Map sheet no. G43S7: Eastings 29 to 38 and Northings 85 to 94.

Name the most important occupation of the people living in this area, giving a reason for the same.

India has had a history of famines because of rainfed agriculture and rapid population growth. After the era of the Green Revolution that began in the 1960s, India never experienced a famine-like situation; it did, however, experience a drought of the century in 1987. Northern states (Punjab, Haryana and western UP) with a high level of irrigation are contributing almost all of wheat and two-thirds of rice to the central pool of India.

Source: Hira, G.S., Water Management in Northern States and the Food Security of India, Journal of Crop Improvement.

(a) Mention any two methods of irrigation commonly practised in the Northern Plains of India.
(b) For each method mentioned, state why it is popular here.

(a) Name the method by which the paddy is being sown in the picture above.

(b) Give two reasons to explain why this method of rice cultivation is restricted only to the prosperous farmers of the country.

The global food system is facing immense challenges in the 21st century with climate change, population growth and malnutrition. Recognising the potential of millets in addressing current global challenges, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This global campaign is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of millet and encourage actions to increase their production, consumption, and utilisation.

Source: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science- Volume 35, Issue 18, Page 1860-1871, 2023.

State two ways in which the cultivation of millets can help promote sustainable agriculture.