NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 19 — A Seed Tells a Farmer’s Story
This chapter, "A Seed Tells a Farmer's Story," from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' is narrated by a small bajra seed. It recounts its life starting from 1940 in Vangaam, Gujarat, detailing the farmer Damjibhai's practices of storing seeds from good crops in a wooden box with neem leaves for protection. The story highlights the communal farming practices, festive celebrations after harvest, and the preparation of 'undhiya,' a special vegetable stew cooked in a clay pot. It also touches upon farmers growing various crops, selling surplus to city shopkeepers, and families spinning cotton for cloth. The chapter encourages students to explore local farming traditions, festivals, and food practices, connecting them to the agricultural heritage and the importance of seed preservation. This narrative helps students understand the farmer's life, crop cycles, and traditional food preparation methods.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 19 — A Seed Tells a Farmer’s Story |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 565 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of seed preservation and storage.
- Learn about traditional farming practices and community participation.
- Discover traditional Gujarati food preparation, such as 'undhiya'.
- Recognize the connection between farming, seasons, and festivals.
- Appreciate the farmer's life and contribution to food production.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bajra | Millet, a type of grain. |
| Vangaam | A village in Gujarat, mentioned as the seed's birthplace. |
| Lauki | Gourd, used for storing seeds. |
| Undhiya | A traditional Gujarati dish, a mixed vegetable stew cooked upside down. |
| Chulha | A traditional wood or dung-fired stove. |
| Charkha | A spinning wheel used for spinning cotton into thread. |
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Practice questions
- What did Damjibhai use to store the bajra seeds? Answer: Damjibhai made a strong wooden box to store the seeds.
- What is 'undhiya' and how is it cooked? Answer: 'Undhiya' is a Gujarati dish of vegetables cooked in a clay pot sealed and placed between hot coals, cooked upside down.
- How did farmers protect their stored grains from insects? Answer: Farmers stored grains in dried gourds coated with mud, and Damjibhai used neem leaves in his wooden box.
- What is a 'charkha' used for? Answer: A 'charkha' is a spinning wheel used to make cloth from cotton.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main story of Chapter 19, 'A Seed Tells a Farmer's Story'?
The chapter is narrated by a bajra seed, telling the story of its farmer, Damjibhai, his family, farming practices, seed storage, and traditional food preparation in Gujarat since 1940.
Where did the bajra seed come from?
The bajra seed was born in Vangaam, Gujarat.
How did Damjibhai protect the seeds?
He stored them in a strong wooden box and added neem leaves to protect them from insects.
What is 'undhiya'?
'Undhiya' is a special Gujarati dish made from vegetables cooked slowly in a clay pot sealed and placed between hot coals, often called 'upside down'.
What did farmers grow besides grains and vegetables?
Some farmers also grew cotton, which was then spun into cloth at home using a charkha.
Why is it important for farmers to keep seeds from good crops?
Keeping seeds from good crops ensures a good harvest in the following years, passing on quality seeds from one generation to another.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 19 — A Seed Tells a Farmer’s Story. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.