Question 1

Question 1What are the climatic conditions that favour the cultivation of cotton?

Accepted Answer

The climatic conditions that favour the cultivation of cotton are:It needs mild, cool, preferably dry climate with 21°- 27° C temperature.It needs plenty of sunshine.Warm days and cool nights are good for the development of the boll and fibres in the first stage at the time of fruition.Temperature should not fall below 20°C.This crop requires 200 frost free days during growing period.

Question 2

Question 2Where in India does long staple cotton grow? What are its advantages?

Accepted Answer

In India, the long staple cotton grows in Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The long staple cotton is used to make fine quality cotton cloth. It is stronger, softer and makes more durable fabric. Fabric made of long-staple cottons fray less, pill less, wrinkle less and even fade less.

Question 3

Question 3Is dry weather necessary at the time of harvest of cotton? Why?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dry weather is necessary at the time of harvest of cotton. Cotton requires dry weather at the time of harvest because dryness helps in ripening and bursting of the cotton bolls. Humidity results in infestation of pests and diseases. Rainfall at time of harvesting badly affects the quality of cotton.

Question 4

Question 4Why is jute called the 'brown paper' of the wholesale trade?

Accepted Answer

Jute is called the 'brown paper' of the wholesale trade as until recently its sacks were used for packing rice, wheat, sugar, pulses, cement and fertilizers.

Question 5

Question 5What are the geographical requirements for growing jute? Name the leading producer of jute.

Accepted Answer

The geographical requirements for the cultivation of Jute are:Light sandy or clayey loams are best for growing jute.It grows well in flood plains and river deltas rich in alluvium. Since jute rapidly exhausts the fertility of the soil, it is necessary that the soils are replenished annually by the silt-laden flood waters of the rivers.It requires high temperature between 24°C to 35°C.It needs high relative humidity of 80% to 90% at the time of growth.Jute requires heavy rainfall of 170 cm to 200 cm.

Question 6

Question 6Name the two most important fibre crops of India.

Accepted Answer

The two most important crops of India area cotton and jute.

Question 7

Question 7Name the different varieties of tea in India.

Accepted Answer

The different varieties of tea in India are Black Tea, Green Tea and Oolong Tea.

Question 8

Question 8Why is tea generally grown on the hill slopes?

Accepted Answer

Tea is generally grown on the hill slopes because the hill slopes do not allow water logging and provide proper drainage. Stagnant water is injurious to the roots of tree plants. Hence, hill slopes are best suited for growing tea.

Question 9

Question 9Why are the tea plants pruned?

Accepted Answer

Tea plants are pruned at regular interval to maintain the height and diameter of the plant limited to one metre. Frequent pruning encourages the rapid production of fresh leaves and shoots.

Question 10

Question 10Name the leading producer of tea in India. What factors have helped it to become the leading state?

Accepted Answer

Assam is the leading producer of tea in India. The factors that helped it to become the leading state are:It gets over 250 cm rainfall.The temperature is above 20°C.Morning fog helps and frost never occurs.Labour is available in plenty.

Question 11

Question 11Why is the plucking of tea leaves entrusted generally to women?

Accepted Answer

Mostly women are entrusted to pluck tea leaves because tea plucking is a very skilled job requiring patience and judgement. Women are better pickers and can be employed at relatively cheaper rates.

Question 12

Question 12Name the different stages of tea processing before it is sent out to the market.

Accepted Answer

The different stages of tea processing before it is sent out to the market are:Withering — It is done to remove the moisture from the leaves by spreading them over racks and passing air through them.Rolling — It gives the twist to the leaves, breaks the leaf cells and the natural juice is exposed to the atmosphere for fermentation to set in.Fermentation — Tea leaves are spread out in special trays on cement tables for fermentation which results in change of leaf colour to copper red.Drying or fixing — After fermentation, leaves are put on conveyer belt and are passed through an oven at a very high temperature.Sorting — The leaves are sorted out in various grades with the help of sifters with different size of meshes.Blending — It gives a characteristic flavour to the brand.Packing — It is done in plywood cases with a lining of aluminium foil.

Question 13

Question 13Name the two main centres where tea is auctioned.

Accepted Answer

Kolkata and Guwahati are the two main centres where tea is auctioned.

Question 14

Question 14Why is blending necessary for tea?

Accepted Answer

The tea plant is greatly affected by the type of climate it is grown in. Thus by blending, the tea planter prepares his own brand to supply his customers on the basis of its flavour, colour and texture. Each brand will have its own characteristic flavour and the blend is a closely guarded secret.

Question 15

Question 15Give two reasons stating the economic importance of the tea industry.

Accepted Answer

Two reasons stating the economic importance of the tea industry are:It is a labour-intensive industry and provides employment to over a million workers.It earns a lot of foreign exchange for the country.

Question 16

Question 16Name two important regions where tea is grown in south India.

Accepted Answer

Two important regions where tea is grown in south India are Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu and Annamalai hills in Karnataka.

Question 17

Question 17Name the two main varieties of coffee grown in India.

Accepted Answer

Two main varieties of coffee grown in India are:Coffea arabica.Coffea robust.

Question 18

Question 18Why are young coffee plants protected from heat?

Accepted Answer

Young coffee plants are protected from heat to prevent damage to their delicate leaves and branches, which can impede growth and reduce crop yields. High temperatures can cause wilting, dehydration, sunburn and in extreme cases death of the plant. It also helps to prevent infestations and outbreaks.

Question 19

Question 19State three factors which favour the cultivation of coffee in South India. Name the leading producer of coffee in India.

Accepted Answer

Three factors which favour the cultivation of coffee in South India are:Altitude — Coffee is grown at an altitude of 800 to 1500 metres. South India has many high-altitude regions, such as the Western Ghats, which are ideal for growing coffee. Generally the slopes are protected from direct rain, direct sun rays and strong winds.Climate — South India has a tropical climate that is well-suited to coffee cultivation, with moderate temperatures, abundant rainfall, and high humidity.Soil — South India provides rich loamy laterite soil, rich in humus and iron oxide which favours coffee production.Karnataka is the leading producer of coffee in India.

Question 20

Question 20State one climatic and one commercial problem that coffee cultivation in India faces.

Accepted Answer

Climatic problem — Dry weather, high temperature, long droughts and unseasonal rainfall.Commercial problem — Low productivity and yields due to outdated farming practices, lack of access to modern technology and inputs, and a lack of investment in research and development. Due to this coffee cultivation in India faces tough competition from countries like Brazil, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Agriculture in India — III : Cash Crops