Here are 20 Important CBSE Class 12 Geography (India: People and Economy) Chapter 3 – Land Resources and Agriculture questions with answers, written as per the 2026–27 syllabus pattern.
1. What is land-use pattern in India? Explain its main categories.
Land-use pattern refers to the distribution of land among different uses such as agriculture, forestry, settlements, industries, and grazing. In India, land is classified into forest land, barren and wasteland, land put to non-agricultural uses, permanent pastures, miscellaneous tree crops, culturable wasteland, fallow land, and net sown area. These categories are recorded by the revenue department. The pattern varies across regions due to physical factors like relief, climate, and soil, and human factors like population pressure and economic development. For example, fertile plains have higher net sown area, while deserts and hilly regions have more wasteland or forest cover.
2. What are the major problems of Indian agriculture related to land resources?
Indian agriculture faces several problems such as fragmentation of land holdings, soil degradation, and decreasing cultivable land. Rapid population growth has reduced per capita land availability. Overuse of chemical fertilizers and improper irrigation has led to salinity, waterlogging, and soil erosion. Conversion of agricultural land into urban and industrial uses further reduces farmland. Common Property Resources like pastures are shrinking. These issues reduce productivity and affect farmers’ income. Unequal land distribution also creates social inequality. Sustainable land management practices, crop rotation, afforestation, and soil conservation are needed to solve these problems and improve agricultural productivity.
3. What is the meaning of Common Property Resources (CPRs)?
Common Property Resources are natural resources owned and used collectively by a community. These include village grazing lands, ponds, forests, and wastelands. CPRs provide important support to rural livelihoods, especially for the poor who depend on them for fuel, fodder, and water. In India, these resources are governed by community rules rather than private ownership. However, CPRs are declining due to population pressure, encroachment, and land privatization. Their degradation affects livestock rearing and agriculture. Proper management and community participation are essential for their conservation and sustainable use.
4. Explain the concept of cropping intensity.
Cropping intensity refers to the number of crops grown on a piece of land during one agricultural year. It is expressed as a percentage and calculated using the formula: (Gross Cropped Area ÷ Net Sown Area) × 100. Higher cropping intensity indicates more efficient use of land. In India, intensive farming practices and irrigation facilities help increase cropping intensity, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Low intensity is seen in rain-fed and dry regions. Cropping intensity is an important indicator of agricultural development and productivity.
5. What are the main types of farming in India?
India has several types of farming depending on climate, technology, and land size. Subsistence farming is practiced for family consumption with low productivity. Commercial farming is market-oriented and uses modern technology. Plantation farming involves large estates growing crops like tea, coffee, and rubber. Mixed farming combines crop cultivation and livestock rearing. Shifting cultivation is practiced in some tribal areas. Dry farming depends on rainfall, while wet farming depends on irrigation. These types reflect India’s diverse agricultural conditions and regional variations.
6. What is land degradation? Mention its causes.
Land degradation refers to the deterioration of land quality due to natural and human activities. In India, it is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, mining, industrial waste, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Waterlogging and salinity due to improper irrigation also degrade soil. Soil erosion by wind and water further reduces fertility. Land degradation reduces agricultural productivity and threatens food security. Sustainable farming, afforestation, and proper irrigation management are important measures to prevent it.
7. What is the importance of irrigation in Indian agriculture?
Irrigation is crucial in India because rainfall is uneven and uncertain. It helps provide water during dry periods and increases agricultural productivity. Irrigation supports multiple cropping and high-yield variety seeds. It reduces dependence on monsoon and stabilizes crop output. Major irrigation sources include canals, tube wells, tanks, and drip irrigation systems. Regions like Punjab and Haryana depend heavily on irrigation for intensive agriculture. Proper irrigation management ensures water conservation and sustainable farming practices.
8. Explain the role of technology in agriculture.
Technology plays a key role in modern agriculture by increasing productivity and efficiency. The Green Revolution introduced high-yield variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, and improved irrigation. Mechanization such as tractors and harvesters reduces labour dependence. Biotechnology helps in developing pest-resistant crops. Information technology provides weather forecasts and market prices to farmers. These advancements have increased food production but also created environmental problems like soil degradation. Balanced use of technology is necessary for sustainable agriculture.
9. What are the causes of fragmentation of land holdings?
Fragmentation of land holdings occurs when land is divided into small pieces due to inheritance laws and population growth. In India, land is divided among heirs generation after generation, making farms uneconomical. Small landholdings reduce efficiency and limit mechanization. It also increases production costs and reduces income. Fragmentation is more severe in densely populated states. Land consolidation and cooperative farming are suggested solutions to overcome this problem and improve productivity.
10. What are the main characteristics of Indian agriculture?
Indian agriculture is mainly subsistence in nature with a large rural population dependent on it. It is highly dependent on monsoon rainfall, making it vulnerable to droughts and floods. Small and fragmented land holdings are common. There is regional diversity in crops and farming systems. Modernization is uneven, with some regions highly developed and others traditional. Agriculture also faces problems like low productivity and land degradation. Despite challenges, it remains the backbone of India’s economy.
11. What is soil erosion and how does it affect agriculture?
Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer of soil by wind, water, or human activities. It reduces soil fertility and decreases agricultural productivity. Deforestation, overgrazing, and faulty farming practices accelerate erosion. In hilly areas, water erosion is common, while wind erosion occurs in dry regions. Soil erosion leads to loss of nutrients and desertification. Conservation methods like afforestation, contour ploughing, and terracing help control it.
12. What are fallow lands? Explain types.
Fallow land refers to agricultural land left uncultivated temporarily to restore soil fertility. There are two types: current fallow and other than current fallow. Current fallow is land left uncultivated for one agricultural year or less. Fallow other than current fallow remains uncultivated for more than one year but less than five years. Fallowing helps in natural regeneration of soil nutrients. However, excessive fallow land indicates poor agricultural development.
13. What are the features of dry farming?
Dry farming is practiced in low rainfall areas where irrigation is limited. It depends mainly on moisture conservation techniques. Crops grown include millets, pulses, and oilseeds. Farmers use drought-resistant seeds and traditional methods. Soil moisture is preserved through mulching and contour ploughing. Productivity is generally low but stable under dry conditions. States like Rajasthan and parts of Maharashtra practice dry farming.
14. What is the difference between net sown area and gross cropped area?
Net sown area refers to the total land on which crops are sown at least once in a year. Gross cropped area includes net sown area plus land sown more than once in a year. The difference shows cropping intensity. Higher gross cropped area indicates intensive farming. Irrigation and technology increase multiple cropping. This distinction helps measure agricultural productivity.
15. What are the environmental impacts of agriculture?
Agriculture affects the environment through soil degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides contaminates soil and water. Irrigation leads to salinity and waterlogging. Overgrazing reduces vegetation cover. However, sustainable practices like organic farming and agroforestry can reduce these impacts. Balanced agricultural development is necessary to protect natural resources.
16. What are the major categories of land use in India?
Major land-use categories in India include forest land, barren land, land under non-agricultural use, permanent pastures, miscellaneous tree crops, culturable wasteland, fallow land, and net sown area. These categories help in understanding resource distribution. Net sown area is the most productive land type. Changes in land use occur due to urbanisation and industrialisation. Proper planning is needed for sustainable land use.
17. What is shifting cultivation?
Shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice where farmers clear forest land, cultivate it for a few years, and then move to a new area. It is also known as slash-and-burn agriculture. Fertility is restored naturally when land is left fallow. It is practiced in northeastern India. However, it leads to deforestation and soil degradation if not managed properly.
18. What are the causes of low agricultural productivity in India?
Low productivity in India is due to small land holdings, dependence on monsoon, outdated farming methods, and lack of irrigation. Soil degradation and inadequate use of technology also contribute. Poor access to credit and marketing facilities further reduce efficiency. Regional inequalities also exist. Modern inputs and better infrastructure can improve productivity.
19. What is the Green Revolution?
The Green Revolution refers to the introduction of high-yield variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, irrigation, and modern technology in Indian agriculture during the 1960s. It significantly increased food grain production, especially wheat and rice. States like Punjab and Haryana benefited most. However, it also led to environmental problems like soil degradation and water depletion.
20. Why is agriculture important in India?
Agriculture is important because it provides employment to a large population and supports the food supply of the country. It contributes to the national economy and provides raw materials to industries. It also ensures rural livelihood and export earnings. Despite its declining share in GDP, it remains a key sector for India’s development.