SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam

Hello Viewers Today’s We are going to Share Assam SEBA Board Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam Question And Answer As Per New Syllabus. The Complete Syllabus of SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam Share with you. SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam Solutions Which you Can Buy PDF Notes NCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography for using direct Download Link Given Below in This Post.

SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam

Today’s We have Shared in This Post SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam PDF Notes with you. SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam Solutions I Hope, you Liked The information About The SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam Question Answer. If you liked SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Textbook Solutions Then Please Do Share this Post With your Friends as Well.

Geography of Assam

PART – II: [GEOGRAPHY]

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS ANSWERS

1. Write briefly about Assam’s land area, population and population density with necessary data. 

Ans: The total land area of Assam is around 78,438 sq lan which covers almost 2.4 per cent of India’s total land area. According to 2011 census, Assam’s population is 312.05 lakh or 31 million which constitutes about 2.6 per cent of the total population of India. Out of this population 159.39 lakh are male and 152.66 lakh are female. Assam had a population density of 42 persons per sq km in 1901 which rose to 398 persons per sq km in 2011. Nearly 85 per cent of Assam’s population lives in the Brahmaputra valley having population density of 403 persons per sq km in 2001 and density of population is as high as 470 persons per sq km as per 2011 census data.

2. Briefly mention how the literacy rate of Assam is increasing. 

Ans: According to 2001 census data, the literacy rate in Assam was just 63,25% which rose to 72.19% in 2011, an increase of more than 10 per cent over a decade. This is a substantial increase.

3. How many first class and second class towns are there in Assam as per 2011 census data? 

Ans: As per 2011 census data, Assam has about 7 first class towns and 6 second class towns. By the term “first class town’, we mean a town with a population of one lakh or more while the ‘second class town’ refers to a town which has a population between 50 thousand to one lakh.

4. Describe the trend of population growth in Assam during 1901-2011. 

Ans: According to the given data, the population of Assam in 1901 was 3 million which constituted about 1.38 per cent of India’s population. After that the population of the state increased and the population reached a figure of 7 million in 1941. This shows that Assam’s population increased by more than two times between 1901 and 1941. But during the post-independence period since 1951, the population of the state increased rapidly due to migration across the border. In the period 1951-61, 1961-71, the population growth was recorded as 34.98% and 34 95% respectively. However in the next decades, ie. 1971-81, 1981-91, 1991-2001, 2001-2011 the population growth slightly declined due to death rate and slight control over migration from Bangladesh. The growth rate in 2001-2011 was only 17.07% while it was over 30% in the decades following independence. Currently the total population of the state is 31 million which was only 3 million in 1901, an increase of ten-fold.

5. Analyze the geographical region-wise distribution of population in Assam. 

Ans: The geographical region-wise distribution of population in Assam with regard to the size and density of population can be explained by dividing the state into three regions: 

(i) The Brahmaputra Valley region: This is one of the most populated regions of Assam which has nearly 85 per cent of the state’s population. The region has a density of 470 persons per sq km as per 2011 census. The density is high due to factors such as favorable climate, plain topography, facilities for easy travel and communication, large number of rivers, etc.

The Brahmaputra valley region is further divided into the following regions:

(a) Upper Brahmaputra Valley: The Upper Brahmaputra Valley has 21 per cent of population while its density is 305 persons per sq km.

(b) Middle Brahmaputra Valley: The Middle Brahmaputra region accounts for 27% of the total population of the valley and its density of population is 59, penons per sq km. 

(c) Lower Brahmaputra Valley: The highest concentration of people is seen in the Lower Brahmaputra Valley which has about 36 per cent of the total population of the valley and its density is 558 persons per sq km. 

(ii) Barak Valley region: According to 2011 census, 11 per cent of the total population of the state lives in this region. This region has a density of 524 persons per sq km as per 2011 census data. This high concentration of population is due to favorable factors such as fertile alluvial soil, favorable climate, facilities of good travel and communication, etc.

(iii) Hill region: This region consists of the two hill districts of the state, namely, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts that are located between the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. About 3.75 per cent of the state’s population lives here with a density of 76 persons per sq km. The main reasons for low population are sparse settlements, inconvenient physiographical conditions, etc.

S.L No.	CONTENTS
	PART – I: HISTORY
Chapter 1	Partition Of Bengal And Swadeshi Movement
Chapter 2	Rise Of Gandhi And The Freedom Movement Of India
Chapter 3	Anti-British Rising And Peasant Revolts In Assam
Chapter 4	Indian Freedom Movement And National Awakening In Assam
Chapter 5	Cultural Heritage Of India And North East Region
	PART – II: GEOGRAPHY
Chapter 6	Economic Geography: Subject Matter And Resource
Chapter 7	Environment And Environmental Problems
Chapter 8	Geography Of The World
Chapter 9	Geography Of Assam
	PART – III: POLITICAL SCIENCE
Chapter 10	Indian Democracy
Chapter 11	International Organization
	PART – III: ECONOMICS
Chapter 12	Money And Banking
Chapter 13	Economic Development

6. Briefly discuss the causes responsible for variation in the distribution of Assam’s population with suitable examples.

Ans: The total population of Assam according to 2011 census is 31 million and it has a population density of 398 persons per sq km. About 85 per cent of this population lives in the Brahmaputra Valley region while the Barak Valley accounts for 11 per cent of the population. The Hill region which consists of the two districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao accounts for 3.75% of the total population of the state. The density of population also varies from region to region. The Brahmaputra Valley region has 470 persons per sq km while the Barak Valley region and Hill region have 524 and 76 persons per sq km respectively. Thus we notice a lot of variations in the distribution of population. 

The main factors responsible for this are: 

(i) Climatic differences.

(ii) Variations in topography.

(iii) Differences in the economic development of the regions. 

(iv) Differences in the development of transport and communication.

(v) Differences in the availability of various resources.

The Brahmaputra Valley supports a high density population because it has plain land, fertile soils and well-developed agriculture and transport. Similar factors are responsible for high population density in the Barak Valley. In contrast, the hill regions of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao have sparse population due to unfavorable topography and other physiographic conditions. According to 2011 census, Kamrup (Metro) district has the highest density of population at 2010 persons per km² while Dima Hasao has a density of only 44 persons per km² which displays how better facilities and opportunities attract more people while economically backward areas coupled with tough physiography are a deterrent to human settlement. 

7. Mention the districts of Assam which have highest population and density and lowest population and density as per 2011 census data. 

Ans: According to 2011 census data, Nagaon district with a population of 2,826,006 is the most populated district in Assam while Dima Hasao with 213,529 people is the least populated district. Whereas the Kamrup (Metro) with 2010 persons per sq km is the most densely populated district while Dima Hasao with 44 persons per sq km is the least densely populated district in the state of Assam. 

8. Analyze briefly the causes responsible for growth of population in Assam. 

Ans: The causes responsible for the growth of population in Assam are:

(i) Natural causes: Natural causes means decline in death rate and increase in birth rate. During the last few decades due to improvement in the availability of medical care, improvement in the standard of living and better economic development, there has been a decline in death rate as well as an increase in birth rate. Both these rates are almost at par with the national death and birth rates.

(ii) Migration: The major cause for the abnormal growth of population in Assam is migration. Though migrants have been coming into Assam since 1826, the flow was more active since the early 1900s. During partition, a large number of Hindu refugees migrated to Assam from the then East Pakistan. From 1951 to 2001, there was an unabated flow of migrants from Bangladesh. The growth rate of Assam’s population was 232% against the national growth rate of 185% during this period. In recent years this has been nominally checked.

9. Mention the different human migration streams sequentially coming to Assam since the ancient times to the present.

Ans: Following are the different human migration streams sequentially coming to Assam since the ancient times to the present:

(i) Austric Group: The first group of people to migrate to Assam belonged to Austric racial stock. They probably came from South-east Asia. The Khasis and the Jaintias who currently inhabit Meghalaya (a state carved out of Assam in 1970s) belong to this group. Some members of this group are found to be living in Karbi Anglong and Dima) Hasao areas bordering Meghalaya. They also include the Jaintia group of Cachar district. 

(ii) Mongoloid group: The second human stream to migrate to Assam was the Mongoloid Tibeto-Burman language speaking group. They came across the Himalayas from Central Asia and settled in different parts of Assam. All the tribal groups except the Khasis and the Jaintias presently residing in Assam belong to this racial stock. These tribes include the plain tribes of Bodo, Mishing, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori, Sonowal, Kachari, Mech and Barmans of Cachar; and the hill tribe of Karbi, Dimasa Kachari, Garo, Kuki, Hmar. Hajong, Rengma Naga and Zeme Naga. They are settled in the plain areas and near the river banks, foothills and hill slopes.

(iii) Aryans: The Indo-Aryan speaking people migrated to Assam soon after the Mongoloid people. The Aryans belonged to the Caucasoid racial stock. At first they were invited by the local kings or administrators. Many came on their own and others were attracted seeing the economic possibilities offered by the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys of the state. The vast majority of the non-tribal groups of people living in Assam belong to the Caucasoid racial stock. Groups like Kalitas, Kayasthas, Brahmins, etc. of the state belong to this group and followed Hinduism. They settled mainly along the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys and established Vedic culture and civilisation in the state.

(iv) Muslim soldiers: During early 13th century, an Islamic group of soldiers of Indo-Aryan origin invaded Assam under Mohammad Bin Bakhtiar Khilji, a Muslim General of Kutubuddin, on their way to conquer Tibet. In subsequent years, there were several invasions undertaken by the Muslim generals under the patronage of the Mughal kings of northern India. Some of these soldiers remained back on their own accord. some were taken prisoners and others were engaged by the local kings and the people in different works. Later these small Muslim settlements grew big and established a significantly large Muslim society in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys.

(v) Ahoms: The next group to reach Assam were the Ahoms who are the most important ethnic group that migrated to Assam. The Ahoms belonged to Mongoloid stock. They came from the Shan Plateau of northern Myanmar under the leadership of Seu-Ka-Pha in 1228. They settled first in upper Assam and established the Ahom kingdom. Later they brought the entire Brahmaputra Valley under their control. Ahoms ruled Assam for around 600 years and greatly contributed to the society and culture of Assam. Ahom settlements are found today in upper and middle Assam.

(vi) Migration during British rule: The British conquered Assam in 1826 and they needed some educated and skilled persons for carrying out the administrative, economic and commercial activities on their behalf. For this purpose, they brought qualified people from Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Nepal, etc. Later when the British introduced tea cultivation in Assam, they brought tribal people from the Chotanagpur plateau of Central India to work in these tea gardens. These tribals belonged to Austria racial stock and spoke the Mundari group of language. These tea tribes are found in upper and middle Assam.

(vii) Migration from Bangladesh: Landless Muslim peasants migrated to Assam from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) even in the last decade of the 19th century before Independence. After August 1947 Hindu refugees migrated from newly created East Pakistan. The Muslim peasants settled in the fertile plains, while the Hindu migrants in business opportunity areas. Migration from Bangladesh continues till date as Assam offers better opportunities.

(viii) Inter-state migration: Due to social, economic and educational reasons many people have migrated to Assam from the other states of India to settle here permanently. These people are mainly from Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, etc.

10. Give the ethnic identity of the Ahoms.

Ans: The Ahoms probably migrated to Assam in the 13th century. They belonged to the Mongoloid racial stock. A group of Ahoms reached the state in 1228 under the leadership of Seu-Ka-Pha. They came to Assam via the Patkai Hills from the Shan Plateau of northern Myanmar. They established themselves in Upper Assam and later conquered the entire state of Assam. The Ahoms ruled the state for almost 600 years and made substantial contribution to Assamese society and culture. They profoundly influenced the religion, society, culture and political identity of the people of the state. The present-day Assamese are mostly descendants of this group. They are found in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Dhubri, Morigaon, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam.

11. Briefly state how the transport system of Assam has been helping the state’s economy. 

Ans: Transport system constitutes one of the important factors of economic development of a nation or a region. It primarily establishes communication and linkage between different parts of a country. It helps exchange of resources, knowledge, culture and civilisation. Therefore, an efficient transport system which consists of roadways, railways, waterways and airways is the lifeline of a nation. The development of various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, industry, trade, communication, etc. greatly depends on the transport system. It is absolutely true with regard to a state like Assam. Assam is fortunate to have vital resources such as extensive land area, good rivers, plain topography, rich resources, immense human potential, etc. All these resources can be developed only with the help of an efficient transport system. Assam stands as the gateway to other states of the north-east. The development of entire north-east is therefore dependent on the transport system of Assam. Various economic goods required for the economy of these states have to be transported through Assam by way of the transport system. This has greatly boosted the economy of the state. Assam stands at the eastern corner of India. It is the transport system which connects this state with rest of India. A lot of economic goods required for the economic development of the state have to be brought from outside the state. Locally produced goods such as tea, oil, natural gas, limestone, etc. are exported with help of the transport system. In other words, the transport system has played a vital role in bringing about the economic development of Assam. 

12. Write a short note on water transport in Assam.

Ans: The water transport system in Assam mainly consists of inland water transport. Assam is blessed with the Brahmaputra and the Barak rivers with their numerous tributaries which account for 32 per cent of the total water resources of India. The 891 km navigable part of Brahmaputra extending from Sadia to Dhubri was declared in 1988 as the second National Waterway of the country while the 121 km navigable part of the Barak river was declared as the sixth National Waterway of the country in 2013. The economic development of entire north-east is greatly dependent on these two waterways. Currently the management of Inland Waterways of Assam is in the hands of two agencies named Central Inland Waterways Corporation and Directorate of Inland Water Transport. These two agencies take care of the ferry system of the state. Pandu near Guwahati is the main port. There are 30 pairs of ferry ghats on the Brahmaputra. At present there are as many as 96 ferry services operating in the rivers Brahmaputra and Barak and their tributaries under IWT. There are also many private ferries and bhoot-bhooty services that transport goods and passengers. 

The inland water transport of Assam has the following advantages as compared to road transport:

(i) Lesser fuel expenditure. 

(ii) No or much lesser air pollution.

(iii) Available to people in areas where road transport is underdeveloped. 

(iv) Plays an important role during natural disasters.

(v) No cost of road construction, maintenance and repair.

(vi) Effectively transports goods and passengers.

13. Mention five major causes which are regarded as hindrance to the development of transport system of Assam.

Ans: Assam has excellent prospects for the development of an efficient transport system, and the need is also great, yet there are several problems which have stood as major hindrances to the development of this sector. 

The causes for the underdevelopment of the transport system in Assam can be put down as below:

(i) Expansion of the transport system is difficult in a topography that features such variety as hills, plateaus, plains, floodplains and wetlands.

(ii) Only a narrow corridor connects Assam to the rest of India through its west, making expansion of the transport network difficult.

(iii) Soil properties in some areas are not suitable for road construction. Moreover, high rainfall in the state damages the roads easily, which as it is are made without use of modern technology. 

(iv) The underdeveloped transport system has led to backwardness in industrial development, and vice versa. 

(v) Tourism industry has not been given enough impetus, which if done can boost the transport sector.

(vi) Assam has not succeeded in being active in national and international trade and consequently the transport system has not been developed. 

(vii) Trade and commerce has suffered major setbacks due to the insurgency problem leading to a fall in national and foreign investment in the state. This too has caused the transport system to suffer.

(viii) The transport system in Assam has seen quantitative expansion but not qualitative. Also all types of transport suffer from lack of operative and technical efficiency. 

(ix) There is lack of coordination among the road, railway, water and air transport mechanisms in the state hindering overall transport development.

(x) Government schemes for transport development and expansion are not executed timely and properly.

Note: Students shall write any five points or as per the requirement of question asked in the examination.

14. What do you mean by the term ‘resource’? What are the major natural resources of Assam?

Ans: The materials which directly or indirectly satisfy human needs and wants are known as resources. Natural resources are those resources which are created in nature by the natural factors. The major natural resources of Assam are:

(i) Land resources: The land of Assam is composed of various types of soils, of which the alluvial soils are an important resource. New alluvial soils are found on the floodplains and river plains of Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. It supports cultivation of rice, jute, pulses and vegetables. Old alluvial soils are found in the higher plains of Brahmaputra and Barak rivers and also being fertile they support cultivation of rice and tea. As per 2009-10 data, 35% of Assam’s land is under cultivation.

(ii) Forest resources: Due to population pressure the forest cover of the state has depleted, yet Assam is relatively rich in forest resources. All types of tropical forests are found here which are a rich habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Valuable tall trees like Nahar, Cham, Sirish, Amari, Simul, etc. and short trees and grasses like Bamboo, Cane, Tora, Koupat, Dhekia, etc. are found. Firewood, wood, thatch, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants etc. are derived from these plant resources. The forests of Assam, including the reserved forests, are a habitat for a wide variety of animals which include the one horned rhinos, elephants, tigers, bears, wild buffaloes, deer, monkeys, reptiles, etc. 34% of Assam’s land is under forest cover and 72% of these forests are reserved forests. There are 5 national parks and 20 wildlife sanctuaries.

(iii) Mineral resources: The rich mineral resources of Assam haven not been fully exploited due to difficult locations and adverse natural environment. The important minerals found here are coal, mineral oil, natural gas and limestone. Major oilfields are at Digboi, Naharkatia, Lakoa, Geleki, Borhola and Amguri. Natural gas reserves are also found in these locations. Coal is found in Makum, Dilly-Jaipur, Charaipung- Tarajan, Koliajan, Umrangchu, Garampani, Singimari regions. Limestone is found in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. Other minerals found in Assam are iron ore, felspar, quartz and clay.

(iv) Water resources: Assam is very rich in both surface and ground water resources. Presence of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers with the tributaries, coupled with high rainfall, and numerous ponds, marshes, wetlands, etc. has enriched Assam giving it one-third of the total water resource of the country. Numerous types of fishes and many aquatic plants are found in the wetlands and marshes. .

15. Name the major oil fields of Assam.

Ans: Digboi oilfield was the first oil field discovered and developed in India and it is situated in the state of Assam. This oil field started production in 1889. Other oil fields developed over the years in the state include Naharkatia, Moran-Hugrijan, Rudrasagar, Lakou, Geleki, Borhola and Amaguri oil fields. 

16. Write briefly about the water resources of Assam.

Ans: Assam is rich in surface and ground water resources due to high rainfall, numerous perennial rivers, thousands of wetlands, etc. The two main rivers, the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, carry huge amount of water. These two rivers with their tributaries amount to almost one-third of the water resources of the country. Besides there are some large and small marshes and ponds all over the state. In fact Assam has more than three thousand wetlands. These water bodies have various types of fish, other aquatic animals and a variety of plants. The surface water of these rivers is used for agricultural and domestic activities and for industrial purposes. These rivers also constitute one of the main modes of transport in the state. The ground water resources are also abundant in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys. In the plains, the range of underground water level is 5 meter from the surface. It is also utilized for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes. However, it is to be noted that water resources are not fully utilized in the state and a lot more can be done in this regard. 

17. What are the causes responsible for degradation of Assam’s natural resources? 

Ans: Usually natural resources of a place are degraded both by natural and human factors.

Unfortunately Assam’s rich natural resources have been degrading due to haphazard use by man. 

The main causes for this are:

(i) The ever growing population which has seen an explosion in the last few decades has led to increase of demand for human settlements and food-crops. This demand been met by clearing forests, filling up wetlands and using fertile agricultural lands, leading to their degradation. 

(ii) Misuse of land has led to land erosion, loss of land fertility, soil pollution etc. 

(iii) Demand for higher food-crop production has led to clearing of forest lands and wetlands and using them for agricultural production.

(iv) Use of Chemical fertilizers to increase crop yield has also led to the natural properties of cropland soils being destroyed. 

(v) Unscientific extraction and overuse of minerals for development of transport, industry and energy sectors is leading the state to face exhaustion of mineral resources soon. 

(vi) Unplanned urbanization and industrialisation has led to pollution of air, water and land resources. 

(vii) Irrational use of natural resources has played a major role in their degradation. 

18. How has the growing population of Axsam put impact on the natural resources?

Ans: Assam has abundant natural resources such as land resources, forest resources, mineral resources and water resources. But these resources are getting depleted at a fast rate. The main reason for this rapid depletion is the immense pressure put on them due to the ever-growing population of the state.

This increasing population has put an impact on the natural resources in the following ways:

(i) Growth of population has led to demand for more settlements. To meet this demand, forests have been cleared, wetlands filled and ever fertile agricultural land occupied, to build human settlements, leading to environment degradation. Resultantly forests, wetlands, marshy lands, etc. are fast disappearing

(ii) High population means more food crops need to be produced. As agricultural lands have been used for human settlements, so more forest lands and wetlands have been used for agriculture. Moreover, the use of chemical fertilizers to increase crop production has led to loss of land fertility, soil pollution, etc. 

(iii) Growing population also means parallel development of transport, industry and energy sectors leading to near exhaustion of non-renewable mineral resources. Air, water and land resources are all under threat of severe pollution unless population pressure is checked.

19. Is the vast population of Assam a burden (problem) on resource of the state? Discuss.

Ans: It is true that the vast population of Assam is a burden (problem) for the state. But right steps to be taken in transforming this vast population into resource instead of regarding this as a problem or burden. The total population of Assam according to 2011 census is about 61 million. It is 2.58 per cent of total population of India. About 73 per cent of population of Assam are educated. The male literacy rate in Assam is 78 per cent, while the female literacy rate is around 67 per cent. It is noteworthy that unlike China or Japan. The population of India including Assam has not become exhausted with aged persons. Around 35 per cent of total population of Assam consist of persons with age range 15 years to 34 years i.e. the number of such people is more than 10 millions. Among the persons of this youth generation there are prospects of intense working capability. In addition to providing general and technical education to the youth generation, positive steps should be taken for the empowerment of women and weak classes of the society, Such steps would make development of human resource possible. Le. In spite of the vast population of Assam is burden (problem) at present, it can be turned into resource by accepting effective planning

20. According to you what steps need to be followed in creating human resource in Assam?

Ans: The steps to be followed in creating human resource in Assam are:

(i) Literacy rate must be improved by taking more measures to spread education in the rural areas and among females. 

(ii) Government should allot more funds for the expansion of education.

(iii) Government must establish more vocational training institutes and industrial training institutes.

(iv) The government with the cooperation of private individuals and companies should start courses for enhancing the employability skills of the youth of the state, by making them efficient in education, intelligence, technical know-how, etc. through proper management.

(v) The government should support the well-qualified youngsters of the state to start businesses of their own. 

(vi) Bright children of the state should be encouraged to take up higher studies. They should be given adequate financial support for this purpose.

(vii) The state government should demand more central universities and technical institutes in the state.

(vii) People from backward sections, differently abled persons and women need to be empowered.

21. Discuss briefly the role of agricultural sector on Assam’s economy. 

Ans: Assam is an agricultural state. The main occupation of the people of the state is agriculture. In fact, over 75 per cent o the total population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture is the foundation of Assam’s economy and the main driving force of the state’s economy. More than 53 per cent of the working population of the state is directly or indirectly engaged in the agricultural sector. Moreover, the main agricultural products like tea, jute, rubber, etc. exported outside the state bring a lot of revenue for the state. Over 50 per cent of the tea produced in the country comes from Assam. This also brings considerable income for the state, Several agro-based industries of the state such as food processing industry, tea industry, paper industry, sugar industry, oilseeds industry, etc. totally depend on agriculture for their survival. In this way, agriculture constitutes one of the main pillars of Assam’s economy. It sustains the state’s economy.

22. What are the agro-climatic regions of Assam? Mention the characteristics of each of them of brief.

Ans: The agro-climatic regions of Assam have been demarcated on the basis of soil types and properties, topographical characteristics, and rainfall and temperature distribution. 

The state has been divided into the six agro-climatic zones as shown below:

Agro-climatic zones	Characteristics
(i)  Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone	(i) Includes ten districts of Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Nalbari, Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang,Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara (ii) Net area cultivated is 9.30 lakhhectares.  (iii) 4.69 lakh hectares or 50.45% of thearea is cultivated more than once.
(ii) North Bank Plain Zone	(i) Covers five districts of Darrang Udalguri, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji.
	(ii) Net area cultivated is 5.37 lakh hectares. (iii) 3.36 lakh hectares or 62.57% of the area is used for more than one cultivation.
(iii) Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone	(i) Covers districts of Nagaon andMorigaon.  (ii) Net area cultivated is 3.28 lakh hectares.  (iii) 0.86 lakh hectares or 26.21% of the area is used for more than one cultivation.
(iv) Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone	(i) Covers districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.  (ii) Area cultivated is 6.20 lakh hectares.  (iii) Area used for more than one cultivation is 1.94 lakh hectares or 31.29% of the total cultivated area.
(v) Barak Valley Zone	(i) Includes the districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi.  (ii ) Net area cultivated is 2.42 lakh hectares.  (iii) Area used for more than one cultivation is 1.02 lakh hectares or 2.51% of the total cultivated land.
(vi) Hill Zone	(i) Covers the districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.  (ii) Net area cultivated is 1.54 lakh hectares. (iii) 1.01 lakh hectares or 65.58% of the area is cultivated more than once.

23. What are the types of rice cultivated in Assam? Briefly write about these. 

Ans: Rice is the staple crop of Assam. It is cultivated in all six agro-climatic zones of the state. The statistics show that in the year 2011-12, 10 types of rice were cultivated in an area of 25.45 lakh hectares and around 50.45 lakh metric tonnes of rice was produced in total. 

The main types of rice cultivated in the state are:

(i) Winter rice: Winter rice (Sali rice) is the most extensively cultivated category of rice in Assam. It is cultivated in over 70 per cent of the total rice growing areas of Assam. It grows very well in the fertile alluvial soils of the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys. It is planted by the plantation method generally in July-August and harvested in November- December.

(ii) Autumn rice: Autumn rice is cultivated in the fertile soils of the plains and in the lower plains of the Brahmaputra Valley. It is cultivated using both sowing and plantation methods in February-March and harvested in June-July. 

(iii) Summer rice: Summer rice (Bodo rice) is cultivated in almost all the districts of Assam. It is cultivated in the low-lying areas during winter months and harvested during summer months of June-July before the floods. This rice is very popular among the farmers living in the flood-affected regions.

24. Why is rice considered as the principal crop in Assam? 

Ans: Rice is considered to be the principal crop in Assam because of the following reasons:

(i) Rice is cultivated in all the six agro-climatic zones of the state. In other words, it is cultivated in all districts of the state. No other crop is cultivated as extensively as rice is.

(ii) Assam has the ideal conditions for growing rice such as suitable climate, plenty of water, fertile soil, flood plains, etc. 

(iii) The net cropped area of Assam was 37.10 lakh hectares (2011-12) of which 25.45 lakh hectares was under rice cultivation. With over 68% of the cropped area under rice, makes rice the principal crop of the state. 

25. What are the pulses cultivated in Assam? 

Ans: The different varieties of pulses cultivated in Assam are blackgram, greengram, lentil, pea, arahar, gram, etc. Pulses were cultivated over 1.32 lakh hectares of cultivated area during 2011-2012 with a total production of 0.76 lakh metric tonnes.

26. Write briefly about jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) carried out in Assam. 

Ans: One of the notable features of the agriculture practiced in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao in Assam is the practice of jhum (shifting) cultivation. It is estimated that around 5452 sq km in Karbi Anglong district and 2597 sq km in Dima Hasao district are under this form of cultivation, Jhum cultivation is a traditional system of cultivation generally practiced by the tribals whereby they clear the forests on the suitable slopes of the hills by burning and cultivate the land for two or three years until the soil loses its fertility. They then leave the place and move to another place for similar cultivation. Jhum cultivation is directly connected with the society, culture and living style of the hill tribes. It is a mixed type of agriculture that fails to give good production. It causes environmental problems like deforestation, soil erosion, air pollution, loss of soil fertility, etc. Moreover, it profoundly affects the ecological balance of nature which in turn leads to natural calamities.

27. What are the major aims of the Assam Industrial and Investment Policy, 2014? 

Ans: The major aims of the Assam Industrial and Investment policy, 2014 are: 

(i) To raise the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Assam by developing the manufacturing and service sectors with the different economic activities. 

(ii) To increase the per capita income and employment opportunities, especially in the rural areas.

(iii) To encourage and increase investment for the development of micro, small and medium industries. 

(iv) To create a large number of skilled personnel.

28. What do you mean by the term ‘service sector industries’? Briefly explain taking examples from Assam. 

Ans: Service sector industries are those industries which earn revenue through providing intangible products and services. Goods produced by the primary and secondary sector industries are brought to the people through tertiary or service sector industries. 

In Assam the following service sector industries are well developed:

(i) Trade.

(ii) Transport and Communication.

(iii) Tourism industry.

(iv) Hotel industry.

(v) Banking and Insurance services.

(vi) All types of business.

(vii) Public administration.

(viii) Medical.

The trade industry is very important in Assam. Tea has played a major role in boosting this industry. The transport and communication industry has received great impetus in the recent years, but it has always been very crucial in Assam as Assam is the gateway to all the other states of the region. Hence roads, railways, airways and telecom industries are all seeing great development. Presence of over 25 national parks and wild life sanctuaries in Assam, ancient religious monuments, the mighty Brahmaputra and many scenic locations makes the state a tourist attraction, and so the state has a developed tourism industry. Tourism and economic position of the state capital Guwahati, has led to the coming up of numerous hotels, including five star category hotels. Similarly the great population of the state has led to the development of all other service industries such as business, banking, insurance, medical, administration, etc. 

29. What are the major agro-based industries of Assam?

Ans: The major agro-based industries of Assam are:

(i) Forestry. 

(ii) Tea industry.

(iii) Silk industry.

(iv) Rubber industry.

(v) Food processing industry.

(vi) Paper industry.

(vii) Allied industries such as fishery, animal husbandry, etc.

30. Write about the tea industry of Assam in brief. 

Ans: Tea industry is considered to be the largest agro-based industry in Assam. It plays a significant role in the economy of the state. It brings in good revenue and provides employment to thousands of people. Tea cultivation flourishes in the state due to ideal climatic and topographical conditions. Assam has about 765 tea estates and over 78,091 small tea gardens. Tea is cultivated over 318 thousand hectares of land and Assam produced about 590 thousand tonnes of tea in 2012. More than 6.86 lakh people are employed on daily basis in the tea industry of Assam. As per Tea Board of India, the small tea growers of Assam cultivate tea in around 88 thousand hectares of land and produce about 107 thousand tonnes of tea. Assam holds the top position in tea production in India by producing 51 to 53 per cent of the tea of the whole country. 

31. State the present status of the fish industry of Assam.

Ans: At present fishery is flourishing in the economic sector of Assam. The state has excellent conditions for the development of fish industry. It has numerous rivers, wetlands, abandoned channels, marshy lands and a good number of smaller water bodies such as pits, ponds, tanks, etc. where fishes are available. Plenty of fish is also naturally available in the wetlands of the Brahmaputra and Barak flood plains. There is no doubt that the production in the sector can be increased by applying scientific methods of fish cultivation. According to the data available, there are about 430 government registered wetlands covering about 60 thousand hectares and another 767 unregistered wetlands covering a total of 40 thousand hectares. Besides, there are abundant tanks, marshy lands, waterbodies which can be used as fishing grounds. It is seen that production of fish seedlings increased by 2.5 times while fish production increased only by 1.5 times during the last ten years. 

During the year 2011-12, district-wise production pattern of fish seeds reveals that Barpeta district is leading followed by Karimganj and Nagaon districts. Figures also reveal that the district of Nagaon leads in the production of fish followed by Cachar and Dhubri which occupy the second and third position in the state respectively. The fishery sector contributes only two per cent to the state domestic product. At present, Assam imports around 0.20 lakh tonnes of fish annually from the other states of the country. However, the production of fish and imported fish together not sufficient to meet the domestic demand. Thus, an annual deficit of 0.52 lakh tonnes of fish in the state has led to rapid increase in the price of fish. 

32. Mention the problems of agricultural development in Assam.

Ans: The problems of agricultural development in Assam are:

(i) People still continue to use traditional methods of cultivation in most parts of the state leading to low production. 

(ii) People of the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao continue to practice jhum cultivation which has serious negative consequences such as deforestation, soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, extremely low production, etc. 

(iii) Existence of small agricultural holdings prevent mechanization of agriculture or the use of modem implements and techniques for cultivation.

(iv) In many places of the state, cultivation can be improved with proper irrigation facilities. The available facilities in this regard are underdeveloped and totally inadequate. 

(v) Rice is the main crop of the state. But most farmers follow the traditional methods of cultivation which result in low production. 

(vi) Floods which occur almost every year in the state often destroy the crops and inundate over 25% of croplands. It leads to river bank erosion which causes loss of fertile agricultural lands. 

(vii) The system of storage of agricultural crops is traditional and inadequate.

(viii) Farmers do not get a fair price for their products and so remain poor. 

(ix) The system of granting agricultural subsidy or providing high yielding varieties of seeds and modem fertilizers are still lacking in the state. Methods related to crop production and crop harvesting are not yet developed.

(x) Granting of agricultural loans is a difficult process in the state. The rural farmers therefore approach the local money lenders who charge them exorbitant rates which ultimately ruin them completely. 

(xi) Due to lack of developed communication and transport system, there is no linkage between villages and the market towns.

(xii) The agricultural sector and agro-based industries are not well integrated and their growth not parallel.

(xiii) Agricultural planning is not in place to protect agricultural activities and farmers during drought, etc.

(xiv) Crop protection and harvesting methods are underdeveloped. 

(xv) Overall infrastructure of the state is poor, obstructing agricultural development.

33. Why is the industrial development in the state still slow?

Ans: Although the state of Assam has abundant reserves of many minerals yet it hasn’t made much headway in industrial development. 

The main reasons for slow industrial development are:

(i) There is a lack of comprehensive and integrated planning for industrial development through proper resource utilization.

(ii) The agro-based industries haven’t made much headway despite good prospects. 

(iii) The transport and communication network in the state developed. 

(iv) The state faces the problem of insufficient funds. 

(v) The people and the youth in particular are not given adequate training in employability or entrepreneurial skills to create an interest in industry establishment.

(vi) The industrial policy of the government is not simple and flexible. 

(vii) Investment in the industrial sector is lacking. Investors from outside are not willing to invest in the state, especially due to insurgency problems.

(viii) Tourism industry despite great potential is not being explored to the full.

(ix) The food processing industry has not grown due to lack of storage and preservation facilities for perishable agro-products. 

(x) In general the whole infrastructure set-up of the state is not conducive to industrial development.

34. Mention the problems of tourism industry of Assam. 

Ans: The problems of tourism industry of Assam are: 

(i) Inadequate capital investment in this sector both by government and private parties.

(ii) Underdeveloped transport system.

(iii) Lack of proper planning and development of tourist sites.

(iv) Poor infrastructure facilities beyond the capital city. 

(v) Very little publicity about the tourist avenues of the state.

(vi) Lack of air travel facilities to different parts of the state.

(vii) Fear of travel to Assam caused by insurgency problem. 

35. What are the prospects of economic development of Assam? 

Ans: The state of Assam is rich in many resources. It has adequate land, forest, mineral and human resources. It has extensive plains, big rivers, large areas of forest, vast flood plains, numerous wetlands, long stretches of low-lying mountain slopes, etc. All of these, if properly developed, can boost economic development of the state.  The state is rich in mineral resources such as coal, oil, natural gas and limestone. These resources, if adequately utilized and developed, can bring about high industrial development in the state. 

The agro-based industries such as tea industry, rubber industry, paper industry, jute industry, food processing industry, etc. have great potential to develop. However, these industries can flourish only in an atmosphere of government support, peaceful environment and people’s cooperation, which the state lacks today. 

It is a fact that the vast human potential of the state is not fully developed. There are about 10 million young people in the age group of 15-34 of the 31 million people in the state. Their potential has not been fully tapped. They can be made more efficient by providing employability skills, vocational training and proper direction during their course of studies. The state needs to focus on vocationalisation of school education and create many more institutions of higher economic development. This is possible with clear-cut planning, better investment, peaceful learning in the state. 

In this manner, all the available resources of the state should be utilized to bring about better atmosphere, efficient government, active people’s participation and by democratic functioning at the grassroot level.

Read Also: Alternative English Class 12 Solution – 2024 | [Updated New Syllabus]

We Hope the given SEBA Class 10 Social Science Geography Question Answer will help you. If you Have any Regarding Assam SEBA Board Class 10 Social Science Geography Notes PDF download, drop a comment below and We will get back to you at the earliest.