Class 9 Science

Improvement in Food Resources

Introduction

India has a large population of over 1.4 billion people. To feed this huge population, we need to continuously increase food production. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main sources of food. This chapter discusses various methods to improve food production.

Need for Improvement in Food Production

• Population Growth: India's population increasing rapidly
• Food Scarcity: Limited agricultural land
• Malnutrition: Many people don't get adequate nutrition
• Economic Growth: Better food production → Better economy
• Self-Sufficiency: Reduce dependence on imports

Crop Production Management

Crop Variety Improvement

Objectives of Crop Improvement:

• Higher Yield: More production per unit area
• Improved Quality: Better taste, nutrition, baking quality
• Biotic Resistance: Resistance to diseases, insects, nematodes
• Abiotic Resistance: Tolerance to drought, salinity, heat, cold
• Maturity Duration: Short duration for faster harvesting
• Wider Adaptability: Can grow in different conditions
• Desirable Agronomic Traits: Tall/dwarf plants as needed

Methods of Crop Improvement:

• Hybridisation: Crossing between genetically dissimilar plants
• Genetic Modification: Introducing desirable genes
• Selection: Choosing plants with desired characteristics

Crop Production Practices

1. Nutrient Management:

Manure: Organic matter from decomposition of plant and animal wastes

Types of Manure:

• Compost: Decomposed farm waste, vegetable waste
• Vermicompost: Compost prepared using earthworms
• Green Manure: Growing and ploughing green plants (like sun hemp)

Fertilizers: Commercially produced plant nutrients

Common Fertilizers:

• Nitrogen Fertilizers: Urea, Ammonium sulphate
• Phosphorus Fertilizers: Superphosphate
• Potassium Fertilizers: Potash
• Complex Fertilizers: NPK (contains all three)

Aspect	Manure	Fertilizer
Source	Organic (natural)	Inorganic (chemical)
Nutrient content	Less	High
Absorption	Slow	Fast
Soil structure	Improves	Doesn't improve
Water retention	Increases	Doesn't increase
Cost	Cheap	Expensive

2. Irrigation:

Supplying water to crops at different intervals

Sources of Irrigation:

• Wells (dug wells, tube wells)
• Canals
• Rivers and tanks
• Rainwater harvesting

Modern Irrigation Methods:

• Sprinkler System: Water sprinkled like rain (for uneven land)
• Drip System: Water drops directly at plant roots (saves water, 50-70% efficiency)

3. Cropping Patterns:

• Mixed Cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on same field
  Example: Wheat + gram, Groundnut + sunflower
  Advantage: Reduces risk of crop failure
• Inter-cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously in definite row patterns
  Example: Soybean + maize, Cotton + mung bean
  Advantage: Better use of resources, reduces pest infestation
• Crop Rotation: Growing different crops in sequential seasons
  Example: Rice → Wheat → Legumes
  Advantage: Improves soil fertility, reduces pests

Crop Protection Management

Major Crop Pests and Diseases:

• Weeds: Unwanted plants growing with crops
  Competition for nutrients, water, light, space
  Control: Manual removal, weedicides, proper seed bed preparation
• Insects: Attack crops causing damage
  Control: Insecticides, pest-resistant varieties
• Diseases: Caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses
  Control: Fungicides, disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation

Methods of Crop Protection:

• Preventive methods (resistant varieties, summer ploughing)
• Mechanical methods (handpicking insects, traps)
• Biological methods (using natural predators)
• Chemical methods (pesticides - should be used carefully)

Storage of Grains

Factors causing grain loss:

• Biotic factors: Insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria
• Abiotic factors: Moisture, temperature, humidity

Preventive measures:

• Proper cleaning and drying of grains
• Fumigation (using chemicals)
• Use of storage structures (godowns, silos)
• Mixing with neem leaves

Animal Husbandry

Cattle Farming

Two Types:

• Milch Animals (Dairy): For milk production
  Breeds: Jersey, Holstein-Friesian, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi
• Draught Animals: For agricultural work (ploughing, irrigation)
  Breeds: Malvi, Nagori, Hallikar

Management Practices:

• Proper feeding: Roughage (fiber-rich) + Concentrates (protein-rich)
• Proper shelter: Clean, well-ventilated sheds
• Regular care: Grooming, bathing
• Disease prevention: Vaccination, hygiene
• Breeding: Artificial insemination for quality improvement

Poultry Farming

Purpose: Eggs and meat (broilers for meat, layers for eggs)

Management:

• Good housing with proper temperature and hygiene
• Balanced diet (proteins, vitamins, minerals)
• Disease prevention and vaccination
• Proper lighting

Important Breeds:

• Layers: Leghorn
• Broilers: Aseel

Fish Production

Fish Culture (Pisciculture):

• Composite Fish Culture: Rearing 5-6 fish species together in same pond
  They feed at different levels (no competition)
• Species: Catla, Rohu, Mrigal (surface to bottom feeders)

Bee Keeping (Apiculture)

Purpose: Honey and wax production

Indian Bee Species:

• Apis cerana indica (Indian bee)
• Apis dorsata (Rock bee)
• Apis florea (Little bee)
• Apis mellifera (Italian bee - most common)

Advantages:

• Honey production (nutritious, medicinal)
• Wax production (used in cosmetics, candles)
• Pollination of crops (increases yield)

Revolutions in Indian Agriculture