Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Land is a finite resource, and 95% of our basic needs for food, shelter and clothing come from it. When land is diverted to non-agricultural uses — settlements, roads, railways, industries — the net sown area decreases, directly reducing agricultural output. Since India's population continues to grow, less cultivable land means less food production per person, threatening food security. Moreover, continuous and careless land use leads to land degradation, making even remaining farmland less productive. With forest cover already below the desired 33%, any further diversion leaves little scope for restoration, making food shortages a serious long-term risk.

Source: Resources and Development, Chapter 1 — Land Use Pattern in India; Land Degradation and Conservation Measures

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• Examiners expect you to link non-agricultural use → reduced net sown area → lower food production → food insecurity. This logical chain earns full marks.
• Mention the key fact: 95% of basic needs come from land — it's directly from the textbook and impresses examiners.
• Don't just list uses; explain the consequence — that's what the question asks.
• At 3 marks, aim for 3 distinct connected points: shrinking farmland + land degradation + growing population pressure.