Agriculture is a fundamental component of human geography, encompassing the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock for human consumption. Agriculture has been practiced for thousands of years and has played a key role in the development of human societies, providing food, fiber, and other resources.
Geographers study agriculture from a variety of perspectives, including the environmental, social, and economic factors that influence agricultural practices and the impacts of agriculture on the natural and built environment. They also examine the relationships between agriculture and other aspects of human geography, such as land use, population growth, and economic development.
One of the key challenges facing agriculture today is the need to produce food sustainably, given the growing demand for food and the limited resources available. Geographers explore ways in which agriculture can be made more sustainable, such as through the use of alternative farming methods, the promotion of biodiversity, and the conservation of soil and water resources.
Another important issue in agriculture is the distribution of food resources, both within and between countries. Geographers investigate the factors that influence the distribution of food resources, such as transportation infrastructure, trade policies, and market forces. They also examine the social and economic implications of food distribution, such as food insecurity and malnutrition.
Agriculture is a critical component of human geography, providing food and resources for human societies while also posing significant challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. Geographers play an important role in studying and addressing these issues, helping to promote more equitable and sustainable agricultural practices.
Get the Geography Optional Hard Copy Notes of Shabbir Sir’s most recent batch: Here
Agriculture Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Geography Optional)
- Discuss the recent changes brought about in institutional frameworks of agriculture in India. Evaluate its
impact on the agrarian economy of the country. (20 Marks/2022) - Discuss the importance of Dry-land’ farming in the drought-prone regions of India. (15 Marks/2022)
- How do agro-climatic and land capability indicators assist in regionalisation of India? Illustrate with an macro-agricultural appropriate map. (20 Marks/2022)
- The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2020 aims to deregulate the production, supply and distribution of farm produce. Critically examine its spatial consequences. (15 Marks/2020)
- Elucidate the benefits of neem coated urea scheme for Indian agriculture. (10 Marks/2020)
- Canal irrigation has led to monocropping in India. Explain with suitable examples. (10 Marks/2020)
- Explain the significance of dry farming in drought prone areas of India. (10 Marks/2019)
- Correlate the agro-climatic zones with agro-ecological regions of India. (20 Marks/2019)
- Discuss the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture and its impact on human health. (20 Marks/2019)
- Explain the contemporary agricultural scenario in the context of rapid urbanizations in India.
(15 Marks/2018) - Examine the ongoing process of agricultural diversification and its implications for food security in India. (20 Marks/2018)
- Land reform is a key to modern agriculture in India. Describe various measures taken in this direction after Independence. (15 Marks/2017)
- Define agricultural intensity and bring out its regional distribution in India. (15 Marks/2016)
- “India has paid heavily for achievement of Green Revolution in the form of economic,social and ecological cost.” Discuss. (15 Marks/2016)
- Explain how modernization of Indian agriculture is affected by unfavorable institutional factors with suitable examples. (15 Marks/2015)
- Distinguish between ‘agricultural productivity’ and ‘agricultural efficiency’, and bring out the disparity in regional distribution of agricultural efficiency. (20 Marks/2015)
- With the help of a map, indicate the principal areas of dryland farming in the country and account for farmers’ suicides mainly in those areas. (15 Marks/2015)
- Discuss the scope of replication of “White Revolution’ in India. (15 Marks/2015)
- Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives? (10 Marks/2014)
- ‘In spite of various negative impacts of Green Revolution, there is a demand for New Green Revolution.’ Elaborate. (15 Marks/2014)
- Explain the method of delineating crop-association regions with reference to India. (10 Marks/2013)
- Discuss the potentiality and present status of horticulture in the Western and central Himalaya. (20 Marks/2013)
- Discuss the role of institutional factors in shaping the pattern of Indian agriculture. (15 Marks/2013)
- Define agricultural productivity. Mention the methods of its measurement and bring out the disparities in its regional distribution. (15 Marks/2013)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of studying Agriculture as an optional subject in UPSC Mains, and how does it contribute to a candidate’s overall performance in the examination?
Answer: Agriculture as an optional subject in UPSC Mains offers a comprehensive understanding of rural issues and economic challenges. It provides candidates with insights into the agrarian economy, which is crucial for addressing socio-economic problems. Mastering this optional subject can enhance a candidate’s ability to analyze policy implications and contribute to a holistic understanding of various dimensions of governance.
2. How have the trends in the Agriculture optional question paper evolved from 2013 to 2022, and what themes dominate the questions asked by UPSC in this period?
Answer: Over the years, the Agriculture optional question paper has witnessed a shift in focus, encompassing a broader spectrum of issues related to agrarian practices, rural development, and environmental sustainability. While the core concepts remain constant, recent trends suggest an increased emphasis on contemporary challenges, policy interventions, and the integration of agricultural issues with broader economic and ecological concerns.
3. What are the key topics within the Agriculture optional syllabus that have consistently appeared in UPSC Mains from 2013 to 2022, and how should candidates prioritize their preparation for these topics?
Answer: Certain topics like cropping patterns, agricultural marketing, land reforms, and rural credit have been recurrent in the Agriculture optional question papers. Candidates should prioritize these core topics and delve deep into their historical evolution, current status, and future prospects. Additionally, understanding the interlinkages between these topics and their relevance to policy formulation is essential for a comprehensive preparation strategy.
4. How can candidates effectively integrate current affairs into their preparation for the Agriculture optional subject, considering the dynamic nature of the field?
Answer: To integrate current affairs into Agriculture optional preparation, candidates should stay updated on government policies, international developments, and technological advancements in agriculture. Regularly reading agricultural newspapers, journals, and reports can provide valuable insights. Linking contemporary issues with the theoretical aspects of the syllabus is crucial to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding during the examination.
5. In the context of the Agriculture optional subject, how does the UPSC Mains examination assess a candidate’s analytical and application skills? Provide examples from the previous year’s question papers to illustrate this.
Answer: The UPSC Mains examination for Agriculture optional goes beyond rote memorization and tests a candidate’s ability to analyze and apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. Questions often require candidates to critically evaluate policies, propose solutions to agrarian challenges, and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the subject. For instance, questions on sustainable farming practices, the impact of climate change on agriculture, or the role of technology in rural development necessitate a synthesis of theoretical knowledge with practical insights.
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