Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Alluvial soils are highly fertile, rich in humus, minerals and moisture, and support intensive cultivation of wheat, rice and sugarcane. They cover the entire northern plains and eastern coastal deltas, making them some of India's most resource-rich regions.

However, the chapter clearly states: "The availability of resources is a necessary condition for development, but mere availability in the absence of corresponding changes in technology and institutions may hinder development." Many resource-rich regions remain economically backward because:

1. Technology gap – Without advanced agricultural or industrial technology, fertile soil cannot be fully exploited.
2. Weak institutions – Poor infrastructure, credit systems and governance limit resource utilisation.
3. Historical factors – Colonial exploitation drained regions of wealth despite rich resources (e.g., fertile plains).
4. Uneven planning – Development requires matching resource plans with national plans; absence of this leads to regional disparities.

Thus, technology, quality human resources and institutional support must accompany resource availability for actual economic development.

Source: Resources and Development, Resource Planning in India

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Examiners expect students to link the specific properties of alluvial soil to the broader theoretical argument in the chapter — not just describe the soil. The key textbook line is the one about "necessary condition but not sufficient condition." Use it explicitly. Three-four crisp reasons (technology, institutions, planning, history) earn full marks. Avoid padding with unrelated soil types.