NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 14 — Basva's Farm
This chapter, "Basva's Farm," from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' introduces Basva, a young boy whose father is a farmer in Karnataka. The narrative follows the process of preparing the field for onion cultivation in July. Basva describes how his father uses a 'Khunti' to loosen the soil and the traditional method of sowing seeds using bullocks and a 'Kurige.' The chapter highlights the importance of sowing the right amount of seeds at regular intervals, a skill Basva is eager to learn but is told he needs to wait until he is older. It also touches upon the appearance of weeds along with the onion sprouts, indicating the challenges in farming. This chapter helps students understand agricultural practices and the role of farmers.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — Basva's Farm |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 320 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic steps involved in preparing a field for sowing crops.
- Identify traditional farming tools like Khunti and Kurige.
- Learn about the process of sowing seeds and the importance of correct spacing.
- Recognize the role of animals and farmers in agriculture.
- Differentiate between crops and weeds.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Farmer | A person who cultivates land or raises crops and animals. |
| Cultivating | To prepare and use land for growing crops. |
| Sow | To plant seeds in the ground. |
| Khunti | An iron rod used to dig and loosen the soil. |
| Bullocks | Castrated male cattle, often used as draft animals in farming. |
| Kurige | An implement pulled by bullocks for sowing seeds. |
| Sprout | To begin to grow, especially a plant shoot emerging from a seed. |
| Weeds | Wild plants growing where they are not wanted, competing with crops. |
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Practice questions
- What is the name of the implement used in Basva's area to loosen the soil? Answer: Khunti
- What crop is Basva's father preparing to sow? Answer: Onion
- What animals are used to pull the Kurige for sowing seeds? Answer: Bullocks
- Why does Basva's father say he needs to wait to sow seeds himself? Answer: Because he might drop too many seeds in one place or not at a regular distance.
- What else starts to grow in the field along with the onion plants? Answer: Weeds
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 4 EVS Chapter 14?
The chapter 'Basva's Farm' discusses the process of farming, specifically sowing onion seeds, and introduces traditional tools and methods used by farmers.
Where does Basva live?
Basva lives in Belvanika village in Karnataka.
What is a Khunti used for in farming?
A Khunti is an iron rod used to dig the soil, loosen it, and make it soft for sowing.
How are seeds sown in Basva's village?
Seeds are sown using an implement called a Kurige, which is pulled by bullocks, with the farmer sprinkling the seeds.
What are weeds?
Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in fields and compete with the main crop.
Why is it important to sow seeds at a regular distance?
Sowing seeds at a regular distance ensures that each plant gets enough space, nutrients, and sunlight to grow properly, preventing overcrowding.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 14 — Basva's Farm. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.