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 in a sustainable manner, 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.
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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)
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