Chapter 12 – Food for All
EXERCISES
1. What’s the solution ?
The plant in the pot is not growing well.
Ans:
(1) Ensure that the potted plant gets maximum sunlight.
(2) Add manure and organic fertilizer to the pot.
(3) Water the plant daily.
(4) Loosen the soil near the roots.
(5) Trim the plant occasionally to enhance the growth.
(6) Spray pesticides so that insects do not harm it.
2. Use your brain power !
What is the purpose of storing foodgrain in our house?
Ans: We store food grains in our house because:
(1) It saves time going to the market every day to purchase it.
(2) The stored grain is available whenever we need it.
(3) It also helps when there is a shortage or during difficult times like floods, famine, or earthquakes.
3. Find and correct the incorrect statements.
(a) There is only one method of farming.
Ans: False.
Correct statement: There are many ways of farming.
(b) India is an agricultural country.
Ans: True.
(c) Use of improved seeds does not lead to higher yields.
Ans: False.
Correct statement: Use of improved seeds leads to higher yields.
4. Answer the following questions.
(a) What are the advantages of using improved seeds?
Ans:
(1) Improved seeds have a higher yield.
(2) These seeds resist pest attacks.
(3) They grow well and become ripe for harvest in a shorter period of time.
(4) Some seeds can give a high yield in low water supplies too.
(b) Which are the modern methods of irrigation? What are their advantages?
Ans:
(1) Drip Irrigation and sprinkle irrigation are modern methods of irrigation.
(2) Due to modern methods of irrigation, the roots of the crops get enough water.
(3) One can save a lot of water by using these methods.
(4) In modern methods of irrigation, full use is made of the available water.
(5) There is danger of land becoming saline and fallow when there is overwatering. This can be avoided due to modern irrigation methods.
(c) Describe the ‘drip irrigation’ method.
Ans:
(1) In the Drip Irrigation method, pipes with holes are used to give water to the plants.
(2) Only the required amount of water drips near the plants in this method.
(3) Full use of available water can be made by drip irrigation.
(d) What are the reasons due to which growing crops are damaged?
Ans:
(1) Growing crops in the field can be attacked by diseases and pests.
(2) If the fertility of the soil is reduced, the productivity of fields is also reduced.
(3) If enough water is not available for growing crops, their growth is stunted. All these factors can cause damage to the crops in the fields.
(e) What is done to avoid the damage to crops?
Ans:
(1) To avoid damage to the crops, modern irrigation methods are used to water the crops.
(2) To reduce pest and disease attacks, the crops are sprayed with insecticides and pesticides.
(3) The seeds used are also of improved quality, and they are rubbed with certain chemicals before sowing.
(4) The proper amount of fertilizer is used to enhance the growth of the crops.
(f) What causes the fertility of the soil to diminish?
Ans: Overuse of chemical fertilizers leads to the accumulation of excessive chemicals in the soil. This reduces the fertility of the soil. Overwatering also turns the soil saline and fallow.
(g) What changes has modern technology brought about in the methods of farming?
Ans:
(1) Modern technology in agriculture uses improved seeds that give higher yields.
(2) Modern methods of irrigation, such as drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation, are used.
(3) Organic fertilizers and manures are used to increase the fertility and productivity of soil.
(4) Pesticides and insecticides are used to protect the crops against diseases and pest attacks.
(5) Through agricultural assistance programs, farmers are given information and weather forecasts. All these changes have brought about a better yield of farm produce.
(h) What methods are used to preserve foodgrain?
Ans: In order to preserve the stored food grains, the following methods are used:
(1) The grain is dried well in the sun and stored in sacks.
(2) The chemicals are sprayed on the places where the sacks are stacked.
(3) Neem leaves are mixed with the grain to avoid insect attacks.
(4) Protective chemicals are mixed with the grams. The smell of these chemicals repels insect pests.
(5) The place where grains are stored is kept dry and airy to prevent it from catching fungus.
(i) How is water made available for farming?
Ans:
(1) In India, most of the agriculture is dependent on the monsoon.
(2) Along with this rainwater, water from rivers, lakes, and wells is also used for irrigation purposes.
(3) Dams are built on rivers to hold huge quantities of water.
(4) Small bunds are also made downstream on the rivers.
(5) Traditionally, moot and canal water was used for watering the crops.
(6) Now modern methods of irrigation are used for farming.
5. Match the following.
| ‘A’ Group | ‘B’ Group |
|---|---|
(1) Grain stored in a damp place | (a) Prevents growth of fungus on the grain |
(2) Grain stored in dry | (b) Prevents insect air infestation |
(3) Adding proper chemicals to the stored grain | (c) Fungus attack |
Ans:
| ‘A’ Group | ‘B’ Group |
|---|---|
(1) Grain stored in a damp place | (c) Fungus attack |
(2) Grain stored in dry | (a) Prevents growth of fungus on the grain |
(3) Adding proper chemicals to the stored grain | (b) Prevents insect air infestation |