✅ SECTION D — ESSAY TYPE QUESTIONS (ENGLISH, ~250 Words Each)

Q15. Analyse any four characteristics of modern large-scale manufacturing industries.

Answer (Approx. 250 words):
Modern large-scale manufacturing industries have several defining characteristics that distinguish them from traditional production systems.

• Capital-intensive production: These industries require heavy investment in machinery, technology, and infrastructure. Automated systems and advanced machines enhance productivity and reduce human error.
• Mechanization and specialization: Modern industries rely heavily on machines for processes such as assembly, packaging, and quality control. Workers are trained in specialized tasks, improving efficiency and output.
• Large-scale production: Goods are produced in massive quantities to meet global demand. Economies of scale reduce cost per unit, allowing industries to compete in international markets.
• Scientific and technological innovation: Research and development (R&D) form the backbone of modern industries. Continuous improvements in product design, materials, and production processes help maintain competitiveness.
Additionally, modern industries integrate global supply chains, maintain stringent quality standards, and adopt environment-friendly technologies to reduce pollution. They are commonly located in industrial clusters with access to power, transport, and skilled labour. Thus, modern large-scale manufacturing is characterized by advanced technology, efficiency, specialization, and global market orientation.

Explanation:
Capital investment, mechanization, large output, and R&D are core features of modern manufacturing.

OR

How many types of industries are there on the basis of size? Discuss in detail.

Answer (Approx. 250 words):
Industries classified on the basis of size fall into three categories: small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale industries.

• Small-scale industries operate with limited capital, labour, and machinery. They produce goods like handicrafts, garments, and household items. These industries generate local employment and rely on simple technology.
• Medium-scale industries bridge the gap between small and large units. They use moderate capital and semi-automatic machinery. Examples include food processing units, chemical plants, and engineering workshops.
• Large-scale industries involve high capital investment, sophisticated machinery, and a large workforce. They include steel plants, automobile factories, petrochemical complexes, and textile mills. These industries produce goods on a mass scale for national and international markets.
Large-scale industries depend on advanced technology and play a central role in economic development. In contrast, small-scale industries promote regional balance and entrepreneurship. Together, these three categories create a diversified industrial structure that supports both economic growth and employment generation.

Explanation:
Industries of different sizes contribute differently to production, employment, and economic development.

Q16. Describe any four problems of Indian agriculture.

Answer (Approx. 250 words):
Indian agriculture faces several persistent challenges.

• Small and fragmented landholdings: Due to inheritance laws, land is divided among family members, resulting in tiny plots that reduce productivity and limit the use of modern machinery.
• Dependence on monsoon: A large part of Indian farmland still relies on rainfall. Irregular monsoons lead to droughts or floods, affecting crop output and farmer income.
• Low technological adoption: Many farmers lack access to quality seeds, fertilizers, irrigation facilities, and modern tools. Limited awareness and financial constraints slow down agricultural modernization.
• Inadequate infrastructure: Poor rural roads, insufficient storage facilities, and lack of cold chains make it difficult for farmers to market their produce effectively.
Additionally, issues such as soil degradation, water scarcity, pest attacks, and fluctuating market prices worsen farmers’ conditions. Addressing these problems requires investment in irrigation, technology, infrastructure, credit availability, and crop insurance. Improving these areas can significantly enhance productivity and sustainability of Indian agriculture.

Explanation:
Land fragmentation, monsoon dependency, low technology use, and weak infrastructure hinder agricultural growth.

OR

Describe any four types of Indian agriculture.

Answer (Approx. 250 words):
India practices a wide variety of agricultural systems due to its diverse climate and soils.

• Intensive subsistence farming: Common in densely populated areas, it uses high labour input on small landholdings to produce food grains like rice and wheat.
• Commercial farming: This includes cash crop cultivation such as cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee, and rubber. It relies on modern technology, irrigation, fertilizers, and mechanization.
• Shifting cultivation: Practiced mainly in northeastern states, farmers clear forests, burn vegetation, and cultivate land temporarily before moving to another patch. Locally known as jhum, it suits hilly terrain.
• Plantation agriculture: Large estates grow single crops like tea, coffee, rubber, and coconut. This type of farming is capital-intensive, uses migrant labour, and produces mainly for export.
These systems reflect India’s agricultural diversity, shaped by climate, topography, and socio-economic conditions.

Explanation:
India’s agriculture ranges from small subsistence farming to large commercial plantations and shifting cultivation.