question_answer

  Compare the diagrams given below and find out the land use category which had the highest increase during the period 1960-61 to 2002-03 and the category which had the highest decrease during the period. Give one major reason for each.                     

Answer:

                    The highest increase was in 'Current Fallow' category and the highest decrease was in 'Barren and Waste land' category. The 'Current Fallow' category represents cropped areas which are kept fallow during the current year. It is discouraging to note that in spite of massive efforts made by the government to increase agricultural production, the area under 'Current Fallow', instead of decreasing, has increased. This is probably due to changed crop practices since ushering of the Green Revolution. The decline in barren and  waste land can essentially be attributed to the increase in area under non-agricultural use due to massive urbanisation and development of roads, railways, canals, etc.