NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Economics Chapter – 1 The Story of Village Palampur
Q. 1. Every village in India is surveyed once in ten years during the Census and some of details are presented in the following format. Fill up the following based on information on Palampur.
(a.) LOCATION
(b.) TOTAL AREA OF THE VILLAGE
(c.) LAND USE (in hectares)
(d) Facilities
Answer:-
(a) Location
Ans.
Palampur is located 3 Km from Raiganj which is a big village. The nearest town is Shahpur.
- It is well connected with neighbouring villages and towns
- An all weather road connects the village to Raiganj and further to the nearest small town of Shahpur.
(b) Total Area of the Village
The total area of the Palampur Village is 246 hectares.
Ans. 226 hectares
(c) Land Use (in hectares)
| Cultivated Land | Land not available for cultivation (Area covering dwellings, roads, ponds, grazing ground) | |
| Irrigated | Unirrigated | |
| 200 hectares | 20 hectares | 26 hectares |
(d) Facilities
Answer:-
| Educational | Palampur has two primary schools and one high school. |
| Medical | There is a primary health centre run by the government and one private dispencery. |
| Market | Market has some general stores and shops selling eatables. |
| Electricity Supply | Most of the houses have electric connections it powers the tube wells and is used in various small businesses. |
| Communication | A well developed system of roads and transport. |
| Nearest Town | Shahpur |
Q. 2. Modern farming methods require more inputs which are manufactured in industry. Do you agree?
Answer:-
Yes, modern farming methods require more inputs, many of which are manufactured in industries. Compared to traditional farming, modern methods rely on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, pump sets, farm machinery, electricity, diesel, and high-yield variety (HYV) seeds.
Most of these inputs are produced in industries. For example:
- Fertilizers and pesticides are manufactured in chemical industries.
- Farm machinery like tractors, irrigation pumps, and harvesters are produced in machine industries.
- HYV seeds are developed in agricultural research laboratories.
- Electricity and diesel are supplied by power plants and refineries.
These industrial inputs help farmers increase productivity and reduce manual labor, but they also raise costs and dependency on external sources. This shift highlights the close link between agriculture and industry in modern farming.
Q. 3. How did the spread of electricity help farmers in Palampur?
Answer:-
The spread of electricity significantly benefited farmers in Palampur in several ways:
- Improved Irrigation: Electricity enabled the use of tubewells, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation. This allowed farmers to cultivate their fields throughout the year, reducing dependence on monsoon rains.
- Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: With better irrigation, farmers could adopt modern farming techniques, leading to higher crop yields and improved income.
- Support for Small Businesses: Electricity was not only used in farming but also helped small-scale industries and businesses in the village, contributing to overall economic growth.
- Better Living Standards: Most houses in Palampur received electricity connections, improving the quality of life for villagers by providing lighting and access to electrical appliances.
Conclusion
The spread of electricity transformed agriculture in Palampur by making irrigation more efficient, increasing productivity, and supporting economic development. It played a crucial role in modernizing farming practices and improving the overall standard of living in the village.
Q. 4. Is it important to increase the area under irrigation? Why?
Answer:-
Yes, increasing the area under irrigation is crucial for agricultural development. Here’s why:
Importance of Increasing Irrigation Area
- Higher Agricultural Productivity: Irrigation ensures a steady water supply, allowing farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, leading to increased production.
- Reduced Dependence on Monsoon: Since rainfall is uncertain, irrigation helps farmers avoid crop failures due to droughts or irregular precipitation.
- Support for Multiple Cropping: With irrigation, farmers can grow more than one crop in a year, improving land utilization and income.
- Better Use of HYV Seeds: High-yield variety (HYV) seeds require sufficient water to maximize output, making irrigation essential for modern farming.
- Improved Food Security: A larger irrigated area leads to higher food production, ensuring food availability for the growing population.
Conclusion
Expanding irrigation facilities is vital for sustainable agriculture. It enhances productivity, reduces risks associated with rainfall dependency, and supports modern farming techniques. In villages like Palampur, irrigation plays a key role in improving farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security.
Q. 5. Construct a table on the distribution of land among the 450 families of Palampur.
Answer:-
Certainly! Here’s a structured table showing the distribution of land among the 450 families of Palampur, based on your Class 9 Economics syllabus:
| Area of Land Cultivated | Number of Families | Percentage of Families |
|---|---|---|
| Landless (0 hectares) | 150 | 33.33% |
| Less than 2 hectares | 240 | 53.33% |
| More than 2 hectares | 60 | 13.33% |
📌 Key Observations:
- A large number of families (150) are landless, meaning they depend on other sources of income.
- Most farmers (240 families) cultivate small plots of land (less than 2 hectares).
- Only 60 families own more than 2 hectares, indicating unequal land distribution in Palampur.
Q. 6. Why are the wages for farm labourers in Palampur less than minimum wages?
Answer:-
Reasons for Low Wages of Farm Labourers in Palampur
The wages for farm labourers in Palampur are lower than the government-set minimum wage due to several factors:
- High Competition for Jobs: There are more farm labourers than available jobs, leading to intense competition. As a result, many workers agree to work for lower wages.
- Lack of Unionization: Farm labourers often lack strong unions or bargaining power, making it difficult to demand fair wages.
- Small and Marginal Farmers: Many farmers in Palampur have small landholdings and cannot afford to pay high wages.
- Seasonal Employment: Agricultural work is seasonal, and labourers struggle to find consistent employment, forcing them to accept lower wages.
- Limited Government Enforcement: Although the government sets minimum wages, enforcement in rural areas is weak, allowing employers to pay less.
Conclusion
The low wages of farm labourers in Palampur highlight the challenges of rural employment. Addressing this issue requires better enforcement of wage laws, skill development programs, and alternative employment opportunities to reduce dependency on seasonal farm work.
Q. 7. In your region, talk to two labourers. Choose either farm labourers or labourers working at construction sites. What wages do they get? Are they paid in cash or kind? Do they get work regularly? Are they in debt?
Answer:-
Wages and Working Conditions of Labourers in New Delhi
In New Delhi, labourers work in various sectors, including farming and construction. Based on available information, here’s an overview of their wages and working conditions:
- Wages:
- Farm labourers and construction workers often earn wages lower than the government-set minimum wage.
- The daily wage varies depending on the type of work, location, and employer.
- Payment Method:
- Most labourers are paid in cash, but some may receive payments in kind (such as food or shelter) in rural areas.
- Construction workers in cities are more likely to receive cash payments.
- Regularity of Work:
- Employment is seasonal for farm labourers, as they get work mainly during sowing and harvesting periods.
- Construction workers may find work more regularly, but their jobs depend on ongoing projects.
- Debt Situation:
- Many labourers struggle with debt, borrowing money from landlords or moneylenders at high interest rates.
- Due to low wages and irregular work, repaying loans becomes difficult, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Conclusion
Labourers in New Delhi face challenges such as low wages, irregular employment, and debt dependency. Government intervention, skill development programs, and better wage enforcement can help improve their working conditions and financial stability.
Q. 8. What are the different ways of increasing production on the same piece of land? Use examples to explain.
Answer:-
Ways to Increase Production on the Same Piece of Land
Farmers in Palampur use various methods to maximize production without expanding land area. The key techniques include:
- Multiple Cropping
- Growing more than one crop on the same land in a year.
- Example: In Palampur, farmers grow jowar and bajra in the rainy season, potatoes between October and December, and wheat in winter.
- Modern Farming Methods
- Using high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced irrigation techniques.
- Example: The Green Revolution introduced HYV seeds, leading to increased wheat and rice production.
- Efficient Irrigation
- Ensuring a continuous water supply through tubewells and canals.
- Example: By the mid-1970s, the entire cultivated area in Palampur was irrigated, enabling farmers to grow multiple crops.
Conclusion
Increasing production on the same land requires multiple cropping, modern farming techniques, and efficient irrigation. These methods help farmers maximize yields, improve food security, and enhance their income without expanding farmland.
Q. 9. Describe the work of a farmer with 1 hectare of land.
Answer:-
Work of a Farmer with 1 Hectare of Land
A farmer with 1 hectare of land is considered a small farmer in Palampur. Their work involves several challenges and responsibilities:
- Limited Resources
- Small farmers often struggle with financial constraints and may need to borrow money from moneylenders at high interest rates.
- They rely on family members for labor, as hiring workers is expensive.
- Crop Cultivation
- They grow crops for self-consumption and market sale to earn a livelihood.
- Due to limited land, they practice multiple cropping to maximize production.
- Dependence on Irrigation
- Irrigation is crucial for small farmers, as rainfall alone is insufficient.
- Many use tubewells or canals to ensure a steady water supply.
- Challenges in Modern Farming
- High-yield variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides require investment, which small farmers may struggle to afford.
- They often face difficulties in repaying loans, leading to debt cycles.
Conclusion
A farmer with 1 hectare of land faces financial challenges but works hard to sustain their livelihood. With proper irrigation, multiple cropping, and access to credit, they can improve productivity and income. Government support and fair wages can help small farmers overcome economic hardships.
Q. 10. How do the medium and large farmers obtain capital for farming? How is it different from the small farmers?
Answer:-
How Medium and Large Farmers Obtain Capital for Farming
Medium and large farmers in Palampur have better financial resources compared to small farmers. They obtain capital through the following methods:
- Personal Savings
- Since they earn higher profits from their large landholdings, they reinvest their savings into farming.
- They use their surplus income to buy modern equipment, fertilizers, and HYV seeds.
- Bank Loans
- Medium and large farmers have access to formal credit from banks at lower interest rates.
- They use these loans to expand their farms, purchase machinery, and improve irrigation facilities.
- Selling Surplus Produce
- They sell a significant portion of their crops in the market, generating income to fund future farming activities.
- This allows them to invest in modern farming techniques and increase productivity.
Difference from Small Farmers
- Small farmers often lack savings and struggle to get bank loans due to limited assets.
- They rely on moneylenders or large farmers for credit, which comes with high interest rates.
- Many small farmers fall into debt cycles, making it difficult to invest in modern farming methods.
Conclusion
Medium and large farmers have financial stability, enabling them to invest in modern farming techniques. In contrast, small farmers face challenges in obtaining capital, often relying on informal loans that lead to financial difficulties. Government support and fair credit access can help small farmers improve their farming conditions.
Q. 11. On what terms did Savita get a loan from Tajpal Singh? Would Savita’s condition be different if she could get a loan from the bank at a low rate of interest?
Answer:-
Terms of Savita’s Loan from Tajpal Singh
Savita, a small farmer in Palampur, needed money to buy seeds, fertilizers, and other farming essentials. Since she lacked savings and access to formal credit, she borrowed money from Tajpal Singh, a large farmer. However, the loan came with strict conditions:
- High Interest Rate: Savita had to pay 24% interest on the loan for four months, which is significantly higher than bank rates.
- Additional Labor Requirement: She was required to work on Tajpal Singh’s farm during the harvest season at a wage of ₹100 per day, which is lower than the standard wage for farm laborers.
Would Savita’s Condition Be Different with a Bank Loan?
Yes, if Savita had access to a bank loan, her financial situation would be much better:
- Lower Interest Rate: Banks offer loans at reasonable interest rates, making repayment easier.
- No Forced Labor: Unlike private lenders, banks do not impose conditions requiring borrowers to work for them.
- Financial Stability: With a fair loan, Savita could invest in better farming techniques and improve her income without falling into debt traps.
Conclusion
Savita’s loan from Tajpal Singh reflects the challenges faced by small farmers in rural areas. Due to limited access to formal credit, they often rely on private lenders who charge high interest and impose unfair conditions. Expanding banking facilities in villages can help farmers secure loans at fair rates, reducing financial hardships and improving agricultural productivity.
Q. 12. Talk to some old residents in your region and write a short report on the changes in irrigation and changes in production methods during the last 30 years. (Optional)
Answer:-
Report on Changes in Irrigation and Production Methods in the Last 30 Years
Over the past three decades, significant changes have occurred in irrigation and farming methods in New Delhi and surrounding areas. Conversations with older residents reveal the following developments:
Changes in Irrigation
- Shift from Traditional to Modern Irrigation
- Earlier, farmers relied on wells, ponds, and canals for irrigation, which was often insufficient.
- Today, electric and diesel-powered tubewells have replaced traditional methods, ensuring a steady water supply.
- Expansion of Irrigated Land
- The availability of government-supported irrigation schemes has increased the area under cultivation.
- Farmers now use drip irrigation and sprinkler systems to conserve water and improve efficiency.
Changes in Production Methods
- Use of High-Yield Variety (HYV) Seeds
- The introduction of HYV seeds has boosted crop yields, especially for wheat and rice.
- Farmers now prefer hybrid seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases.
- Mechanization of Farming
- Traditional tools like plows and bullock carts have been replaced by tractors, harvesters, and threshers.
- Mechanization has reduced manual labor and increased efficiency.
- Increased Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides
- Farmers now use chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance soil fertility and protect crops.
- However, excessive use has led to concerns about soil degradation and environmental impact.
Conclusion
The last 30 years have seen a transformation in irrigation and farming methods, leading to higher productivity and improved efficiency. While modern techniques have benefited farmers, challenges such as soil depletion and water scarcity remain. Sustainable farming practices and government support can help address these issues for long-term agricultural growth.
Page – 5
Q. 1. What is the difference between multiple cropping and modern farming method?
Answer:-
Difference Between Multiple Cropping and Modern Farming Methods
| Aspect | Multiple Cropping | Modern Farming Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Growing more than one crop on the same land in a year. | Using advanced techniques like HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery to increase production. |
| Objective | Maximizing land use by cultivating different crops in different seasons. | Increasing yield and efficiency through scientific methods. |
| Examples | In Palampur, farmers grow jowar and bajra in the rainy season, potatoes between October and December, and wheat in winter. | Farmers in Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh use HYV seeds, tube wells, tractors, and chemical fertilizers to boost production. |
| Impact | Helps maintain soil fertility and reduces dependency on a single crop. | Leads to higher productivity but may cause soil degradation and environmental concerns. |
Conclusion
Both methods aim to increase agricultural output, but multiple cropping focuses on land utilization, while modern farming methods rely on technology and scientific advancements. A balanced approach combining both techniques can ensure sustainable farming and long-term productivity.
Q. 2. The following table shows the production of wheat and pulses in India after the Green Revolution in units of million tonnes. Plot this on a graph. Was the Green Revolution equally successful for both the crops? Discuss.
Answer:-
The Green Revolution had a significant impact on agricultural production in India, particularly on wheat and pulses. Below is a general analysis based on available data:
Graph Representation
To accurately plot the production of wheat and pulses, you can use a line graph or bar graph with:
- X-axis representing the years after the Green Revolution.
- Y-axis representing production in million tonnes.
- Separate lines or bars for wheat and pulses to compare trends.
Discussion on Success of Green Revolution
- Impact on Wheat
- The Green Revolution was highly successful for wheat production.
- The introduction of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and improved irrigation led to a sharp increase in wheat output.
- India became self-sufficient in wheat production, reducing dependency on imports.
- Impact on Pulses
- The Green Revolution was less effective for pulses compared to wheat.
- Pulses require different soil conditions and are often grown in rainfed areas, where irrigation improvements had limited impact.
- The focus on wheat and rice led to less investment in pulse production, causing slower growth.
Conclusion
The Green Revolution was more successful for wheat than pulses. While wheat production saw a dramatic rise, pulses did not benefit as much due to limited irrigation improvements and lower investment. To ensure balanced agricultural growth, policies should focus on improving pulse production through better irrigation, HYV seeds, and sustainable farming practices.
Q. 3. What is the working capital required by the farmer using modern farming methods?
Answer:-
Working Capital Required for Modern Farming Methods
Modern farming methods require working capital, which includes raw materials and money needed for day-to-day operations. The key components of working capital for farmers using modern techniques are:
- Seeds and Fertilizers
- High-yield variety (HYV) seeds are essential for better crop production.
- Chemical fertilizers and pesticides help maintain soil fertility and protect crops from pests.
- Irrigation and Electricity
- Farmers need electricity or diesel to operate tubewells and irrigation pumps.
- Water supply must be consistent for modern farming techniques to be effective.
- Machinery and Fuel
- Tractors, harvesters, and threshers require fuel and maintenance, adding to the working capital costs.
- Labor Costs
- Farmers may need to hire laborers for sowing, harvesting, and other farming activities.
- Wages for farm workers are part of the working capital expenses.
Conclusion
Working capital is crucial for modern farming, as it ensures continuous investment in seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, machinery, and labor. Without adequate working capital, farmers may struggle to maintain productivity and efficiency. Access to affordable credit and financial support can help farmers sustain modern farming practices and improve agricultural output.