Question.
Give reasons, why paddy is grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains?
( Chapter 8: Human-Environment Interactions The Tropical and the Subtropical Region, Class 7- Our Environment ( GEOGRAPHY), SOCIAL SCIENCE)
Answer.
Paddy, or rice cultivation, is extensively grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains of South Asia for several reasons:
Fertile Soil:
Growth of Paddy cultivation requires fertile soil. The Ganga-Brahmaputra plains have some of the most fertile alluvial soil in the world. The periodic flooding of these rivers deposits nutrient-rich silt and sediment, making the soil ideal for rice cultivation.
Abundant Water:
Paddy is a water-intensive crop, and the availability of water is crucial for its cultivation. The Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, along with their numerous tributaries, provide a constant source of water for rice paddies.
Monsoon Climate:
Ganga-Brahmaputra plains have a monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Paddy climate is well-suited to this climate, as it requires ample rainfall during its growing period followed by a drier period for harvesting.
Temperature:
Paddy is a tropical crop and requires high temperatures. The Ganga-Brahmaputra plains have a warm and humid tropical climate, which is favorable for rice growth.
Cultural and Dietary Significance:
Rice is a staple food in the diets of people in South Asia. It has cultural and dietary significance and is a primary source of carbohydrates and sustenance for the population.
Economic Importance:
Rice cultivation plays a significant role in the economy of the region. It provides livelihoods for millions of farmers and supports the agricultural sector.
Crop Rotation:
Rice is often grown in rotation with other crops like wheat, which also benefit from the fertile soil and climate of the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains. This crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility.
Traditional Farming Practices:
Traditional farming methods in the region have long been inclined towards rice cultivation. Many generations of farmers have developed expertise in growing paddy crops.
Food Security:
There is high population density in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains, and rice cultivation contributes to food security by providing a staple crop that feeds a large number of people.
Overall, the combination of favorable natural conditions, cultural preferences, and economic importance makes paddy cultivation a central agricultural activity in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains.
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