NCERT Class 8 Social Science Resource And Development(Geography): Chapter 4 — Industries
This chapter, "Industries," from NCERT Class 8 Social Science (Resource And Development) explains the concept of secondary activities and manufacturing. It traces the journey of a product, like a notebook, from raw material to finished good, highlighting how value is added at each stage. The chapter defines an industry as an economic activity involving production, extraction, or service provision, giving examples like the iron and steel industry, coal mining, and tourism. It further classifies industries based on raw materials (agro-based, mineral-based, marine-based, forest-based), size (small scale, large scale, cottage), and ownership (private, public, joint, cooperative sectors). Understanding these classifications helps in comprehending the diverse industrial landscape and its contribution to economic development, crucial for CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Resource And Development(Geography) |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Industries |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 641 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of secondary activities and manufacturing.
- Define and identify different types of industries based on raw materials, size, and ownership.
- Trace the process of value addition in manufacturing.
- Recognize the role of industries in economic development.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Changing raw materials into products of more value. |
| Industry | An economic activity concerned with production of goods, extraction of minerals, or provision of services. |
| Agro-based industries | Industries using plant and animal products as raw materials. |
| Mineral based industries | Industries using mineral ores as raw materials. |
| Marine based industries | Industries using products from the sea and oceans as raw materials. |
| Forest based industries | Industries using forest produce as raw materials. |
| Small scale industries | Industries with lesser capital investment, fewer employees, and smaller production volume. |
| Large scale industries | Industries with higher capital investment, more employees, and large production volume. |
| Cottage industries | A type of small scale industry where products are manufactured by hand. |
| Private sector | Industries owned and operated by individuals or a group of individuals. |
| Public sector | Industries owned and operated by the government. |
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Practice questions
- What is the difference between secondary activities and manufacturing? Answer: Secondary activities or manufacturing change raw materials into products of more value to people.
- Define 'Industry'. Answer: Industry refers to an economic activity that is concerned with production of goods, extraction of minerals or the provision of services.
- Name the four types of industries based on raw materials. Answer: Agro based, mineral based, marine based, and forest based industries.
- What distinguishes small scale industries from large scale industries? Answer: Size, capital investment, number of people employed, and volume of production distinguish them. Small scale industries use less capital and technology, while large scale industries use more.
- Give an example of a public sector industry. Answer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is an example of a public sector industry.
Frequently asked questions
What are secondary activities?
Secondary activities, also known as manufacturing, are processes that change raw materials into products with more value.
What is the main purpose of an industry?
An industry is an economic activity focused on producing goods, extracting minerals, or providing services.
What is an example of an agro-based industry?
Cotton textile, food processing, and leather industries are examples of agro-based industries.
How are industries classified by size?
Industries are classified by size into small scale (including cottage industries) and large scale, based on capital, employment, and production volume.
What is the difference between private and public sector industries?
Private sector industries are owned by individuals or groups, while public sector industries are owned and operated by the government.
How does manufacturing add value?
At each stage of manufacturing, raw materials are transformed into intermediate or finished products, increasing their utility and value.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Resource And Development(Geography) — Chapter 4 — Industries. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.