The Story of Indian Farming | Class 7 Social Science Notes

The Story of Indian Farming

Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations of humankind and forms the backbone of India's economy and society. It involves the preparation of soil, cultivation of plants, rearing of livestock, and sometimes the growing of trees as part of a comprehensive farming system. In some regions, farmers also engage in pisciculture (fish rearing) and sericulture (rearing of silkworms for silk production). Broadly, agriculture includes farming, animal husbandry, forestry, and horticulture. The term 'agriculture' originates from Latin, where 'agri' means field and 'culture' means to cultivate. The Government of India classifies economic activities related to agriculture as 'agriculture and allied activities', which include livestock-related activities, beekeeping (apiculture), fisheries, rearing of silkworms, and fibre production such as cotton and hemp.

Agriculture contributes a little over 18% to India's gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2022-2023 and employs approximately 46% of the working population. Many families in India have been cultivating land for generations, and farming is essential for sustaining the human population. Contrary to common perception, more than 75% of people working in agriculture in rural India are women, who perform most farming operations from sowing to harvesting and threshing.

Indian agriculture is a vibrant blend of traditional and modern farming practices, with diverse crops and deep-rooted cultural traditions. From the wheat fields of Punjab to the tea gardens of the Northeast and the paddy fields of Kerala, agriculture is fundamental to the nation's identity. The story of Indian farming is linked closely to factors such as soil, climate, water availability, and terrain, which determine what crops are grown where and when.

📊 Diagram: Fig. 1.1. (1) Ploughing a field with a ploughshare pulled by oxen. (2) A farmer uses a tractor to plough the land. (3) Women transplanting rice seedlings. (4) Transplanting seedlings using a transplanter. (5) Separating wheat from the stalk using a threshing machine. (6) Transporting vegetables on the Dal Lake, Kashmir.

🧪 Activity: Create a list of foods you typically eat and identify grains, pulses, oils, vegetables, and fruits. Locate where you live on a physical map of India and identify which foods grow locally and which come from other regions, considering reasons such as soil and climate.

🔗 Connection: This introduction sets the stage for exploring India's agricultural landscape, including historical origins, climate, soil, and water factors influencing farming.