UPSC Mains 2025 General Studies I
Q. What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India?
Introduction
Primary activities involve direct extraction of natural resources from nature. Apart from agriculture, several non-farm primary activities such as forestry, fishing, mining, animal husbandry, and pastoralism contribute significantly to livelihoods. According to the NITI Aayog, the primary sector (including agriculture and allied activities) supports over 40% of India’s workforce, highlighting the importance of such resource-based activities.
Non-Farm Primary Activities
Non-farm primary activities are economic activities that involve extraction or use of natural resources but are not crop cultivation.
Major examples include:
- Forestry
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Mining and quarrying
- Animal husbandry and pastoralism
- Sericulture and apiculture
Relationship Between Non-Farm Primary Activities and Physiographic Features
India’s diverse physiography—Himalayas, plains, plateau, deserts and coastal regions—determines the distribution and nature of these activities.
- Forestry in Mountain and Hilly Regions
Regions with dense forests and rugged terrain encourage forestry and forest-based livelihoods.
Example
- Himalayan states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh support timber, medicinal plants, and resin extraction.
Evidence
- According to the Forest Survey of India (India State of Forest Report), these regions have high forest cover due to favorable climate and terrain.
Impact
- Supports tribal livelihoods and forest-based industries.
- Animal Husbandry and Pastoralism in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas
Limited rainfall and poor soils restrict farming but favor livestock rearing.
Example
- Pastoral communities like the Raikas in Rajasthan rear camels and sheep in the Thar Desert.
Data
- India is the largest producer of milk globally, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Reason
- Grasslands and dry climates are suitable for grazing.
- Fishing in Coastal and Riverine Regions
India’s long coastline and extensive river systems support fishing.
Evidence
- India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, enabling marine fisheries.
Examples
- Coastal states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat depend heavily on marine fishing.
Institutional Reference
- The Department of Fisheries promotes the Blue Revolution to boost fisheries production.
- Mining in Plateau Regions
Mineral resources are concentrated in plateau and shield regions due to geological formations.
Examples
- Coal mines in Jharia Coalfield and iron ore in Odisha and Jharkhand.
Evidence
- The Geological Survey of India notes that the Chotanagpur Plateau is the “mineral storehouse of India.”
- Sericulture and Plantation-Based Activities in Suitable Climatic Zones
Certain physiographic and climatic conditions favor specialized activities.
Example
- Sericulture thrives in Karnataka, which produces a major share of India’s silk.
Reason
- Suitable temperature and availability of mulberry plants.
Conclusion
India’s diverse physiographic features strongly influence the spatial distribution of non-farm primary activities. Mountain regions favor forestry, plateaus support mining, deserts promote pastoralism, and coastal areas enable fishing. Recognizing this relationship is crucial for sustainable resource utilization and balanced regional development, as emphasized in India’s development strategies by institutions like NITI Aayog.