Class 8 Science Chapter 1 Crop Production and Management -

Class 8 Chapter 1 CROP PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

Question: Name some of the tools that you saw in the field?

Answer: Some of the tools that I saw in the field are khurpi, sickle, shovel, plough, etc.

Question: What is the basic requirement of all living organisms?

Answer: The basic requirement of all living organisms is food.

Question: Can plants make their own food?

Answer: Yes, plants can make their own food.

Question: How do green plants synthesize their own food?

Answer: Green plants synthesize their own food through the process of photosynthesis.

Question: Can animals including humans make their own food?

Answer: No, animals including humans cannot make their own food.

Question: Where do animals get their food from?

Answer: Animals including humans get their food from other organisms, either by eating plants or other animals that eat plants.

Question: Why do organisms need to eat food?

Answer: Organisms need to eat food to obtain energy for carrying out various body functions.

Question: What are some of the body functions that require energy from food?

Answer: Some of the body functions that require energy from food are digestion, respiration, and excretion.

Question: Where do humans get their food from?

Answer: Humans get their food from plants, animals, or both.

Question: Can humans get their food from both plants and animals?

Answer: Yes, humans can get their food from both plants and animals.

Question: Since we all need food, how can we provide food to a large number of people in our country?

Answer: To provide food to a large number of people in a country, we can promote sustainable agriculture practices and improve food processing and storage facilities.

Question: Why does food have to be produced on a large scale?

Food has to be produced on a large scale in order to provide for the needs of a large population.

Question: What is necessary to provide food for a large population?

Regular production, proper management, and distribution are necessary to provide food for a large population.

Question: What factors are important for regular production, management and distribution of food?

Modern farming techniques, efficient transportation systems, storage facilities, and effective distribution channels are important factors for regular production, management, and distribution of food.

Question: What was the lifestyle of people until 10,000 B.C.E.?

Answer: People were nomadic, wandering in groups from place to place in search of food and shelter.

Question: What were people in search of while wandering in groups?

Answer: People were in search of food and shelter.

Question: What did people eat before they started hunting animals?

Answer: People ate raw fruits and vegetables.

Question: What was the main reason for people to start hunting animals?

Answer: People started hunting animals for food.

Question: What new way of obtaining food was developed by people after they stopped being nomadic?

Answer: People started cultivating land and producing crops, which led to the development of agriculture.

Question: What types of food crops were produced after people started cultivating land?

Answer: People produced rice, wheat, and other food crops.

Question: What term is used to describe the new way of obtaining food that was developed by people?

Answer: The term used to describe the new way of obtaining food that was developed by people is “Agriculture”.

Question: What is a crop?

A crop is a large-scale cultivation of plants of the same kind in one place.

Question: Can you provide an example of a crop?

Yes, a crop of wheat means that all the plants grown in a field are that of wheat.

Question: How can crops be classified?

Crops can be classified on the basis of the season in which they grow.

Question: Why is there a rich variety of crops grown in different parts of India?

India is a vast country with varying climatic conditions like temperature, humidity, and rainfall from one region to another, which allows for a rich variety of crops to be grown in different parts of the country.

Question: What are the two broad cropping patterns that can be identified in India?

The two broad cropping patterns that can be identified in India are Kharif and Rabi.

Question: What factors determine the variety of crops grown in different parts of India?

The climatic conditions like temperature, humidity, and rainfall vary from one region to another, which determine the variety of crops grown in different parts of India.

Question: How many broad cropping patterns can be identified in India despite its diversity?

Two broad cropping patterns can be identified in India despite its diversity.

Question: How can crops be classified?

Crops can be classified based on the season in which they grow.

The climatic conditions like temperature, humidity, and rainfall vary from one region to another in India, leading to a rich variety of crops grown in different parts of the country.

Question: Why is there a rich variety of crops grown in different parts of India?

Agriculture: Agriculture refers to the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals for food, fiber, and other products.
Crop: A crop is a plant or a group of plants that are grown and harvested for food, feed, fuel, fiber, or other products.
Irrigation: Irrigation refers to the process of supplying water to crops through artificial means, such as canals, wells, or pumps.
Manure: Manure refers to organic matter, such as animal dung or plant waste, that is used as fertilizer to enrich the soil and improve crop yield.
Fertilizer: Fertilizer refers to chemical substances that are added to soil to provide essential nutrients to plants and enhance crop growth and yield.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation refers to the practice of growing different crops on the same land in a sequential manner to maintain soil fertility and prevent pest and disease buildup.
Harvesting: Harvesting refers to the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.
Storage: Storage refers to the preservation of harvested crops in suitable conditions to prevent spoilage and ensure their availability for future use.
Food processing: Food processing refers to the conversion of raw food materials into processed food products, such as flour, sugar, or canned goods.
Ploughing: Ploughing refers to the process of breaking up and turning over soil using a tool called a plough, which helps in preparing the soil for planting and improving soil aeration.
Sowing: Sowing refers to the process of planting seeds in the soil, which can be done by hand or using a seed drill.
Weeding: Weeding refers to the process of removing unwanted plants or weeds from the crop fields, which compete for resources and nutrients with the desired crops.
Pest control: Pest control refers to the use of various methods to prevent or control pests, such as insects, rodents, and diseases, that can damage crops and reduce yield. Methods include biological control, chemical control, and cultural control.
Crop protection: Crop protection refers to the various techniques and practices used to protect crops from adverse weather conditions, such as drought, floods, and extreme temperatures, as well as natural disasters, such as storms and wildfires.
Mechanization: Mechanization refers to the use of machines and equipment in various agricultural operations, such as ploughing, planting, harvesting, and processing, which can help increase efficiency and productivity.
Harvesting tools: Harvesting tools include sickles, scythes, and threshers, which help in cutting and separating the crops from the soil and in removing the grains from the crop plants.
Storage structures: Storage structures are used to store the harvested crops safely and securely. These include granaries, warehouses, and silos.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a type of farming that involves the use of natural methods and techniques to produce crops without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It is an eco-friendly and sustainable way of farming.
Green Revolution: The Green Revolution refers to a period in the 1960s and 1970s when high-yielding varieties of crops, along with modern farming techniques and practices, were introduced in many developing countries to increase food production and reduce hunger.
Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture refers to a type of agriculture that is environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable. It involves the use of practices that conserve natural resources, protect the environment, and promote social justice.
Livestock management: Livestock management refers to the practices and techniques used in the rearing of domesticated animals, such as cows, goats, and sheep, for food, milk, and other products. Proper management of livestock is important for ensuring their health and productivity.
Multiple cropping: Multiple cropping refers to the practice of growing two or more crops on the same land in a single year. This helps in maximizing land use and increasing crop productivity.
Land preparation: Land preparation involves various activities such as ploughing, leveling, and tilling, which help in preparing the soil for planting and improving soil fertility.
Seed treatment: Seed treatment refers to the process of treating seeds with various substances, such as fungicides and insecticides, to protect them from diseases and pests and to improve their germination and growth.
Precision farming: Precision farming involves the use of modern technologies, such as sensors, drones, and GPS, to optimize agricultural practices, such as irrigation and fertilization, for maximum efficiency and yield.
Extension services: Extension services refer to the services provided by the government and other organizations to farmers to help them improve their agricultural practices, increase their productivity, and enhance their income.
Fertilizers: Fertilizers are substances that are added to the soil to improve its fertility and to provide essential nutrients to the crops. They can be organic, such as manure and compost, or inorganic, such as urea and phosphate.
Irrigation: Irrigation refers to the process of providing water to the crops through artificial means, such as canals, wells, and sprinklers. Proper irrigation is important for crop growth and yield.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation involves the practice of growing different crops in a particular sequence on the same land to prevent the depletion of soil nutrients and to control pests and diseases.
Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a type of farming that involves the integration of trees and shrubs with crops and livestock. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly way of farming that helps in soil conservation and biodiversity.
Soil testing: Soil testing involves the analysis of soil samples to determine their nutrient content, pH level, and other physical and chemical properties. This helps in the selection of appropriate crops and fertilizers and in improving soil health.
Drip irrigation: Drip irrigation is a type of irrigation that involves the slow and precise application of water directly to the roots of the crops through a system of tubes and emitters. It is an efficient and water-saving way of irrigation.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crops and can lead to yield loss. Various methods such as biological control, cultural control, and chemical control are used to manage pests and diseases.
Weed control: Weeds are unwanted plants that grow along with the crops and compete for nutrients and resources. Various methods such as manual weeding, mechanical weeding, and chemical weeding are used to control weeds.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM is a holistic approach to pest management that involves the use of various methods, such as biological control, cultural control, and chemical control, in a coordinated and integrated manner to control pests while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides.
Farm mechanization: Farm mechanization refers to the use of machines and equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and threshers in agriculture to improve efficiency and productivity.
Harvest and post-harvest management: Harvest and post-harvest management involve various activities such as harvesting, threshing, cleaning, and storing the harvested crops to ensure their quality and to prevent losses due to pests and diseases.
Government policies and programs: The government implements various policies and programs to promote agricultural development and to provide support to farmers. These include subsidies on fertilizers and seeds, crop insurance schemes, and extension services.
Green manure: Green manure refers to the practice of growing crops, such as legumes and grasses, and then plowing them into the soil to improve its fertility and organic matter content.
Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a method of composting that involves the use of earthworms to decompose organic matter into a nutrient-rich compost.
Agrochemicals: Agrochemicals are chemicals that are used in agriculture to enhance crop growth and productivity. They include fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a type of farming that relies on natural methods and inputs, such as compost and manure, to improve soil fertility and control pests and diseases. It is an eco-friendly and sustainable way of farming.
Farm to table: Farm to table refers to the practice of sourcing food directly from local farmers and producers and serving it to consumers. It is a way to promote sustainable and local agriculture and to reduce the carbon footprint of food production.
Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture refers to the use of farming practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. It involves the use of techniques such as crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture.
Micro-irrigation: Micro-irrigation is a method of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of plants, thereby reducing water loss due to evaporation and ensuring efficient use of water.
Drip irrigation: Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation that involves the use of pipes with emitters to deliver water drop by drop to the roots of plants.
Sprinkler irrigation: Sprinkler irrigation is a method of irrigation that involves the use of sprinklers to spray water over the plants.
Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is a method of collecting and storing rainwater for use during periods of water scarcity. It involves the use of various techniques, such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, surface runoff harvesting, and groundwater recharge.
Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a land use system that involves the cultivation of trees or shrubs along with crops and/or livestock. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly way of farming that helps to improve soil fertility, control erosion, and sequester carbon.
Sustainable land use: Sustainable land use refers to the use of land in a manner that ensures its long-term productivity and viability while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. It involves the use of practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and agroforestry to maintain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion.
Plant breeding: Plant breeding is the process of developing new and improved varieties of crops by selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, and tolerance to abiotic stress.
Genetic modification: Genetic modification or genetic engineering is the process of introducing desirable genes from one organism into another organism to produce a genetically modified organism (GMO) with desirable traits. This technology has been used to develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases or tolerant to abiotic stress.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control strategy that involves the use of multiple pest control methods such as biological control, cultural control, and chemical control in a coordinated and integrated manner to manage pest populations effectively while minimizing the use of pesticides.
Plant hormones: Plant hormones are natural substances that are produced by plants to regulate their growth and development. They are important in crop production and management as they can be used to stimulate plant growth, induce flowering, and enhance fruit ripening.
Tissue culture: Tissue culture is the process of growing cells or tissues from a plant in a laboratory under sterile conditions. This technology has been used to produce disease-free plants, develop new plant varieties, and propagate plants on a large scale.
Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of cutting, gathering, and removing mature crops from the field. It is an important step in crop production and management as it determines the yield and quality of the crop.
Threshing: Threshing is the process of separating the grain or seed from the chaff or straw of the harvested crop. It can be done manually or by using machines such as threshers.
Winnowing: Winnowing is the process of separating the grain or seed from the chaff or straw by blowing air through the mixture. It can be done manually or by using machines such as winnowers.
Storage: Storage is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to preserve the quality and quantity of the harvested crop. It involves storing the crop in a safe and suitable environment that is free from pests and diseases.
Marketing: Marketing is the process of selling the harvested crop in the market. It involves various activities such as grading, packaging, and transportation of the crop to the market.
Irrigation: Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops to meet their water requirements. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to ensure optimal crop growth and yield.
Types of irrigation: There are various methods of irrigation such as surface irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and sub-surface irrigation. The choice of irrigation method depends on factors such as the type of crop, soil type, water availability, and the availability of irrigation equipment.
Soil preparation: Soil preparation is an important step in crop production and management as it helps to ensure optimal soil conditions for crop growth. It involves activities such as ploughing, harrowing, and levelling of the field.
Fertilizers: Fertilizers are substances that are added to the soil to supply essential nutrients to crops. They are an important aspect of crop production and management as they can help to improve soil fertility and enhance crop growth and yield.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a method of crop production and management that involves the use of natural inputs such as compost, manure, and bio-fertilizers instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method of agriculture that promotes soil health and biodiversity.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crops, affecting their growth and yield. Farmers need to adopt effective pest and disease management practices to control their spread and minimize their impact on crop production.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a practice of growing different crops in a sequence on the same field. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, and control pests and diseases.
Multiple cropping: Multiple cropping is a practice of growing two or more crops in the same field in a single season. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to maximize the use of available resources and enhance crop productivity.
Agricultural extension services: Agricultural extension services provide farmers with access to modern technologies, knowledge, and skills to improve their productivity and income. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to bridge the gap between research and farmers.
Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture is an approach to crop production and management that balances the need for crop productivity with environmental protection and social equity. It promotes the use of environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices that can ensure long-term food security and promote rural development.
Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of gathering mature crops from the field. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it determines the yield and quality of the crop. Harvesting should be done at the right time to ensure maximum yield and quality.
Storage: Storage is the process of preserving harvested crops for future use. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to ensure food security and reduces post-harvest losses. Proper storage facilities should be used to prevent spoilage and preserve the quality of the crop.
Marketing: Marketing is the process of selling agricultural products in the market. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it determines the income of farmers. Farmers should have access to fair and efficient markets to sell their products at a reasonable price.
Government support: The government plays an important role in promoting agricultural development and supporting farmers. It provides subsidies, loans, and other support to farmers to improve their productivity and income. It also promotes research and development in agriculture to improve agricultural practices and increase crop productivity.
Irrigation: Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops when there is not enough rainfall. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it ensures that crops receive enough water for their growth and development. Different methods of irrigation are used, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and flood irrigation.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a method of crop production and management that relies on natural inputs such as compost, manure, and biological pest control. It promotes soil health, reduces environmental pollution, and produces healthier food. Organic farming is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture.
Green manure: Green manure is a practice of growing certain crops that are plowed back into the soil to improve soil fertility. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to replenish soil nutrients, improve soil structure, and control pests and diseases.
Seed treatment: Seed treatment is a practice of treating seeds with chemicals or other materials to protect them from pests and diseases. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to ensure that seeds germinate and grow properly.
Crop insurance: Crop insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection to farmers against losses due to natural calamities, pests and diseases, and other unforeseen events. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to mitigate the financial risks associated with agriculture.
Integrated pest management (IPM): Integrated pest management (IPM) is a method of managing pests and diseases in crops that involves the use of multiple control methods. It combines biological, cultural, and chemical control methods to minimize the use of pesticides and reduce environmental pollution.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a practice of growing different crops in the same field in a planned sequence. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to improve soil health, reduce pest and disease problems, and maintain soil fertility.
Multiple cropping: Multiple cropping is a practice of growing two or more crops on the same field in a single growing season. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to increase crop productivity and income.
Relay cropping: Relay cropping is a practice of growing two or more crops on the same field in overlapping seasons. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to increase crop productivity, reduce pest and disease problems, and maintain soil fertility.
Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of cutting, gathering, and removing the mature crops from the field. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it determines the yield and quality of the crops. The timing of harvesting should be such that the crops are not damaged and the maximum yield is obtained.
Threshing: Threshing is the process of separating the grains or seeds from the harvested crop. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it prepares the crop for storage and further processing.
Winnowing: Winnowing is the process of separating the chaff or husk from the grains or seeds. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to obtain clean and quality grains or seeds.
Storage: Storage is the process of preserving the harvested crops for future use. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to prevent spoilage and ensure food security.
Marketing: Marketing is the process of selling the harvested crops in the market. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps farmers to obtain a fair price for their produce and generate income.
Government policies: The government plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural development by formulating policies and providing support to farmers. Some of the policies include providing subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and equipment, providing crop insurance, and establishing agricultural research and extension services.
Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture is an approach to crop production and management that seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations. It involves the use of practices that promote soil health, reduce the use of chemicals, conserve water resources, and maintain biodiversity.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a method of crop production and management that involves the use of natural inputs such as compost, manure, and biological control agents instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture that helps to improve soil health, reduce environmental pollution, and produce healthy and safe food.
Green revolution: The green revolution refers to a period of agricultural development in the 1960s and 1970s that involved the adoption of high-yielding varieties of crops, modern inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, and improved irrigation and drainage systems. The green revolution played a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity and food production, but also had some negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity.
Irrigation: Irrigation is the process of supplying water to the crops. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it ensures that the crops receive adequate water for their growth and development. Various methods of irrigation include drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and flood irrigation.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in a sequence on the same piece of land. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to improve soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and reduce soil erosion.
Mixed cropping: Mixed cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops together on the same piece of land. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to improve soil fertility, reduce pest and disease incidence, and provide a diverse range of food and income sources.
Multiple cropping: Multiple cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in a year on the same piece of land. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
Crop residues: Crop residues are the parts of the plant that are left over after the harvest. They include stems, leaves, and other plant parts. Crop residues are an important aspect of crop production and management as they can be used as a source of organic matter for soil improvement, fodder for livestock, or fuel for cooking.
Storage of grains: Storage of grains is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to ensure food security and prevent wastage of crops. Proper storage techniques such as drying, cleaning, and fumigation can help to protect the grains from pests and diseases.
Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of cutting and gathering crops from the fields. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it determines the quality and quantity of the final product. Harvesting should be done at the right time to ensure maximum yield and quality.
Threshing: Threshing is the process of separating the grains from the harvested crop. It can be done manually or using machines such as threshers. Threshing is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to separate the grains from the straw.
Winnowing: Winnowing is the process of separating the grains from the chaff or husk. It involves throwing the mixture of grains and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grains fall to the ground. Winnowing is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to remove impurities and improve the quality of the grains.
Transportation: Transportation is an important aspect of crop production and management as it involves moving the harvested crops from the fields to the storage or processing facilities. Efficient transportation can help to reduce wastage and ensure timely delivery of crops to the market.
Irrigation: Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops to ensure their proper growth and development. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to compensate for the lack of rainfall and ensures that crops receive the required amount of water.
Fertilizers: Fertilizers are substances that are added to the soil to improve its fertility and provide essential nutrients to crops. They are an important aspect of crop production and management as they help to increase the yield and quality of crops.
Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests and diseases that can damage crops. They are an important aspect of crop production and management as they help to protect crops from damage and ensure a good yield.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in a particular field in successive seasons. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to maintain the fertility of the soil and prevent the build-up of pests and diseases.
Mixed cropping: Mixed cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in the same field simultaneously. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to reduce the risk of crop failure and increase the yield.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves the use of natural inputs such as manure and compost instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It is an important aspect of crop production and management as it helps to reduce environmental pollution and ensure the production of healthy and nutritious food.