Question

Write about land-use patterns in India.

Answer 1

Instructions: Describe in brief the 6 land-use patterns in India.

Solution:

• Net sown area:
  • 46% of the total land area in India is net sown area.
  • This part of the land is used to grow crops E.g.- Wheat fields, paddy fields.
• Land not under cultivation:
  • 14% of the total land area in India is not cultivable which means it is not used for agriculture.
  • This area is used to build cities and settlements, roads, railways,rivers etc
• Fallow land:
  • 8% of the total land area in India is Fallow land
  • This land is used for agriculture but is left without agriculture for 1-5 years. It is done to get back soil fertility.
• Cultivateable wasteland:
  • 5% of the total land area in India is a cultivable wasteland.
  • This land is suitable for agriculture but it is not used for it due to various reasons like soil erosion, lack of water etc
  • Land under plants and pastures: 4% of the total land area in India is land under plants and pastures
  • The pastures are used to graze cattle
• Land under forest:
  • 22% of the total land area in India is under forest. It should be at least 33%. Therefore, cutting down forests should be strictly prohibited.