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
4. Most Important Questions Class 9 Biology Chapter 12
5. Approach to Solve Questions of Class 9 Biology Chapter 12

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).

Subject wise NCERT Solutions

• NCERT solutions for class 9 Maths
• NCERT solutions for class 9 Science

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

• NCERT Exemplar Class 9 Maths solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Class 9 Science solutions

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.

Most Important Questions Class 9 Biology Chapter 12

Improvement in Food Resources is a crucial NEET foundation and board exam chapter describing how food can be improved by improving agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and resources. It contains very essential points such as improvement in crop variety, crop production and protection methods, nutrient management, and the contribution of livestock and fisheries to food resources. If this chapter is understood, then it is very easy to be questioned on mixed cropping, crop rotation, sustainability, apiculture, and fish culture, and therefore, conceptual understanding along with good marks becomes essential.

Question: What is the primary goal of crop improvement?

a) Reduce fertiliser consumption

b) Improve shelf life

c) Improve yield and quality

d) Encourage organic farming

Answer: Improve yield and quality

Question: Which of the following is a macronutrient that plants need?

a) Zinc

b) Copper

c) Nitrogen

d) Boron

Answer: Nitrogen

Question: Which method is employed to obtain high-yielding varieties in crops?

a) Cloning

b) Hybridisation

c) Grafting

d) Pruning

Answer: Hybridisation

Question: Which group encompasses poultry, dairy, and fisheries?

a) Agriculture

b) Horticulture

c) Animal husbandry

d) Sericulture

Answer: Animal husbandry

Question: What is the primary function of manure in agriculture?

a) To kill pests

b) To increase water retention

c) To enhance soil fertility

d) To offer genetic resistance

Answer: To enhance soil fertility

Question: What is crop rotation?

Answer: Crop rotation refers to the cultivation of various crops on the same land in a systematic order to preserve soil fertility and avoid pest and disease accumulation.

Question: Define mixed cropping.

Answer: Mixed cropping refers to the farm practice of producing two or more crops at once on the same plot to decrease the risk of crop failure and improve productivity.

Question: What is the role of fertilisers in crop production?

Answer: Fertilisers are nutrient-dense chemical materials that contain high concentrations of elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and aid in faster plant development and enhanced crop production.

Question: Differentiate between manure and fertiliser.

Answer: Manure is an organic, natural material derived from decomposed plant matter and animal waste. Fertilisers are manufactured, inorganic chemicals with high nutrient levels. Manure enhances soil texture, fertilisers provide instant nutrient intake.

Question: Why is beekeeping (apiculture) done?

Answer: Beekeeping is done for honey production and also for pollination. It serves to raise crop output through improving the process of pollination by bees.

Approach to Solve Questions of Class 9 Biology Chapter 12

This chapter contains a combination of direct, conceptual, and application-based questions. To prepare effectively:

• Study the NCERT and Exemplar well for understanding crop variety improvement methods, crop production and protection methods, nutrient management, and the role of animal husbandry and fisheries in food security.
• Practice sketching and labelling diagrams of agricultural practices such as crop rotation, mixed cropping, compost pits, and buildings related to poultry farming, fishery systems, and vermicomposting.
• Remember the manures and fertilisers, crop classification according to seasons, characteristics of high-yielding varieties, and important terms such as intercropping, bio-pesticides, apiculture, and aquaculture.
• Fill in all the exemplar questions with a focus on contrasts of organic and inorganic farm practices, cropping system types, plant nutrient sources, and scientific practices yielding more while maintaining sustainability.

Chapter-Wise NCERT Class 9 Notes Science