NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science (Exploring Society) Part 2 Chapter 1: The Story of Indian Farming

These Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society Part 2 Chapter 1 solutions cover The Story of Indian Farming from Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2), the NCERT textbook (first edition, November 2025), used here for the 2026–27 session. The chapter belongs to the theme India and the World: Land and the People and explains the main characteristics of Indian agriculture, how farming is linked to climate, soil and water, the three cropping seasons — kharif, rabi and zaid — the six major soil types of India, traditional and modern irrigation, seeds, the Green Revolution, sustainable farming and the challenges farmers face today. Below you get step-by-step answers to all Questions and activities, clear notes on key terms, extra practice, MCQs, Assertion–Reason and FAQs.

Class: 7 Subject: Social Science Book: Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) Textbook chapter: Part 2, 1 Theme: India and the World: Land and the People Session: 2026–27
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Numbering note: this is Chapter 1 in NCERT Part 2. ClearStudy previously called it Chapter 13 by continuing the Part 1 sequence; the existing page address is retained.

The Story of Indian Farming – Overview

Part 2 Chapter 1, The Story of Indian Farming, traces agriculture from prehistory to the present. It explains that farming — the preparation of soil, cultivation of plants, rearing of livestock and growing of trees — is one of humankind’s oldest occupations and that agriculture and allied activities contribute a little over 18 per cent of India’s GDP and employ about 46 per cent of its working population (2022–23). Archaeology shows rice in the Ganga Plain by the 7th–8th millennium BCE and barley/wheat among the Harappans, while ancient texts such as the Arthaśhāstra, Kṛiṣhi Parāśhara and Vṛikṣhāyurveda record deep agricultural knowledge. The chapter then shows how climate, soil and water decide what grows where, describing India’s seven climates and 15 agroclimatic zones, the role of the monsoons, the three cropping seasons (kharif, rabi, zaid), six major soil types, rain-fed versus irrigated farming, seeds, the Green Revolution and its limits, and the need to blend traditional wisdom with modern innovation for sustainable agriculture — while farmers face challenges of small landholdings, climate change and debt.

Key Terms & Concepts

Agriculture and allied activities: broadly includes farming, animal husbandry (raising livestock), forestry and horticulture, plus beekeeping (apiculture), fisheries, rearing of silkworms (sericulture) and fibre production such as cotton and hemp. The word agriculture comes from Latin — agri (field) and cultura (to cultivate).

Threshing: separating grain from harvested stalks and ears. Winnowing separates lighter chaff from grain; removing a grain’s husk can require a separate dehusking process.

Intercropping: the practice of growing two or more different crops simultaneously (seen at the Harappan site of Kalibangan around 2800 BCE).

Grafting: a technique that joins one plant with another to grow as a single plant, combining desirable traits like pest resistance or sweetness of fruit.

Agroclimatic zones: India is divided into 15 such zones by combining climate, soil, terrain and vegetation — for example the Upper Gangetic Plain Region and the Western Dry Region.

Cropping seasons: kharif generally follows the monsoon (rice, maize, bajra, cotton); rabi follows the cool season (wheat, barley, gram, mustard); zaid is the short summer season between them (watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon). Dates and crop calendars vary by region. Sugarcane is a long-duration crop, so it does not fit neatly into one short season.

Soil & humus: soil is the thin upper layer of the Earth’s crust that supports plant life, formed over a century to several millennia. Humus is the dark organic matter formed by decomposition of plant and animal matter; it is rich in nutrients and retains moisture. Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into soil particles by physical, chemical or biological means.

Six major soil types of India: alluvial, black (cotton) soil, red soil, laterite soil, desert soil and mountain / alpine soil.

Rain-fed vs irrigated agriculture: rain-fed farming relies entirely on rainfall; irrigated farming uses artificial methods such as canals, wells, phad systems, bamboo drip irrigation, and modern drip and sprinkler irrigation.

Green Revolution: the expansion of high-yielding crop varieties, irrigation, fertilisers and supporting farm services from the 1960s, strongly associated in India with M.S. Swaminathan. It increased wheat and rice production and reduced dependence on foodgrain imports. Gains varied across regions; intensive and poorly managed inputs also contributed to groundwater and environmental problems.

Sustainable agriculture: farming that maintains production and livelihoods while protecting soil, water and biodiversity. Crop rotation, suitable manure, soil testing, integrated pest management and efficient irrigation can contribute. Assess practices by evidence and local conditions, not simply whether they are labelled traditional or modern.

Landholding and hectare: one hectare equals 10,000 m². Distinguish land owned from an operational holding, which may include leased land. The textbook’s approximate three-fourths-hectare figure lacks a stated statistical definition and year here; it should not be treated as a timeless national average. The main lesson is the challenge of small and fragmented farms.

“The Big Questions” — Answered

The chapter opens with three Big Questions. Here are concise, exam-ready answers based on the chapter.

1. What are the main characteristics of Indian agriculture?

ANSWERIndian farming combines crops, livestock and other allied activities across varied climates, soils and water conditions. It supports many livelihoods, includes small and fragmented farms, and blends long-established knowledge with newer technologies.Monsoons, irrigation and seasonal temperatures influence crop calendars. Kharif, rabi and zaid are broad seasonal categories; local practices vary. Women and men both play essential roles in cultivation, harvesting, livestock care and farm management.The textbook cites about 46% of workers in agriculture and allied activities for 2022–23. Treat this as a dated textbook figure. Do not repeat the claim that over 75% of all farm workers are women without checking the population and source: the share of women who work in agriculture is a different statistic from the share of agricultural workers who are women.

2. How are farming, climate, soil, and water interrelated?

ANSWERWhat grows where and when depends on all three. Climate (India has seven climate types and 15 agroclimatic zones) decides temperature, rainfall and seasons, which is why rice grows where rain is plentiful and wheat where it is cooler and drier. Soil provides nutrients, water and support — alluvial soil suits wheat and rice, black soil suits cotton, and so on. Water, from the monsoons or from irrigation, is essential because no crop can grow without it. Together they form a single system: a change in one (such as a failed monsoon) directly affects farming.

3. How can traditional practices and contemporary ones complement each other?

ANSWERFarmers can combine crop rotation, mulching, locally suitable varieties and water harvesting with soil testing, weather information, well-maintained drip systems and appropriately sized machinery. The aim is to meet crop needs with affordable, efficient use of resources.Neither “traditional” nor “modern” automatically means safe, effective or harmful. Compare yield, costs, labour, water use and environmental effects in local trials.The textbook says ICAR documented nearly 5,000 practices and tested over 100, with over 85% of those tested validated. This is not evidence that 85% of all 5,000 practices—or all traditional practices—work everywhere.

“Questions and activities” — Full Solutions

All questions below are reproduced verbatim from the NCERT textbook’s end-of-chapter Questions and activities section. Answers are original, written in exam-ready style.

1. Why do farmers in Kerala grow rice while farmers in Punjab grow mostly wheat? What would happen if they swapped?

ANSWERThe question illustrates how climate, soil and water influence crops. Kerala’s warm, wet conditions and suitable lowland fields favour rice. Punjab’s cool winter season and alluvial soils favour wheat.Important correction: Punjab already grows large quantities of rice as well as wheat, commonly in a rice–wheat rotation. Irrigation, procurement, infrastructure and crop choices also influence what farmers grow; natural conditions are not the only factors. Punjab’s agriculture policy.Wheat would generally be less suited to Kerala’s hot, humid lowlands, though suitability varies locally. Expanding water-intensive paddy where rainfall is insufficient can increase irrigation costs and groundwater stress in Punjab. It is therefore inaccurate to say rice cannot grow there or that a simple “swap” always has one result.

2. Match the following:

ANSWER
Column AColumn B (correct match)
(a) Kharif crops(ii) Crops grown during the monsoon
(b) Rabi crops(i) Crops during the winter
(c) Alluvial soil(v) Soil rich in nutrients deposited by rivers
(d) Terrace farming(vi) Method of farming on hillsides
(e) Alpine soil(iii) Thin, rough, and rocky soil found in mountainous regions
(f) Zaid crops(iv) Crops grown in summer
Answer: (a)–(ii), (b)–(i), (c)–(v), (d)–(vi), (e)–(iii), (f)–(iv).

3. Why do certain crops thrive in specific regions?

ANSWER Certain crops thrive in specific regions because the growing of crops depends on several natural factors — the soil, the climate, the availability of water, the terrain and the season. India’s varied geography gives different regions different amounts of sunshine, rainfall and temperature (seven climate types and 15 agroclimatic zones), and different soils. A crop grows best where these factors match its needs: rice thrives in warm, wet regions with water-holding soil; wheat in cooler plains with fertile alluvial soil; tea in the hilly Northeast and Nilgiris; saffron in the cool Kashmir valley; and cotton in black soil. When the climate, soil and water of a region suit a crop, it gives a good harvest there — which is why crops are region-specific.

4. How has modern technology helped farmers?

ANSWERSuitable tractors, seed drills, transplanters, threshers and other equipment can reduce labour and improve the timing of farm operations. Shared machinery services may help small farmers who cannot afford ownership.Improved varieties may offer higher yield or particular resistance traits, but high-yielding does not automatically mean pest-resistant. Performance depends on variety, soil, weather, water and management.Drip irrigation supplies water near the root zone; sprinklers distribute it as spray. Sensors, forecasts, storage, communications and market information can help decisions and reduce losses. Benefits require appropriate design, maintenance, training and affordable access; technology does not guarantee a good harvest or price.
A woman farmer checks drip irrigation beside mulched vegetable rows on an imagined Indian farm
Imagined farm combining drip irrigation with straw mulch. Water reaches the root zone; correct scheduling, filtration and maintenance are needed to achieve savings. Tap to view at full size.

5. Why is sustainable agriculture important? Write a short note on this.

ANSWERSustainable agriculture matters because future harvests depend on healthy soil, reliable water, biodiversity and viable farm livelihoods. Erosion, excessive groundwater extraction and poorly managed fertiliser or pesticide use can damage that foundation.Helpful practices include crop rotation, protecting soil cover, well-managed organic matter, soil-test-based nutrient application, integrated pest management and suitable irrigation. Choosing crops suited to local water availability can be as important as irrigation technology.Natural products are not automatically harmless or effective; neem preparations and other inputs still need appropriate use. Panchagavya and beejamrit are traditional preparations discussed in farming contexts, not universal substitutes for all nutrient or pest-management needs.Sikkim’s transition to fully organic farming is an important example, declared in 2016. It does not mean every farm everywhere can obtain identical yields or profits by adopting the same methods. Sustainability includes both environmental protection and farmers’ economic well-being.

6. Name some challenges that farmers face today. What might be their impact for people?

ANSWERFarmers may face small or scattered plots, uncertain rainfall, heat, floods, pests, expensive inputs, limited storage, market-price fluctuations and difficulty obtaining affordable credit. Problems differ by region and household.These can reduce income, increase debt risk, disrupt children’s education and encourage people to seek other work. Widespread production losses can affect food availability and prices, though trade, storage and public policy also influence the outcome.Use statistics with dates and definitions. The textbook’s “2,300 per day” estimate has no source period specified here; do not present it as a verified current daily count. Better access to advice, infrastructure, suitable equipment, markets and risk protection can help, without guaranteeing every farm’s success.

7. Have a debate in class on the topic “Traditional irrigation methods are better than modern ones.”

ANSWERFor traditional systems: locally adapted tanks, community channels and bamboo systems may use familiar materials, local skills and shared management. Some support water harvesting and groundwater recharge, depending on geology and design.For modern systems: drip and sprinkler systems can improve application control and reduce some losses when suited to crop, soil and climate. They need investment, maintenance, energy or adequate pressure, and water-quality management.Balanced conclusion: compare actual performance rather than age. A community water-harvesting structure can supply a modern drip network. Canal losses, over-irrigation, blocked emitters and unequal access are possible problems; the best choice depends on local conditions.

8. Write a short essay describing what farming might be like when you are 60 years old. You could also draw / paint a picture to illustrate what you envision.

ANSWERModel vision — a hope, not a prediction: When I am 60, I hope farming will give people secure livelihoods while protecting land and water. Farmers may combine locally adapted seeds and crop rotations with reliable weather information and affordable tools.Sensors could help schedule irrigation, but farmers would still inspect their fields and use their experience. Well-maintained drip systems, rainwater harvesting and soil cover could conserve water. Pest control would be based on monitoring and evidence, with care for pollinators.Small farmers might share machines and storage through cooperatives, while transparent markets could improve access to buyers. Some crops may grow in greenhouses or nutrient solutions, but open-field farming will remain important. I hope women and men farmers receive equal recognition, training and opportunities. My drawing would show a diverse farm, a water-harvesting pond, mulched beds and shared equipment.

9. Form small groups and discuss the issues affecting the Ganga basin. Prepare a presentation proposing your solutions and their rationale (your reasons). Share and discuss in class. Your teacher will guide you in this exercise.

ANSWEROrganise the presentation around problem → evidence → proposed response → reason. The Ganga basin faces interacting pressures: sewage and industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, groundwater abstraction, changing flows, floodplain alteration and climate-related changes.
PressureProposed responseReason
PollutionTreat sewage and industrial discharges; improve nutrient and waste managementProtect water quality and ecosystems
Excessive abstractionMeasure use, choose suitable crops and improve irrigation schedulingReduce pressure on surface water and connected aquifers
Altered river flowsAssess environmental-flow needs and manage infrastructure accordinglySupport aquatic life and downstream users
Climate and flood risksImprove monitoring, early warnings and floodplain planningReduce exposure and support adaptation
Distinguish long-term glacier change from seasonal river flow: rainfall, snowmelt, groundwater, withdrawals and infrastructure all matter. Do not claim glacier melt alone explains low summer water. Use dated basin-specific evidence and discuss trade-offs; submit the group’s actual work rather than inventing field observations.

10. Looking at the crops listed in the section ‘Echoes from the Past’, which ones do you find in use in your home? What conclusion can you draw from your observations?

ANSWER (activity — observation) This is an observation activity, so list the crops you actually use; a model answer: The section ‘Echoes from the Past’ lists crops such as rice, barley, wheat, millets, oilseeds (sesame, mustard, linseed, castor), legumes (green gram, black gram, fenugreek), fibre crops (cotton, hemp, jute) and fruits (grapes, dates, jujube, jackfruit, mango, mulberry, black plum). In most Indian homes we still use many of these every day — rice, wheat, mustard oil, sesame, several pulses and fruits like mango and jackfruit. Conclusion: the crops grown by our ancestors thousands of years ago are still part of our daily food. This shows the remarkable continuity of Indian agriculture and food culture — the knowledge of farming has been passed down for millennia, linking us directly to the farmers of prehistory and the Harappans. (Write your own list and conclusion.)

Extra Practice Questions

These questions and MCQs are ClearStudy practice, separate from the NCERT exercise.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. What does the term ‘agriculture and allied activities’ include?

ANSWERIt broadly includes agriculture (farming), livestock-related activities (animal husbandry), forestry and horticulture, along with beekeeping (apiculture), fisheries, rearing of silkworms and preparing silk yarn, and fibre production such as cotton and hemp. Together they contribute a little over 18 per cent of India’s GDP (2022–23).

Q2. Name the three cropping seasons of India and give one crop of each.

ANSWERThe three cropping seasons are kharif (monsoon crops, e.g. rice), rabi (winter crops, e.g. wheat) and zaid (summer crops, e.g. watermelon). These Arabic terms have been in use since Mughal times; earlier they were called kedāra, haimana and graiṣhmika.

Q3. What are the six major soil types of India?

ANSWERIndia’s soils are classified into six major types: alluvial soil, black (cotton) soil, red soil, laterite soil, desert soil, and mountain / alpine soil. Alluvial soil is rich in nutrients deposited by rivers, black soil holds moisture and suits cotton, and alpine soil is thin, rough and rocky.

Q4. What is the difference between rain-fed and irrigated agriculture?

ANSWERRain-fed agriculture relies entirely on rainfall and is common where the monsoon gives enough rain, but it faces droughts and unpredictable monsoons. Irrigated agriculture uses artificial methods — canals, wells, drip and sprinkler irrigation — to supply water, enabling farming even in low-rainfall areas and increasing yields.

Q5. What was the Green Revolution and who is called its architect?

ANSWERThe Green Revolution was a turning point in the 1960s and 1970s that introduced high-yielding varieties (HYV) of seeds, increased irrigation, chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and mechanised equipment. It greatly increased wheat and rice production and reduced reliance on grain imports, although benefits differed by region and nutrition challenges remained. M.S. Swaminathan, a Bharat Ratna recipient, is called the architect of the Green Revolution.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Describe the rhythm of the three cropping seasons — kharif, rabi and zaid — with their crops.

ANSWERKharif: broadly sown with monsoon onset and harvested later in the year; examples are rice, maize, bajra and cotton. Their water needs differ: not every kharif crop needs heavy rainfall.Rabi: broadly sown in autumn or early winter and harvested in spring; examples are wheat, barley, gram and mustard. Rainfall, residual soil moisture and irrigation may support them.Zaid: the short warm-season interval between rabi and kharif; examples include watermelon, muskmelon and cucumber, often with irrigation. Dates vary by region and crop. Rice can be grown in more than one season in parts of India; sugarcane is long-duration. The textbook chart is a broad guide, not one calendar for every farm.

Q2. Explain how ancient Indian texts and archaeology reveal a long, rich history of farming in India.

ANSWERArchaeological evidence includes charred grains, tools, field traces and animal remains. The textbook mentions very early rice grains in the Ganga Plain but explicitly cautions that their presence does not by itself prove systematic rice cultivation at that date.Harappan sites provide evidence of crops including wheat and barley and, at some sites, rice. Crossed furrows at Kalibangan are interpreted in relation to cultivation practices. Domestication occurred over long periods and differed by species and region; avoid treating 3500 BCE as one starting date for all farm animals.Texts such as the Arthaśhāstra, Kṛiṣhi Parāśhara, Bṛihatsamhitā and Vṛikṣhāyurveda record ideas about seeds, soils, rainfall, irrigation and plant care. A written recommendation shows knowledge and intention; it does not establish that everyone followed it or that every remedy has been scientifically validated.

Q3. Discuss the trade-off between traditional and modern farming methods and why a balance is needed.

ANSWEREvaluate each practice on yield, cost, labour, resilience, water use and environmental effects. Crop rotation and manure can complement improved varieties, soil testing and efficient irrigation. Either old or new methods can be poorly managed.The Green Revolution raised cereal production, while intensive use of water and inputs created serious problems in some regions. Better nutrient management, crop diversification and appropriate technology can address these pressures.The textbook’s reported 85% validation refers to the subset of over 100 practices tested, not to all nearly 5,000 documented practices. Local evidence matters more than a blanket label. The aim is productive, affordable farming that protects resources over time.

MCQs & Assertion–Reason

1. The word ‘agriculture’ comes from Latin words meaning:

(a) water and land    (b) field and to cultivate    (c) seed and harvest    (d) soil and rain

2. Approximately what percentage of India’s working population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities (2022–23)?

(a) 18%    (b) 36%    (c) 46%    (d) 75%

3. Wheat, barley, gram and mustard are examples of:

(a) kharif crops    (b) rabi crops    (c) zaid crops    (d) plantation crops

4. Rice, maize, bajra and cotton, which depend on the monsoon, are:

(a) rabi crops    (b) zaid crops    (c) kharif crops    (d) winter crops

5. Into how many agroclimatic zones is India divided?

(a) 6    (b) 7    (c) 12    (d) 15

6. Which of these is NOT one of the six major soil types of India?

(a) Alluvial soil    (b) Black soil    (c) Clay-brick soil    (d) Laterite soil

7. The dark organic matter in soil formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter is called:

(a) humus    (b) silt    (c) bedrock    (d) laterite

8. Drip and sprinkler irrigation are examples of:

(a) rain-fed farming    (b) modern irrigation methods    (c) traditional phad systems    (d) intercropping

9. Who is regarded as the architect of the Green Revolution in India?

(a) Verghese Kurien    (b) M.S. Swaminathan    (c) Kauṭilya    (d) Surapāla

10. Which Indian state is the world’s first 100 per cent organic state?

(a) Punjab    (b) Kerala    (c) Sikkim    (d) Maharashtra

Answer key: 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(b), 4-(c), 5-(d), 6-(c), 7-(a), 8-(b), 9-(b), 10-(c).

For each Assertion–Reason question, choose: (A) Both true and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion; (B) Both true but the Reason is not the correct explanation; (C) Assertion true, Reason false; (D) Assertion false, Reason true.

A-R 1. Assertion: Crop suitability differs between regions such as Kerala and Punjab.

Reason: The crops grown in a region depend on its climate, soil and availability of water.

A-R 2. Assertion: The Green Revolution had no harmful effects on the environment.

Reason: The Green Revolution led to depletion of groundwater and contamination of soil and water by chemicals.

A-R 3. Assertion: Kharif crops are dependent on the timely arrival of the monsoon.

Reason: Kharif is the monsoon cropping season, with crops sown at the start of the rains.

A-R 4. Assertion: The average size of landholdings in India is decreasing.

Reason: Land gets divided among family members over generations.

A-R 5. Assertion: Sustainable agriculture combines modern productivity with traditional wisdom.

Reason: Traditional methods like crop rotation and organic manure work in harmony with Nature.

Answer key: 1-(A), 2-(D), 3-(A), 4-(A), 5-(A).

In-text activities and checks

Food-to-farm chart: list foods actually eaten at home, their crop ingredients and confirmed growing regions. For example, roti → wheat → a suitable producing region; do not assume the flour was grown locally without checking.

Soil observations: record colour, texture, visible organic matter and possible human disturbance. Colour alone cannot establish nutrient content. The six groups in the textbook are a simplified classification; soils vary within states.

Illustrative state examples: alluvial — Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; black — Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh; red — Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; laterite — Kerala and Karnataka; desert — Rajasthan and Gujarat; mountain — Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These indicate occurrences, not exclusive soil types throughout each state.

Two weak monsoons: yields, fodder, irrigation supplies and food prices may be affected; storage and trade can partly offset local shortages. Do not predict that a named food must disappear entirely.

Rainfall and crop stages: timely moisture helps sowing and growth, while excessive rain near harvest can cause damage. Read the textbook’s one-third as the combined beginning-and-end share, plus two-thirds in the middle, rather than adding three separate shares above 100%.

Farm programme report: record the date, broadcaster, crop/region, advice and questions. Verify local advice with an agricultural extension service. Government schemes have eligibility and claim rules; they do not automatically cover every loss.

Connections: revisit Climates of India and Understanding Markets.

Reviewed against NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Class 7, Part 2, Chapter 1, pp. 1–28 (first edition, November 2025). Review date: 10 October 2026. Textbook question wording is retained, with factual qualifications in the answers.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

How to write a clear answer

Memorise the three cropping seasons (kharif/rabi/zaid) with two crops each, and the six soil types. For “why a crop grows in a region” questions, always link to climate, soil, water and terrain. When using figures, state that the textbook’s GDP and workforce shares refer to 2022–23; check definitions before comparing landholding statistics. Learn the textbook’s 15 agroclimatic zones and seven broad climate types. Use the textbook’s own examples — Kallanai anicut, phad and bamboo drip irrigation, panchagavya/beejamrit, Sikkim organic state, M.S. Swaminathan and the Green Revolution — to show you have studied the chapter. For activity questions (debate, essay, Ganga project), write structured points; do not leave them blank.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Mixing up kharif (monsoon/summer-sown) and rabi (winter) crops — rice is kharif, wheat is rabi.
  • Forgetting the third season, zaid (summer crops like watermelon and cucumber).
  • Confusing weathering (rocks breaking into soil) with humus (organic matter in soil).
  • Calling the Green Revolution wholly good — note its harms (soil, groundwater, chemical pollution, health).
  • Listing fewer than six soil types, or inventing soil names not in the textbook.
  • Leaving the match-the-following or activity questions incomplete — attempt every part.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Part 2 Chapter 1 of Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society about?

Part 2 Chapter 1, The Story of Indian Farming, traces agriculture from prehistory to today. It explains the main characteristics of Indian agriculture, how farming is linked to climate, soil and water, the three cropping seasons (kharif, rabi, zaid), the six major soil types, traditional and modern irrigation, seeds, the Green Revolution and its limits, sustainable farming, and the challenges farmers face such as small landholdings, climate change and debt.

What are the three cropping seasons of India?

The three cropping seasons are kharif (monsoon crops such as rice, maize, bajra and cotton, sown around June–July), rabi (winter crops such as wheat, barley, gram and mustard, sown around October–November), and zaid (short summer crops such as watermelon, muskmelon and cucumber). These Arabic terms have been used since Mughal times.

What is the exercise heading for Part 2 Chapter 1 of Exploring Society Part 2?

The end-of-chapter exercise in Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) Part 2 Chapter 1 is headed Questions and activities and contains 10 questions, all answered step by step on this page, along with the chapter’s three Big Questions.

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