Follow a bajra seed's journey from the field to a plate, and discover how farming has changed over time.
A single bajra (pearl millet) seed is planted, watered, and cared for over months before it grows into a plant that produces many more seeds — some of which become food on our plates.
What must happen to a seed before it can grow into a plant that produces food?
It must be planted in soil, watered, and given enough sunlight and time to germinate and grow
Farming methods have changed a lot over time — from ploughing by hand or with animals, to using tractors and machines, and from relying only on rain to using irrigation systems.
Name one way that farming today is different from farming many years ago.
Many farms now use machines like tractors instead of relying only on hand tools or animals for ploughing (irrigation systems are another example)
1. What does a seed need to germinate and grow into a plant?
2. Name one grain crop mentioned as an example in this chapter.
3. Name one way machines have changed farming compared to the past.
4. Why might a farmer need irrigation if there isn't enough rain?
5. Name one food grain that people ate more of in the past, which is less common in cities today.