Natural Resources, Agriculture Flashcards
Natural Resources
Definition:
Resources endowed by nature to a country, including mineral resources, rivers, forests, and animals.
Role in Development:
Key to development and prosperity.
Requires effective management, human efforts, and modern technology for utilization.
Mineral Resources:
Iron Ore:
Used in the steel industry.
Found in Chitral, Chaghai, Kohat, Kurram Agency, Mardan, Hazara, Mianwali, DG Khan.
Chromite:
Used in various industries.
Deposits found in Zoab, Chaghai, Malakand, Mahmand, Waziristan, Fort Sandaman.
Gypsum:
Used for plaster, paints, and cement.
Found in Jhelum, Mianwali, DG Khan, Kohat, Loralai.
Coal:
Used in power generation.
Found in Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, NWFP.
Oil and Gas:
Oil reserves found in Jhelum, Attock, Balkasar, Mial, Chakwal, Dhodak.
Gas sources include Sui, Mari, Uch, Khairpur, Jacobabad.
Uranium:
Basic element for atomic power and defense.
Deposits in DG Khan, Hazara, Kohat.
Rivers, Forests, Animals
Rivers:
Consists of Indus and associated rivers.
Well-defined canal system, particularly the Indus Basin project.
Importance of proper water management for agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
Forests:
Ideal forest coverage should be 25%, but Pakistan has only 4-5% covered.
Advantages include weather improvement, protection against windstorms, prevention of floods, ecological benefits.
Challenges: Deforestation due to unplanned cutting of trees.
Animals:
Provide milk, meat, hide, skins, wool, and more.
Used in agriculture, transportation, and contribute to foreign exchange.
Proper breeding requires planning and care.
Departments like Animal Husbandry and research institutions support animal breeding.
Fisheries:
Source of food and income.
Encouraged by the Department of Fisheries for private investment.
Agriculture
Agricultural Significance:
Pakistan is an agricultural country with over 70% of the population in rural areas.
Over 50% directly engaged in farming or agro-based activities.
Agriculture contributes 26% to GDP.
Major Crops:
Two major crops: Rabi (Wheat, Gram, Oil seeds) and Kharif (Rice, Sugar Cane, Cotton).
Other crops include maize, mustard, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables.
Land Reforms:
Introduced to reduce land holdings and strengthen tenant positions.
Aims to improve yield per acre and alleviate poverty in agriculture.
Challenges in Agriculture:
Outdated cultivation methods, water logging, and salinity.
Crop diseases, low-quality inputs, water-related problems, credit facility issues.
Difficulty in market access, fluctuating prices.
Development Plans:
Research for high-yield seeds and modern technology.
Communication and transportation infrastructure improvements.
Ensuring prompt payment to farmers for their produce.
Emphasis on education and research in agriculture.
