Class 12 Geography - CBSE
Land Resources and Agriculture
This chapter explores the foundational relationship between human society and the Earth's surface through land-use patterns, common property resources, and agricultural systems in India. You will learn about the changing land-use categories, the impact of land degradation, and the classification of farming types such as irrigated, rainfed, subsistence, and commercial agriculture. For CBSE board exams, this is a high-scoring chapter that frequently features map work related to major crop-producing regions, analytical questions on agricultural problems like land degradation, and differentiation-based questions on types of farming.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Land-use Categories
Official classification of geographical area in India based on its utilization, including forests, land put to non-agricultural uses, fallow lands, and net sown area.
Common Property Resources (CPRs)
Land and resources owned by the community or state rather than individuals, providing essential fodder, fuel, and livelihood support to rural communities.
Land Degradation
The temporary or permanent decline in the productive capacity of land due to human activities like overgrazing, deforestation, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
Cropping Intensity
The percentage of net sown area sown more than once in an agricultural year, indicating the efficiency of land use.
Dryland vs. Wetlawn Agriculture
Dryland farming relies entirely on rainfall in moisture-scarce regions, whereas wetlawn farming is practiced in areas with high rainfall and adequate irrigation facilities.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 12 Geography Board Exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include 1-mark objective questions, 3-mark analytical questions on land degradation or agricultural problems, and map-based identification or location of major crop-producing states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Net Sown Area and Gross Cropped Area?
Net Sown Area is the actual physical area sown with crops once in a year. Gross Cropped Area includes the net sown area plus the area sown more than once in the same agricultural year.
What are the major causes of land degradation in India?
Major causes include deforestation, overgrazing, mining activities, waterlogging due to over-irrigation, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Why is the classification of land-use important?
It helps the government and planners understand how land is allocated among forestry, agriculture, human settlements, and industries, enabling sustainable resource management.
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