NCERT Class 8 Social Science Resource And Development(Geography): Chapter 3 — Agriculture
This chapter introduces the concept of agriculture as a primary economic activity. It explains the three types of economic activities: primary (extraction and production of natural resources like agriculture, fishing), secondary (processing of resources like manufacturing steel, baking bread), and tertiary (services like transport, banking). Agriculture, defined as the science and art of cultivation and livestock rearing, is vital for livelihoods, with 50% of the world's population and two-thirds of India's population dependent on it. Favourable topography, soil, and climate are crucial for agriculture, with arable land being where crops are grown. The chapter also briefly touches upon related terms like sericulture, pisciculture, viticulture, and horticulture, and introduces the farm system concept.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Resource And Development(Geography) |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Agriculture |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 364 |
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities.
- Define agriculture and understand its significance.
- Identify factors favourable for agricultural activities.
- Recognize different types of agricultural practices and related terms.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | The science and art of cultivation on the soil, raising crops and rearing livestock; also called farming. |
| Primary activities | Activities connected with the extraction and production of natural resources. |
| Secondary activities | Activities concerned with the processing of natural resources. |
| Tertiary activities | Activities that provide support to primary and secondary sectors through services. |
| Arable land | The land on which crops are grown. |
| Sericulture | Commercial rearing of silk worms. |
| Pisciculture | Breeding of fish in specially constructed tanks and ponds. |
| Viticulture | Cultivation of grapes. |
| Horticulture | Growing vegetables, flowers and fruits for commercial use. |
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Practice questions
- What are the three types of economic activities? Answer: Primary, secondary, and tertiary activities.
- Define agriculture. Answer: Agriculture is the science and art of cultivation on the soil, raising crops and rearing livestock.
- What is arable land? Answer: Arable land is the land on which crops are grown.
- Give an example of a primary activity and a secondary activity. Answer: Primary activity: Agriculture. Secondary activity: Manufacturing of steel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of the word 'agriculture'?
The word 'agriculture' is derived from Latin words 'ager' or 'agri' meaning soil and 'culture' meaning cultivation.
What are primary economic activities?
Primary activities include all those connected with extraction and production of natural resources, such as agriculture, fishing, and gathering.
What are secondary economic activities?
Secondary activities are concerned with the processing of natural resources, like manufacturing of steel or baking of bread.
What are tertiary economic activities?
Tertiary activities provide support to the primary and secondary sectors through services like transport, trade, and banking.
How much of India's population is dependent on agriculture?
Two-thirds of India's population is still dependent on agriculture.
What is sericulture?
Sericulture is the commercial rearing of silk worms.
What is pisciculture?
Pisciculture is the breeding of fish in specially constructed tanks and ponds.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Resource And Development(Geography) — Chapter 3 — Agriculture. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.