Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Subsistence crop means the crop is grown mainly for the farmer's own family consumption, with little or no surplus for sale. Commercial crop means it is grown primarily for sale in the market using modern inputs.

Rice serves both purposes because of regional differences. In Odisha, small farmers grow rice on limited land to feed their families (subsistence). In Punjab and Haryana, canal irrigation and HYV seeds enable large-scale production, making rice a commercial crop sold in the market.

Source: Types of Farming, Chapter 4

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• The key distinction examiners want: subsistence = for own consumption; commercial = for market/sale.
• The textbook gives the exact example — rice is commercial in Punjab/Haryana, subsistence in Odisha. Always quote this when asked about rice.
• Mention why (irrigation, HYV seeds, modern inputs in Punjab/Haryana vs. small holdings and limited resources elsewhere).
• For 2 marks: define both terms briefly + give the textbook example with a reason. That's all you need.