Agrotourism

• A form of rural tourism where city dwellers visit farms to experience farming life.
• Helps farmers earn extra income.
• Popular in India, Italy, France, Thailand.

Irrigation and Its Importance

• Irrigation is the artificial supply of water to crops for continuous growth.
• Essential due to uneven rainfall and dry seasons.
• Increases crop yield and quality.

Methods of Irrigation

Surface Irrigation

• Water is distributed over land through canals and channels.
• Simple but leads to water wastage.

Drip Irrigation

• Water directly supplied to plant roots via pipes.
• Saves water and reduces evaporation.
• Used for fruits, vegetables, and greenhouse crops.

Sprinkler Irrigation

• Water is sprayed over fields using rotating nozzles.
• Efficient for dry and sandy areas.

Agriculture in India

Why is Indian Agriculture Seasonal?

India has two main crop seasons based on the monsoon cycle:

1. Kharif (June-October) – Rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane.
2. Rabi (November-April) – Wheat, barley, mustard, peas.

Challenges for Perennial Agriculture:

• Uneven rainfall and irrigation facilities.
• Soil erosion and depletion.
• Market price fluctuations.

Animal Husbandry and Allied Activities

1. Dairy Farming

• Rearing cows, buffaloes, and goats for milk production.
• India is the largest producer of milk.

2. Sheep and Goat Rearing

• Provides wool, meat, and milk.
• Common in dry and hilly regions.

3. Poultry Farming

• Rearing hens, ducks for eggs and meat.
• Commercial farms use scientific methods for better yield.

4. Beekeeping

• Produces honey and beeswax.
• Helps in pollination and increasing crop yield.

5. Pisciculture (Fish Farming)

• Rearing fish in artificial ponds and lakes.
• Common varieties: Rohu, Catla, Indian Salmon.

6. Sericulture

• Rearing silkworms for silk production.
• Major silk-producing states: Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam.

Marketing Systems in Agriculture

• Farmers sell their produce through local markets, mandis, or online platforms.
• Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) regulate fair pricing.
• Supermarkets, malls, and e-commerce provide farmers direct access to consumers.
• Globalization allows Indian farmers to export their products internationally.

Example: Israel’s Agricultural Success

• Israel has harsh climate, deserts, and water scarcity.
• Uses drip irrigation, greenhouses, and advanced farming techniques.
• Produces fresh vegetables and exports globally.
• Lesson for India: Use modern technology to improve productivity.

Conclusion

• Agriculture feeds the world and supports economies.
• Modern methods like irrigation, greenhouse farming, and organic agriculture are improving productivity.
• Sustainable farming ensures food security for future generations.