Question

Mention two activities of Primary Sector.

Hint:

Primary sector = Nature-based activities. Always give examples like agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining. For longer answers, explain how these activities contribute to economy, employment, and exports.

Answer 1

The Primary Sector refers to those economic activities which are directly linked to nature and the utilization of natural resources. It is the oldest and most fundamental sector of the economy. People in the primary sector extract products from the earth or harvest crops from the land. Two important activities of this sector are agriculture and fishing.
1. Agriculture:
- Agriculture is the main activity of the primary sector. It involves cultivation of crops like rice, wheat, maize, cotton, and sugarcane.
- It also includes horticulture (fruits, vegetables, and flowers) and animal husbandry (rearing cattle, goats, and sheep).
- Agriculture not only provides food for human survival but also raw materials for industries, such as cotton for textile industry and sugarcane for sugar industry.
- In India, nearly half of the population is engaged in agricultural activities, highlighting its importance.
2. Fishing:
- Fishing includes catching fish from rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans, as well as aquaculture (fish farming).
- Fishing provides a rich source of protein in human diet and is an important occupation for people living in coastal areas.
- Countries like Japan, Norway, and India have developed modern fishing industries, which contribute significantly to export earnings.
- Fishing also supports ancillary industries such as canning, refrigeration, and export trade.
Other Primary Sector Activities (for additional clarity):
- Forestry: Collection of timber, firewood, and other forest products.
- Mining: Extraction of minerals like coal, iron ore, petroleum, and natural gas.
- Hunting and Gathering: Still practiced in some tribal societies, involving collection of fruits, roots, and wild food.
Conclusion:
The primary sector forms the backbone of all economic activities. Without it, the secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) sectors cannot exist. Agriculture and fishing are two of the most vital activities which provide food, employment, and raw materials, ensuring the survival and growth of human society.