Chapter 12: Improvement in Food Resources
12.1 Improvement in Crop Yields
To feed our growing population, we need to increase production efficiency. This is achieved through three stages:
- Crop variety improvement.
- Crop production improvement.
- Crop protection management.
Revolutions
Green Revolution: Increased food-grain production.
White Revolution: Better and efficient use of milk.
12.1.2 Nutrient Management
Plants require 16 essential nutrients. Air supplies C and O, water supplies H, and soil supplies the rest.
| Source | Nutrients |
|---|---|
| Air | Carbon, Oxygen |
| Water | Hydrogen, Oxygen |
| Soil (Macro) | Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur |
| Soil (Micro) | Iron, Manganese, Boron, Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum, Chlorine |
Manure and Fertilizers
Manure
Organic matter derived from waste. Increases soil fertility and improves water holding capacity.
Fertilizers
Commercially produced plant nutrients (N, P, K). High yield but can cause water pollution if misused.
Cropping Patterns
- Mixed Cropping: Two or more crops on same land (Wheat + Gram).
- Inter-cropping: Two or more crops in definite row patterns.
- Crop Rotation: Growing different crops on a piece of land in pre-planned succession.
12.2 Animal Husbandry
Scientific management of animal livestock. Includes:
- Cattle Farming: For milk (milch) and draught labour.
- Poultry Farming: For eggs and chicken meat (broilers).
- Fish Production: Capture and Culture (Inland/Marine).
- Bee-keeping: For honey and wax.