Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Non-farm primary activities are economic endeavors that involve the extraction and collection of natural resources but are not directly related to crop cultivation or animal husbandry for agricultural produce. These activities are crucial for diversifying rural incomes and include sectors like mining, quarrying, fishing, and forestry. In India, the distribution, intensity, and nature of these activities are intrinsically linked to the country's varied physiographic features, which directly influence the availability and accessibility of natural resources. This interdependence creates distinct regional economic patterns and livelihood opportunities across the subcontinent.
Non-Farm Primary Activities and Physiographic Features
Non-farm primary activities are fundamentally shaped by India's diverse physiography, which includes mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal regions.-
Mining and Quarrying
This activity involves the extraction of minerals and stones from the Earth's crust. It is directly dependent on geological formations.
- Physiographic Link: India's Peninsular Plateau, particularly the Chota Nagpur Plateau, is a hub for mining due to its ancient crystalline rocks rich in mineral deposits.
- Example: The states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are significant for coal, iron ore, and bauxite mining due to their location within the mineral-rich Peninsular Plateau. The geology of these regions, characterized by ancient crystalline rocks, makes them ideal for mineral extraction.
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Fishing
Fishing involves catching aquatic resources from both marine and inland water bodies.
- Physiographic Link: India's extensive coastline, numerous rivers, lakes, and deltas provide abundant opportunities for fishing. Coastal plains and large river systems are critical.
- Example: Marine fishing thrives along India's 7,500 km long coastline, particularly on the Western Coast (e.g., Kerala, Konkan) due to its narrow continental shelf and upwelling currents, and the Eastern Coast with its wider continental shelf and estuaries for brackish water fishing. Inland fishing is prevalent in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains and major wetlands like Chilika Lake.
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Forestry and Gathering
This involves the extraction of timber, firewood, medicinal plants, and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
- Physiographic Link: Dense forests are found in regions with high rainfall and suitable terrain, such as the Himalayas, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and parts of Central India.
- Example: The Himalayan region and the Western Ghats support dense forests, providing timber, medicinal plants, and various NTFPs. Tribal communities in central Indian forests (e.g., Madhya Pradesh) engage in gathering honey, gum, and tendu leaves.
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Pastoralism and Animal Rearing (Traditional)
While often linked with agriculture, traditional pastoralism, especially transhumance, is heavily influenced by mountainous and arid physiography.
- Physiographic Link: Mountainous terrains and arid/semi-arid regions with specific vegetation support traditional animal rearing practices.
- Example: Transhumant pastoralism is practiced by communities like Gujjars and Bakarwals in the Himalayas, moving their livestock between high-altitude pastures in summer and lower valleys in winter. In arid regions like Rajasthan, camel and sheep rearing are common.
Conclusion
Non-farm primary activities are vital components of India's rural economy, offering diversified income sources beyond traditional agriculture. The country's varied physiographic features, encompassing its mineral-rich plateaus, extensive coastlines, vast river systems, and dense forest covers, directly dictate the type and distribution of these resource-based livelihoods. Harnessing these physiographic advantages through sustainable practices is crucial for enhancing employment, fostering balanced regional development, and ensuring the ecological security and long-term economic resilience of communities across India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.