Which of the following activities is known as primitive subsistence activity?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Nomadic herding
Subsistence means producing for one’s own needs, not for sale. A primitive subsistence activity uses simple ways of living directly off nature.
Option (1) Commercial Grain Production — Incorrect. Wheat is grown on very large farms with machines, and the crop is sold.
Option (2) Commercial livestock rearing — Incorrect. Animals are reared on large ranches with much capital, for sale in the market.
Option (3) Plantation agriculture — Incorrect. Large estates grow a single crop such as tea or rubber for sale, often for export.
Option (4) Nomadic herding — Correct. The herders depend on their animals for food, clothing, shelter, tools and transport, and move with them in search of pasture and water. They produce for their own needs.
NCERT (2026-27): “Nomadic Herding … Nomadic herding or pastoral nomadism is a primitive subsistence activity, in which the herders rely on animals for food, clothing, shelter, tools and transport. They move from one place to another along with their livestock, depending on the amount and quality of pastures and water.” |