Question

Study the map showing areas of ‘extensive commercial grains farming’ carefully and answer the question: Write the geographical name of the area marked as 

Answer 1

Concept:
• Extensive commercial grain farming is practiced in the interior semi-arid lands of the mid-latitudes.
• These regions are large grasslands known by different names in different continents.

Step 1: Identify the location of area A
Area A is situated in the interior parts of North America (USA and Canada).

Step 2: Provide the regional name
The temperate grasslands of North America are geographically known as the Prairies.

Answer 2

Concept:
• Extensive commercial grain farming focuses on monoculture of grains suitable for semi-arid temperate grasslands.

Step 1: Identify the principal crop
Wheat is the principal crop of the Prairies.

Step 2: Identify other significant crops
Other crops grown include corn (maize), oats, barley, and rye.

Step 3: List two crops
Two major crops grown in the region are Wheat and Maize (Corn).

Answer 3

Concept:
• Area B represents the Steppes of Eurasia.
• Extensive commercial grain farming in this region is characterized by large farm sizes and high mechanization.

Step 1: Identify the region
Area B refers to the Steppes of Eurasia (covering parts of Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia).

Step 2: Explain its importance

• It is one of the world's most productive wheat-growing regions.
• Farming is highly mechanized, with low yield per acre but high yield per person.
• It plays a crucial role in global food security by exporting surplus grain.

Answer 4

Concept:
• Extensive commercial grain farming is a highly mechanised type of commercial agriculture practised in the temperate grasslands of the world.
• The main objective of this farming is the large-scale production of cereal crops, especially wheat.
• It is carried out on vast farms with modern agricultural technology and very little human labour.
• This type of farming is mainly practised in regions having low population density and extensive level plains.
• Important regions include the Prairies of North America, Pampas of Argentina, Steppes of Eurasia, Velds of South Africa and Downs of Australia.

Step 1: Understand the nature of extensive commercial grain farming.
Extensive commercial grain farming is a specialised agricultural system where cereal crops are grown on very large farms for commercial purposes. The produce is mainly sold in national and international markets rather than being consumed by the farming family. This farming system requires large investments in machinery and modern technology to obtain high productivity.

Step 2: Explain the first characteristic.
1. Large-scale mechanised farming Farms are very large in size, often extending over hundreds or even thousands of hectares. Modern agricultural machinery such as tractors, seed drills, combine harvesters and threshers are extensively used for ploughing, sowing, harvesting and processing. Because of mechanisation, only a small number of workers are required despite the enormous size of farms.

Step 3: Explain the second characteristic.
2. Specialisation in cereal crop production The principal crop grown is wheat, although other cereals such as maize, barley and oats are also cultivated depending on climatic conditions. Most farms specialise in one or two major cereal crops to maximise production and profits. The harvested grains are stored in modern silos and transported efficiently through railways and ports for domestic consumption and export.

Step 4: Explain the third characteristic.
3. Practised in temperate grasslands with low population density This farming system is mainly found in the temperate grassland regions where land is abundant and population density is low. The level topography, fertile soils and moderate climate favour the cultivation of cereal crops. Examples include the Prairies (North America), Pampas (Argentina), Steppes (Eurasia), Velds (South Africa) and Downs (Australia).

Step 5: Write the final answer.
Answer: The main characteristics of extensive commercial grain farming are:
• It is practised on very large farms using modern machinery such as tractors and combine harvesters, requiring comparatively less human labour.
• It mainly produces cereal crops, especially wheat, on a commercial scale for national and international markets.
• It is practised in the temperate grasslands of the world where fertile plains, low population density and favourable climatic conditions support large-scale mechanised farming.