Q1. [1] straightforward exam-ready
Which one of the following features best distinguishes plantation agriculture from other types of commercial farming in India?
((A)) Use of family labour on small plots ((B)) Large estates with a single crop produced for export ((C)) Rotation of crops to maintain soil fertility ((D)) Subsistence-level production for local consumption
- A Multiple crops grown on small plots using family labour
- B A single crop grown on a large area using capital-intensive inputs
- C Subsistence farming dependent solely on monsoon
- D Farming without use of any irrigation
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:30 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Answer: (B) A single crop grown on a large area using capital-intensive inputs.
Plantation agriculture involves growing a single crop on a large area with capital-intensive inputs and migrant labour, primarily for market/export.
Source: Agriculture, Chapter 4 — Commercial Farming / Plantation
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Explanation
- The textbook explicitly states: "In this type of farming, a single crop is grown on a large area… using capital intensive inputs, with the help of migrant labourers."
- Options A, C, D describe primitive/subsistence farming features, not plantation agriculture.
- The key distinguishing markers examiners look for: single crop + large area + capital-intensive + market-oriented. Mention at least two of these to secure the mark.