Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Yes, the same crop can serve different purposes in different regions based on the scale of farming and market orientation.

Example: Rice

In Punjab and Haryana, rice is a commercial crop. Farmers here use HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, and extensive irrigation to produce large surpluses, which are sold in the market for profit.

In Odisha, however, rice is a subsistence crop. Farmers grow it mainly to feed their own families, with little or no surplus left for sale.

Thus, the degree of commercialisation, availability of modern inputs, and market access determine whether a crop is commercial or subsistence in a given region.

Source: Agriculture (Chapter 4), Commercial Farming section

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• The textbook directly gives this example: "rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but in Odisha, it is a subsistence crop." Always quote the textbook example unless asked to give your own.
• For 3 marks, examiners expect: (1) a clear statement of the concept, (2) the crop example with two contrasting regions, and (3) the reason for the difference. Cover all three.
• Avoid writing extra paragraphs — this length (≈75 words) is ideal for 3 marks.