Chapter 8: Resources, Agriculture and Industries (Part-1)
Resources are considered the backbone of economic development because they provide material and energy inputs for production activities; in this context, which statement best explains the concept of a resource in geography?
A Anything freely available in nature
B Only minerals used in industries
C Anything having utility, value, and technology for use
D Only renewable items used by humans
In geography, a resource is defined not just by natural presence but by its utility, economic value, and the level of technology available to use it. Without usability and value, natural substances remain neutral materials.
The classification of resources into natural, human-made, and human resources highlights the relationship between humans and environment; which factor is most crucial in converting natural substances into usable resources?
A Climate
B Human skills and technology
C Population density
D Market demand
Human skills and technology determine how natural substances are identified, extracted, processed, and utilized. Many materials become resources only after technological advancement makes their use possible and economically viable.
Resource base of a country directly influences its economic planning and development strategy; which component forms the most basic element of the resource base?
A Human resources
B Capital resources
C Natural resources
D Institutional resources
Natural resources form the basic resource base because they provide raw materials and energy required for agriculture, industries, and infrastructure. Other resources develop by utilizing and managing natural resources effectively.
Sources of energy are classified based on renewability; which feature most accurately distinguishes renewable energy sources from non-renewable ones?
A Low cost of production
B Availability in limited quantity
C Ability to regenerate naturally within a short period
D Dependence on fossil fuels
Renewable energy sources can regenerate or replenish naturally within a human timescale, making them sustainable. This characteristic differentiates them from non-renewable sources that take millions of years to form.
Coal and petroleum are considered non-renewable resources primarily because of their formation process; which reason best explains this classification?
A They are expensive to extract
B They cause environmental pollution
C They take geological time to form
D They are unevenly distributed
Non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum require millions of years to form under specific geological conditions. Their rate of consumption is far greater than their rate of formation, leading to exhaustion.
Energy resources play a decisive role in industrial and agricultural development of a country; which source of energy is considered the most widely used conventional source in India due to its early availability and industrial linkage?
A Petroleum
B Coal
C Natural gas
D Hydroelectricity
Coal has been the backbone of India’s energy sector because it was available early, is easy to store, and supports thermal power plants and heavy industries like iron and steel, making it a conventional and dominant energy source.
The growing emphasis on renewable energy reflects concerns of sustainability; which reason best explains why solar energy is considered a potential alternative for future energy needs in India?
A It requires complex technology
B It is limited to industrial areas
C It is abundant and non-polluting
D It is cheaper than all other sources
Solar energy is widely available in India due to long sunshine hours and does not produce pollution during use, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for meeting future energy demands.
Non-renewable energy sources are often linked with environmental degradation; which major problem arises from excessive dependence on fossil fuels?
A Reduced agricultural productivity
B Increased water availability
C Air pollution and climate change
D Decline in renewable energy use
Fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases when burned, leading to air pollution and global warming, which significantly contributes to climate change and environmental imbalance.
Minerals are unevenly distributed over the earth’s surface; which factor mainly controls the distribution of mineral resources?
A Soil type
B Geological structure
C Rainfall pattern
D Vegetation cover
Mineral distribution depends on geological processes such as volcanic activity, sedimentation, and metamorphism. These processes determine where minerals are formed and concentrated within the earth’s crust.
Metallic minerals are important for industrial development; which characteristic best distinguishes metallic minerals from non-metallic minerals?
A They are always hard
B They contain metal content
C They are found near the surface
D They are renewable in nature
Metallic minerals contain metal elements that can be extracted through smelting and processing. This property makes them essential for manufacturing tools, machinery, and infrastructure development.
Iron ore is considered the basic mineral for industrial growth; which reason explains its strategic importance in an economy?
A It is used only for export
B It supports agricultural activities
C It is the raw material for steel
D It is a renewable mineral
Iron ore is essential because it is used to produce steel, which is fundamental for construction, transportation, machinery, and infrastructure, making it a key indicator of industrial development.
Non-metallic minerals contribute significantly to economic activities; which non-metallic mineral is mainly used in cement manufacturing?
A Mica
B Limestone
C Bauxite
D Copper
Limestone is a crucial raw material for cement production. It provides calcium carbonate, which is processed along with clay to produce cement used extensively in construction activities.
Agriculture depends heavily on natural and human factors; which factor primarily determines the type of crops grown in a region?
A Market demand
B Transportation facilities
C Climate conditions
D Industrial development
Climate, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity, directly influences crop growth. Different crops require specific climatic conditions, making climate the most decisive factor in crop selection.
Traditional agricultural practices differ from modern ones; which feature best represents traditional farming in India?
A Use of hybrid seeds
B Heavy mechanization
C Dependence on monsoon
D High use of chemical fertilizers
Traditional farming largely depends on monsoon rainfall, with limited irrigation and technology, making agricultural output uncertain and closely linked to seasonal rainfall patterns.
India has three main cropping seasons; which season is associated with crops sown at the beginning of monsoon and harvested in autumn?
A Rabi
B Zaid
C Kharif
D Perennial
Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon and harvested in autumn. These crops, such as rice and maize, require high rainfall and warm temperatures.
Rabi crops differ from Kharif crops in climatic requirements; which condition is most suitable for Rabi crops?
A High rainfall and humidity
B Cool and dry climate
C Hot and wet climate
D Continuous rainfall
Rabi crops grow during winter and require cool temperatures for growth and dry conditions during harvesting, which helps prevent crop damage and ensures better yield quality.
The Green Revolution transformed Indian agriculture; which factor played the most critical role in increasing crop productivity during this period?
A Expansion of forest land
B Use of high-yielding varieties
C Reduction in irrigation
D Shift to organic farming
High-yielding variety seeds significantly increased agricultural output by producing more grain per hectare when supported by irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides, marking the success of the Green Revolution.
Despite its success, the Green Revolution had limitations; which problem emerged as a major concern?
A Decline in food production
B Regional imbalance in development
C Reduction in employment
D Decrease in irrigation facilities
The Green Revolution mainly benefited regions with good irrigation and infrastructure, such as Punjab and Haryana, leading to unequal agricultural development across different parts of India.
Crop classification helps in understanding agricultural patterns; which crop is classified as a food crop mainly grown for direct human consumption?
A Cotton
B Jute
C Wheat
D Rubber
Wheat is a staple food crop consumed directly by humans. It provides essential carbohydrates and forms a major part of the diet in many regions of India.
Commercial crops are grown mainly for sale; which crop is considered a major commercial crop of India?
A Rice
B Wheat
C Cotton
D Pulses
Cotton is grown primarily for sale and industrial use rather than direct consumption. It supports the textile industry and contributes significantly to employment and export earnings.
The distribution of rice cultivation in India reflects environmental conditions; which factor is most important for rice cultivation?
A Low temperature
B Less water availability
C High rainfall or irrigation
D Rocky soil
Rice requires abundant water throughout its growing period. Therefore, regions with heavy rainfall or well-developed irrigation systems are most suitable for rice cultivation.
Irrigation is essential for stable agricultural output; which source of irrigation is most widely used in India due to its availability?
A Tanks
B Canals
C Wells and tube wells
D River lift systems
Wells and tube wells are widely used because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to construct, and suitable for individual farmers, especially in regions with sufficient groundwater availability.
Canal irrigation has both advantages and limitations; which major limitation affects canal irrigation systems?
A High construction cost
B Limited water supply
C Soil erosion in hilly areas
D Dependence on rainfall
Canal irrigation requires large-scale construction and maintenance, making it expensive. It also involves complex management, which limits its expansion to selected regions.
Industries are classified based on raw material use; which industry is classified as an agro-based industry?
A Iron and steel
B Cotton textile
C Aluminium
D Cement
Cotton textile industry depends on agricultural raw material, cotton. Agro-based industries rely on farm produce for manufacturing and provide a strong linkage between agriculture and industry.
The cotton textile industry is widely distributed in India; which factor mainly contributed to its early development?
A Availability of coal
B Cheap labour and raw cotton
C Proximity to iron ore
D High demand for exports
The availability of raw cotton and abundant cheap labour encouraged the early establishment of cotton textile mills, especially in regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Iron and steel industry is known as a basic industry; which reason justifies this classification?
A It produces luxury goods
B It depends on foreign raw materials
C It supplies raw material to other industries
D It employs maximum labour
Iron and steel industry provides essential raw materials for engineering, construction, automobile, and infrastructure industries, making it foundational for overall industrial development.
Location of iron and steel plants depends on several factors; which factor is most decisive in plant location?
A Climate
B Market availability
C Proximity to raw materials
D Tourist attraction
Iron and steel production requires bulky raw materials like iron ore and coal. Locating plants near these resources reduces transportation cost and increases production efficiency.
The jute industry is concentrated in eastern India; which reason best explains this regional concentration?
A Availability of cheap power
B Suitable climate and raw jute
C High urban population
D Proximity to iron ore
The humid climate of the Ganga delta and availability of raw jute support jute cultivation and processing, leading to concentration of jute mills in eastern India.
Sugar industry in India is seasonal in nature; which factor mainly causes this seasonality?
A Limited labour supply
B Dependence on sugarcane harvest
C Low market demand
D Government regulations
Sugar mills operate mainly during the sugarcane crushing season. Since sugarcane is a seasonal crop, mills remain functional only for a limited period each year.
The decentralised nature of sugar industry affects efficiency; which problem commonly arises due to its location near farms?
A Poor quality of sugar
B High transport cost of raw material
C Short crushing season
D Excessive export dependency
Sugar mills located near farms face limited operational periods because sugarcane must be processed quickly after harvest, resulting in shorter working seasons and reduced efficiency.
Industrial regions develop due to multiple factors; which factor plays the most significant role in industrial concentration?
A Religious importance
B Availability of resources and infrastructure
C Scenic beauty
D Population literacy rate
Industrial regions grow where raw materials, power supply, transportation, labour, and markets are available together, reducing costs and supporting large-scale industrial activities.
Mumbai–Pune industrial region is one of the major industrial belts; which industry initially promoted its growth?
A Jute industry
B Cotton textile industry
C Sugar industry
D Cement industry
The cotton textile industry was the earliest and most influential industry in the Mumbai–Pune region, supported by port facilities, raw cotton availability, and labour supply.
Industrialisation has environmental impacts; which major issue arises due to concentration of industries?
A Increase in soil fertility
B Reduction in rainfall
C Environmental pollution
D Decline in population
Concentrated industrial activity releases pollutants into air, water, and soil, leading to environmental degradation and health hazards, making pollution a major industrial concern.
Sustainable use of resources is necessary for long-term development; which approach best supports sustainability?
A Excessive exploitation
B Conservation and efficient use
C Complete industrial shutdown
D Import of all resources
Sustainable development focuses on conserving resources and using them efficiently so that present needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Resource planning is essential in India; which objective is most important for effective resource planning?
A Maximizing exports
B Reducing population
C Balanced regional development
D Increasing imports
Resource planning aims to reduce regional inequalities by ensuring equitable distribution and utilization of resources, supporting uniform economic development across different regions.
The overuse of groundwater has become a major issue; which consequence results from excessive groundwater extraction?
A Increased rainfall
B Rise in water table
C Depletion of water table
D Improved soil quality
Excessive withdrawal of groundwater lowers the water table, making wells dry and reducing long-term water availability, which negatively impacts agriculture and drinking water supply.
Mixed farming is gaining importance; which feature best defines mixed farming?
A Cultivation of only one crop
B Combination of agriculture and livestock
C Use of only traditional tools
D Dependence on rainfall only
Mixed farming integrates crop cultivation with livestock rearing, allowing farmers to diversify income sources and use resources efficiently, thereby reducing agricultural risks.
Mechanisation of agriculture affects productivity; which outcome is most directly associated with increased mechanisation?
A Reduction in soil fertility
B Increase in crop yield
C Decrease in irrigation
D Decline in market access
Mechanisation improves efficiency, timeliness, and precision in farming operations, leading to better land use, reduced labour dependency, and increased agricultural productivity.
Industrial waste management is critical; which method helps reduce industrial pollution at source?
A Dumping waste in rivers
B Recycling and reuse
C Increasing production
D Ignoring waste treatment
Recycling and reuse minimize waste generation by converting industrial by-products into usable materials, reducing environmental pollution and conserving natural resources.
The importance of cottage industries lies in their socio-economic role; which benefit best explains their relevance?
A High capital requirement
B Employment generation in rural areas
C Dependence on foreign markets
D Large-scale mechanisation
Cottage industries provide employment opportunities using local skills and resources, helping reduce rural unemployment and migration while supporting balanced economic development.
Industrial location theory emphasizes cost factors; which cost is minimized by locating industries near raw material sources?
A Labour cost
B Capital cost
C Transport cost
D Marketing cost
Industries using bulky raw materials locate near sources to reduce transportation expenses, which significantly lowers production costs and increases competitiveness.
Crop diversification is promoted in agriculture; which objective is most closely linked with diversification?
A Increasing monoculture
B Reducing soil erosion
C Reducing risk and increasing income
D Eliminating irrigation
Crop diversification helps farmers reduce dependency on a single crop, minimizing risk from crop failure and improving income stability through varied agricultural outputs.
The use of chemical fertilizers increased after the Green Revolution; which long-term problem is associated with their excessive use?
A Increase in soil nutrients
B Soil degradation
C Higher water retention
D Improved biodiversity
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers damages soil structure, reduces organic matter, and harms microorganisms, leading to long-term soil fertility decline.
Agro-based industries strengthen rural economy; which linkage best explains this relationship?
A Dependence on imported raw materials
B Use of agricultural produce as input
C Location in urban centers
D High capital intensity
Agro-based industries utilize agricultural raw materials, creating demand for farm produce and providing farmers with stable markets, thereby strengthening rural economic activities.
The development of industrial corridors aims to improve efficiency; which outcome is expected from such corridors?
A Reduction in agricultural land
B Concentration of pollution
C Improved connectivity and industrial growth
D Decline in employment
Industrial corridors enhance transportation, logistics, and infrastructure, enabling faster movement of goods and promoting industrial expansion and regional economic growth.
Resource conservation is linked with future security; which principle supports conservation most effectively?
A Unlimited consumption
B Planned and judicious use
C Complete ban on resource use
D Export of all resources
Planned and judicious use ensures resources are utilized efficiently and responsibly, preventing depletion and ensuring availability for future generations.
Agricultural productivity varies across regions; which factor explains higher productivity in irrigated areas?
A Poor soil quality
B Assured water supply
C Low population density
D Limited crop variety
Irrigation ensures consistent water availability, reducing dependence on rainfall and enabling farmers to use modern inputs effectively, leading to higher agricultural productivity.
Industrial growth often leads to urbanisation; which reason best explains this relationship?
A Industries reduce employment
B Industries attract labour and services
C Industries discourage migration
D Industries depend only on villages
Industries generate employment and demand for housing, transport, and services, attracting people to urban areas and promoting urban growth and expansion.
Efficient irrigation management is necessary; which method reduces water wastage most effectively?
A Flood irrigation
B Tank irrigation
C Drip irrigation
D Canal irrigation
Drip irrigation supplies water directly to plant roots in controlled amounts, minimizing evaporation and runoff, thus conserving water and improving crop efficiency.
Balanced development requires integration of sectors; which statement best reflects the relationship between agriculture and industry?
A They function independently
B Industry depends on agriculture for raw material and market
C Agriculture depends only on imports
D Industry reduces agricultural importance
Agriculture supplies raw materials and provides a market for industrial goods, while industry supports agriculture through tools and inputs, creating mutual interdependence essential for balanced development.