Please refer to below Exam Question for Class 10 Social Science Chapter 4 Agriculture. These questions and answers have been prepared by expert Class 10 Social Science teachers based on the latest NCERT Book for Class 10 Social Science and examination guidelines issued by CBSE, NCERT, and KVS. We have provided Class 10 Social Science exam questions for all chapters in your textbooks. You will be able to easily learn problems and solutions which are expected to come in the upcoming class tests and exams for standard 10th.

Chapter 4 Agriculture Class 10 Social Science Exam Question

All questions and answers provided below for Exam Question Class 10 Social Science Chapter 4 Agriculture are very important and should be revised daily.

Exam Question Class 10 Social Science Chapter 4 Agriculture

Objective Type Questions

Question. Which one of the following is a leguminous crop?
(a) Pulses
(b) Jowar
(c) Millets
(d) Sesamum
Answer : (a) Pulses

Question. Grouping of small land holding into a bigger one is called–
(a) ceiling of land holding
(b) collectivization
(c) cooperative farming
(d) consolidation of land holding
Answer : (d) consolidation of land holding

Question. White Revolution refers to –
(a) increased production of flowers
(b) increased production of eggs
(c) increased production of milk
(d) increased production of fish
Answer : (c) increased production of milk

Question. Which one of the following states is the leading producer of Rubber?
(a) Jammu & Kashmir
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Kerela
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer : (c) Kerela

Question. Which one of the following is a rabi crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Gram
(c) Millets
(d) Cotton
Answer : (b) Gram

Question. Which one of the following is announced by the government in support of a crop?
(a) Maximum support price
(b) Minimum support price
(c) Moderate support price
(d) Influential support price
Answer : (b) Minimum support price

Question. Which one of the following crops is commercial crop in one state while it is subsistence crop in another state?
(a) Wheat
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Rubber
Answer : (b) Rice

Question. Cultivation of fruits and vegetables is called-
(a) Floriculture
(b) Sericulture
(c) Horticulture
(d) Agriculture
Answer : (c) Horticulture

Question. Bhoodan-Gramdan Movement was initiated by–
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Vinoba Bhave
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer : (c) Vinoba Bhave

Question. Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture where a single crop is grown on a large area?
(a) Shifting Agriculture
(b) Plantation Agriculture
(c) Horticulture
(d) Intensive Agriculture
Answer : (b) Plantation Agriculture

Question. ICAR refers to –
(a) International Council of Aeronautical Research
(b) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(c) Indian Council of Animal Research
(d) International Commission for Agricultural Research
Answer : (b) Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Question. Rearing of silkworms is called-
(a) Pisciculture
(b) Agriculture
(c) Horticulture
(d) Sericulture
Answer : (d) Sericulture

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Explain any two geographical conditions required for the cultivation of pulses. Name any two important pulses producing states.
OR
Why the pulses are mostly grown in rotation with other crops? Name any two major pulse producing states?
Answer : Cultivation of pulses requires following geographical conditions:
(i) Pulses need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions.
(ii) Being leguminous crops, all these crops help in restoring soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air.
Major pulses producing states in India are : Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Question. Which are the two main cropping seasons in India? Mention their growing and harvesting periods.
Answer : The two main cropping seasons are Rabi and Kharif.
(i) Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to June.
(ii) Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country and harvested in September-October.

Question. Enlist the various agriculture institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.
Answer : Various agricultural institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in interest of the farmers are:
(i) Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire and diseases.
(ii) Establishment of Grameen Banks, Cooperative Societies for providing loan facilities to farmers at lower interest rates.
(iii) Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers on television and radio.
(iv) Announcement of minimum support price, remunerative and procurement prices for important crops to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen.

Question. Describe the uses of oilseeds. Which state is the largest producer of groundnut?
Answer : (a) Oilseeds usually have two main uses :
(i) They are used as a cooking medium as most of them are edible.
For example, groundnut oil sunflower oil, coconut oil, etc.
(ii) They are used as raw material. For example, oilseeds are important raw materials for the production of soap, cosmetics, ointments, etc.
(b) Gujarat is the largest producer of groundnut in India. Other states are Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Telangana.

Question. What are the growing conditions required for the main staple food crop of India? Mention the main growing regions.
Answer : (i) Rice is a kharif crop. Conditions required for the growth of rice are as follows:
(a) High temperature (above 25°C).
(b) High humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm.
(ii) Main regions where rice is grown : Northern plains, north- eastern India, coastal areas, deltaic plains and river valleys.

Question. Describe the institutional and technical changes introduced in the field of agriculture in India in the recent years.
OR
Describe any three technological and institutional reforms made in the field of agriculture in India.
OR
What were the attributes of the comprehensive land development programme initiated in India in the 1980s and 1990s?
Answer : (i) A Comprehensive Land Development Programme was initiated.
(ii) Provision of crop insurance against drought, floods, cyclone, fire and disease was introduced.
(iii) Gramin Banks, Cooperative Societies and Banks were established for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest.
(iv) Kisan Credit Card (KCC) was introduced.

Question. Give an account of oilseeds in India. State the importance of groundnut and name the states where it is grown.
Answer : The main oilseeds grown in India are groundnut, coconut, sesamum, castor, soyabean, linseed and sunflower.
Importance of groundnut:
(i) Groundnut seeds are edible.
(ii) Groundnut oil is a commonly used cooking medium.
(iii) Groundnut is used as raw material in production of soap, cosmetics and ointment.
(iv) India is the largest producer of groundnut.
(v) Groundnut oil accounts for half of the total oilseed production.
States where groundnut is grown: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. What are the climatic conditions required for the growth of rice?
Answer : Climatic conditions required for the growth of rice :
(i) It is a Kharif crop which requires high temperature (above 25°C).
(ii) It requires high humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm.
(iii) In the areas of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation.
(iv) It is grown in the plains of north and north-eastern India, coastal areas and deltaic regions.
(v) Development of dense network of canal irrigation and tubewells have made it possible to grow rice in areas of less rainfall such as Punjab and Haryana.

Question. What are millets? Give brief description of the climatic conditions and producing states of the millets grown in India.
Answer : Millets are coarse grains. Jowar, bajra and ragi are the important millets grown in India. They have high nutritional value, for example, ragi is very rich in iron, calcium, other micro-nutrients and roughage.
(i) Climatic conditions for jowar—Rainfed crops mostly grown in a moist area.
States producing jowar—Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
(ii) Climatic conditions for bajra—Grows in dry and warm climate on sandy soils and shallow black soil.
States producing bajra—Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
(iii) Climatic conditions for ragi—Grows well in the dry region on red, black, sandy and loamy soils.
States producing ragi—Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

Question. Which are the two major cotton producing states of North India? Describe four geographical conditions required for the growth of cotton.
OR
Describe the geographical conditions required for the cultivation of cotton.
Answer : Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are the two major cotton producing states of North India.
Geographical conditions required for the cultivation of cotton are:
(i) It grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau.
(ii) It requires high temperature.
(iii) It requires light rainfall or irrigation.
(iv) It requires 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine for its growth.

Question. Why has Indian agriculture started decline in the trend of food production? How can we overcome this problem?
Answer : Indian agriculture started a decline in the trend of food production because :
(i) More and more land is used for the construction of factories, warehouses and shelters which have reduced the land under cultivation.
(ii) Soil gets degraded by the use of pesticides, fertilisers, over- irrigation, etc., which leads to water logging and salinity. Following remedial measures can help overcome the problem:
(i) Use of agricultural techniques, which are environmentally sustainable.
(ii) Use of biotechnology in modifying different crops to increase the yield per hectare. This can lead to reduced dependence on insecticides and also requires less water.

Question. Define plantation agriculture. Explain any four characteristics of plantation agriculture.
Answer : Plantation Agriculture : Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming where crops are grown for profit. In this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area. Hence, large land areas are needed for this type of agriculture. This type of commercial farming is practised in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It was introduced by the British in India.
Some characteristics of plantation agriculture are:
(i) A single crop is grown over large area.
(ii) It is capital intensive and done with migrant labour.
(iii) Entire produce is used as raw material in industries such as tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, banana, etc.
(iv) Plantation agriculture has an interface of agriculture and industry both.

Question. Distinguish between primitive subsistence farming and commercial farming by stating five points of distinction.
OR
Establish the difference between Commercial farming and Subsistence farming with the help of a suitable example.
Answer :A. Commercial Farming
(i) It is distinguished by use of higher doses of modern inputs like High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, fertilisers, farming tools etc.
(ii) Commercialisation of agriculture varies from region to region.
(iii) It is characterized by a use of well-developed network of transport and communication.
(iv) Plantation is a type of commercial farming.
(v) High productivity is the first and the foremost aim of commercial farming.
(vi) For example, Rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab.
B. Subsistence Farming
(i) This type of farming is practiced on small patches of land.
(ii) Labour- intensive farming.
(iii) It is characterized by use of primitive tools.
(iv) This type of farming is entirely dependent on monsoons.
(v) ‘Slash and burn’ agriculture is a type of primitive farming.
(vi) Productivity in this type of farming is very low.
(vii) For example, rice is a subsistence crop in Odisha.

Question. Which crop is known as the ‘golden fibre’? Explain any two geographical conditions essential for the cultivation of this crop. Mention its any four uses.
Answer : Jute is called the ‘golden fibre’.
Geographical conditions suitable for production of jute:
(a) Grows well in the drained fertile soil of the flood plains where the soil is renewed every year.
(b) High temperature is required during the time of growth.
Uses of jute: Used to manufacture gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets and other artefacts.

Question. “Wheat and rice farming in India are fairly different from each other”. Support the statement with five suitable examples.
OR
Wheat and rice farming in India are fairly different from each other. Explain.
Answer : Basis of difference :

Question. Explain any two main challenges faced by the jute industry in India. Explain any three objectives of National Jute Policy.
Answer : The two challenges faced by the jute industry in India are :
(i) Due to its high cost, it is losing market to synthetic fibres and packing materials, particularly the nylon.
(ii) India is facing stiff competition from other jute producing nations like Bangladesh, Brazil, Philippines, Egypt and Thailand.
The major objectives of the National Jute Policy, 2005 are :
(i) To increase productivity.
(ii) To improve quality.
(iii) To ensure good prices to the jute farmers.

Question. Compare ‘intensive subsistence farming’ with that of ‘commercial farming’ practiced in India.
Answer : Comparison between ‘Intensive Subsistence farming’ and ‘Commercial farming’:-
(i) In intensive subsistence farming, pressure of population on land is high whereas in commercial farming population pressure is low.
(ii) In intensive subsistence farming, labour intensive farming is used whereas in commercial farming mechanized form of farming is used.
(iii) In intensive subsistence farming, there is low capital investment whereas in commercial farming high capital investment is required.
(iv) In intensive subsistence farming, farmers produce for their own consumption whereas in commercial farming production is solely for the commercial purpose.
(v) In intensive subsistence farming, processing industries are not associated with farms whereas in commercial farming processing industries are associated with plantations.
(vi) In intensive subsistence farming, multiple crops are grown whereas in commercial farming a single crop is grown.
(vii) In intensive subsistence farming, land holdings are small whereas in commercial farming land holdings are large.

Question. Explain any four features of primitive subsistence agriculture in India.
Answer : Features of primitive subsistence agriculture in India are :
(i) It is practised on small patches of land.
(ii) Tools used in this kind of farming are traditional tools such as hoe, dao and digging stick.
(iii) This type of agriculture is completely dependent on monsoon.
(iv) When soil fertility decreases, the farmers shift to another plot of land.

Question. Name any four oilseeds produced in India. Explain the importance of oilseeds in our day to day life.
Answer : (i) Groundnut
(ii) Mustard
(iii) Coconut
(iv) Sesamum
(v) Soyabean, sunflower, etc.
Importance of oilseeds:
• Most of these seeds are edible in the form of oil.
• These are used as raw material for manufacturing paints, varnishes, soaps, perfumes, etc.,
• Oil cake is used as cattle feed.
• Oil cake is also used as a fertiliser.

Question. Suggest any five measures to enhance the agricultural production in India.
OR
Explain any five institutional and technical reforms brought by the government to improve the condition of Indian Agriculture.
OR
Describe any five steps taken by the government of India to increase the productivity of agriculture in India.
OR
“The Government of India has introduced various institutional and technological reforms to improve agriculture in the 1980s and 1990s.” Support this statement with examples.
Answer : Institutional and technological reforms undertaken by the Government of India to improve agriculture in the 1980s and 1990s were:
a. Institutional Reforms :
(i) A Comprehensive Land Development Programme was initiated.
(ii) Provision of crop insurance against drought, floods, cyclone, fire and disease was introduced.
(iii) Gramin Banks, Cooperative Societies and Banks were established for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest.
(iv) Kisan Credit Card (KCC) was introduced.
(v) Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) was introduced.
(vi) The government announced Minimum Support Price, remunerative and procurement prices to reduce exploitation.
b. Technological Reforms :
(i) HYV seeds, chemical fertilizer and pesticides were provided.
(ii) Methods of irrigation were modernized.
(iii) Latest agricultural equipments were introduced.
(iv) Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers were introduced on radio and television.

Question. Describe any four geographical conditions required for the growth of tea. Mention the two major tea producing states of South India.
OR
Name the important beverage crop introduced by the British in India. Explain the geographical conditions needed for its cultivation. Write any two important states where it is grown.
OR
In which agricultural production, India is the leading producer as well as exporter in world? Describe the geographical requirements for its growth and development.
OR
What are the soil type, climatic conditions and rainfall conditions required for the cultivation of tea? Write two states of India where tea grows.
Answer : Tea cultivation is an example of plantation agriculture. It is also an important beverage crop introduced in India initially by the British. Today, most of the tea plantations are owned by Indians.
Climatic conditions : Tea grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Tea bushes require warm and moist frost-free climate all through the year.
Soil type: It grows on deep and fertile, well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matters.
Rainfall: Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves.
States: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Question. Explain Rubber cultivation in India under the following heads:
(i) Importance
(ii) Geographical conditions
(iii) Producing states.
Answer : (i) Importance of rubber plantation: Rubber is one of the important raw material in many important industries like motor and vehicle industry, and kitchenware and houseware industry.
(ii) Geographical conditions :
(a) It is an equatorial crop. However, under special conditions, it is also grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
(b) It requires a moist and humid climate with rainfall of more than 200 cm and temperature above 25°C.
(iii) Rubber producing states: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

Question. “The declining share of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a matter of serious concern in India.” Support the statement.
Answer : Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy though its share in the Gross Domestic Product has registered a declining trend (from 1951 onwards). In 2010 – 11, about 52% of the total workforce was employed by the farm sector which makes more than half of the Indian population dependent on agriculture for sustenance.
The declining share of agriculture in the GDP is a matter of serious concern because any decline and stagnation in agriculture will lead to a decline in other spheres of the economy having wider implications for society. Considering the importance of agriculture in India, the Government of India made concerted efforts to modernize the agriculture.

Question. Describe four geographical conditions required for the growth of sugarcane. Name two major sugarcane producing states of North India.
OR
What geographical conditions are required for the cultivation of sugarcane? Name two largest producing states of sugarcane.
Answer : Geographical conditions required for the growth of sugarcane in India :
(i) It is a tropical as well as sub-tropical crop so it requires a hot and humid climate with a temperature of 24°C to 27°C.
(ii) It requires an annual rainfall between 75 to 100 cm.
(iii) It can be grown on a variety of soils.
Major sugarcane producing states of North India are: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana. 

Question. What is intensive subsistence farming? Write three features of intensive farming.
Answer : Intensive subsistence farming is practised in areas of high population. In this type of farming, the agricultural production is increased by using high doses of biochemical inputs and better agricultural inputs.
Features of intensive farming are:
(a) High yielding variety (HYV) seeds, modern chemical inputs and irrigation methods are used to increase the production.
(b) The per hectare yield is very high.
(c) More than one crop is cultivated during a year.

Question. Explain any three geographical conditions required for the growth of rice in India. How is it possible to grow rice in areas of less rainfall? Explain with examples.
Answer : (i) Three geographical conditions for the growth of rice are:
(a) It requires high temperature, (above 25°C).
(b) High annual rainfall (above 100 cm).
(c) High humidity
(ii) It is possible to grow rice in areas of less rainfall with the help of irrigation, for example, in Punjab and Haryana.