๐พ Chapter 1: Crop Production and Management (Class 8) ๐งโ๐พ
โก๏ธ Introduction (Parichay)
All living organisms require food for energy, growth, and body functions. Plants make their own food (photosynthesis), but animals and humans depend on plants or other animals.
Sabhi jeevit praniyo ko energy, growth aur body ke kaam ke liye bhojan chahiye. Paudhe apna khana khud banate hain (photosynthesis), lekin janwar aur insan paudhon ya dusre janwaron par nirbhar karte hain.To provide food for a large population, we need: Regular production, Proper management, and Distribution.
Ek badi abadi ko bhojan pradan karne ke liye, humein chahiye: Niyamit utpadan, Uchit prabandhan, aur Vitran.The practice of cultivating land and growing crops is called **Agriculture**.
Zameen par kheti karne aur fasal ugane ki pratha ko **Krishi (Agriculture)** kehte hain.Crop ๐ฑ: When plants of the same kind are cultivated at one place on a large scale.
Fasal (Crop) ๐ฑ: Jab ek hi prakar ke paudhe kisi sthan par bade paimane par ugaye jate hain.Types of Crops (Faslon Ke Prakaar – Based on Season)
- Kharif Crops ๐ง๏ธ: Sown in rainy season (June-July), harvested in autumn (Sept-Oct). Need more water.
Barsaat ke mausam mein boyi jaati hain, sharad mein kaati jaati hain. Zyada paani chahiye.
Examples: Paddy (Rice ๐), Maize, Soyabean, Groundnut, Cotton.
- Rabi Crops โ๏ธ: Sown in winter (Oct-Nov), harvested in spring (Mar-Apr). Need less water.
Sardi ke mausam mein boyi jaati hain, vasant mein kaati jaati hain. Kam paani chahiye.
Examples: Wheat ๐พ, Gram (Chana), Pea (Matar), Mustard (Sarson).
๐ Basic Agricultural Practices (Kheti Ke Mukhya Kaam)
These are the essential activities performed by farmers for growing crops. Yeh kisano dwara fasal ugane ke liye kiye jaane wale zaroori kaam hain.
- 1. Preparation of Soil (Mitti Taiyar Karna)
- 2. Sowing (Beej Bona)
- 3. Adding Manure and Fertilisers (Khaad Dalna)
- 4. Irrigation (Sinchaai Karna)
- 5. Protecting from Weeds (Faltu Ghaas se Bachav)
- 6. Harvesting (Fasal ki Katai)
- 7. Storage (Anaj ko Jama Karna)
๐ 1. Preparation of Soil (Mitti Taiyar Karna)
This is the first and crucial step. It prepares the land for sowing seeds. Yeh pehla aur bahut mahatvapurna kadam hai. Yeh zameen ko beej bone ke liye taiyar karta hai.
Steps Involved (Shamil Kadam):
โก๏ธ Ploughing / Tilling (Juttai)
Definition: The process of loosening and turning the soil.
Paribhasha: Mitti ko dheela karne aur palatne ki prakriya.- Why? (Kyun?): Allows roots deep penetration โ & easy breathing ๐ฎโ๐จ; helps microbe/earthworm growth ๐๐ฆ ; brings nutrients up ๐; uproots weeds. Jadon ko gehra jaane aur saans lene deta hai; sukshmajeevon/kenchuon ki vridhhi mein madad; poshak tatva upar lata hai; kharpatvaar ukhadta hai.
- How? (Kaise?): Using:
- Plough (Hal): Wood/iron tool with ploughshare & ploughshaft, pulled by animals ๐/tractor. (Lakdi/Lohe ka auzaar Fahal aur Hal Shaft ke saath, Janwaron/Tractor se khincha jata hai).
- Hoe (Kudal): Simple tool to loosen soil & remove weeds โ๏ธ. (Mitti dheela karne aur kharpatvaar hatane ka saral auzaar).
- Cultivator: Tractor-driven ploughing tool. Saves time & labour โฑ๏ธ. (Tractor se chalne wala juttai ka auzaar. Samay aur mehnat bachata hai).
โก๏ธ Levelling (Samatlikaran)
Definition: Breaking large soil clumps (crumbs) and making the surface even using a Leveller.
Paribhasha: Mitti ke bade dhelon (crumbs) ko todna aur Leveler (paata) se satah ko samtal banana.- Why? (Kyun?): Helps in uniform sowing and irrigation; prevents soil erosion. Ek saman buai aur sinchai mein madad karta hai; mitti ke katav ko rokta hai.
๐ฑ 2. Sowing (Beej Bona)
Putting seeds into the prepared soil. This is a very important part. Taiyar mitti mein beej daalna. Yeh bahut mahatvapurna hissa hai.
Important Considerations (Zaroori Batein):
- Seed Quality: Use clean, healthy, good quality seeds for high yield. Test by floating (good seeds sink โฌ๏ธ). Saaf, swasth, achhi quality ke beej istemal karein. Taira kar test karein (achhe beej doob jate hain).
- Proper Depth: Not too deep (no air), not too shallow (birds ๐ฆ eat). Sahi gehrai (zyada gehra nahi – hawa nahi milegi; zyada upar nahi – chidiya kha jayegi).
- Proper Distance: Avoids overcrowding, ensures enough sunlight โ๏ธ, water ๐ง, nutrients โจ. Sahi doori (bheed se bachav, sabko dhoop, paani, poshak tatva milna).
Tools Used (Auzaar):
- Traditional Tool (Funnel): Seeds filled in funnel pass down pipes. Less precise. โณ Funnel mein beej daale jaate hain jo pipe se niche jate hain. Kam theek.
- Seed Drill ๐: Sows uniformly at correct depth & distance. Covers seeds with soil. Saves time/labour โ . Sahi gehrai aur doori par ek saman beej bota hai. Beej mitti se dhak deta hai. Samay/mehnat bachata hai.
- Transplantation (Ropaai): Growing seedlings in nursery first, then planting manually (Paddy ๐, Tomato ๐ ). (Pehle nursery mein paudhe ugana, fir khet mein lagana).
๐๐ฉ 3. Adding Manure and Fertilisers (Khaad Dalna)
Adding nutrients to the soil for healthy plant growth.
Paudhon ke swasth vikas ke liye mitti mein poshak tatva dalna.๐ฉ Manure (Prakritik Khaad)
- Organic, from decomposed waste โป๏ธ.
- Adds humus, improves soil texture & water holding ๐ง.
- Eco-friendly ๐, increases good microbes ๐ฆ .
- Less nutrient concentrated.
- Examples: Compost, Vermicompost ๐, FYM.
๐ Fertilisers (Chemical Urvarak)
- Chemicals made in factories ๐ญ.
- Rich in specific nutrients (N, P, K).
- Examples: Urea (N), Super phosphate (P), NPK.
- Give quick results, high yield ๐.
- BUT: Overuse pollutes water/soil ๐, no humus.
Manure vs. Fertiliser – Mukhya Antar
Feature | Manure ๐ฉ | Fertiliser ๐ |
---|---|---|
Nature | Organic | Chemical |
Humus | Yes โ | No โ |
Nutrients | Less Conc., Multiple | High Conc., Specific |
Effect on Soil | Improves long term | Can harm long term |
Other Ways to Enrich Soil:
- Crop Rotation: Growing different crops alternately. Legumes fix Nitrogen โจ. (Alag-alag faslein bari-bari ugana. Faliidar paudhe Nitrogen fix karte hain).
๐ง 4. Irrigation (Sinchaai – Paani Dena)
Supplying water to crops at regular intervals.
Niyamit antral par faslon ko paani dena.Sources (Strot):
Wells, Tubewells, Ponds, Lakes, Rivers ๐๏ธ, Dams ๋, Canals.
Methods (Tareeke):
Traditional:
Less efficient, more water wastage. Moat, Chain Pump, Dhekli, Rahat ๐. (Kam kushal, paani ki barbadi zyada. Moat, Chain Pump, Dhekli, Rahat).Modern:
Water-saving โ .- Sprinkler ๐ฟ: Sprays like rain. Good for uneven/sandy land. (Barish jaise chidakta hai. Asaman/Retili zameen ke liye).
- Drip System ๐ง: Water drops at roots. Best for water saving. (Paani boond-boond jadon par. Paani bachane ke liye best).
๐ฟ๐ก๏ธ 5. Protecting from Weeds (Faltu Ghaas se Bachav)
Removing unwanted plants (**Weeds**) that compete โ๏ธ with crops for resources.
Anchahe paudhon (**Kharเคชเคคเคตเคพเคฐ**) ko hatana jo sansadhano ke liye fasal se muqabla karte hain.Weeding: The removal of weeds.
Niraai: Kharเคชเคคเคตเคพเคฐ ko hatana.Methods (Tareeke):
- Tilling: Removes weeds before sowing. (Juttai se buai se pehle kharเคชเคคเคตเคพเคฐ hat jaate hain).
- Manual: Using hand ๐๏ธ or Khurpi. (Haath se ya Khurpi se).
- Weedicides: Chemicals (e.g., 2,4-D) sprayed ๐จ. Use carefully ๐ท. (Rasayan (jaise 2,4-D) ka chidkav. Savdhani se istemal karein).
โ๏ธ๐พ 6. Harvesting (Fasal ki Katai)
Cutting the mature crop.
Pakki hui fasal ko kaatna.Methods & Processes:
- Harvesting done by Sickle โ๏ธ or Harvester ๐. (Darati ya Harvester se katai).
- Threshing: Separating grains from chaff (stalks). (Anaj ko dandal se alag karna).
- Winnowing: Separating grain from lighter chaff using wind ๐ฌ๏ธ. (Hawa se halka bhoosa alag karna).
- Combine machine does harvesting + threshing. ๐ฏ (Combine machine dono kaam karti hai).
๐ฆ๐ 7. Storage (Anaj ka Bhandaran)
Protecting harvested grains from moisture, pests ๐๐, microbes ๐ฆ .
Kate anaj ko nami, keeton, sukshmajeevon se bachakar rakhna.Key Aspects:
- Drying โ๏ธ: Essential step to reduce moisture before storing. (Store karne se pehle nami kam karne ke liye anaj sukhana zaroori).
- Storage Containers: Jute bags/Metallic bins (small scale); Silos/Granaries ๐ฆ (large scale). (Chhote paimane par: Bori/Metal bin; Bade paimane par: Silo/Granaries (Godaam)).
- Protection: Using dried neem leaves ๐ฟ (home) or chemical fumigation ๐จ (godowns). (Ghar par neem ki patti; Godaam mein chemical upchar).
๐ Food from Animals (Janwaron se Bhojan)
Rearing animals on a large scale for food (milk ๐ฅ, eggs ๐ฅ, meat ๐, fish ๐ ) and other products with proper care is called **Animal Husbandry**. Bhojan (doodh, ande, maans, machhli) aur anya utpadon ke liye uchit dekhbhaal ke saath bade paimane par janwaron ko palna **Pashupalan (Animal Husbandry)** kehlata hai.
โ Sawal Jawab (Questions & Answers)
๐ค Very Short Answer Questions (Ati Laghu Uttariy Prashn)
1. Define Crop.
When plants of the same kind are grown at one place on a large scale.(Jab ek hi prakar ke paudhe bade paimane par ek jagah ugae jate hain).
2. Name the two main cropping seasons in India.
Kharif and Rabi. (Kharif aur Rabi).
3. Give one example of a Kharif crop.
Paddy (Rice). (Dhaan).
4. Give one example of a Rabi crop.
Wheat. (Gehu).
5. What is the first step in agricultural practices?
Preparation of Soil. (Mitti taiyar karna).
6. Name one tool used for ploughing.
Plough, Hoe, or Cultivator. (Hal, Kudal, ya Cultivator).
7. What are farmer’s friends found in the soil?
Earthworms and Microbes. (Kenchue aur Sukshmajeev).
8. Name the modern tool used for sowing seeds.
Seed Drill. (Seed Drill).
9. Give one example of manure.
Compost or Vermicompost. (Compost ya Vermicompost).
10. Name the bacteria found in root nodules of leguminous plants.
Rhizobium. (Rhizobium).
11. Name a traditional method of irrigation.
Moat, Chain Pump, Dhekli, or Rahat.
12. Which irrigation method saves maximum water?
Drip System. (Drip System).
13. What is the removal of weeds called?
Weeding. (Niraai).
14. Name one common weedicide.
2,4-D.
15. What is the process of separating grains from chaff called?
Threshing. (Threshing/Dauni).
๐ Short Answer Questions (Laghu Uttariy Prashn)
1. Write the difference between Kharif and Rabi crops with examples.
- Kharif: Sown in rainy season (Jun-Jul), Harvested in autumn (Sep-Oct), Need more water. Ex: Paddy, Maize.(Kharif: Barsaat mein bote, sharad mein kaat te, zyada paani chahiye. Udaharan: Dhaan, Makka).
- Rabi: Sown in winter (Oct-Nov), Harvested in spring (Mar-Apr), Need less water. Ex: Wheat, Gram.(Rabi: Sardi mein bote, vasant mein kaat te, kam paani chahiye. Udaharan: Gehu, Chana).
2. Why is soil preparation important?
- Allows deep root penetration. (Jadon ko gehra jaane deta hai).
- Allows easy root respiration. ๐ฎโ๐จ (Jadon ko saans lene mein madad karta hai).
- Helps growth of microbes/earthworms. ๐๐ฆ (Sukshmajeevon/kenchuon ki vridhhi mein madad).
- Brings nutrients to the top. ๐ (Poshak tatva upar laata hai).
- Uproots weeds. (Kharpatvaar ukhadta hai).
3. What precautions should be taken while sowing seeds?
- Use good quality, clean, healthy seeds. (Achhi quality, saaf, swasth beej istemal karein).
- Sow at the right depth. (Sahi gehrai par boyein).
- Maintain appropriate distance between seeds. (Beejon ke beech sahi doori rakhein).
- Ensure soil has adequate moisture. (Sunishchit karein ki mitti mein paryapt nami ho).
4. How do fertilisers differ from manure? (Give 4 points).
- Nature: Fertiliser=Chemical, Manure=Organic.(Prakriti: Urvarak=Rasayanik, Khaad=Jaivik).
- Humus: Fertiliser=No, Manure=Yes.(Humus: Urvarak=Nahi, Khaad=Haan).
- Nutrients: Fertiliser=Specific & High Conc., Manure=General & Low Conc.(Poshak Tatva: Urvarak=Vishisht & Uchh Sandrata, Khaad=Samanya & Nimn Sandrata).
- Origin: Fertiliser=Factories, Manure=Decomposition.(Utpatti: Urvarak=Factory, Khaad=Sadne se).
- Pollution: Fertiliser=Can cause, Manure=Eco-friendly.(Pradushan: Urvarak=Kar sakta hai, Khaad=Paryavaran anukool).
5. What is weeding and why is it necessary?
- Weeding is removing weeds.(Niraai kharpatvaar hatana hai).
- Necessary because weeds compete for water, nutrients, sunlight, space. โ๏ธ(Zaroori kyunki kharpatvaar paani, poshan, dhoop, jagah ke liye compete karte hain).
- Competition reduces crop growth & yield. (Muqable se fasal ki badhawaar kam hoti hai).
- Some weeds interfere with harvest or are poisonous. (Kuch katai mein dikkat dete hain ya zehreele ho sakte hain).
6. What is threshing and winnowing?
- Threshing: Separating grain seeds from stalks/chaff.(Threshing: Dandal/bhoose se anaj alag karna).
- Winnowing: Separating lighter chaff from heavier grains using wind ๐ฌ๏ธ.(Osaai: Hawa se halka bhoosa bhaari anaj se alag karna).
7. What is transplantation? Give examples.
- Growing seedlings in nursery then planting in main field.(Pehle nursery mein paudhe uga kar fir khet mein lagana).
- Ensures healthy seedlings & proper spacing.(Swasth paudhon aur sahi doori sunishchit karta hai).
- Examples: Paddy ๐, Tomato ๐ , Onion ๐ง , Chilli ๐ถ๏ธ.
8. Differentiate between Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation.
- Sprinkler ๐ฟ: Water sprayed like rain; For uneven land.(Barish jaise chidakta hai; Asamaan zameen ke liye).
- Drip ๐ง: Water drips at roots; Best for water saving.(Paani boond-boond jadon par; Paani bachane ke liye best).
- Wastage: More in Sprinkler; Minimal in Drip.(Barbadi: Sprinkler mein zyada; Drip mein kam).
9. What are silos and granaries used for?
- Used for large-scale storage of grains.(Anaj ke bade paimane par bhandaran ke liye istemal hote hain).
- Silos are tall structures; Granaries are large godowns.(Silo lambi sanrachnayein; Granaries bade godaam hain).
- Protect grains from pests and moisture.๐ก๏ธ(Anaj ko keeton aur nami se bachate hain).
10. How does crop rotation help soil?
- Growing different crops prevents depletion of specific nutrients.(Alag faslein ugane se vishisht poshak tatvon ki kami nahi hoti).
- Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen โจ via Rhizobium.(Faliidar paudhe Rhizobium dwara nitrogen fix karte hain).
- Naturally restores soil fertility. โป๏ธ(Prakritik roop se mitti ki urvarta lautata hai).
- Breaks pest/disease cycles.๐๐ซ(Keet/bimariyon ka chakra todta hai).
๐ Long Answer Questions (Dirgh Uttariy Prashn)
1. Explain the steps involved in the preparation of soil.
Soil preparation involves Ploughing and Levelling.
Mitti taiyari mein Juttai aur Samatlikaran shamil hai.- Ploughing (Juttai): Loosening/turning soil using Plough/Hoe/Cultivator. Importance: Good for roots (depth, breathing), microbes ๐ฆ , nutrients ๐, removes weeds.
- Levelling (Samatlikaran): Making surface even with Leveller after ploughing. Importance: Uniform irrigation/sowing, less soil erosion.
2. Describe Sowing methods and precautions.
Sowing is putting seeds in soil.
Beej bona mitti mein beej daalna hai.Precautions:
- Use good quality seeds (test viability).
- Sow at correct depth.
- Maintain proper distance.
Methods:
- Traditional Tool (Funnel): Less precise.
- Seed Drill ๐: Uniform, covers seeds โ . Saves time/labour.
- Transplantation: Nursery seedlings planted (Paddy ๐).
3. Explain different methods of irrigation (Traditional & Modern).
Traditional:
Less efficient, high water loss. Ex: Moat, Chain Pump, Dhekli, Rahat ๐.Modern:
Efficient water use.- Sprinkler ๐ฟ: Sprays water. Good for uneven land.
- Drip System ๐ง: Water drops at roots. Best for water conservation.
4. What are the advantages of using manure?
- Improves soil texture & structure.
- Increases water holding capacity ๐ง.
- Makes soil porous (better aeration ๐ฎโ๐จ).
- Increases friendly microbes ๐ฆ & worms ๐.
- Adds humus.
- Eco-friendly ๐, uses waste โป๏ธ.
5. Explain Harvesting and associated processes.
Harvesting: Cutting mature crop (by Sickle โ๏ธ or Harvester ๐).
After Harvesting:
- Threshing: Separating grain from chaff/stalks.
- Winnowing: Separating grain from lighter chaff using wind ๐ฌ๏ธ.
- Combine ๐ฏ does both.
6. Why is proper storage of grains necessary and how is it done?
Importance:
- Protects from moisture (spoilage ๐).
- Protects from pests (insects ๐, rats ๐).
- Maintains quality & germination ability.
- Ensures year-round food supply.
Methods:
- Drying โ๏ธ: Reduce moisture first!
- Storage: Jute bags/bins (small scale); Silos/Granaries ๐ฆ (large scale).
- Protection: Neem leaves ๐ฟ (home); Fumigation ๐จ (godowns).
7. Explain how fertilisers are different from manure & why manure is better long-term.
Differences:
- Fertiliser = Chemical, Manure = Organic.
- Fertiliser = No Humus, Manure = Adds Humus.
- Fertiliser = Specific Nutrients (High Conc.), Manure = General Nutrients (Low Conc.).
- Fertiliser = Factory made, Manure = Field/Pit made.
- Fertiliser = Pollution risk, Manure = Eco-friendly ๐.
Why Manure is Better Long-Term:
Improves soil health (texture, water capacity, microbes), sustainable โป๏ธ, no pollution. (Mitti ki sehat sudharta hai, pollution nahi, tikau hai).8. Write short notes on: (a) Cultivator (b) Hoe (c) Seed Drill
(a) Cultivator ๐:
Tractor-driven ploughing tool; Multiple ploughshares; Saves time/labour. (Tractor se chalne wala juttai auzaar; Kai phal; Samay/mehnat bachata hai).(b) Hoe (Kudal) โ๏ธ:
Manual tool; Long rod with bent iron plate; Used for loosening soil & removing weeds. (Haath ka auzaar; Lambi dandi, mudi hui plate; Mitti dheela karne/kharpatvaar hatane ke liye).(c) Seed Drill ๐ฑ:
Tractor-drawn sowing tool; Sows seeds uniformly at right depth/distance; Covers seeds โ . (Tractor se chalne wala buai auzaar; Beej ek saman, sahi gehrai/doori par bota hai; Beej dhak deta hai).9. Describe crop rotation and its benefits.
Crop rotation: Growing different crops alternately in the same field.
(Ek hi khet mein alag-alag faslein bari-bari ugana).Benefits:
- Restores soil fertility (esp. Nitrogen via legumes โจ). (Mitti ki urvarta lautata hai).
- Reduces need for fertilisers. โป๏ธ (Urvarakon ki zaroorat kam karta hai).
- Breaks pest/disease cycles ๐๐ซ. (Keet/bimariyon ka chakra todta hai).
- Improves soil structure. (Mitti ki banavat sudhaarta hai).
10. What is Animal Husbandry? Discuss its importance.
Animal Husbandry: Rearing animals on a large scale with proper care for food/products.
Pashupalan: Bhojan/utpadon ke liye uchit dekhbhaal ke saath bade paimane par janwaron ko palna.Importance:
- Provides Food (milk ๐ฅ, eggs ๐ฅ, meat ๐).
- Source of Income ๐ฐ for farmers.
- Provides Draught Power ๐.
- Yields Other Products (wool, leather).
- Supports Agriculture (manure ๐ฉ).