Question

Bhola and Rajni, who is studying in Class IX, were traveling on a train. Rajni observed fields with two crops growing simultaneously in a definite pattern. While Bhola was busy playing a velocity game, Rajni noticed that rows of bajra and lobia were grown in alternate rows.
a) Why Bajra and Lobia are grown together?
b) State any two values in Rajni’s behavior here that differentiate her from Bhola.

Answer 1

Lobia is very nutrient-dense, with plenty of fiber, and contains a high content of protein. Additionally, lobia is a leguminous plant. Bajra is also a good source of protein, carbs, and a decent source of fiber.

Complete answer:
(a)Lobia is a legume and belongs to the subspecies of the cowpea. Whereas, Bajra is a staple crop in most developing countries not only because it is easy to grow but also because it is a package of many nutrients and is known to be good for health. Crop rotation is best suited for these pairs of crops because, when a single crop is grown in a field for many years in a row, the crop causes the depletion of particular nutrients from the soil. This depletion of nutrients may lead to poor development of plants and lower crop yield. But with strip rotation, soil can be replenished with particular nutrients depending on the crops that are planted. For example, crop rotation between a nitrogen utilizing crops like Bajra and a nitrogen depositing plant Lobia, as in this case, can help maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil without causing a significant depletion of particular nutrients.
(b)Rajni is a keen learner & very practical. She has a curiosity to learn more about farming and related practices. Bhola, on the other hand, doesn’t want to know anything about his surroundings.

Additional information:
-Lobia: They are mainly described as a good source of several important micronutrients, including folate, copper and iron. Additionally, they are high in polyphenols, which are compounds that act as antioxidants in the body to prevent cell damage and protect against disease.
-Bajra: Overall it is a good source of various vitamins and minerals and is also gluten-free and a suitable choice for people with celiac disease. Additionally, it is high in beneficial plant chemicals like antioxidants, polyphenols, and phytochemicals, all of which are known for contributing to optimal human health in many ways.

Notes: Crop rotation in general is a practice of planting different crops in a sequence on the same plot of land so as to improve soil health, optimize nutrients in the soil, and combat pest and weed pressure.