What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. upsc mains 2025 Gs1 model answers
What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words)
Non-farm primary activities are
those economic activities that derive directly from natural resources but are
not related to crop cultivation. They include animal husbandry, fishing,
forestry, mining, quarrying, and gathering of resources. These activities
are largely influenced by India’s diverse physiographic features, as resource
availability varies across regions.
Relation with Physiographic Features (with
Examples):
- Animal
Husbandry (Pastoralism):
- Arid
and Semi-Arid Regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat):
Camel, sheep, and goat rearing suited to sparse vegetation.
- Himalayan
Pastures (J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand):
Yak, sheep, and goat grazing due to alpine meadows.
- Fishing:
- Coastal
Plains (Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh):
Marine fishing thrives due to long coastline, estuaries, and backwaters.
- Inland
Fishing: River systems like the Ganga,
Brahmaputra, and reservoirs support freshwater fisheries.
- Forestry
and Gathering:
- Himalayan
Region: Coniferous forests provide timber,
resin.
- Central
India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha):
Sal, teak, and non-timber forest products (tendu leaves, mahua, lac).
- Northeast
India: Bamboo-based livelihoods due to humid
climate and dense forests.
- Mining
and Quarrying:
- Chhota
Nagpur Plateau: Rich in coal, iron ore, and bauxite.
- Rajasthan:
Marble and sandstone quarrying linked with desert physiography.
Conclusion:
Non-farm primary activities in India are deeply shaped by regional
physiography and resource endowment. From pastoralism in deserts to
forestry in dense forests and fishing along coasts, they highlight how India’s
physical geography sustains diverse livelihoods beyond farming.
Comments
Post a Comment