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:

Kharif (June-October) – Rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane.
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.