Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Manufacturing industries are considered the backbone of economic development for the following reasons:

1. Modernises agriculture: Agro-industries supply farmers with irrigation pumps, fertilisers, pesticides, and tools, raising agricultural productivity and making production efficient.

1. Reduces unemployment and poverty: Industrial development creates jobs in secondary and tertiary sectors, reducing dependence on agriculture and helping eradicate poverty and regional disparities.

1. Earns foreign exchange: Export of manufactured goods expands trade and commerce and brings in much-needed foreign exchange for the country.

1. Increases national prosperity: Countries that transform raw materials into finished goods of higher value become prosperous. India's growth depends on increasing and diversifying its manufacturing sector.

1. Global competitiveness: In the era of globalisation, a strong manufacturing base ensures India's goods match international quality standards, enabling it to compete in world markets.

Source: Chapter 6 — Manufacturing Industries, Importance of Manufacturing

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• Examiners expect 5 distinct points for a 5-mark question — one point per mark is the safest structure.
• Each point should have a bold heading + 1–2 supporting lines from the textbook.
• Avoid copying long paragraphs; paraphrase concisely.
• Key terms to include: foreign exchange, regional disparities, modernisation of agriculture, globalisation, prosperity — these signal textbook knowledge to the examiner.