Economics: The Story of Village of Palampur

Brief Answers

1. Aim of Production

• The aim of production is to produce the goods and services that are desired.

2. Non-Farming Activities in Palampur

• Main activity: Farming
• Other activities (on a limited scale):
  • Small-scale manufacturing
  • Dairy
  • Transport

3. Spread of Electricity

• Most houses have electric connections.
• Electricity powers tube wells in fields.
• Used in various small businesses.

4. Working Capital

• Money required for production to make payments and buy necessities.
• Raw materials and money in hand are considered working capital.

5. Rabi Crops

• Grown in winter, harvested in spring.
• Examples: Potato, wheat, barley, mustard.

6. Kharif Crops

• Sown in rainy season, harvested in autumn.
• Examples: Jawar, bajra, sugarcane, cotton.

Detailed Questions

1. Multiple Cropping vs. Modern Farming Methods

• Multiple Cropping: Growing more than one crop on the same land during a year (e.g., sugarcane with wheat).
• Modern Farming Methods: Use of improved techniques to increase yield, including HYV seeds, insecticides, pesticides, electric tube wells.

2. Green Revolution

• Introduction of high-yielding seed varieties, increased use of fertilizers and irrigation.
• Aimed at making India self-sufficient in food grains.
• Benefited crops: Rice and wheat.
• Initiated in 1960 in Punjab.

3. Non-Farm Production Activities in Palampur

• Dairy: Common among families; milk sold in nearby Raiganj.
• Small-scale Manufacturing: Involves simple methods, less than fifty people engaged.
• Shopkeepers: Trade involves buying from wholesale markets for village sale.
• Transport: Various vehicles connect Palampur to Raiganj.

4. Modern Farming Methods and Green Revolution Effects

• Methods:
  • Multiple cropping
  • Fertilizers and HYV seeds
  • Irrigation
  • Farm machinery
• Harmful Effects:
  • Fertilizers pollute groundwater.
  • Chemical fertilizers kill soil micro-organisms.

5. Promoting Non-Farm Production Activities

• Improve transport systems to increase employment and access to city jobs.
• Promote dairy activities for local welfare.
• Set up cottage industries for local handicrafts.
• Government employment schemes to ensure job opportunities.

6. Modern Farming Inputs

• HYV Seeds: Greater grain yield per plant.
• Irrigation: Use of tube wells.
• Pesticides & Fertilizers: Industrially produced.
• Farm Machinery: Tractors, threshers, harvesters, manufactured in industries.