Basic Agriculture Student Handbook, Class X

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy, as we are growing hundreds of cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruits and vegetables. In addition, rearing of milch animals, fishes, honeybees and silk worms has become an integral part of our economy. By virtue of hard work of the Agricultural Scientists and farmers, we have attained green revolution, white revolution, brown revolution and golden revolution. Now, we are talking of rainbow revolution and it is hoped that we are approaching towards it with great sincerity and the day is not far when we will achieve it. Now, mushroom growing, honeybee rearing (Apiculture), sericulture, aquaculture, dairying, piggery, ornamental fish culture, processing of fruits and vegetables are few important areas where our policy makers and planners are giving utmost attention. Therefore, our students should have some preliminary knowledge on these aspects. Considering the importance of Agriculture, CBSE has introduced some preliminary courses entitled ‘Basic Agriculture’ for class X students under NSQF. So that students could understand something about Agriculture at entry level. This course has been introduced with the following objectives: u To create awareness about cereals, pulses, oilseed crops, important fruits, vegetables and flowers. u To create awareness about various breeds of animals, poultry, fushes and their importance. u To impart knowledge about package of practices for growing various crops. u To impart basic knowledge on major insect-pests and diseases of various crops, animals and measures to protect them by various means. u To create awareness about post-harvest management, value addition and its importance in our daily life. u To provide basis knowledge on entrepreneurship skill in different Agri-Business. I am fully confident that after getting basic knowledge, students will get several ideas and opportunities which Agriculture can offer them in their future life. They can also think of joining this sector in their future life and can develop themselves as successful entrepreneurs in several such areas