Q.Study the map showing areas of ‘extensive commercial grains farming’ carefully and answer questions that follow : (The world political map marks two shaded areas of extensive commercial grain farming – area (A) in the interior plains of North America and area (B) in the Eurasian steppe / Europe-Asia region.) (18.1) Write the geographical name of the area marked as (A) (18.2) Name any two major crops grown in the region (A) (18.3) Explain the agricultural importance of the area marked as (B) [Visually Impaired alternative in lieu of Q.18: Explain the main characteristics of ‘extensive commercial grain farming’ in the world.]
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Extensive commercial grain farming is characterized by large farms, high mechanization, and a focus on a single crop, primarily wheat, for export, typically found in temperate grasslands like the North American Prairies and the Eurasian Steppes.
Extensive commercial grain farming is a type of agriculture practiced in the mid-latitude grasslands of the world. It is defined by its large-scale operations, significant use of machinery, and a primary focus on cultivating a single grain crop, predominantly wheat, for sale in the global market rather than for local consumption. These regions often have sparse populations, allowing for vast tracts of land to be dedicated to farming.
Answering the Specific Questions:
18.1 Geographical Name of Area (A)
Area (A), described as the interior plains of North America, is geographically known as the Prairies. This vast region stretches across parts of Canada and the United States, forming one of the world's most significant agricultural belts.
18.2 Major Crops Grown in Region (A)
In the Prairies (Area A), the two major crops grown are:
- Wheat
- Maize (Corn)
While wheat is the dominant crop and often gives the region its "breadbasket" reputation, maize is also extensively cultivated, particularly in the southern parts of the North American plains, contributing significantly to both human food and animal feed.
18.3 Agricultural Importance of Area (B)
Area (B), representing the Eurasian steppe region, holds immense agricultural importance primarily because it is one of the world's major wheat-producing regions. This vast expanse of temperate grasslands, stretching from Eastern Europe into Central Asia, is often referred to as the "breadbasket" of Russia and surrounding countries. Its importance stems from:
- Large-scale Production: The extensive, flat terrain and fertile chernozem soils allow for highly mechanized, large-scale cultivation of wheat, contributing significantly to global food security.
- Export Potential: The surplus grain produced is crucial for export, generating revenue and meeting the food demands of other nations.
- Historical Significance: Historically, these steppes have been vital for sustaining large populations and empires, and they continue to be a cornerstone of agricultural output in the region.
Visually Impaired Alternative: Main Characteristics of Extensive Commercial Grain Farming
Extensive commercial grain farming is a distinct agricultural system with several key characteristics:
- Large Farm Size: Farms are typically very large, often spanning hundreds or even thousands of hectares. This scale is necessary to make the highly mechanized operations economically viable.
- High Mechanization: The entire farming process, from ploughing and sowing to harvesting, is carried out using sophisticated machinery like tractors, seed drills, combine harvesters, and threshers. This reduces the need for manual labor significantly. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.