Improvement in Food Resources Class 9 Science 20 Important Questions with answer

20 important questions and answers on the chapter "Improvement in Food Resources" from Class 9 Science:

1. What are the main objectives of food production?

Answer: The main objectives of food production are:

• Increased Yield: To increase the quantity of food produced.
• Nutritional Quality: To enhance the nutritional quality of food.
• Sustainability: To ensure the process is environmentally sustainable.
• Cost Efficiency: To reduce the cost of food production.
• Food Security: To ensure a steady and reliable supply of food to meet the population's needs.

2. What is the difference between food crops and cash crops?

Answer:

• Food Crops: These are grown primarily for human consumption. Examples include wheat, rice, and vegetables.
• Cash Crops: These are grown primarily for sale in the market rather than for direct consumption. Examples include cotton, tea, and coffee.

3. Explain the term ‘crop rotation.’

Answer: Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in the same area across a sequence of growing seasons. It helps in maintaining soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, and controlling pests and diseases.

4. What are the benefits of using fertilizers in agriculture?

Answer: Fertilizers provide essential nutrients to crops, which helps in:

• Enhancing Crop Growth: They improve the growth rate and yield of crops.
• Soil Fertility: They replenish nutrient levels in the soil.
• Improved Quality: They enhance the quality of produce, making it more nutritious and marketable.

5. What are pesticides and what role do they play in agriculture?

Answer: Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests that damage crops. They play a crucial role in:

• Protecting Crops: They help in protecting crops from insects, diseases, and weeds.
• Increasing Yield: By controlling pests, they help in maximizing crop yield.

6. Describe the role of irrigation in crop production.

Answer: Irrigation is the artificial application of water to crops. Its role includes:

• Consistent Water Supply: Providing a steady water supply in regions with inadequate rainfall.
• Enhanced Growth: Ensuring optimal growth conditions for crops.
• Increased Yield: Helping to increase agricultural productivity.

7. What are genetically modified crops?

Answer: Genetically modified (GM) crops are plants whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques to improve traits such as resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, and to enhance nutritional content.

8. What is the importance of animal husbandry in agriculture?

Answer: Animal husbandry involves breeding and caring for livestock. Its importance includes:

• Source of Food: Provides meat, milk, eggs, and other food products.
• Manure: Livestock manure is used as a natural fertilizer.
• Economic Value: Livestock products contribute significantly to the economy.

9. What is the Green Revolution?

Answer: The Green Revolution refers to a set of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that began in the 1960s to increase agricultural production worldwide. It involved the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, advanced irrigation techniques, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

10. Explain the concept of ‘hybrid seeds.’

Answer: Hybrid seeds are produced by cross-breeding two different varieties of plants to produce seeds with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, or better quality. Hybrid seeds often exhibit improved growth characteristics compared to their parent varieties.

11. What are the environmental impacts of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides?

Answer: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can lead to:

• Soil Degradation: Loss of soil fertility and contamination.
• Water Pollution: Runoff can contaminate water bodies, affecting aquatic life.
• Health Risks: Potential health risks to humans and animals from residues in food and water.

12. What is organic farming and how does it differ from conventional farming?

Answer: Organic farming is an agricultural method that emphasizes the use of natural processes and inputs, avoiding synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. It differs from conventional farming by focusing on:

• Natural Fertilizers: Using compost and green manure instead of chemical fertilizers.
• Pest Control: Employing biological pest control methods.
• Sustainability: Emphasizing soil health and environmental sustainability.

13. What are the major challenges in food production?

Answer: Major challenges include:

• Population Growth: Increasing demand for food due to rising population.
• Climate Change: Adverse effects on crop yields and farming practices.
• Resource Depletion: Depletion of water and soil resources.
• Pest and Disease: Emerging pests and diseases affecting crop health.

14. What role does biotechnology play in improving food resources?

Answer: Biotechnology plays a role in:

• Genetic Improvement: Developing crops with enhanced traits such as resistance to pests and diseases.
• Increased Yield: Producing high-yielding crop varieties.
• Nutritional Enhancement: Improving the nutritional quality of food.

15. What are pulses and why are they important?

Answer: Pulses are legumes harvested specifically for their dry seeds, such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans. They are important because:

• Protein Source: They are a major source of plant-based protein.
• Soil Health: They enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

16. Describe the process of ‘water harvesting.’

Answer: Water harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for future use. It involves:

• Collection: Capturing rainwater from rooftops or catchment areas.
• Storage: Storing water in tanks, ponds, or underground reservoirs.
• Utilization: Using stored water for irrigation, drinking, and other purposes.

17. What is the significance of crop diversification?

Answer: Crop diversification involves growing a variety of crops rather than relying on a single crop. Its significance includes:

• Risk Management: Reduces the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases, or market fluctuations.
• Soil Health: Improves soil fertility and reduces soil erosion.
• Economic Stability: Provides a stable income by catering to different markets.

18. What are the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices?

Answer: Sustainable agricultural practices offer benefits such as:

• Environmental Protection: Minimizes environmental impact and conserves resources.
• Long-Term Productivity: Maintains soil health and productivity over the long term.
• Economic Viability: Reduces dependency on external inputs and improves farm profitability.

19. How can technology aid in improving food production?

Answer: Technology can aid in improving food production by:

• Precision Agriculture: Using data and technology for efficient resource use.
• Advanced Machinery: Enhancing efficiency in planting, harvesting, and processing.
• Research and Development: Developing new crop varieties and farming techniques.

20. What strategies can be employed to achieve food security?

Answer: Strategies to achieve food security include:

• Improving Agricultural Productivity: Enhancing crop and livestock yield through better practices and technology.
• Reducing Food Waste: Minimizing food loss during production, processing, and distribution.
• Enhancing Distribution Systems: Improving logistics and infrastructure for better food distribution.
• Supporting Small Farmers: Providing support and resources to small-scale farmers to increase their productivity.

These questions and answers cover a broad range of topics within the chapter and provide a solid foundation for understanding the various aspects of improving food resources.