Class 12 Geography Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture Notes

Chapter 3 of Class 12 Geography, Land Resources and Agriculture, discusses the significance of land as a vital resource and its role in sustaining agriculture. It explores land-use patterns, major types of farming, and agricultural development in India and the world. The chapter also highlights issues like soil degradation, land conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and environmental balance.

Introduction to Land Resources

What Are Land Resources?

Land is a natural resource used for agriculture, industry, forestry, housing, and infrastructure.
India has 3.28 million sq. km of land, but only about 46% is cultivable.

Importance of Land Resources

Supports agriculture (food production).
Provides raw materials for industries (cotton, timber, minerals).
Used for housing and urbanization.
Essential for biodiversity (forests, wildlife sanctuaries).

Land Use Patterns in India

Categories of Land Use

Land Use Category	Description	Percentage of Total Land (India, 2021)
Forest Land	Reserved for wildlife, biodiversity, and climate regulation	21.7%
Net Sown Area (NSA)	Land used for crop cultivation	46%
Pastures and Grazing Land	Land for livestock rearing	3.3%
Barren and Waste Land	Unproductive land due to rocky terrain, desertification	6.3%
Land Under Non-Agricultural Uses	Roads, buildings, industries, and settlements	8.7%

Regional Variations in Land Use

High Agricultural Land Use: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh.
High Forest Cover: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
High Wasteland: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Ladakh.

Land Degradation and Conservation Measures

What is Land Degradation?

Land degradation refers to the decline in soil fertility, productivity, and environmental quality.
Causes of Land Degradation:
- Deforestation (cutting trees for timber and agriculture).
- Overgrazing (livestock eats up grasslands, leading to soil erosion).
- Mining and Industrial Activities (pollution and soil erosion).
- Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides (soil contamination).

Land Conservation Measures

Afforestation (Planting trees to prevent soil erosion).
Terrace Farming (Step-like farming on slopes to prevent runoff).
Contour Plowing (Plowing along land contours to slow water flow).
Crop Rotation (Growing different crops to maintain soil fertility).
Integrated Pest Management (Reducing chemical pesticide use).

Agriculture in India

What is Agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating crops, rearing livestock, and producing food and raw materials.
About 42% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture (2021).
India ranks 2nd in global agricultural production (after China).

Types of Farming in India

Type of Farming	Characteristics	Example States
Subsistence Farming	Small farms, family labor, low mechanization	Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
Commercial Farming	Large farms, mechanized, high production	Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra
Plantation Farming	Large estates, cash crops for export	Kerala (Rubber), Assam (Tea), Karnataka (Coffee)
Shifting Cultivation	Slash-and-burn farming, short use of land	Northeast India (Jhumming)
Mixed Farming	Both crops and livestock rearing	Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra

Major Crops Grown in India

A. Food Crops

Rice (Kharif Crop) → India is the 2nd largest producer after China.
- Grown in: West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
- Requires: High temperature, heavy rainfall, clayey soil.
Wheat (Rabi Crop) → Staple food in North India.
- Grown in: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
- Requires: Cool winters, moderate rainfall, well-drained soil.
Millets (Bajra, Jowar, Ragi) → Grown in dry regions.
- Grown in: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka.

B. Cash Crops

Sugarcane → India is the 2nd largest producer after Brazil.
- Grown in: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu.
Cotton → Used for textile industries.
- Grown in: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh.
Tea and Coffee → Plantation crops.
- Tea: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala.
- Coffee: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.

Technological and Institutional Reforms in Agriculture

Technological Reforms (Green Revolution, 1960s-70s)

HYV Seeds (High-Yielding Variety for wheat & rice).
Irrigation Expansion (Dams, canals, groundwater use).
Fertilizers & Pesticides (Increased crop productivity).
Mechanization (Tractors, Harvesters, Drip Irrigation).

Institutional Reforms

Land Reforms: Abolition of Zamindari System.
Cooperatives & Farmers’ Organizations: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development).
Subsidies & Credit: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme.

Agricultural Development in India

Challenges in Indian Agriculture

Small and Fragmented Landholdings.
Overdependence on Monsoons.
Low Productivity Compared to Global Standards.
Market Fluctuations & Farmer Debt Crisis.

Government Initiatives for Agricultural Development

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): ₹6,000 annual income support for farmers.
PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Improving irrigation.
National Food Security Mission: Boosting food production.

Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

What is Food Security?

Food security means availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all people at all times.

Threats to Food Security

Climate Change (Droughts, Floods, Desertification).
Declining Soil Fertility & Water Scarcity.
Post-Harvest Losses & Poor Storage Facilities.

Sustainable Agriculture Solutions

Organic Farming (Using Natural Fertilizers & Pesticides).
Agroforestry (Mixing Crops & Trees for Ecological Balance).
Crop Diversification (Growing Multiple Crops Instead of Monoculture).

Conclusion

Land is a vital resource, but degradation is a major issue.
Agriculture is the largest livelihood sector in India.
Technological advancements like Green Revolution improved food production.
Food security and sustainable farming practices are critical for future growth.