Food Production

Crop Production:

• Types of Crops: Introduction to different categories of crops based on season (Kharif and Rabi), purpose (food crops and cash crops), and plant part used (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, etc.).
• Agricultural Practices: A step-by-step overview of the processes involved in growing crops, including:
  • Sowing: Selecting good quality seeds and methods of sowing (broadcasting, seed drill, transplantation).
  • Adding Manure and Fertilizers: Understanding the importance of soil nutrients and the difference between organic manure and chemical fertilizers.
  • Irrigation: Different methods of supplying water to crops (traditional and modern like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems).
  • Protection from Weeds: Methods to remove unwanted plants that compete with crops.
  • Pest and Disease Management: Ways to protect crops from harmful insects and diseases (using pesticides, biological control).
  • Harvesting: Cutting and gathering mature crops.
  • Threshing and Winnowing: Separating grains from the chaff.
  • Storage: Proper methods to store grains to prevent spoilage.
• Improved Crop Varieties: Discussion on methods like hybridization to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
• Organic Farming: An introduction to farming practices that avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, emphasizing sustainable methods.
• Green Revolution: A brief overview of the advancements in agricultural technology that significantly increased food production in India.

Animal Husbandry:

• Domestication of Animals: Reasons and benefits of raising animals for food and other products.
• Types of Farm Animals: Categorization based on their use, such as milch animals (for milk), draught animals (for labor), and meat-producing animals.
• Care and Management of Farm Animals: Focus on providing proper shelter, feeding, breeding, and disease control for livestock.
• Poultry Farming: Rearing of birds like chickens for eggs and meat (layers and broilers).
• Apiculture (Beekeeping): Maintaining bee colonies for honey production.
• Sericulture (Silkworm Rearing): Raising silkworms for silk production.
• White Revolution: India’s success story in increasing milk production.

Microorganisms in Food Production:

• Brief introduction to the role of beneficial microorganisms like bacteria (e.g., in making curd and cheese) and yeast (e.g., in baking).

In essence, the chapter likely aims to provide a foundational understanding of the processes involved in producing the food we eat .

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Put a tick mark (✓) against the correct alternative in the following statements:

(i) Which one of the following is an indigenous breed of dairy cows ?

1. Jersey
2. Frieswal
3. Sahiwal
4. Dangi

(ii) Which one of the following is the common breed of buffalo found in Gujarat ?

1. Surti
2. Murrah
3. Gir
4. Mehsana

(iii) Identify the indigenous breed of poultry of India:

1. White leghorn
2. HH-260
3. Aseel
4. B-77

(iv) Which one of the following is a rabi crop

1. Mustard
2. Pea
3. Rice
4. Wheat

(v) Identify the Kharif crop:

1. Barley
2. Mustard
3. Rice
4. Wheat

(vi) One of the following is a bacterial disease of sheep and goat. Identify it.

1. Sore mouth
2. Rinderpest
3. Goat pox
4. Brucellosis

(vii) Which one of the following is a bacterial disease of cattle in which the animal gets swelling on body parts, especially on the neck ?

1. Cowpox
2. Anthrax
3. Salmonellosis
4. Rinderpest

(viii) The plants that live for more than two years are called:

1. Annuals
2. Perennials
3. Biennials
4. Triennials

(ix) Which one of the following is a viral disease of poultry?

1. Ranikhet disease
2. Cholera
3. Coryza
4. Aspergillosis

Short Answer Questions:

1. Fill in the blanks:

1. Cattle feed made from cereals and wheat is called ______

Answer:concentrate.

2. Rearing birds for eggs and meat is called ______.

Answer:poultry.

3.Animal food is rich in ______

Answer:proteins.

2. Name the following:

1. The popular indigenous breed of poultry of India …..
2. Rearing of honey bees …..
3. Architect of white revolution in India …..
4. A kashmiri goat which gives expensive wool ….
5. Scientist responsible for green revolution in India ……

Answer:

1. The popular indigenous breed of poultry of India is Aseel.
2. Rearing honey bees is called apiculture.
3. Architect of white revolution in India Mr. Verghese Kurien.
4. A kashmiri goat which gives expensive wool kashmiri pashmina.
5. Scientist responsible for green revolution in India M.S. Swaminathan.

3. Match the columns

Answer:

4. Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
Name any four animals which provide us food.
Answer:
Animals are a significant source of diverse food products for us. Take cows, for example; they generously provide us with both milk and beef. Chickens are another valuable source, giving us eggs and their meat, which we commonly call poultry. A wide array of fish, including nutritious options like salmon and cod, contribute significantly to our seafood consumption. Finally, pigs are raised to supply us with pork..

Question 2.
Name any two dual purpose breeds of cattle.
Answer:
how some cattle breeds have evolved to be so versatile, offering benefits for both milk production and work. The Gir cattle from India sound particularly well-suited to their environment, being able to handle the heat while still providing a good supply of milk. And the Tharparkar breed, also from India, seems to strike a nice balance between milk yield and their ability to help with farming tasks like ploughing and pulling carts. These dual-purpose breeds really highlight how livestock can be valuable in multiple ways.

Question 3.
Give two examples of milch animals.
Answer:
Cows are widely recognized for their significant milk production, establishing them as a key provider of dairy products globally. Similarly, in numerous areas, especially across Asia, buffaloes play a vital role as milk producers. A noteworthy difference is that buffalo milk often boasts a creamier texture and a higher fat content than cow’s milk.

Question 4.
Name any two high-yielding indigenous breeds of cow.
Answer:
The Girl, a native of Gujarat’s Gir forests, stands out for its impressive milk production and its hardy nature, allowing it to thrive in diverse environments.

Then there’s the Sahiwal, with its roots in the pre-partition Punjab (spanning present-day India and Pakistan). This breed is also a champion milk producer in India and is well-regarded for its gentle disposition.

Question 5.
Name four varieties of edible fishes of India.
Answer:
Eel, Hilsa, Salmon, Sardine, and Pomfret are edible fishes.

Question 6.
Name two breeds of buffaloes.
Answer:
The Murrah buffalo stands out as a top-tier breed, particularly celebrated for its exceptional milk-producing capabilities. You’ll commonly find these magnificent animals thriving in India and spreading their influence to other regions across the globe.

Then there’s the Nili-Ravi, a breed with roots in the Punjab areas of both India and Pakistan. It’s also well-regarded for its commendable milk yield and easily identifiable by its characteristic white patches adorning its forehead, legs, and tail.

Question 7.
Name any two diseases of cattle caused by viruses.
Answer:
Foot-and-Mouth Disease sounds like a serious problem for cloven-hoofed animals, especially cows. Those feverish blisters around their mouths, hooves, and udders must cause them a lot of discomfort. It’s not just the animals suffering though; it’s tough on the farmers too, with less milk and weight loss in their livestock. And the trade restrictions that come with an outbreak can really hurt the local economy.

Then you mentioned rinderpest, or “cattle plague,” which sounds absolutely devastating. The high fevers, loss of appetite, and severe diarrhea leading to death paint a grim picture of its impact on cattle and buffalo populations throughout history. It’s incredible to think that the world managed to come together and completely eradicate it. Declaring it gone in 2011 is a monumental achievement, making it only the second disease ever wiped off the face of the Earth! Even though it’s no longer a current threat, the history of rinderpest really underscores how vital it is to have strong systems in place to protect animal health.

Question 8.
Name any two bacterial diseases of cattle.
Answer:
Anthrax, caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium, is a disease that should not be underestimated due to its potentially fatal nature. While it’s more commonly seen in livestock like cattle, it’s crucial to remember that this infection can cross over and affect humans as well.

Bovine Tuberculosis (TB), on the other hand, is a chronic disease in cattle caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. This long-lasting illness primarily attacks the respiratory system of cattle, making breathing difficult, but it can also spread to other parts of their bodies. Similar to anthrax, Bovine TB is also a concern because it’s not confined to cattle alone and can unfortunately spread to other animal species, including humans.

Question 9.
What are the symptoms of foot and mouth disease ?
Answer:
When foot-and-mouth disease strikes, it often announces itself with some clear warning signs in animals. One of the first things you might notice is the development of tender blisters. These tend to pop up in and around their mouths, on the parts of their hooves that bear weight, and occasionally on their udders. Because these blisters are painful, the affected animals will often show obvious signs of discomfort. You might see them drooling or slobbering a lot, walking with a noticeable limp or being unwilling to move much, and clearly eating less. It’s also common for these animals to run a fever and generally seem unwell and low on energy.

Question 10.
Name two bacterial diseases of poultry.
Answer:
Fowl Cholera, with its rapid spread and high mortality, indeed casts a long shadow over poultry operations. The image of birds suffering from fever, refusing to eat, experiencing digestive issues, and struggling to breathe really brings home the severity of the illness. For farmers, an outbreak can be devastating, leading to substantial economic losses in a very short time. The highly contagious nature means that swift and effective management strategies are absolutely essential to contain and eradicate the disease before it wipes out entire flocks.

And you’re right, Salmonellosis presents a particularly complex challenge due to the different strains and their varying impacts. The vulnerability of young chicks to the diarrhea and weakness caused by these bacteria highlights the need for stringent hygiene and management practices right from the start. What makes Salmonella even more critical is its zoonotic potential – the ability to jump from animals to humans through contaminated food products. This link between poultry health and human health makes it a public health priority. The careful monitoring and control measures in place are not just about protecting the birds; they are also about safeguarding the food supply and preventing human illness. It truly emphasizes how interconnected the health of animals and humans is, and how responsible farming practices play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our food.

5. Briefly explain the following terms:
Answer:Fowl Cholera, with its rapid spread and high mortality, indeed casts a long shadow over poultry operations. The image of birds suffering from fever, refusing to eat, experiencing digestive issues, and struggling to breathe really brings home the severity of the illness. For farmers, an outbreak can be devastating, leading to substantial economic losses in a very short time. The highly contagious nature means that swift and effective management strategies are absolutely essential to contain and eradicate the disease before it wipes out entire flocks.

And you’re right, Salmonellosis presents a particularly complex challenge due to the different strains and their varying impacts. The vulnerability of young chicks to the diarrhea and weakness caused by these bacteria highlights the need for stringent hygiene and management practices right from the start. What makes Salmonella even more critical is its zoonotic potential – the ability to jump from animals to humans through contaminated food products. This link between poultry health and human health makes it a public health priority. The careful monitoring and control measures in place are not just about protecting the birds; they are also about safeguarding the food supply and preventing human illness. It truly emphasizes how interconnected the health of animals and humans is, and how responsible farming practices play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our food.

6. What is organic farming?
Answer:
Organic farming is fundamentally a method of food production that consciously avoids artificial fertilizers, chemical pesticides, genetically engineered crops (GMOs), and irradiation. The core principle revolves around enriching the soil’s vitality and encouraging a natural harmony within the farm’s environment. It’s about partnering with nature, employing techniques such as rotating crops, utilizing compost, and implementing natural pest management to grow robust plants and raise healthy animals. The overarching aim is to yield nourishing food through practices that are both sustainable and environmentally conscious.

Long Answer Questions:

Question 1.
Differentiate between an egger and a broiler.
Answer:
An egger chicken is essentially a superstar in the egg-laying department. Think of them as the Olympic athletes of egg production. Through careful breeding over generations, these birds have been optimized to produce a high quantity of eggs. They typically reach laying maturity at a younger age compared to other types of chickens and are built for efficiency. This often means they are lighter in body weight, as their energy is primarily directed towards egg formation rather than building bulky muscle. So, if your main goal is a steady supply of fresh eggs, an egger is your go-to champion.

On the other side of the barnyard, you have the broiler chicken. This bird’s claim to fame is its meat. Broilers are specifically bred to grow rapidly and develop substantial muscle, particularly in the breast and thigh areas. They are designed for efficient meat production, reaching market weight relatively quickly. While broilers do lay eggs, it’s more of a secondary function. They generally don’t lay as many eggs as eggers, and their bodies are geared towards rapid growth and meat development. So, if your focus is on having a good source of chicken meat, then a broiler is the bird bred for that purpose.

In essence, the key difference boils down to their primary purpose, which is a result of selective breeding. Eggers are the high-volume egg specialists, built for sustained and efficient egg production. Broilers are the fast-growing meat machines, designed for rapid growth and substantial meat yield. One is for the breakfast table, and the other is for the dinner plate!

Question 2.
Name any two exotic breeds of fowl in India, and mention their usefulness
Answer:
The White Leghorn is truly an egg-laying superstar. These birds are like egg-producing machines, known for churning out a high volume of beautiful white eggs. Because of their efficiency, they’re a go-to breed for large-scale egg farms and also for folks keeping chickens in their backyard who really want to gather a lot of eggs.

Then you have the Rhode Island Red, which is a fantastic all-around chicken. They’re reliable egg layers, giving you a good number of lovely brown eggs. But what makes them special is that they’re also a decent size for meat, so you get the benefit of both eggs and meat from one breed. This makes them a really practical choice if you’re looking for a bird that offers a bit of everything

Question 3.
What are “milch animals”? Give three examples of exotic breeds of cow.
Answer:
“Milch animals” refer to female mammals that are raised and kept for the purpose of producing milk. This milk is then used for human consumption or for the production of dairy products. Essentially, they are animals specifically bred and managed for their milk-yielding capacity.

Here are three examples of exotic breeds of cow known for their high milk production:

• Holstein Friesian: Originating from the Netherlands and Germany, this is one of the most widely recognized dairy breeds globally, known for its distinctive black and white markings and high milk yield.
• Jersey: Hailing from the Channel Island of Jersey, these smaller-sized cows are famous for producing milk with a high butterfat content, giving it a rich and creamy quality.
• Guernsey: Also from the Channel Islands (Guernsey), these cows are known for their gentle temperament and the production of milk that has a golden hue and a high butterfat and protein content.

Question 4.
What is the meaning of the term “aquaculture”? Name any three animals which can be cultured by this method.
Answer:
Aquaculture is fundamentally the cultivation of aquatic life, encompassing both plant and animal species, within managed systems. It’s essentially water-based farming. Instead of growing crops on land, aquaculture focuses on the intentional raising and harvesting of creatures that call water their home.

Here are three common examples of animals raised through aquaculture:

• Fish: This is a large group, but many varieties like salmon, tilapia, and catfish are farmed extensively as a crucial source of protein for human consumption.
• Shrimp: These crustaceans are widely raised across the globe and are a much-loved seafood.
• Oysters: These two-shelled mollusks are frequently farmed for their meat and, in some cases, their pearls, contributing to both the food industry and the jewelry trade.

Question 5.
Differentiate between food crops and cash crops and give two examples of each:
Answer:
In essence, food crops are about sustenance, deeply rooted in local traditions and crucial for food security, especially for small farmers. ¹ They nourish communities and cultures. Cash crops, on the other hand, are primarily for profit, driving economies through market sales and international trade, often on a larger scale. ² However, the line isn’t always clear, as some crops serve both purposes. Ultimately, finding a balance between prioritizing food and cash crops is key for ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability

Question 6.
What are Kharif crops ? Give the name of the most important cereal plant of such crops. Briefly describe any three methods for cultivation of Kharif crops.
Answer:
Kharif crops, with rice taking the lead as India’s most widely grown cereal, thrive during the monsoon season. This water-loving grain blankets the largest cultivated area in the country and flourishes with a substantial rainfall of 150 to 200 centimeters. Interestingly, rice cultivation demands waterlogged fields throughout its growth cycle and favors the fertile embrace of alluvial loamy soil.

Farmers employ various techniques to cultivate these Kharif treasures:

• Broadcasting: In regions with less rainfall, once the fields are prepared, seeds are simply scattered across the land. This method, also practiced in China and Japan, doesn’t rely on flooded fields.
• Dibbling: Here, seeds are carefully placed at consistent intervals within the grooves created by a plow.
• Transplantation: This more involved process begins with soaking seeds for a day to encourage sprouting. The sprouted seeds are then nurtured in nurseries until they reach a height of 6 to 9 inches. These young seedlings are then delicately transferred to meticulously prepared, flooded, and plowed fields where they continue their growth. Regular watering and fertilization follow, leading to maturity. As the crop ripens, requiring temperatures between 16°C and 20°C, the plants transform into a golden yellow hue, signaling the time for harvesting, which can be done by hand or with the aid of combine harvesters.

Question 7.
Name the two main crop seasons of India. Give three examples of the crops grown during each season.
Answer:
India primarily experiences two major cropping seasons.

First, there’s the Kharif season, which aligns with the monsoon, stretching from July to October. Key crops cultivated during this rainy period include millets like Bajra and Jowar, as well as Paddy (rice), Maize, and Cotton.

Then comes the Rabi season, which takes place during the winter months, from November to April. Important crops grown in this cooler period are Wheat, Gram, Peas, Linseed, and Mustard.

Question 8.
List the uses of bacteria in the food industry.
Answer:
Bacteria play some surprisingly vital roles in the food industry! Here are a few key uses:

• Fermentation: This is perhaps their most well-known contribution. Bacteria are essential for fermenting various foods, transforming their flavor, texture, and even nutritional content. Think about how they’re used to make yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, and even some types of sausages.
• Flavor Development: Beyond just fermentation, certain bacteria contribute unique and desirable flavors to foods. They can produce various organic acids, esters, and other compounds that give fermented foods their characteristic tastes.
• Preservation: The metabolic activity of some bacteria can create environments that inhibit the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms. For example, the lactic acid produced during fermentation lowers the pH, which acts as a natural preservative.
• Probiotics: Specific types of live bacteria are added to certain foods to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These probiotics are believed to improve gut health and offer other advantages.
• Enzyme Production: Bacteria can be cultivated to produce specific enzymes that are then used in food processing. These enzymes can help with things like breaking down starches, tenderizing meat, or clarifying juices.

Question 9.
Name any one variety of edible mushrooms.
Answer:
Mushroom farming involves five key steps: first, creating a nutrient-rich compost; second, introducing mushroom “spawn” (mycelium) to colonize the compost; third, adding a soil-based “casing” layer for moisture and support; fourth, allowing the mycelium to grow, followed by the emergence and harvesting of mushrooms from pinheads to mature buttons; and finally, preserving the harvested mushrooms through methods like vacuum cooling, irradiation with cold storage, or freeze-drying.

Question 10.
Mention the benefits of the “Green revolution” in our country.
Answer:
The Green Revolution brought about some really significant positive changes for India:

• Boosted Food Production: It dramatically increased the amount of food our country could grow, making us much more self-sufficient in feeding our population. We weren’t as reliant on other countries for food anymore.
• Higher Crop Yields: Farmers started getting much more output from the same amount of land, thanks to new seeds and farming techniques.
• Prosperity for Farmers: In many areas, the increased production led to better incomes for farmers, which helped improve their quality of life.
• Economic Growth: The success in agriculture also had a ripple effect, contributing to the overall economic development of the nation.
• Reduced Food Imports: Because we were growing more food ourselves, we didn’t need to import as much, saving valuable foreign exchange.

Question 11.
Mention the benefits of the “White revolution” in our country.
Answer:
Boosted Milk Production: It dramatically increased the amount of milk produced nationwide, helping to meet the growing demand.

Empowered Dairy Farmers: It organized dairy farmers, particularly small-scale ones, into cooperatives. This gave them more control over production, processing, and marketing, improving their livelihoods.

Improved Rural Economy: By creating employment opportunities in dairy farming and related industries, it played a vital role in strengthening the rural economy.

Enhanced Nutritional Levels: Increased milk availability made dairy products more accessible to a larger population, contributing to better nutrition, especially for children.

Reduced Dependence on Imports: The surge in domestic milk production significantly decreased our reliance on imported dairy products, making the country more self-sufficient in this crucial food sector.

Modernized Dairy Sector: It introduced modern technologies and practices in animal husbandry and milk processing, leading to a more efficient and organized dairy industry.

Question 12.
Write briefly the processes of

1. wine (alcohol) making and
2. bread making.

Answer:in winemaking, it’s almost like coaxing a transformation out of the grapes’ natural sweetness. The yeast, those tiny chemical engineers, essentially devour the sugars, and as a delightful byproduct, they create the very alcohol that defines wine, along with the fizz that escapes as carbon dioxide. Then, the patient steps of aging and clarifying work their own magic, coaxing out those intricate flavors and aromas that we savor.

And then there’s the everyday miracle of bread. Just a humble mix of flour and water becomes something entirely different thanks to the yeast. As they nibble on the starches and sugars, they release those tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide, which are the very essence of a light and airy loaf. The oven’s heat then sets this airy structure, giving us that satisfying texture, and of course, bids farewell to the yeast.

Both winemaking and breadmaking stand as testaments to the power of fermentation – this natural alchemy performed by microorganisms. It’s quite humbling to think that these microscopic fungi are such crucial collaborators in creating some of our most enjoyed drinks and essential foods. Their contribution to our culinary world is nothing short of amazing!

Question 13.
Give any five features of good shelter for milch animals.
Answer:

Having plenty of room and good airflow is like giving the animals a breath of fresh air – literally! It keeps things healthy and prevents that build-up of bad smells and moisture that can cause problems.

Keeping things clean is just common sense, really. A tidy space means fewer germs and a much lower chance of the animals getting sick, which is crucial for their health and, of course, for good milk production.

Providing shelter from the elements is like giving them a comfortable haven. Whether it’s the scorching sun or freezing winds, a good shelter acts like a shield, keeping them comfortable and stress-free so they can focus on producing milk.

Good lighting might not be something everyone thinks about, but it makes a real difference for both the animals and the people caring for them. It makes it easier to see what you’re doing and can even have a positive impact on the animals themselves.

And finally, easy access to food and water is absolutely fundamental. Just like us, they need constant access to good nutrition and hydration to stay healthy and productive. Making it easy for them to eat and drink without having to compete is key.

These five features really paint a picture of a thoughtful and well-designed shelter that prioritizes the comfort, health, and productivity of milch animals. It’s all about creating an environment where they can thrive.

Question 14.
What type of food would you suggest for cattle in order to get good quality milk ?
Answers: First, you’ve got the “greens” – the high-quality forage. Think of this as the bedrock of their nutrition, like a big, nourishing salad bowl. Lush pastures, fragrant alfalfa hay, or even silage, which is like a pickled buffet of green goodness, provide that crucial fiber. This fiber isn’t just filler; it keeps their digestive system happy and humming, which in turn helps them absorb all the other good stuff. Plus, these natural sources are packed with vitamins and minerals that directly contribute to that rich, creamy milk fat we all appreciate.

Next up are the concentrates – the energy boosters. These are like the power-packed snacks for cattle. Grains such as corn, barley, and oats, along with meals made from oilseeds like soybeans or cottonseed, are dense in energy. This is especially important when they’re producing milk, which takes a lot of oomph! These concentrates also play a big role in the protein content of their milk, making it nutritious.

Then come the little helpers – the mineral and vitamin supplements. Just like we might take a multivitamin, cows need a balanced intake of specific minerals like calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and healthy milk production. Vitamins A, D, and E are also vital for various bodily functions. Often, farmers provide these through mineral licks that the cows can access as needed, or they mix supplements right into their feed. It’s all about ensuring they have the building blocks for optimal health.

And of course, the simplest yet most vital ingredient: fresh and clean water. It might seem obvious, but just like us on a hot day, cows need constant access to plenty of clean water. It’s absolutely fundamental for milk production – think of it as the main ingredient! It also keeps their whole system functioning smoothly.

You’re spot on that the specific amounts and types of feed aren’t one-size-fits-all. It really depends on the individual cow – their breed, how old they are, what stage of milk production they’re in, and their overall health all play a role. That’s why, as you mentioned, getting advice from a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist is such a smart move. They can help tailor a feeding plan that perfectly meets the needs of your cattle.

So, in essence, a healthy cow diet is a carefully balanced mix of nature’s best (forage), energy-rich additions (concentrates), essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and plenty of hydration. It’s all about giving them the right fuel to thrive and produce that wonderful milk!