Category: Class-8 Geography

  • Geography Chapter-08


    A. 1. d. 2. b. 3. c. 4. a. 5. a.
    B. 1. resources

    1. good education, training
    2. Japan, few 4. Asia, 50
    3. high 6. facilities, low
    4. planning 8. health, old
    5. female 10. epidemics
      C. 1. F 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. T
      D. 1. b. 2. c. 3. e. 4. a. 5. d.
      E. 1. The percentage of a country’s
      population in different age groups is
      called age structure.
    6. The factors that have led to slower
      development of Asian and African
      countries are high birth rate and low
      infant mortality rate that has led to
      a large group of population who are
      unproductive and dependent. They
      also have lower literacy rates with
      a long history of exploitation.
    7. Sex ratio refers to the male-female
      ratio or percentage of males to
      females in the total population. It is
      calculated as the sex ratio, which is
      the number of females per thousand
      males.
    8. The factors that assist the distribution
      and density of population are
      physical and non physical factors
      like socio-economic conditions and
      cultural factors like
      • Physical factors like relief, soil and
      climate
      • Economic factors like resources,
      industrial activities and urbanization
      and socio economic factors like
      culture, government policy and
      religion.
    9. Density of population
      It means the number of people
      living per square in a region.
      Literacy rate
      The percentage of the total
      population that is able to read and
      write.
      F. 1. A population pyramid is a graphical
      representation that shows the age
      and gender distribution of a
      population. It typically has two
      back-to-back bar graphs, one for
      each gender, with age groups
      displayed vertically. The shape of
      the pyramid can indicate a
      population’s growth trends, fertility
      rates, and life expectancy. Expanding
      pyramids suggest high birth rates
      and rapid growth, while contracting
      pyramids indicate low birth rates
      and an aging population. This tool
      is essential for understanding
      demographic structures and planning
      for future resource needs.
    10. The various problems that come up
      because of unchecked growth of
      population are
      • An age structure pyramid where the
      base is broad and shows that the
      maximum population is dependent
      and unproductive.
      • It can easily create problems with
      the sex composition in any country,
      like it has created in India where
      there is a skewed sex ratio.
    • It can adversely affect the literacy
      levels as it may cause more pressure
      on the resources which are limited
      in supply.
      • It can also create problems with
      employment opportunities causing
      despair and unemployment among
      the youths.
    1. The most populous states in India
      are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,
      Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra
      Pradesh. The age pyramid for India
      indicates that we are somewhere
      between the developed and the
      developing countries as our working
      age group is increasing and our old
      age group is also increasing.
    2. The socio cultural factors that affect
      the population of a place are
    • Cultural centres like educational
      centres such as Oxford, Cambridge
      and Shantiniketan.
      • Government policy which influences
      movement of the people and their
      concentration in certain areas.
      • Religious centres like Mecca,
      Varanasi, Jerusalem etc which are
      also developed commercial centres
      and attract a huge population.
    1. Migration significantly affects
      population change by altering the
      size and composition of populations
      in both origin and destination areas.
      When people move to new regions,
      they can cause population growth in
      destination areas while decreasing
      the population in their places of
      origin. Migration can also impact
      the demographic makeup,
      introducing diverse age groups, skill
      sets, and cultural backgrounds.
      Economic opportunities,
      environmental factors, and social
      conditions are common drivers of
      migration. Consequently, migration
      shapes labor markets, housing
      demands, and social dynamics in
      affected areas.
      G. 1. A population pyramid of a
      developed country typically has a
      more uniform shape, with relatively
      balanced age groups and a larger
      elderly population due to lower birth
      rates and higher life expectancy. In
      contrast, an undeveloped country’s
      population pyramid usually has a
      wide base, indicating high birth
      rates and a large proportion of
      young people, tapering quickly
      towards the top due to lower life
      expectancy and higher mortality
      rates. Developed countries often
      show slower population growth,
      while undeveloped countries exhibit
      rapid growth. The contrasting
      shapes reflect differences in
      healthcare, economic development,
      and social structures between these
      countries.
    2. Thickly populated areas, such as
      urban cities, have high population
      densities due to factors like economic
      opportunities, better infrastructure,
      and access to services. These
      regions often feature significant
      housing, transportation networks,
      and commercial activities.
      Conversely, sparsely populated
      areas, such as rural or remote
      regions, have low population
      densities, influenced by harsh
      climates, challenging terrains, or
      limited resources. These areas
      typically have less developed
      infrastructure and fewer economic
      opportunities. The contrast between
      these regions highlights the impact
      of environmental, economic, and
      social factors on population
      distribution.
    3. Birth rate The number of births per
      thousand population.
      Death rate The number of deaths
      per thousand population.
      H. 1. The global population distribution is
      highly uneven, with the majority of
      people concentrated in Asia,
      particularly in China and India.
      Urban areas, especially megacities,
      attract large populations due to
      better job opportunities and
      amenities. Conversely, regions like
      deserts, high mountains, and polar
      areas have sparse populations due to
      harsh living conditions. Economic,
      social, and environmental factors
      greatly influence where people live.
      Consequently, this uneven
      distribution creates significant
      challenges for resource allocation
      and development planning.
    4. Because developing human
      resources will eventually lead to the
      development of all the other
      resources in the country.
      For any country in the world,
      resource development is closely
      associated with human development.
      DO AND LEARN
      Assertion And Reasoning
    5. a. 2. b.
      Application/Competency Based Questions
    6. As you have studied that human beings
      are one of the most important resources
      of development, yet overgrowing
      number of people prove to be a barrier
      in the growth and development of a
      nation. How?
      Ans – While human beings are vital for
      a nation’s development due to their
      skills, innovation, and labor, an
      overgrowing population can strain
      resources and infrastructure. High
      population growth can lead to
      unemployment, insufficient housing,
      and overburdened healthcare and
      education systems. It can exacerbate
      poverty and inequality, making it
      challenging to provide quality services
      to all citizens. Environmental degradation
      and depletion of natural resources may
      also result from excessive population
      pressure. Consequently, managing
      population growth is crucial for
      sustainable development and economic
      stability.
    7. As it is evident in most of the developed
      countries, what is a standard measure of
      the fact that the population of a country
      is under control?
      Ans – A standard measure indicating
      that a country’s population is under
      control is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR),
      which reflects the average number of
      children born to a woman over her
      lifetime. In most developed countries, a
      TFR close to the replacement level of
      about 2.1 suggests stable population
      growth. Additionally, indicators such as
      a balanced age distribution, low infant
      mortality rates, and longer life expectancy
      are signs of effective population control.
      Stable or slow-growing population
      numbers, as seen in census data, further
      confirm that a country’s population is
      well-managed. These measures
      collectively indicate sustainable
      demographic trends.
      Hots
    8. Because of remarkable changes in the
      medical sciences which reduced the
      death rate and increased life expectancy.
    9. Because more humans in a country also
      means more pressure on resources to
      develop them so too much of human
      resource is not good for the development
      of the country.
    10. The world population has grown rapidly
      due to significant improvements in
      healthcare, leading to lower mortality
      rates and longer life expectancy.
      Advances in agriculture and food
      production have reduced famine and
      improved nutrition. Industrialization and
      economic development have enhanced
      living standards and access to resources.
      High birth rates in many developing
      countries continue to contribute
      significantly to population growth.
      Additionally, better public health
      measures and medical innovations have
      curbed the spread of many diseases.
      Picture Based Questions
    11. Birth rate and Date rate
    12. Birth and death rates significantly
      impact a country’s employment status by
      influencing the size and age structure of
      the labor force. High birth rates can lead
      to a growing young population,
      eventually increasing the number of job
      seekers and potentially causing higher
      unemployment if job creation doesn’t
      keep pace. Conversely, low birth rates
      can result in an aging population,
      leading to labor shortages and increased
      dependency ratios. High death rates,
      particularly among working-age
      individuals, can reduce the available
      workforce and productivity. Balanced
      birth and death rates contribute to a
      stable labor market, supporting consistent
      economic growth and employment
      opportunities.
    13. The ideal situation for sustainable
      development involves maintaining a
      birth rate and death rate that are
      balanced, leading to a stable or slowly
      growing population. A Total Fertility
      Rate (TFR) around the replacement level
      of 2.1 ensures a consistent labor force
      without overburdening resources. Low
      death rates, particularly due to improved
      healthcare, support a healthy, productive
      population. This balance helps prevent
      overpopulation, reduces environmental
      strain, and ensures adequate resource
      allocation. Sustainable development
      thrives on demographic stability,
      enabling long-term economic growth
      and social well-being.
    14. In the picture, death rate is higher it
      indicates a declining population. This
      scenario often reflects an aging
      population with low fertility rates and
      can result in a shrinking workforce and
      increased dependency ratios, putting
      pressure on social support systems. It
      may signal potential economic
      challenges, such as labor shortages and
      decreased economic growth.
      Additionally, it can lead to demographic
      imbalances, affecting long-term
      sustainability and development.
      WORKSHEET
      A. 1. Human resource 2. northern
    15. census
      1. Literacy rate
        B. 1. T 2. T

      2. T 4. T
        C. 1. d 2. d 3. d 4. a
        PERIODIC ASSESSMENT 2
        A. 1. Jute 2. 20°C
    16. bagasse
    17. India, Bangladesh
    18. nearly 100
    19. Uttar Pradesh
    20. Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal,
      Odisha
    21. Steel
      B. 1. Biofuels are renewable fuels derived
      from organic materials such as plants,
      crops, or waste, used as alternatives
      to fossil fuels.
    22. Mica is primarily used in electrical
      and electronic industries for insulation
      due to its heat-resistant and electrical
      insulating properties. It is also used
      in cosmetics, paints, and as a filler
      material in plastics and rubber
      products.
    23. The top iron ore producing countries
      of the World are Australia, Brazil,
      China, India, and Russia. They
      account for 80 % of the world’s Iron
      ore production. Australia is the largest
      producer of Iron Ore in the world,
      with 37.6% of the global production.
    24. There are several varieties of cotton,
      including:
      Upland Cotton: Also known as
      Gossypium hirsutum, it is the most
      widely cultivated cotton variety
      globally.
      Egyptian Cotton: Known for its long
      staple fibers, which are soft and
      luxurious, suitable for high-quality
      textiles.
      Pima Cotton: Another type of long
      staple cotton, known for its strength,
      softness, and durability, primarily
      grown in the southwestern United
      States.
      Sea Island Cotton: Grown in the
      West Indies, it has extra-long staple
      fibers, prized for its silky texture and
      strength.
      The term “staple” refers to the length
      of the cotton fiber. A longer staple
      length generally indicates higher
      quality cotton, as it produces stronger
      and finer yarns. Longer staple cotton
      varieties like Egyptian cotton and
      Pima cotton are valued for their
      superior quality and are often used in
      luxury textiles and apparel.
    25. Population density refers to the
      measurement of population per unit
      area, typically expressed as the
      number of people per square kilometer
      or square mile. It indicates how
      crowded or sparse an area is in terms
      of human habitation.
    26. The factors or conditions that attract
      people to a region and the conditions
      that force people out of a region is
      called pull and push factor.
    27. Professor Frederick Terman played a
      pivotal role in the growth of Silicon
      Valley by fostering close ties between
      Stanford University and local
      technology firms, encouraging
      entrepreneurship among students and
      faculty, and promoting research in
      emerging fields like electronics and
      semiconductors, which laid the
      foundation for the region’s
      technological dominance.
    28. The occupational structure of a
      country reflects its level of economic
      development by indicating the
      distribution of workforce across
      sectors. Developed countries typically
      have a higher proportion of workers
      in industries like technology, services,
      and high-skilled professions, while
      developing countries may show a
      larger share in agriculture and low
      skilled sectors. This distribution
      reflects the country’s industrialization,
      technological advancement, and
      overall economic complexity.
      C. 1. The Green Revolution, primarily in
      the 1960s and 1970s, involved the
      introduction of high-yielding crop
      varieties, modern agricultural
      techniques, and chemical fertilizers
      and pesticides. It significantly
      increased agricultural productivity,
      particularly in wheat and rice,
      leading to higher food production
      and alleviating food shortages in
      many developing countries.
      However, it also raised concerns
      about environmental impacts, water
      usage, and sustainability of intensive
      farming practices.
    29. Market gardening and horticulture
      require an efficient transport system
      primarily because their products,
      such as fruits, vegetables, flowers,
      and nursery plants, are perishable
      and delicate. A reliable transport
      system ensures timely delivery to
      markets and customers, maintaining
      product freshness and quality.
      Efficient transport also reduces
      transportation costs, enhances
      market access, and supports the
      competitiveness of growers in
      supplying fresh produce to distant
      markets, both locally and
      internationally.
    30. Silicon Valley, located in California,
      is renowned globally as a hub for
      innovation and technology, offering
      several distinct advantages:
      Access to Talent Pool: The region
      attracts top talent from around the
      world, including engineers,
      entrepreneurs, and researchers,
      fostering a highly skilled workforce.
      This concentration of talent fuels
      innovation and supports the
      development of cutting-edge
      technologies.
      Strong Ecosystem: Silicon Valley
      boasts a robust ecosystem of venture
      capital firms, accelerators, incubators,
      and tech giants. This network
      provides critical funding, mentorship,
      and resources for startups and allows
      for rapid scaling and growth of
      innovative ideas and companies.
      Collaboration and Networking:
      The Valley encourages collaboration
      and networking among tech
      companies, academic institutions
      like Stanford University, and research
      organizations. This synergy promotes
      knowledge exchange, partnerships,
      and the sharing of best practices,
      accelerating technological
      advancements.
      These advantages collectively
      contribute to Silicon Valley’s status
      as a leading global IT hub,
      continuously driving innovation,
      entrepreneurship, and economic
      growth in the technology sector.
    31. Sex composition refers to the
      distribution of males and females
      within a population. It is a crucial
      ingredient of the demographic
      profile of any country because it
      provides insights into gender
      dynamics, social norms, and
      demographic trends. Understanding
      sex composition helps policymakers
      in areas such as healthcare planning,
      education, employment policies, and
      addressing gender disparities. It also
      influences social and economic
      development strategies by
      highlighting issues related to gender
      equality, reproductive health, and
      aging populations.
  • Geography Chapter-07


    A. 1. b. 2. c. 3. b. 4. d. 5. e.
    B. 1. Jamshedpur, oldest

    1. Sir Jamshed ji tata
    2. Mayurbhanj, Kendujhargarh,
      Singbhum
    3. Niagara falls
    4. Silicon valley
    5. World War II
    6. Gross
    7. Subarnarekha, Kharkai C. 1. F 2. F 3. F 4. T

      1. T
        D. 1. c. 2. d. 3. e. 4. a. 5. b.
        E. 1. After Sir Jamshetji Tata, who
        pioneered the economic development
        of Sakchi, this town has been
        renamed Jamshedpur.
        Some of the major factors that must
        have encouraged Jamshetji Tata to
        set up the iron and steel plant here
        are described ahead.
        Jamshedpur has an ideal location in
        terms of a transport network. It is
        240 km from Kolkata and lies on
        the major Howrah-Nagpur
        Mumbai rail line. It is also well
        connected by road to most parts of
        the country. This makes it easy to
        bring in raw materials and dispatch
        finished steel products quickly and
        economically. The port in Kolkata
        too facilitates exports.
    8. • Bengaluru has a huge pool of
      high quality engineers with
      global experience. Every year,
      Bengaluru produces about
      25,000 software and computer
      science engineers. Wages here
      are one-fifth than in the US.
      Foreign companies that shift
      operations to India report nearly
      60 per cent savings.
      • The standard of education is
      quite high, capable of meeting
      the standards of the new Internet
      economy. Schools, colleges,
      institutions such as the IIM, IIT
      and IIS and many computer
      training centres prepare students
      for the highly competitive work
      environment.
      • Besides foreign investment
      coming from international IT
      companies, Bengaluru has its
      own venture capitalists, i.e., its
      local businessmen.
    • Bengaluru is excellently
      connected by road, rail and air
      networks to all parts of the
      country.
      • The climate and land both
      attract a large working
      population. Standards of living
      here are among the best in the
      country.
      • Conscious of the need for de
      stressing, Bengaluru is emerging
      as a hub for health care too.
    1. Major Indian IT companies include
      ITC, Infosys Technologies, Reliance,
      Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services
      and Microland operate from
      Bengaluru.
    2. Iron ore from Mayurbhanj and
      Kendujhargarh in Odisha and
      Singhbhum in Jharkand, coking coal
      from Raniganj and Jharia coalfields
      in West Bengal, limestone from
      Gangpur in Odisha and manganese
      from Kendujhargarh. TISCO owns
      and operates most of its mines.
    3. Ahmedabad is the second largest
      textile city of India after Mumbai,
      and is referred to as “Manchester of
      India”.
      F. 1. Professor Frederick Emmons was a
      professor in the Department of
      Electrical Engineering in Stanford
      University and he was concerned
      because his best graduates had to go
      to cities in the East Coast to look
      for jobs. Instead he encouraged his
      students to start their own
      establishments in terms of electronics
      companies in the region itself rather
      than joining such firms in the east.
    4. During the 1970s and 1980s, miles
      and miles of orchards were bulldozed
      to create the headquarters of
      companies such as Intel, Apple and
      HP. These companies manufactures
      semiconductor chips made of silicon
      and the easterners who made the trip
      here called the place the ‘silicon
      valley’. That is how the place was
      born.
    5. Advantages of the Silicon Valley are
      as follows:
    • All the technology and scientific
      research required by the IT
      industry is developed and carried
      out at Stanford, Berkeley and
      other prestigious educational
      institutions in California.
      • International companies moved to
      the area and established their
      headquarters here, giving the
      Valley economic stability.
      • Numerous venture capital firms
      that are ready to provide finance
      moved into the area and backed
      early-stage business ventures that
      needed funding.
      • Government support to the
      industry came by way of land for
      industrial and software technology
      parks and the best infrastructural
      facilities available in the world.
      • Uninterrupted power supply
      ensure there are no shutdowns.
      • Road, rail and air transport
      networks here are among the best
      in the world. San Francisco port
      allows import of electronic
      components from the Far East as
      well as shipping out of the
      exports.
    1. The automobile giants that operate
      from Detroit are- Ford, Chrysler and
      General Motors. The reasons why
      Detroit rose to prominence are
    • Raw materials like iron, coal and
      limestone are available in close
      proximity.
      • Adequate land is available for the
      development of large steel plants.
      • The place has great connectivity in
      terms of water, road and rail
      transport.
      • It has a regular supply of
      hydroelectricity due to the Niagara
      Falls.
      • Skilled but expensive labour is
      available easily in the region.
    • It has the advantage of a huge
      market for steel products in nearby
      industrial centres and in the local
      automobile, engineering, defence
      equipments and spare part and
      component industries.
    1. The reasons that encouraged
      Jamshetji Tata to set up iron and
      steel plant in Jamshedpur were
    • It had an ideal location in terms of
      transport and connectivity through
      road, rail as well as waterways.
      • Raw materials were found in close
      proximity like from Odisha and
      Jharkhand.
      • TISCO had its own coal fired
      thermal plants and thermo electric
      plants alongside gaining widely
      from the Damodar Valley
      Corporation in terms of hydroelectric
      supply.
      • Due to dense population in the
      region, intensive and cheap labour
      was easily available.
      • The venture got support from the
      British as well as the local
      governments during the time it
      came up.
      • The region where it came up had a
      huge demand for the products
      TISCO was producing.
      • The water supply requirements were
      easily met by the two rivers
      Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers
      that flowed in the region.
      G. Natural fibres: Natural fibres are
      obtained from wool, silk, cotton, linen
      and jute.
      Man-made fibres: The fibres created
      by man using chemicals are known as
      man-made fibres. for example: nylon,
      polyester, acrylic and rayon (one of the
      oldest industries in the world).
      H. 1. Bengaluru is treated as the favourite
      destination for IT companies in
      India because
    • The place has a concentration of
      high quality engineers with global
      experience while the wages here are
      one fifth than there in the US.
      • The standard of education is of high
      quality capable of meeting the
      standards of the internet economy.
      • Besides the foreign investors,
      Bengaluru has its own venture
      capitalists or local businessmen.
      • The place is very well connected by
      roads, rail and air networks to all
      the parts of the country.
      • The climate as well as the land are
      both great for the population living
      here.
      • It is also emerging as the centre for
      de-stressing as well as a hub for
      health care too.
    1. Modern life depends greatly on iron,
      the most widely used among all the
      metals. It is required to perform
      even the simplest daily tasks. Iron,
      usually in the form of steel has a
      role to play in almost all the day
      today activities and tasks carried out
      by the people.
      DO AND LEARN
      Assertion And Reasoning
    2. a. 2. a.
      Application/Competency Based Questions
    3. Do you think IT industry has helped
      businesses and economies to grow
      rapidly.
      Ans- Yes, the IT industry has helped
      businesses and economies grow
      rapidly by enabling digital
      transformation, enhancing efficiency,
      and fostering innovation. It provides
      tools for global connectivity, data
      management, and automation, driving
      productivity and competitiveness. This
      accelerates economic development and
      opens new market opportunities.
    4. Imagine that you are living in a highly
      advanced city of the 26th century
      where machines dominate all walks of
      life. How would you feel being part of
      such a world?
      Ans – Do it yourself
      Hots
    5. Both Bengaluru and the Silicon Valley
      created jobs for some people not for all.
      Only the highly qualified and technically
      educated found jobs in these places. For
      the rest, who were proficient with hand
      skills or other traditional skills there was
      not much scope to find good opportunities
      of jobs.
    6. The availability of flat land in Osaka is
      favorable for the textile industry as it
      allows for the construction of large
      factories and efficient layout of
      machinery. Flat terrain simplifies
      transportation and logistics, facilitating
      easy movement of raw materials and
      finished goods. It also enables the
      development of extensive infrastructure,
      including warehouses and distribution
      centers. Additionally, flat land reduces
      construction and maintenance costs.
      This geographic advantage supports the
      growth and operational efficiency of the
      textile industry in Osaka.
      Picture Based Questions
    7. Tata steel Limited and Rourkela Steel
      Plant
    8. The Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers in
      the region ensure regular supply of
      water required by the plant.
    9. Iron ore from Mayurbhanj and
      Kendujhargarh in Odisha and Singhbhum
      in Jharkand, coking coal from Raniganj
      and Jharia coalfields in West Bengal.
      Activity
      T I S C O T A C L A E K
      J H A R I A K A T I P L
      K W K O L K A T A N O L
      A T C D E T R O I T T D
      C Q H I Y A P P L E T K
      R I I S T Y G H J L R O
      T A C H U K Q W E R T D
      S C S A N T A C L A R A
      C Q W E R T Y G H J L K
      WORKSHEET
      A. 1. Tata Iron and Steel Company
    10. Detroit
    11. Bengaluru
    12. information technology B. 1. T 2. T
      1. F 4. T
        C. 1. d 2. d 3. d 4. a
  • GeographyChapter-06


    A. 1. b. 2. c. 3. b. 4. d.
    B. 1. industrial 2. agro-based

    1. marine 4. ownership
    2. coal 6. densely
    3. Government
    4. Mediterraneam
    5. Coniferous 10. Cement
      C. 1. T 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T
      D. 1. Synthetic textile is that textile that
      is created artificially like nylon,
      polyester, acrylic and rayon.
    6. On the basis of source of raw
      materials, industries are classified
      as:–
      • Agro-based Industries
      • Marine-based Industries
      • Forest-based Industries
      • Mineral-based Industries
    7. If an industrial establishment is
      owned, controlled and managed by
      the state, it is known as a public
      sector enterprise.
    8. Availability of cheap and good
      transport is crucial to the setting up
      of an industry because it ensures fast
      arrival of the raw material as well
      as the fast supply of the finished
      good as well.
    9. Factors that determine the location
      of cotton textile industry areavailability of bulky raw cotton
      textile, availability of a regular
      supply of power to run the looms
      and availability of both skilled and
      semi skilled labour.
      E. 1. a. Source of raw material:
      industries are classified into agro
      based, marine based, forest based
      and mineral based industries.
      b. Size: industries are classified into
      cottage or household, small scale
      and large scale industries.
      c. Output: industries are classified
      into basic and consumer goods
      industries.
      d. Ownership: industries are
      classified into private sector,
      public sector, joint sector and
      cooperative enterprise.
    10. The textile industry is one of the
      oldest industries of the world and
      existed even before the Industrial
      Revolution in the 18th century
      England. Earlier handlooms were
      used but with Industrial
      Revolution, power looms replaced a
      lot of manual labour. During those
      days, India was one of the largest
      producers and exporters of textile.
      Under the helm of textile industries,
      there are the following industries
      namely cotton textile industry,
      woolen textile industry, silk textile
      industry and jute textile industry.
    11. The specific needs of an aircraft
      industry are- capital as it requires a
      lot of money in terms of investment
      and skilled technical labourers.
    12. Industries that require huge quantum
      of cheap labour to operate efficiently,
      as with textile units, usually locate
      in densely populated areas.
      Where skilled labour in small
      numbers is called for, they can be
      moved to the industry, especially if
      they are a small part of the total
      costs. If industries require large
      volumes of technically skilled
      people, the industry may gravitate
      towards them, as with diamond
      cutting. Where industries are highly
      mechanised, they do not locate near
      labour, but near a power source or
      some other factor.
    13. The information technology
      industry is based on the development
      in two major areas.
      • The hardware industry is related
      to the manufacturing of computers
      and their peripherals, chips, disks,
      drives and other components.
      • The software industry prepares
      programmes that enable computers
      to operate and enable information
      and data to be processed, analysed
      and interpreted. The software is the
      media the computer uses to perform
      various tasks and functions.
      G. 1. Agro-based Industries: These
      industries involve the processing of
      agricultural produce. Some examples
      of these industries include sugar
      mills, cotton textile mills, food
      processing units, meat processing
      units and dairy plants.
      Forest-based Industries: These
      industries signify the processing of
      products from the forests. For
      instance, wood is made into paper,
      or timber can be used for various
      purposes. Other examples of forestbased industries include the
      manufacturing of resins, gums and
      turpentine.
    14. Small-scale Industries
      These involve organisation of skilled
      craftspersons and employed labour in
      which there is a greater use of capital,
      more machines, electric power and
      raw materials that are both locally
      available or brought in from outside.
      Products are more standardised and
      of better quality.
      Example – food products, textile,
      consumer goods, ceramics, wood
      products industries.
      Large-scale Industries
      These industries are capitalintensive. They utilise heavy
      machinery, consume a lot of power
      and employ numerous skilled
      labourers. Raw materials are
      obtained from a variety of sources
      or are even imported.
      Example – iron and steel, automobile
      and the chemical manufacturing
      industry.
    15. Private sector enterprise
      Enterprise where the means of
      production belong to a private
      individual or to a partnership of
      private individuals.
      Public sector enterprise
      Enterprise where the state owns,
      controls and manages the industry.
      H. 1. Because these are perishable
      commodities and they need to be
      processed before they are spoiled.
    16. Iron and steel are crucial for modern
      civilization as they are fundamental
      in constructing infrastructure like
      buildings, bridges, and railways.
      They are essential for manufacturing
      machinery, vehicles, and tools,
      driving industrial growth. These
      materials are key to energy
      production, including pipelines and
      power plants. They enable
      technological advancements in
      various sectors, including
      transportation and appliances. Their
      recyclability also supports
      sustainable development and
      resource management.
      DO AND LEARN
      Assertion And Reasoning
    17. b. 2. a.
      Application/Competency Based Question
      One one hand, the IT industry is
      making life easy and comfortable and
      producing skilled employment, at the
      same time, it is also reducing
      employment opportunities, especially
      in the unskilled sector. Justify this
      statement in the context of rise of IT
      industry.
      Ans – The IT industry creates highpaying skilled jobs and enhances
      efficiency, improving overall quality of
      life. However, automation and
      digitalization reduce the need for
      manual, unskilled labor, displacing
      many workers. Traditional industries
      reliant on unskilled labor face
      disruption from IT advancements. The
      job market increasingly demands
      technical skills, leaving unskilled
      workers at a disadvantage. This dual
      impact fosters economic growth but
      widens employment disparities.
      Hots
    18. Workers were forced to migrate to urban
      areas in search of jobs. They worked
      long hours, were poorly nourished, and
      lived in overcrowded conditions,
      leading to disease and stress. As a result,
      the labour laws were violated and
      conditions of work were completely
      ignored. This caused enormous amount
      of hardships for the people in England.
    19. Bengaluru is an important IT hub due
      to its large pool of skilled professionals
      and numerous prestigious technical
      universities. It hosts many global tech
      companies and startups, benefiting from
      a supportive ecosystem. The city offers
      excellent infrastructure and connectivity,
      fostering innovation and collaboration.
      Government policies and incentives
      further boost its status as a leading IT
      destination.
      Picture Based Questions
    20. One is Textile industry and one is Iron
      and steel industry.
    21. The textile and iron industries differ
      significantly in various aspects:
      Raw Materials: The textile industry
      primarily uses natural fibers like cotton,
      wool, and silk, as well as synthetic fibers
      like polyester. The iron industry uses
      iron ore, coal, and limestone.
      Processes: Textiles involve spinning,
      weaving, dyeing, and finishing to
      produce fabrics. The iron industry
      involves mining, smelting, refining, and
      manufacturing steel products.
      Products: The textile industry produces
      clothing, home furnishings, and industrial
      textiles. The iron industry produces iron,
      steel, and a variety of products such as
      machinery, tools, and construction
      materials.
      Environmental Impact: The textile
      industry faces issues related to water
      usage, chemical pollution, and waste
      management. The iron industry is
      associated with mining impacts, air
      pollution from smelting, and greenhouse
      gas emissions.
      WORKSHEET
      A. 1. Manufacturing
    22. Location
    23. silk textile production
    24. Silk
      B. 1. T 2. F 3. T 4. T
      C. 1. d 2. d 3. d 4. a
  • Geography Chapter-05


    A. 1. b. 2. a. 3. a. 4. b. 5. c.
    B. 1. Cultivation, farming

    1. husk, bran 3. rice
    2. Wheat 5. combine
    3. bagasse 7. tropics
    4. tea 9. purchase
    5. Green
      C. 1. F 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. F
      D. 1. b. 2. a. 3. d. 4. e. 5. c.
      E. 1. The factors that determine the
      growth of food crops are type of
      soil, fertility of the land, temperature
      of the place, humidity and annual
      rainfall as well as availability of
      labour.
    6. Tea, coffee and cocoa are considered
      beverage crops.
    7. The various uses of sugarcane are
      – making of sugar, molasses, gur or
      jaggery.
    8. Tea is obtained from the leaves of
      an evergreen bush from where two
      leaves and a bud are plucked from
      each stem to make tea.
    9. The agrarian reforms undertaken by
      the government of India are in the
      form of five year plans which are
      – to stop the exploitation of farmers,
      give land to landless labourers, fix
      tenancy rates and allow farmers to
      buy the land they work on and
      consolidate land holdings.
      F. 1. The Green Revolution of the 1960s
      encouraged improvement in
      agricultural production. Some
      important aspects of this programme
      were:
      • Use of high-yielding and quickmaturing varieties of seeds;
      • Improvement in irrigation techniques
      to combat droughts and extend
      agricultural areas; Many multipurpose projects set up at this time
      were a step in the right direction;
      • Use of chemical fertilisers to
      increase soil productivity and
      fertility;
      • Use of pesticides;
      • Increased mechanisation in
      agriculture;
      • Rural electrification.
    10. The various problems that plague
      the agricultural scenarios are-
      • The vagaries of nature in terms of
      droughts and floods;
      • A largely illiterate rural population
      that remains mostly uninformed
      about the latest methods and
      techniques;
      • Uneconomic size of holdings;
      • Presence of widespread poverty in
      rural India;
      • Lack of service facilities, especially
      marketing and storage, that hamper
      productivity in agriculture.
    11. T h e s o l u t i o n s o ff e r e d b y
      biotechnology to the growing
      problem of Indian agriculture are-
      • Gene revolution by providing
      farmers with high yielding, drought
      resistant and disease- resistant
      varieties of seeds.
    12. Condition for Rice growth
      • Soil: Clayey loam as well as alluvial
      soil retains water. These are best
      suited for rice cultivation.
      • Land: Rice requires regular supply
      of water to grow. So, plains,
      especially deltas and flood plains,
      are ideal for growing rice. In the
      hilly areas, rice is grown on terraced
      fields.
      • Tempera ture : A minimum
      temperature of 20°C is required for
      rice cultivation. During the growing
      period, the temperature should not
      be less than 27°C.
      • Rainfall: The crop grows well in
      areas with over 100 cm of annual
      rainfall. Below that, irrigation is
      required.
      Condition for wheat growth
      • Soil: Well-drained, loamy soils are
      best suited to its cultivation.
      • Land: Undulating plains that allow
      drainage of soil are good for wheat
      cultivation.
      • Temperature: Wheat requires a
      temperature of 10°C at the time of
      sowing. However, it requires 15°C
      to 20°C at the time of ripening.
      • Rainfall: Wheat needs an average
      of 40 cm to 75 cm of rainfall. Below
      30 cm, irrigation is required. Wheat
      plants however cannot tolerate more
      than 100 cm of rainfall.
    13. Food crops include crops such as
      rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds,
      spices, beverages, fruits and
      vegetables. They differ in areas of
      production and yield, due to
      physical factors, climate and relief,
      which limit their cultivation.
      G. 1. A farm present in the USA is much
      larger as compared to the ones
      found in India. Typically, the US
      farms have a size of around 250
      hectares. The owner of this farm
      resides here itself. Sugarbeat,
      soyabean, cotton and wheat are a
      few of the major crops that are
      grown here. Joe Horan is a farmer
      from Lowa state’s midwest region.
      He owns a farm whose size is 300
      hectares. Mainly he grows corn on
      this farm. He takes adequate steps
      to check the quality of fertilisers
      being used and water is supplied as
      per requirement.
      In Uttar Pradesh’s Gazipur district,
      there is a village named Adilabad.
      A farmer named Munna Lal resides
      in this village with farmland worth
      1.5 hectares. His house is located on
      the mainland of Adilabad. He
      purchases seeds of high varieties
      from the market every alternate
      year. Basically his land is fertile due
      to which he is able to grow two
      crops every year. He takes the
      advice of his friends, elders and
      government officials regarding
      different practices of agriculture.
    14. Green Revolution Certain steps
      were introduced in the 1960s to
      modernise Indian agriculture and
      increase agricultural production.
      White Revolution Measures taken
      to improve standards in production
      and processing of milk and milk
      products in India.
      H. 1. Production of rice is seen as labour
      intensive because all the activities
      involved in growing of rice like
      sowing, transplanting, weeding and
      harvesting are all done by hand.
    15. Jute is a tall, reed-like plant and an
      important vegetable fibre. It is also
      known as ‘the golden fibre’. Being
      economical to manufacture, it is
      used to make ropes, sacking or sack
      cloth for packing and textiles for
      clothing and furnishing.
      DO AND LEARN
      Assertion And Reasoning
    16. a. 2. a.
      Application/Competency Based Questions
    17. Given the condition of the Indian
      farmers who survive facing various
      difficulties in maintaining and
      producing crops, how do you think,
      their life and farming conditions can
      be improved?
      Ans – Improving the lives of Indian
      farmers involves providing better
      access to subsidized loans and crop
      insurance, developing robust irrigation
      and storage facilities, and enhancing
      rural infrastructure. Strengthening
      agricultural extension services and
      promoting modern farming techniques
      can increase productivity. Market
      reforms to facilitate direct access and
      fair pricing, along with government
      support for sustainable practices, can
      also significantly improve their
      conditions.
    18. Agricultural development is one of the
      topmost priorities of the government.
      How?
      Ans – The government prioritizes
      agricultural development through
      initiatives like subsidizing inputs,
      providing crop insurance, and offering
      low-interest loans. Investment in
      irrigation projects and rural
      infrastructure improves water access
      and connectivity. Promotion of modern
      farming techniques and digital
      platforms aids farmers in increasing
      productivity. Policies supporting direct
      market access and fair pricing ensure
      better income for farmers. Sustainable
      agricultural practices are encouraged to
      ensure long-term productivity and
      environmental health.
      Hots
    19. Biotechnology is seen as a solution to
      the woes of the Indian farmers as it can
      lead to increase in the production of
      crops and result in meeting of food
      demands due to an ever increasing
      population.
    20. It means that production of wheat
      requires less water as compared to
      production of rice which requires lot of
      rainfall.
      Picture Based Questions
    21. Rice and wheat
    22. For rice, a minimum temperature of 200
      C is required for rice cultivation. During
      the growing period, the temperature
      should not be less than 270C.
      For wheat, it requires a temperature of
      100C at the time of sowing. However, it
      requires 150C to 200C at the time of
      ripening.
    23. China, India, Japan and Bangladesh are
      the main rice producing countries.
      Egypt, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Italy,
      Brazil, Turkey, Spain, France, US and
      the coast of Guinea are the other
      countries where rice is cultivated.
      The US, Canada, Russia, China and
      Australia are the main producers of
      wheat. Argentina, Italy, Spain, Mexico,
      Chile, Pakistan and India are smaller
      producers.
      WORKSHEET
      A. 1. environmental 2. Agriculture
    24. Green Revolution 4. Food crops
      B. 1. T 2. T 3. T 4. F
      C. 1. d 2. d 3. d 4. a
  • Geography Chapter-04


    A. 1. a. 2. d. 3. a. 4. a. 5. d.
    B. 1. soil, cultivation 2. 49

    1. Sedentary 4. Shifting
    2. intensive
    3. organic, chemical
    4. Transhumance
    5. Prairie, steppe lands
    6. White Revolution, producers,
      exporters 10. Plains
      C. 1. Agriculture is practised in over 49
      per cent of the land surface of the
      Earth. T
    7. Favourable topography of soil and
      climate are not vital for agriculture
      activity. F
    8. Crop rotation is practised to increase
      soil fertility. T
    9. A variety of crops are grown under
      dairy farming. F
    10. Modern machinery is utilised to
      process the crop on the plantation.
      T
      D. 1. b. 2. d. 3. e. 4. c. 5. a.
      E. 1. The term agriculture comes from
      Latin words ‘ager’ and ‘culture’,
      meaning ‘soil’ and ‘cultivation’,
      respectively. Agriculture is a primary
      activity. It includes growing crops,
      fruits, vegetables, flowers and
      rearing of livestock. In the world ,
      50 percent of persons are engaged
      in agricultural activity. Two thirds of
      Indian’s population is still dependent
      on agriculture.
    11. Key Factors Responsible for
      Agricultural Growth
      Climate: Climate is the dominant
      factor that influences agriculture.
      Soil: Soils determine the type of
      crops that can be grown in any
      region. Most crops require specific
      soil characteristics.
      Relief and drainage: The
      agricultural regions are located
      largly in the plains; rugged relief
      hinders farming. A good drainage
      system means a supply of river
      water that favours irrigation.
      Human factor: Social, economic
      and political factors all play an
      important role in influencing the
      type of agriculture practised and
      even the crops and animals that are
      grown and raised. The agricultural
      activity is primarily concentrated in
      those regions where the key factors
      for suitable agricultural growth
      exist.
    12. Intensive subsistence agriculture is
      the kind of agricultural practice that
      is practiced in areas with large
      population with small farms to
      support them. Thus agriculture is
      intensive, where farming is practiced
      on every available piece of land.
      Such intensive tilling of soil
      generates high yields, with rice as
      the main crop along with other
      crops like wheat, barley or maize
      alongside to practice multiple
      cropping.
    13. Plantation agriculture can be defined
      as the growing and processing of a
      single cash crop on a very large scale
      mostly for the purpose of export. In
      each plantation, the crop is chosen
      according to the prevailing physical
      conditions, with focus on commercial
      cash crop like tea, coffee, rubber, pal
      oil, cotton or cocoa.
    14. Commercial dairy farming involves
      the raising of animals primarily for
      their milk and milk products, like
      cream, butter, condensed milk and
      cheese.
      • on large commercial dairy farms
      in temperate lands, to meet the
      large international demand for
      dairy products.
      • near large cities and towns to meet
      their requirements, as seen in the
      tropics and subtropics.
      Modern scientific methods of
      breeding ensure high quality
      products. Animal and fodder storage
      sheds are constructed on the farms.
      Expensive equipment like milking
      machines, feeding towers and
      troughs are used. Dairy farming is
      practised around urban and industrial
      centres all over the world.
      F. 1. By mixed farming, it means a kind
      of farming that is carried out in the
      temperate grasslands with low
      rainfall, where along with cultivation
      of crops, livestock is also reared.
      Large number of one type of
      livestock is raised on huge ranches
      for their milk, meat and wool. The
      animals that are kept in the mixed
      farms are mostly cattle, sheep, hogs,
      poultry and horses. It is a beneficial
      practice because the crops produce
      high yields to feed the farmers and
      the livestock, with a large amount
      of crop that is sold commercially.
      Because skilled labour is hired it
      leads to large scale employment
      specifically during planting and
      harvesting.
    15. White Revolution means a revolution
      in the field of production of milk
      and milk products which has turned
      India into one of the finest and
      foremost producer as well as
      exporter of milk as well as milk
      products. This has brought about a
      large scale employment in India as
      well as awareness among the
      farmers about the benefits of dairy
      farming.
    16. By plantation agriculture, we mean
      large scale growth and production
      of a single cash crop for the purpose
      of export. This kind of farming is
      carried out in large estates where
      machines are used to fasten the
      process, with the help of skilled
      labourer. Here all the work beginning
      from ploughing to processing of the
      crop is organized on an extremely
      efficient and scientific basis, with
      careful monitoring so that the end
      product is traded both nationally and
      internationally.
    17. Some animal herders move from
      one place to another in search of
      forage and water for their animals.
      This is called nomadic herding.
      The animal produce is for local
      consumption. These nomadic
      communities often exchange any
      surplus for agricultural and
      manufactured goods. However,
      many groups are becoming sedentary
      now.
    18. Commercial farming refers to
      agricultural practices primarily
      aimed at generating profit. It
      involves large-scale cultivation of
      crops or raising livestock for sale in
      markets rather than for personal
      consumption. Commercial farms
      often utilize modern technologies,
      machinery, and inputs to maximize
      yields and efficiency. They are
      typically operated as businesses,
      focusing on producing high volumes
      of goods to meet market demand.
      Commercial farming plays a
      significant role in global food
      production and supply chains.
      G. 1.
      Primary activities Secondary activities
    19. Agriculture,
      fishing, gathering
    20. Steel
      manufacturing,
      weaving of cloth
      and baking of
      bread
    21. Extraction and
      production of
      natural resources.
    22. Processing of
      available
      resources
    23. Difference between sedentary
      primitive subsistence agriculture
      and extensive commercial grain
      farming is-
      Sedentary primitive subsistence
      agriculture – In this type of farming
      practice, same fields are cultivated
      again and again after a period of
      fallowing and the farming
      community stays permanently in
      one place.
      Extensive commercial grain
      farming – This kind of agriculture
      is practiced where population is
      relatively low and fertile land is
      available in plenty.
    24. Slash and burn agriculture or
      shifting cultivation is practised
      mainly by tribal people. After two
      or three years of producing vegetable
      and grain crops on a recently cleared
      piece of land, the migrants abandon
      it for another newly cleared plot.
      Each time a spot of virgin forest is
      selected, as it is more productive.
      Trees and bushes are cleared
      Nomadic Farming–Some animal
      herders move from one place to
      another in search of forage and
      water for their animals. Today many
      of them are becoming sedentary.
      The animal produce is for local
      consumption. These nomadic
      communities often exchange any
      surplus for agricultural and
      manufactured goods. However,
      many groups are becoming sedentary
      now.
      H. 1. Lowlands are generally more
      suitable for farming due to several
      reasons. Firstly, they often have
      fertile soil deposits from
      sedimentation and erosion, which
      support better crop growth. Secondly,
      lowlands typically have a more
      favorable climate with milder
      temperatures and more consistent
      rainfall, crucial for agriculture.
    25. Shifting cultivation is also called
      slash and burn agriculture because
      after two or three years of producing
      vegetable and grain crops on a
      recently cleared piece of land, the
      migrants abandon it for another
      newly cleared plot. Each time a spot
      of virgin forest is selected, as it is
      more productive. Trees and bushes
      are cleared by slashing and the
      remaining vegetation is burnt. The
      ashes add potash to the soil. Then
      the seeds are sown after the rains.
      DO AND LEARN
      Assertion And Reasoning
    26. a. 2. b.
      Application/Competency Based Questions
    27. Cheap labour is one of the human
      factors that influence agriculture. Do
      you think there are any disadvantages
      of this practice for farmers? Explain
      how is it?
      Ans – Cheap labour in agriculture can
      lead to lower productivity due to
      unskilled work, high turnover rates,
      and reduced motivation among
      workers. It may result in ethical
      concerns and legal issues regarding
      labor rights and fair wages.
      Additionally, over-reliance on cheap
      labor can hinder innovation and
      adoption of modern farming practices,
      affecting long-term competitiveness
      and sustainability of farms.
    28. Find out how humans transformed
      from nomadic food gatherers to settled
      farmers.
      Ans – Humans transitioned from
      nomadic food gatherers to settled
      farmers through a combination of
      climate changes affecting food
      availability, deliberate cultivation of
      plants and domestication of animals
      for reliable food sources, development
      of agricultural techniques such as
      irrigation and tools, establishment of
      permanent settlements near fertile land,
      and societal changes with division of
      labor based on agriculture, leading to
      the Neolithic Revolution and the rise
      of complex civilizations.
      Hots
    29. Despite a huge variety of options
      available, people all over the world
      continue to practice the world’s oldest
      occupation which is agriculture because
      it is considered as a traditional occupation
      followed by the fore fathers. Also, the
      value and the kind of recognition that a
      farmer gets today has increased a lot
      since the yesteryears. Agricultural
      section does not exist in isolation either.
      A lot of scientific innovations and
      economic advancements have happened
      in the field of agriculture making it a
      viable option for occupation for many
      people all over the world.
    30. Agriculture impacts society in many
      ways, including: supporting livelihoods
      through food, habitat, and jobs; providing
      raw materials for food and other
      products; and building strong economies
      through trade.
      Picture Based Questions
    31. Mixed farming
    32. Corn, wheat, and soyabeans.
      WORKSHEET
      A. 1. Agriculture
    33. Plantation agriculture
    34. Animals
    35. Commercial dairy farming
      B. 1. T 2. T 3. F 4. T
      C. 1. a 2. d 3. d 4. a
      Periodic Assessment 1
      A. 1. Resource conservation
    36. Land 3. continuous
    37. Soil profile
    38. Tropical deciduous
    39. Deciduous 7. plains
    40. Transhumance
      B. 1. Contour ploughing: It is a farming
      practice of ploughing across a slope
      along its contours. This helps in the
      slowing down of running water
      during rainstorms allowing water to
      percolate into the soil.
    41. Resources are distributed unequally
      over the Earth because different
      physical factors vary massively
      over the Earth. Distribution of
      natural resources is dependent on
      various physical factors like altitude,
      climate, and terrain.
    42. The areas that receive heavy
      rainfall mostly have laterite type of
      soil. It is also reddish in colour but
      different from red soil in their
      mineral composition.
    43. Sustainable development is
      development that meets the needs of
      the present, without compromising
      the ability of future generations to
      meet their own needs.
    44. Tropical evergreen forests are
      found in regions with high
      temperatures and heavy rainfall. In
      India, the tropical evergreen forests
      are found in the North-eastern
      states, parts of West Bengal, along
      the Western Ghats and in the
      Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    45. India’s biggest national parks &
      wildlife reserves –:
      Hemis National Park (3,350 sq km)
      Desert National Park (3,162 sq km)
    46. The full form of CITES is the
      Convention on International Trade
      in Endangered Species of Wild
      Fauna and Flora.
    47. Branch of agriculture that
      encompasses the breeding, raising,
      and utilization of dairy animals,
      primarily cows, for the production
      of milk and the various dairy
      products processed from it.
      C. 1. Rainwater harvesting is crucial for
      water conservation as it allows the
      capture and storage of rainwater for
      various purposes. It reduces reliance
      on groundwater and surface water
      sources, particularly during dry
      seasons. By recharging aquifers and
      replenishing water tables, rainwater
      harvesting helps maintain ecological
      balance and prevents depletion of
      natural water reserves. It promotes
      self-sufficiency in water supply for
      households, agriculture, and
      industries, contributing to
      sustainable water management
      practices and resilience against
      droughts and water scarcity.
    48. Drip irrigation is the slow release
      of water to each plant to conserve
      water and prevent soil run-off with
      too much of water.
    49. Greenhouse gases are formed
      through natural processes and
      human activities. They include
      carbon dioxide (CO2
      ) from burning
      fossil fuels and deforestation,
      methane (CH4
      ) from livestock and
      agriculture, nitrous oxide (N2
      O)
      from agricultural practices and
      industrial processes, and fluorinated
      gases from industrial activities.
      These gases trap heat in the
      atmosphere, leading to the
      greenhouse effect and contributing
      to global warming and climate
      change.
    50. Slash and burn agriculture or
      shifting agriculture is practised
      mainly by tribal people. This
      practice is one of the oldest forms
      of migratory agriculture. After two
      or three years of producing
      vegetable and grain crops on a
      recently cleared piece of land, the
      migrants abandon it for another
      newly cleared plot. Each time a
      spot of virgin forest is selected, as
      it is more productive. Trees and
      bushes are cleared by slashing and
      the remaining vegetation is burnt.
      The ashes add potash to the soil.
      Shifting cultivation is practised in
      different parts of the world and has
      been named differently in the
      regional languages of the areas
      where they are grown. It is known
      as Milpa in Central America,
      Conuco in Venezuela, Roca in
      Brazil, Tamrai in Thailand, Jhum,
      Bewar or Poda in India, Chena in
      Sri Lanka, Caingin in the Philippines
      and Ray in Vietnam.