NCERT Class 9 Science Chapter 15 Notes Improvement In Food Resources- Download PDF Notes

NCERT Class 9 Science Chapter 12 Notes Improvement In Food Resources: Food is a basic necessity for human existence, and it contains the nutrients required for growth, development, and general well-being in the form of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Most of our food comes from agriculture and animal rearing, which are the pillars of food production.

This Story also Contains

1. Agricultural Practices and Crop Yield Improvement
2. Methods for Improving Crop Production
3. Animal Husbandry

With the increasing human population, the demand for food production is on the rise. But the land available for agricultural purposes is scarce. Thus, increasing the efficiency of food production using advanced methods and sustainable measures is essential. These NCERT Notes for Class 9 Science addresses different ways of crop improvement, nutrient management, grain storage, and advances in animal husbandry, which help to increase food production.

Also, students can refer to:

• NCERT solutions for class 9 science chapter 12 improvement in food resources.
• NCERT exemplar for class 9 science chapter 12 improvement in food resources.

Agricultural Practices and Crop Yield Improvement

Food production is facilitated by agriculture. To address the growing demand for food, a number of agricultural enhancements have been brought forth, such as:

Crop Types

Various crop types are grown to satisfy different nutritional needs:

• Grains (e.g., wheat, rice, maize) offer carbohydrates.
• Legumes (e.g., gram, lentils, kidney beans) contain proteins.
• Oil crops (e.g., mustard, groundnut, sunflower) offer fats.
• Vegetables, fruits, and spices contain vital vitamins and minerals.
• Fodder crops (such as berseem, oats, Sudan grass) are fed to livestock.

Types of Crops According to Seasons

Kharif Crops (Monsoon crops): Cultivated during the rainy season between June and October (such as rice, soybean, pigeon pea, maize, cotton, green gram, black gram).

Rabi Crops (Winter crops): Cultivated in the winter season between November and April (such as wheat, gram, peas, mustard, linseed).

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Methods for Improving Crop Production

Crop production can be improved through:

Crop Variety Improvement

Improved crop varieties can increase productivity, pest resistance, and environmental adaptability. Such varieties are achieved through:

• Hybridization: Inter-varietal, interspecific, and intergeneric crossing of genetically different plants of a variety.
• Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: Plants developed with biotechnology to achieve higher yields, pest resistance, and enhanced adaptability.

Goals of Crop Variety Improvement:

• Increased yield
• Improved quality
• Pest and disease resistance
• Adaptation to abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) stress factors
• Reduced maturation period

Crop Production Management

Production methods employed by farmers vary with their financial status. On cost basis, crop production can be divided into:

No-cost production – Conventional practices involving no additional expenditure.

Low-cost production – Utilization of natural resources with lesser investment.

High-cost production – Sophisticated technology and intensive cultivation.

Nutrient Management

Plants receive their nutrients from soil, air, and water. There are 16 essential nutrients required for plant growth, out of which 13 are absorbed as mineral ions from the soil.

Macronutrients (needed in large quantities): Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur.

Micronutrients (needed in small quantities): Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum, Chlorine.

To improve the fertility of soil, nutrients are provided in the form of:

Manure

• Made up of decomposed animal excreta and plant waste.
• Enhances the structure of soil and its water-holding capacity.

Manure types:

Compost & Vermicompost: Microbe or earthworm-decomposed organic waste.

Green Manure: Leguminous plants mulched and returned to the soil to supply nitrogen and phosphorus.

Fertilizers

• Commercial fertilizers plant nutrients in the form of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
• Overuse leads to soil degradation and water body eutrophication.

Irrigation Methods

Water supply is essential for plants. The following irrigation systems are employed:

• Wells and tube wells
• Canal irrigation
• River lift systems
• Tank irrigation
• Check dams for rainwater harvesting

Cropping Patterns

• Mixed Cropping: Producing two or more crops together to avoid complete crop failure.
• Intercropping: Alternating various crops in rows to use soil nutrients optimally.
• Crop Rotation: Cultivating different crops in a rotation to restore soil fertility.

Crop Protection Management

Weeds, pests, and diseases impact agricultural productivity. Protection measures include:

• Weed Control: Destruction by weedicides, manual destruction, intercropping, and crop rotation.
• Pest Control: Appropriate use of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides)
• Biological Control: Utilizing natural predators against pests.

Storage of Grains

• Grain storage should be properly done to avoid damage from:
• Insects, rodents, fungi, mites, bacteria
• Moisture and temperature changes

Precautions include:

• Proper drying prior to storage
• Use of airtight containers
• Fumigation using pest-control chemicals

Chapter-Wise NCERT Class 9 Notes Science

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Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry constitutes cattle farming, poultry farming, fish production, and beekeeping to supply the demand for milk, eggs, and meat.

Cattle Farming

• Milch Cattle (e.g., Red Sindhi, Sahiwal) for milk.
• Draught Cattle (e.g., buffaloes, bulls) for farm work.
• Crossbreeding: Mixing local and exotic breeds to enhance milk production and disease resistance.
• Sufficient Shelter and Nutrition: Properly ventilated sheds and well-nourishing feed enhance productivity.

Poultry Farming

• Crossbreeding local birds (e.g., Aseel) and exotic birds (e.g., Leghorn) enhances egg and meat production.
• Broilers are provided a high-protein diet and maintained in a clean environment.

Fish Production

• Capture Fishing: Harvesting fish from natural water bodies.
• Culture Fishing (Aquaculture): Raising fish in controlled environments.
• Marine Fisheries: Cultivation of fish such as pomfret, tuna, and sardines.
• Inland Fisheries: Freshwater and brackish water fisheries.

Beekeeping (Apiculture)

Honey bees yield honey and wax, which have commercial and medicinal uses.

Common bee species:

• Apis cerana (Indian bee)
• Apis dorsata (Rock bee)
• Apis mellifera (Italian bee) – used for commercial production of honey

Pasturage (availability of flowers) decides the quality and flavor of honey.

Improving food resources through advanced agricultural techniques, efficient nutrient management, and sustainable animal husbandry practices is essential for meeting the growing demand for food. The adoption of modern scientific techniques and eco-friendly farming methods ensures food security while maintaining ecological balance.

Chapter-Wise NCERT Class 9 Notes Science