Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The decrease in permanent pastures and grazing land forces cattle to graze on other fallow or cultivated lands, leading to overgrazing. This is a major cause of land degradation in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Degraded land loses fertility and productivity, reducing its agricultural value. For livelihoods, pastoralists and farmers who depend on cattle for dairy, farming, and income face hardship as poor grazing leads to weaker, less productive livestock, threatening their economic survival.

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

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• The textbook directly links shrinking pastures to overgrazing and names specific states — use these for full marks.
• Two dimensions are required: land quality (degradation/loss of fertility) and livelihoods (impact on pastoralists/farmers) — address both for complete 3-mark answer.
• Avoid writing a general essay; keep it focused and point-driven as above.