Industries : Class 8
Industries: Understanding the Backbone of Economic Development
Welcome to Triple W, your trusted source for insightful educational content. In this lesson on “Industries,” we dive into the fascinating world of industrial activities, a vital component of every economy. From the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing of goods and provision of services, industries shape the economic landscape of nations. Understanding different types of industries—agro-based, mineral-based, and more—along with the factors influencing their location, gives students a comprehensive view of how goods are produced and delivered to markets worldwide. Let’s explore how industries contribute to development and shape modern societies.
1. What is an industry?
Answer: An industry refers to the economic activity concerned with the production of goods, extraction of minerals, or the provision of services. Examples include iron and steel industry (goods), coal mining industry (minerals), and tourism industry (services).
2. How are industries classified based on raw materials?
Answer: Industries are classified based on raw materials into the following types:
- Agro-based industries: These use plant and animal-based products as raw materials. For example, cotton textiles, dairy products.
- Mineral-based industries: These use mineral ores as raw materials. For example, iron and steel industry.
- Marine-based industries: These use products from the sea and oceans as raw materials. For example, seafood processing.
- Forest-based industries: These use forest products as raw materials. For example, paper, furniture, and medicinal plants.
3. What is meant by ‘Small Scale’ and ‘Large Scale’ industries?
Answer:
- Small Scale Industries: These industries use a lesser amount of capital and technology. They employ a small number of workers. For example, handloom and cottage industries.
- Large Scale Industries: These industries use a large amount of capital and technology. They employ a large number of workers and produce goods on a large scale. For example, iron and steel plants, automobile factories.
4. What factors influence the location of industries?
Answer: Several factors influence the location of industries:
- Availability of raw materials: Industries are located where raw materials are easily available.
- Power supply: Industries need power to run machines, so areas with an uninterrupted power supply are preferred.
- Availability of labor: Areas with an ample supply of skilled and unskilled labor are favorable for industries.
- Transport: Efficient transport facilities are important for the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
- Market: Industries prefer to be near markets for selling their products.
- Government policies: Supportive government policies, like tax exemptions, can attract industries to a particular area.
5. What are ‘agro-based industries’? Give two examples.
Answer: Agro-based industries are industries that use agricultural products as raw materials. Examples include:
- Cotton textile industry: Uses cotton as raw material to make cloth.
- Food processing industry: Uses agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, and grains to make processed food items.
6. What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary industries?
Answer:
- Primary Industry: This industry involves the extraction of raw materials from nature, like agriculture, fishing, and mining.
- Secondary Industry: This industry processes raw materials into finished goods, like manufacturing of textiles or automobiles.
- Tertiary Industry: This industry provides services rather than goods, such as banking, transport, and tourism.
7. Give an example of a mineral-based industry and explain its significance.
Answer: An example of a mineral-based industry is the Iron and Steel Industry. It is significant because it forms the backbone of industrial development. Steel is used in various industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing of machinery and equipment.
8. Why is the IT industry considered a ‘sunrise industry’?
Answer: The IT industry is considered a ‘sunrise industry’ because it is growing rapidly and holds great potential for future development. It provides services related to information technology, software, and the internet. It is a key driver of globalization and economic growth in many countries, including India.
9. What are cooperative industries?
Answer: Cooperative industries are industries owned and operated by the producers or suppliers of raw materials, workers, or both. These industries work for the benefit of their members. For example, the Amul dairy cooperative in Gujarat, where farmers own the dairy and get the profits.
10. Explain the term ‘industrial system’.
Answer: An industrial system consists of three components:
- Inputs: These include raw materials, labor, and costs of land, transport, power, and other infrastructure.
- Processes: Activities or steps taken to convert raw materials into finished products, such as manufacturing, packaging, etc.
- Outputs: The finished goods and by-products produced as a result of the processes.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post on the topic “Industries” is intended for educational purposes only, specifically for students and educators following the Class 8 Social Science NCERT curriculum. While we strive to ensure accuracy, the explanations and examples are simplified to enhance understanding. For official and detailed content, readers are advised to refer directly to the NCERT textbook or consult with academic professionals. Triple W is not liable for any errors or omissions in the provided material.