Food for All - Standard 5 - Environmental Studies - Part 1 - Balbharati
Food for All
Exercise
Q. 1 What’s the solution?
The plant in the pot is not growing well.
Ans. To help the plant grow better, make sure it gets enough sunlight. Water the plant correctly means not too much, not too little, and use good soil. Add some fertilizers if required. Be patient, because growing takes time.
Q. 2 Use your brain power!
What is the purpose of storing foodgrain in our house?
Ans. We store food in our homes according to our needs. Because then it is available to us when we need it.
Q. 3 Find and correct the incorrect statements.
(a) There is only one method of farming.
Ans. Incorrect.
(b) India is an agricultural country.
Ans. Correct.
(c) Use of improved seeds does not lead to higher yields.
Ans. Incorrect.
Q. 4 Answer the following questions.
(a) What are the advantages of using improved seeds?
Ans. Improved seeds have a higher yield. They can resist pest attacks. Some varieties become ripe for harvesting in a shorter period of time while some give a high yield even with a low water supply.
(b) Which are the modern methods of irrigation? What are their advantages?
Ans. Modern irrigation methods like drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation are used nowadays.
1. Drip irrigation uses pipes with tiny holes to let water drip right where the plants are. This way, we use just the right amount of water, and none goes to waste. Because water goes straight to the plant roots, there is less water in between the rows, which means fewer weeds can grow.
2. Sprinkle irrigation uses sprinklers to spray water directly on the plants. Sprinkle irrigation evenly covers a large area. It can help cool down plants on hot days.
Both of these methods save water and help plants grow better.
(c) Describe the ‘drip irrigation’ method.
Ans. Drip irrigation is a method of watering plants where small tubes or pipes are used to provide water directly to the base of each plant.
Benefits of drip irrigation include:
1. Water Efficiency: It uses water very efficiently, ensuring that plants get the right amount of water without any wastage.
2. Healthier Plants: Since plants receive consistent and targeted watering at their roots, they tend to grow healthier and produce better yields.
3. Weed Control: Drip irrigation reduces moisture between rows, making it harder for weeds to grow, which means less weeding work.
4. Ease of Use: It's relatively easy to set up and manage, making it suitable for both small gardens and large farms.
(d) What are the reasons due to which growing crops are damaged?
Ans. Crops can be damaged by various reasons, like,
1. Insects and Pests: Insects and pests can attack crops, causing diseases and reducing yields.
2. Natural calamity: Droughts, floods, and storms can harm crops by damaging plants.
3. Infertile Soil: Soil lacking the required nutrients can lead to the slow growth of crops and lower yields.
4. Weeds: Unwanted plants (weeds) can compete with crops for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Weeds impact plant growth.
5. Improper Irrigation: Overwatering or underwatering can stress plants and impact their development.
(e) What is done to avoid the damage to crops?
Ans. To avoid damage to crops and promote healthy growth, farmers should practice,
1. Crop Rotation: Planting different crops in a field each season.
2. Pest Control: Monitoring for pests and using chemical pesticides or organic pesticides.
3. Proper Irrigation: Using modern irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation or sprinkle irrigation, can prevent overwatering and waterlogging.
4. Weed Management: Regular weeding can help control weeds.
5. Soil Improvement: Adding compost, can improve soil fertility.
(f) What causes the fertility of the soil to diminish?
Ans. Several factors can cause soil fertility to diminish over time:
1. Wind or water, can wash away the topsoil, which is rich in nutrients. This leaves behind less fertile soil.
2. Continuous planting of the same crops without giving the soil a chance to recover can reduce nutrients and fertility.
3. Due to improper irrigation practices salt accumulates in the soil, which can make the soil less fertile.
4. Excessive use of acidic fertilizers makes soil less suitable for many crops.
(g) What changes has modern technology brought about in the methods of farming?
Ans. Modern technology had changed farming methods in several ways,
1. Use of machines: Tractors and harvesters have made farming faster and more efficient.
2. Improved seeds: These have a higher yield. They can resist pest attacks. Some varieties become ripe for harvesting in a shorter period of time while some give a high yield even with a low water supply.
3. Modern methods of irrigation: Drip and sprinkle irrigation methods use water efficiently, reducing the waste of water.
4. Remote Monitoring: Farmers can check on their fields and livestock remotely, saving time and effort.
5. Robotics: Robots are used for tasks like weeding, harvesting, etc.
(h) What methods are used to preserve foodgrain?
Ans. 1. The grain is dried well in the sun and filled in sacks. The sacks are then stocked in the house or, after selling, in warehouses or shops.
2. To prevent such damage by pests, chemicals are sprayed at the place of storage or all around it. Neem leaves are mixed in the grain.
3. Some protective chemicals that can be mixed with the grain are also available in the market. Their smell repels insects.
4. Storage places are always kept dry and airy to prevent fungus formation.
(i) How is water made available for farming ?
Ans. 1. Water from rivers, lakes and wells is used for irrigation in addition to rainwater.
2. Greater quantities of water are stored by building dams and bunds on rivers to obstruct the flow of water downstream. This also helps to raise the levels of groundwater.
3. Crops were traditionally watered through canals. Now, drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation are two of these modern methods are used. These methods provide enough water to the plants and at the same time, help to save a lot of water.
Q. 5 Match the following.
| 'A' Group | Answers |
|---|---|
| Grain stored in a damp place | Fungus attack |
| Grain stored in a dry air | Prevents growth of fungus on the grain |
| Adding proper chemicals to the stored grain | Prevents insect infestation |
