SIR ADNAN QURESHI PAKISTAN STUDIES-GEOGRAPHY-CHAPTER 7___________________

CHAPTER 7: AGRICULTURE IN PAKISTAN

Agriculture is a primary industry in Pakistan which provides raw material for processing industry. All
types of agriculture can be viewed as a system with inputs, processes and outputs.

There are three types of farming practiced in Pakistan:

A. SMALL SCALE SUBSISTENCE FARMING: means to produce food and raw materials mainly for the
people working on them. They make their own and their animal living on these farms. If the crop is
more than expectation, it is sold out to the local market. Mostly family members work as labour.
Cow dung is used as natural manure, organic fertilizers and seeds are used. They use conventional
methods for farming thus produce less yields. About 34% of the total farms in Pakistan are smaller
than 5 hectares.

B. CASH CROP/ COMMERCIAL FARMING: means growing crops in abundant quantity mainly for sale.
They produce high yields as modern methods of farming are used. Irrigated water is made available
to these crops. The labour is hired particularly in the sowing and harvesting seasons. Sindh and
Punjab are famous for such large farms where cotton, rice, wheat and sugarcane are grown. In
some areas tobacco, oil-seeds are also grown.
WHY NORTHERN PAKISTAN IS NOT SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL FARMING?

• Due to highland/ rugged topography/ no flat land/ no large fields available.

• Generally cool to cold climate (temperature not suitable for many crops)
• Snow-capped areas do not let the crops grow due to roots deformation.
• Regular rainfall/ snow melting does not suit crops drying and threshing season where no water is
given.
• Too enriched soil with alluvium.
• Heavy machinery (threshers/harvesters etc.) cannot be used due to weak infrastructure facilities.
• Farmers are generally poor and cannot afford to grow cash crops.

WHY INDUS PLAIN IS MOST SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL FARMING?

• The land is flat which enables large areas to be cultivated.

• Some areas are rain-fed (barani) which receive regular water supply.
• There is a large system of irrigation (dams/ barrages/ canals) which make irrigation possible even in
non-barani areas.
• Farmers are into farming business since years and their forefathers were also farmers.
• Accessible to agricultural development departments for training, guidance and knowledge about
better seeds.
• Loans can be taken by farmers from different banks on mortgaging their fertile lands.
• Tube wells can be installed easily to get more underground water.
• Mechanized methods of farming can be used easily/ access to better technology.

AGRICULTURAL SEASONS:

There are two main seasons/varieties of crops:

1. Rabi Crops: They are sown at the beginning of winter (October-November) and harvested in early
summer (April-May). Main crops include wheat, barley, grams, oil-seeds and pulses.

2. Kharif Crops: They are sown in summer (April-June) and are harvested in early winter (October-
November). The main crops include rice, cotton, sugarcane, millets and maize.

MAJOR CROPS OF PAKISTAN:

Following is the list of the main crops of Pakistan in terms of cultivated area and production.

CROPS AREAS (000 hectares) PRODUCTION (000 tonnes)

2011-12 2013-14 2011-12 2013-14
Wheat 8649 9199 23473 25979
Cotton 2834 2805 13595 bales 12769 bales
Rice 2571 2789 6160 6798
Sugarcane 1057 1172 58397 67460
Maize 1087 1168 4338 4944
Source: Economic Survey of Pakistan 2011-12 and 2013-14
1. WHEAT: is the major staple food crop of Pakistan which contributes 37.5% of agricultural crops. It is
a Rabi crop cultivated mainly in Punjab and parts of Sindh. Some districts of KPK also grow wheat. It
does not need much water as it is also grown on barani areas. More varieties have enabled the
farmers to grow wheat in Pakistan with improved farming methods.
Maxi Pak is the best variety grown. At present 90% of area under wheat cultivation is given to
High-yielding varieties (HYVs)

Geographical Requirements:
Temperature: Mild temperature 10 degrees C – 20 degrees C at the time of growing and warm 25
degrees C to 30 degrees C for ripening. Need at least 90 days and for better varieties 120 days
growing period.

Rainfall: Moderate rainfall during October and December. A little rain before the harvest swells the
grains. It mostly depends on irrigation water except for barani lands of Potwar Plateau.

Soil: Moderately stiff loamy or clayey soil is ideal. Land must be well drained. Fault land and
undulating soil to facilitate the use of machinery.

2. RICE: it is the third major crop in terms of production which contributes 16.7% of total crops. The
second largest food crop after wheat which is mainly grown for export. It is a kharif crop which is
grown on large scale in eastern Punjab and parts of Sindh as it needs good amount of water. Its
seeds are initially sown in beds and when the plant is about 9 inches, it is then transplanted into
the field which is ploughed and wedded and flooded with water in 30-37 cm. Once the crop is fully
ripe, the threshers are used.
Irri Pak is a HYV of rice. Export of Basmati is always increasing for its fragrance.
 Geographical Requirements:
Temperature: Average temperature of 20 degrees to 30 degrees with no cold season. A warm
season with 35 degrees C for harvesting.

Rainfall: Heavy rainfall of at least 1270 mm but 2000 mm is ideal. Water is mainly received from
irrigation. Sunny season is required at the time of harvesting.

Soil: Mostly clayey or loamy soil is required. An impervious sub-soil is needed to retain more water.
Human inputs: Cheap and abundant labour and adequate machinery is required.

There are four main processes of rice cultivation:

preparation, planting, growth, harvesting.

3. COTTON: it is called the ‘King of fiber’ and is the most widely used textile fabric in Pakistan. The
largest cash crop and the second largest in production with 22.1%. Cotton and its products
contributes more than 50% of exports. It is a Kharif crop sown in April-May and harvested in
October- November.
Cotton seeds are sown at a distance of 35cm – 45 cm. After a month the fields are irrigated. The
plant height reaches up to 135cm – 150cm. After plucking the cotton bolls, they are transported to
ginning mills.
Nayyab 78, b-557, 149-F are High Yielding Varieties. Old varieties of Pak Upland and Desi are also
used. Since cotton is a sensitive crop it is attacked by a number of pests and virus.
 Geographical Requirements:
Temperature: The ideal temperature for cultivation is 25 degrees to 35 degrees. The same
temperature is ideal for harvesting with warmer season.

Rainfall: Enough rainfall is needed about 1000 mm. With irrigated water 500 mm rain is also
sufficient for cultivation. Rain is not ideal at the picking bolls season.

Land and Soil: Levelled land is needed. Loamy soil is best.

4. SUGARCANE: It is the fourth largest crop of Pakistan with 13.5% overall share in production. It is the
second largest cash crop also. Sugar, brown sugar and Gur are the main products made from
sugarcane. Bagasse and Molasses are the two by-products. It is a Kharif crop which needs plenty of
water in sowing season.
Sugarcane stalks are planted when they are 30 cm high. If the land is well irrigated and potash and
fertilizers are given, they reach to the height of 6 feet – 7.3 feet. The crop can be harvested for 2-3
successive years.
 Geographical Requirements:
Temperature: It needs temperature of 25 degrees C to 35 degrees C.

Rainfall: It needs plenty of rainfall. 1520 mm is required. Irrigated water bridges up the gap.

Soil: Loamy and clayey soils are best as they retain water. It consumes a lot of nutrient from the soil.

5. MAIZE: It is a Kharif crop. It is a food grain and is used as a raw material for edible oil, custard
powder, and cornflour.

Geographical Requirements:
Temperature: It requires temperature up to 35 degrees C.

Rainfall: It can be grown with the rainfall of 50mm in irrigated areas-500mm

Soil: It can be grown on porous soil.

6. PULSES: They are rich in proteins and popular in local diet. They are low value crops. Important
pulses are Mung, Mash, Grams and Masoor.

7. MILLETS: Jowar and Bajra are two millets produced. They are used as fodder for animals, poultry
and used as food crop. They can be grown with the temperature of 30 degrees C to 35 degrees C. It
can grow in less water and on sandy soil too.
8. OIL SEEDS: It include sunflower, soya bean, rape seed, mustard seed, sarson, rai, sesame, linseed
and castor seeds which are used to extract edible oil. Linseed and castor has industrial use too. 68 %
of edible oil of Pakistan’s need is imported for making ghee and cooking oil locally.

HOW HAS PAKISTAN ENABLED TO IMPROVE ITS PER HECTARE PRODUCTION OF CROPS?

• With the help of investing more capital into the sector both by government and the private sector.
• By enriching the soil/ its efficiency with the help of fertilizers.
• By using better methods of irrigation water (tubewells/sprinklets/sprays)
• By bringing awareness amongst the farmers for the best use of correct pesticides and insecticides to
kill weeds and pests.
• By developing knowledge about the better cropping seasons.
• By installing the most modern mechanization tools to improve efficiency of labour.
• Generating and developing better and strong High Yield Varieties.
• Promoting and encouraging farmers on local and district level for yield better outputs of crops.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION:

Pakistan is an agricultural country and it grows a variety of crops. Farmers know which crops and
animals are to be grown and reared. They know major factors which affect agricultural production.

Natural (Physical) Factors:

1. Topography: If the land is flat, it helps in keeping farm for agriculture better. The main crops like
wheat, rice, cotton and sugarcane are grown at flat lands. In the mountainous regions only
subsistence farming is practised at some places.

2. Soil: Alluvial and Loess are considered as the best soil suitable for farming. Sind and the Punjab are
famous fertile areas as they receive good fertile soil from the River Indus and its tributaries brought
from the northern mountains.

3. Rain and Water: If rainfall is abundant, farming is easy to be conducted. In case the area is not
receiving abundant rainfall, water is received from Perennial Canals from a dam or barrage.

4. Temperature: Since northern areas do not receive a long summer season therefore a number of
major crops cannot be grown. Cereals and fruits can grow easily.

5. Pests and Diseases: Small scale farmers usually cannot afford to buy insecticides and pesticides
therefore they face losses when the crop is attacked by pests. It is not likely to happen at the
commercial farms.
Human Factors:

1. Irrigation Facilities: If rainfall is not sufficient or reliable, farming can still be done with irrigation.
The extension of irrigation canals in far off areas have enabled Thal, Tharparkar and some areas of
Balochistan to grow Millets, Vegetables and Maize.

2. Fertilizers: Small scale farms use manure and organic fertilizers to give strength and nutrition to the
crops whereas commercial farms use Nitrogenous fertilizers (about 75%) and Phosphate and
Potash fertilizers (25%)

3. Mechanization: The introduction of machines like tractors, tillers harvesters, threshers, reapers and
transplanters has increased production. However, a number of labour force is also made
unemployed because of that.

High Yielding Varieties (HYVs):

The use of HYVs have increased the production of crops to 10%-20%. The main HYVs of the main crops
are:

Wheat: Maxipak, Shahkhan 95, Wadnak 95, Kohson 95.

Rice: Basmati super, Irri 6 Rechna, Pajhal.

Sugarcane: JN-88-1 to JN-88-3 and Thatta-10.

Cotton: Nayab 78, B-557, 149-F, Sarmast Qalanadari, CIM-70.

SUSTAINALBE DEVELOPMENT WITH AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. It contributes 25% in the GDP of the country. About
44% of the employment is coming from agriculture. About 67.5% of the total population of Pakistan lives
in rural areas which is directly or indirectly associated with agriculture.

The sustainability in agriculture can be attained by the following ways:

• The government and private institutions must develop new, highly productive and environmentally
sustainable technologies and systems.
• The water logging and salinity problems must be solved to save water as well as to save the
cultivated land.
• Soil management from Afforestation projects to maintain the fertility of the soil and to avoid soil
erosion.
• There should be organic farming as compared to chemically used methods and fertilizers to save
natural nutrients of the soil.
• Reclamation of deserts with the help of irrigation techniques.
 • The avoidance of poor farming techniques and better use of knowledge with co-ordination
between farmers and research services.

C. LIVESTOCK FARMING: ‘Shamilat’ are the places where cattle, goats and sheep are grazed. Farmers
also keep bullocks, buffaloes and cows also at their farm. There are three types of subsistence
livestock farming in Pakistan:

1. Nomadic: People in Balochistan and desert areas of Punjab and Sindh follow subsistence livestock
farming. They rear camels, sheep and goats for milk, leather, wool, meat and transportation. Camels
carry loads when they migrate. Animals get fodder and water in the new areas.

2. Transhumance: It is the system in which animals are kept on pasture high up in the mountains and
are brought lower the valleys for winter season. This system is followed in northern mountains and
western mountains. Sheep, goats are common animals found. In the highest peaks of Himalayas,
yaks and dzus are also reared. After meeting subsistence needs, meat and dairy products are sold in
the local market.

3. Subsistence Farming in Punjab and Sindh:

Cows and hens are usually bred to get milk, meat and eggs. Cows and bulls work on agricultural farm
also.

4. Commercial Livestock Farming:

It is practised either on a small scale farm by private owners or on a large scale by government or
military farms. Urban supply of milk and poultry is done mainly from the farms located within the
city or the outskirts of the city. A valuable by-product, cow dung is also collected and dried to make
cakes which is used as manure or to get bio-fuel.
Since the population density is higher in cities, therefore, the dairy farms use better scientific
methods better farming. Cross-breeding of animals is practised to increase fertility rates, veterinary
facilities are provided, and better nutritional diets are given to animals to get better and more
quantity of milk and meat.

IMPORTANCE OF LIVESTOCK FARMING:

• Animals provide Draught Power in the farming process by working in the fields.
• They provide milk, meat and eggs which is a part of food to humans.
• Their dung is used in making manure as well as in domestic use for getting bio-fuel.
• They provide raw material to many other industries. Hair, wool, skin, hides are used in making
leather products and carpets and rugs.
• Livestock contributes about 10% to the GDP as many animals and their products are exported to
Middle East, Afghanistan and Europe.
SUBSTITUTE LIVESTROCK SPECIES:***

Both Government and private sectors have been investing in developing farms for substitute livestock
species which are not only very profitable but provide plenty of meat and eggs to the market.

DISCUSS THE MAJOR PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF PAKISTAN. WHAT MEASURES DO YOU
SUGGEST TO IMPROVE THIS SECTOR?

Introduction:

Agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy. But the growth of agriculture in Pakistan is facing a
lot of problems. Due to various causes, per acre yield is very low in Pakistan as compare to other
developed countries.

PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Problems of agricultural sector are categorized as below:

A. TECHNO-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

1) Limited Cultivable Area

The total area of Pakistan is about 79.6 million hectares, out of which only 23.7 million hectares (28%)
area is used for agricultural purposes. About 8 million hectares area is idle and un-utilized. There is vast
sub-division and fragmentation of land holdings, as a result modern technology cannot be applied in
agriculture sector.

2) Water Logging and Salinity

Water logging and salinity are twin problems of agricultural sector due to salinity, deposits of salt in land
have appeared on the surface of land and they have adversely affected the performance of agricultural
sector. Water logging and salinity affect about 0.10 million acre of land in every year. It is not only waste
of land but also reduction in productivity.
3) Slow Growth of Allied Products

Allied products refer to those productions, which are not agricultural but indirectly, help the farmer to
improve his living standard. Pakistan is in-sufficient in the production of fruits, milk, poultry, fisheries,
livestock and forestry. As a result, not only our food quality is poor but also industries such as furniture,
textiles and dairy cannot be developed.

4) Low Per Hectare Yield

The most important problem of agriculture is its low yield per hectare for almost every major crop.
45.0% of labour force is engaged in this sector in Pakistan while it is less than 5% in developed countries.
But, other countries of world are getting higher yield per hectare due to use of modern technology and
trained labour.

5) Inadequate Infrastructure

Rural infrastructure like, roads, storage facilities, transport, electricity, education, sanitation and health
facilities etc. is inadequate to meet the requirement of growth of agriculture. Total length of farm-to-
market road is not only shorter but their condition is also poor. Many villages have no metal-led road at
all. Electricity is available to only 3/4 rural populations.

6) Uneconomic Land Holdings

Due to increasing population and division of land under the law of inheritance, landholdings are
subdivided over and over again. The result is that very large number of farmers has less than 2 hectares
of area. Moreover, holdings are scattered. It is difficult to use modern machinery on small pieces of
land.

7) Old Methods of Production

No doubt, mechanization of agriculture is increasing in Pakistan, but in most of the areas, the old
implements are still being used for agricultural production. Old and orthodox techniques of production
cannot increase the production according to international levels.

8) Inadequate Supply of Agricultural Inputs

The supply of modern inputs like high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides,
mechanized machinery etc. not only costly but also inadequate and irregular in Pakistan. Numbers of
fertilizer producing units are just 10 in Pakistan.

9) Lack of Irrigation Facilities

Shortage of irrigation facilities causes a serious limitation in the expansion of crop area in Pakistan. The
lower water supplies, loses from water course in the fields are the serious problems of farm sector.
Actual surface water availability is 91.8 million acre feet.

10) Inadequate Agricultural Research

The average crop yield in Pakistan is very low as compared to the production levels of the advanced
countries of the world. In order to raise the potential of agricultural production, there should be
continuous improvement in the research for agricultural growth. Total agricultural universities and
colleges are only 16 in Pakistan.

11) Problem of Land Reforms

Land reforms have been implemented against the will of people. There is an urgent need to conduct a
proper land reform for improving agricultural growth. Due to this problem agricultural production
cannot increase to desired level.

12) Defective Land Tenure System

Defective land tenure system is also responsible for low yield per acre in agricultural sector. Landlords
and feudal-lords live in posh urban areas while tenants and peasants have no or less incentive for their
hard work. So, the productivity in agricultural sector remains low.

13) Subsistence Farming

Our farmer is attached with subsistence farming; a huge of portion of production is consumed at
farmer’s own house to support large family. Hence, less portion of the production is available for market
supply. It causes low income of the farmers. Farming is not conducted at commercial level in Pakistan.

14) Low Cropping Intensity

Cropping intensity means the number of crops grown on a piece of land in one year. At the present
stage of our development, there is low level of cropping intensity as compared to advanced countries.
Cultivable area under double or multiple cropping is inadequate in Pakistan.

15) Improper Crop Rotation

Proper turning round of crops is essential to re-establish the fertility of the land. The constant cultivation
of one crop or two; exhausts the fertility of the soil. Proper rotation of crops is necessary in order to
restore the fertility.

B. NATURAL PROBLEMS

16) Various Plant Diseases

Various agricultural crops like cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, wheat and rice often come under attack of
pests and insects. Pests and plant diseases reduce the annual productivity of agriculture.

17) Natural Calamities

Labour is in the hand of mankind but its result is in the hands of ALLAH in agriculture sector. So, growth
of agriculture is dominated by nature. In case if there is too much rain, reduction in the productivity.
There is 20% reduction in productivity due to unnecessary rain and unfavourable climatic situations in
Pakistan.

18) Scarcity of HYV Seeds

Our poor farmers have to use lower quality seeds due to non-availability of High Yielding Variety (HYV)
seeds. On the other hand, if seed is available they cannot be purchased due to low income. Agricultural
production is badly affected because of inferior quality of seeds.

19) Under Utilization of Land

Mostly poor population is attached with agricultural sector in Pakistan. They are using orthodox and
traditional means of cultivation. Our farmer is not interested to use the advanced and modern means of
farming, as a result area under cultivation remains under-utilized, un-utilized or mis utilized.

C. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

20) Consumption Oriented

Our farmers have no proper records of their incomes and expenses. Mostly, they spend more when they
have more due to illiteracy. A huge part of the farmer’s income is consumed on occasions of marriage,
birth, death and several other rural ceremonies and festivals in Pakistan.

21) Farmer’s Litigation

There are frequent and continuous litigations among the farmers directly or indirectly. They are often
seen in courts, police stations, irrigation offices, revenue boards and other official problems. Due to
mentioned problems, our farmer cannot devote his time, energy, efficiency and labour to agricultural
productions.

22) Joint Family System

Joint family system is also a big problem in agricultural sector. Our farmer is poor; on the other hand he
has to support his big family. It creates deficiency in saving and investment. A huge part of farmer’s
productivity is consumed at his own house.

23) Illiteracy and Ill-health

Most of the farmers, labourers and tenants in our country are illiterate. They are untrained and
inefficient to boost up the agricultural productivity. On the other side, the health of our farmers is
improper due to rural backwardness. Literacy rate is only 57.7 % in Pakistan. Economic Survey of
Pakistan shows that literacy remains higher in urban areas (73.2 percent) than in rural areas (49.2
percent).

24) Political Instability

Political instability has affected development in all economic and social sectors. Unfortunately, the
political situations in Pakistan are not stable. It creates unrest among the farmers to sell the productions
to various industries as a raw material. On the other hand, people hesitate to invest in agricultural
sector due to political unrest.

D. FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

25) Lack of Credit

Basically our farmer is poor and he has low level of income. Agricultural credit facilities are not common
in Pakistan. Credit that can facilitate agriculture is not available easily. Moreover non-institutional
sources are available but these are not reliable due to high rate of interest. About 50.8% poor borrow
from landlords in Pakistan.

26) Poor Financial Position of Farmers

It is a common saying about our farmer that he was born in debts, grows in debts and dies in debts. It
means that financial position of Pakistani farmer is weak and poor. According to “Pakistan Human
Development Report 2003” about 57.4% poor are working for feudal-lords without wages.

27) Instability in Market Prices

The price market of agricultural goods generally remains unstable in the country. Cobweb theorem is
very popular in case of market prices; it means that a price of one commodity is much high in this year
and much low in the next year and vice versa. The farmers, do not get due reward from the sale of their
productions. So, they remain unsatisfied.

28) Shortage of Agricultural Finance

Agricultural credit facilities are not sufficient in Pakistan. Rate of interest on agricultural credit is high
and loan is not provided in time. According to “Pakistan Human Development Report 2003” in Pakistan
about 50.8% poor borrow from landlords at very high rate of interest.

MEASURES TO REMOVE THESE PROBLEMS

Following measures are suggested to improve the agriculture:

1) Supply of Agriculture Credit

Poor farmers cannot afford the expensive technology from their own resources in Pakistan. So, supply of
agriculture credit at easy terms and conditions is very necessary. An amount of Rs. 85,177 million is
disbursed by commercial banks in 2009 and Rs. 49 billion was distributed by ZTBL. ZTBL issued credit or
Rs. 37.4 billions during 2010-11.

2) Water Logging and Salinity Control

Water logging and salinity destroys about one million acre of land every year in Punjab and Sindh. It
reduces our cultivable area. For this purpose, installation of tube wells, repair of canal banks and
drainage of water etc. are needed. The Ministry of Agriculture proposed to invest Rs. 18.5 billion with
the objective of converting 2,00,000 acres of irrigated land to drip and shower irrigation system.

3) Construction of Dams

Sometimes, due to heavy unwanted rains and floods agricultural productivities destroys. To tackle this
problem, it is necessary to construct dames and bands on rivers.

4) Provision of HYV Seed

High yielding variety seed is not available at suitable price in Pakistan. So, farmers have to depend upon
low quality of seeds that causes 20% reduction in total production. Government should provide HYV
seed at minimum price in this case.

5) Mechanization

Farm mechanization is necessary to remove the problems to agriculture sector. Sowing, cultivation and
harvesting of crops through agricultural machines increase the productive quality and quantity.

6) Agricultural Research

Agricultural research is compulsory to remove the backwardness of agriculture sector. Major agricultural
colleges and universities are only about 16 in Pakistan. Government should increase the research work
in the field of agriculture.

7) Agro-based Industries

Agro-based industries like poultry, fisheries, dairy and livestock should establish. These industries
indirectly lead to improve the agricultural sector.

8) Tax Concessions

Mechanization is necessary to remove the problems of agriculture sector. Government should give tax
concession on imports of agricultural technologies to enhance the process of farm mechanization.

9) Training of Farmers

Our farmers are illiterate and ill trained so, their efficiencies are poor. Government should start special
education programme for farmers and give them training about farming.

10) Prices of Agricultural Productivities

Sometimes, our farmers receive low prices of their crops. There is no proper effective price policy of
government. Government should set reasonable prices of agricultural productions to develop the living
standard of farmers.

Conclusion:

Being an agrarian country, agricultural sector of Pakistan’s economy is still backward. Use of modern
techniques, provision of credit facilities, basic infrastructure and agriculture research facilities are
needed to remove all the problems of agriculture sector.
 PAST PAPER PRACTICE:

Q: Study the picture of sugarcane production:

i. Describe the scene. [4]

• bullocks/cattle/buffalo/ox/cow
• traditional/manual labour/man/farmer
• wooden plough/ploughing
• young/small plants
• ratoons
• flat
• dry soil

• uncut crop in background -trees in background

ii. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using tractors instead of animals for work on a
farm? [6]

Advantages
• Faster/quicker/suitable for larger fields
• More efficient/modern/less hard work/do not tire
• Needs fewer workers
• Saves animal feed/land/cost of animals
Disadvantages
• Expensive to buy/few available to buy/imported
• Cost of fuel
• Cost of repair/difficult to repair
• Breakdowns
• Unemployment
• Needs skilled labour
• Compact the ground
• No milk/meat/food etc.
• No dung for fertilizer
• Maintenance/repair facilities may not be locally available
• Cannot use in mountains/fragmented farms

Q: Explain why yields from crops vary year to year? [4]

• Lack of rain
• Timing/ variability of rain -Flooding
• Wind
• Problems of irrigation/shortage of water/silt in canals/reservoirs/mechanical failure
• Build up of salt and waterlogging
• Pests and diseases
• Family problems/sickness/men go to city

Q: What works are done by the animals in subsistence farms? [3]

• Hoeing – to remove weeds, thin seedlings

• Harvesting – cutting the crop
• Milling/grinding/threshing – to remove husks, for flour, by animal walking round
• Transport – of seeds, fertiliser, crop, to field, to market,
• Drawing water – from wells, by shaduf, charsa, by walking round
• Threshing – separating the husk from the seed

Q: Explain why many farmers use HYV (High Yield Varieties) of seed? [4]

• Bigger harvest/heavy crop/double yield/fast growth

• Double cropping/multi-cropping
• Disease/pest resistance
• Drought resistance
• Stronger stems
• Growing population/increased demand
• Government encouragement/incentives
Q: Study the given figure, which shows the areas of cultivation for four main crops in Pakistan.

i. Which crop covers the greatest area? [1]

Wheat
ii. What is the area covered by this crop? [1]
8,450–8500 hectares
iii. Name two other food crops grown in Pakistan not shown on the graph. [2]
• Millet / jawar / bajra / sorghum
• Pulses / mung / mash / grams / masoor Oil seed
• Named fruit e.g. banana / apple / apricot / date / mango / almond / grape Named vegetable e.g.
tomato / cabbage

i. Describe the methods of cultivation of wheat on barani (rain-fed) lands. [5]

• when the rain falls in winter / October-November
• seed sown
• harvested when ripe / after 3–6 months / January–March / 90–120 days ploughing/preparation of
soil
• fertiliser
• pest control / bird scaring / pesticides
• weed control / weeding / hoeing
• allow collection of rainfall in ponds / tanks
• allow levelling of land / terracing / embankments to conserve water
ii. Explain the advantages and disadvantages to wheat farmers of modern irrigation methods such as
perennial canals and tubewells. [5]

Advantages

• Fills rainfall gap / water when needed / reduces dependence on rainfall

• Can be controlled / steady supply (not in heavy showers)
• All year round
• Provides more water / irrigates large lands
• Increases yield
• Double cropping possible
• Needed for HYVs
• Less labour required
• Tubewells can lower the water table / reduce water
• logging and salinity

Disadvantages

• Cost of installation / expensive

• Problems / cost of maintenance / requires fuel or electricity
• Shortages / canals may run dry / competition with other users
• Lack of technology for pumps/wells
• Lack of electricity / power cuts
• Causes waterlogging and salinity + explanation

Prepared and Compiled by:

Sir Adnan Qureshi

0333-2248681

adnanqureshi8096@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/adnan.qureshi.5473