NCERT Class 12 Geography India -People And Economy: Chapter 3 — Land Resources and Agriculture
This chapter, "Land Resources and Agriculture," from NCERT's Class 12 Geography textbook "India - People and Economy," explores the diverse uses of land as a resource for production, residence, and recreation. It details land-use categories maintained by land revenue departments, including forests, barren and wastelands, non-agricultural uses, permanent pastures, miscellaneous tree crops, culturable wasteland, current fallow, fallow other than current fallow, and net sown area. The chapter also discusses land-use changes in India, influenced by economic activities, population growth, and technological advancements. It highlights the increasing pressure on land, especially agricultural land, due to the faster growth of secondary and tertiary sectors and the declining share of agriculture in GDP compared to its population dependency. This chapter helps students understand the complexities of land utilization and its impact on India's economy and society.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | India -People And Economy |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Land Resources and Agriculture |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 5 minutes |
| Word count | 910 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and differentiate various land-use categories in India.
- Understand the factors influencing land-use changes.
- Analyze the pressure on agricultural land in developing economies.
- Explain the difference between geographical area and reporting area.
- Recognize the role of land as a resource for economic activities.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reporting area | The total area for which land-use records are maintained by the land revenue department. |
| Barren and Wastelands | Land unsuitable for cultivation with available technology, including deserts and ravines. |
| Non-agricultural Uses | Land used for settlements, infrastructure, and industries. |
| Common Property Resources | Land owned by village panchayats or government, used for grazing. |
| Culturable Wasteland | Land left uncultivated for over five years, improvable for cultivation. |
| Current Fallow | Land left uncultivated for one agricultural year or less. |
| Fallow other than Current Fallow | Cultivable land left uncultivated for more than one but less than five years. |
| Net Area Sown | The physical area where crops are sown and harvested. |
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Practice questions
- What is the difference between geographical area and reporting area? Answer: Geographical area is measured by the Survey of India and is fixed, while reporting area is based on land revenue records and can change.
- Name two types of land that fall under 'Barren and Wastelands'. Answer: Barren hilly terrains and desert lands are examples of barren and wastelands.
- What is 'Net Area Sown'? Answer: Net Area Sown refers to the physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested.
- Why does the pressure on agricultural land not decline significantly even when its contribution to GDP decreases? Answer: This is because the share of population dependent on agriculture declines much slower than its GDP share, and the agricultural sector has to feed an increasing population.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which organization is responsible for measuring the geographical area of administrative units in India?
Explanation: The Survey of India is responsible for measuring the geographical area of administrative units in India.
Q2. Land under orchards and fruit trees is included in which category?
Explanation: The category 'Miscellaneous Tree Crops and Groves' includes land under orchards and fruit trees.
Q3. Land left uncultivated for more than five years is classified as:
Explanation: Any land left fallow for more than five years is included in the category of Culturable Wasteland.
Q4. Which sector usually grows much faster than the primary sector in developing countries, leading to land-use changes?
Explanation: The secondary and tertiary sectors typically grow faster than the primary sector in developing economies, causing a shift in land use.
Q5. Common Property Resources, often used for grazing, are typically owned by:
Explanation: Land under permanent pastures and grazing lands is often owned by the village 'Panchayat' or the Government.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main land-use categories mentioned in the NCERT Class 12 Geography chapter?
The chapter details categories like Forests, Barren and Wastelands, Non-agricultural Uses, Permanent Pastures, Miscellaneous Tree Crops, Culturable Wasteland, Current Fallow, Fallow other than Current Fallow, and Net Area Sown.
How does the economy's size affect land use?
As the economy grows, pressure on land increases, leading to marginal lands being brought under use.
What is the significance of 'Culturable Wasteland'?
Culturable Wasteland is land left uncultivated for over five years that can be improved for cultivation through reclamation practices.
Why is land classified as 'Non-agricultural Uses'?
This category includes land used for settlements (rural and urban), infrastructure like roads and canals, and industries.
What is the difference between 'Current Fallow' and 'Fallow other than Current Fallow'?
'Current Fallow' is land left uncultivated for one agricultural year or less, while 'Fallow other than Current Fallow' is uncultivated for more than one but less than five years.
What causes an increase in land under 'Non-agricultural Uses'?
An expansion in secondary and tertiary economic activities generally leads to an increase in land used for non-agricultural purposes.
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NCERT Class 12 Geography — India -People And Economy — Chapter 3 — Land Resources and Agriculture. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.