Chapter 4: Primary Activities | Special Quick Revision Notes for MP BOARD and CBSE BOARD Exam 2026

Class 12 Geography Revision Notes - Primary Activities

Class 12th Geography

Chapter 4: Human Geography – Primary Activities

Exam-Oriented Quick Revision Notes 2026

✍️ Author: R. Littey

1. Concept of Primary Activities

Primary activities are those economic activities through which humans obtain resources directly from nature. These activities are based on natural resources such as land, water, forests, minerals, and animals. Since the dawn of human civilization, primary activities have been the main source of livelihood.

Goods produced in these activities are used directly for consumption or as raw materials for other economic activities (secondary and tertiary).

2. Key Characteristics of Primary Activities

Direct dependence on nature
Deep impact of natural conditions
Generally low level of technology
More prevalent in rural areas
Uncertain and relatively low income
Requirement of high physical labor

3. Major Types of Primary Activities

(A) Agriculture

Agriculture is the most important among primary activities. It includes crop production on land and animal husbandry. Approximately 50% of the world's population depends on agriculture.

            1. Subsistence Agriculture: The farmer produces for their own and their family's needs. It involves small farms and traditional tools. (Common in India, China, Africa)
            
            2. Commercial Agriculture: Production for the market. Extensive use of modern technology, fertilizers, and machinery. (Common in USA, Canada, Australia)
            
            3. Plantation Agriculture: Large-scale production of a single crop. Examples: Tea, coffee, rubber, and sugarcane. (Common in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia)
            
            4. Shifting Agriculture: Temporary farming by burning forest patches. In India, it is known as Jhum cultivation.

(B) Animal Husbandry

Animals are reared to obtain milk, meat, wool, leather, etc.

Nomadic Pastoralism: Moving with animals in search of pastures (Sahara, Central Asia).
Commercial Livestock Rearing: Scientific methods, dairy farming (Europe, New Zealand).

Fishing is the process of catching fish from water sources. It is the primary occupation for coastal and riverbank communities.

Inland Fishing (Rivers, Lakes)
Marine Fishing (Oceans)

(D) Forestry

Forestry includes the conservation, development, and exploitation of forests. It provides timber, fuel, paper, and rubber. It is also vital for environmental balance and biodiversity conservation.

(E) Mining

The process of extracting minerals from the earth's crust. It is the foundation of industrial development.

Surface Mining: Extracting minerals near the surface.
Underground Mining: Extracting minerals from deep within the earth.

4. Factors Affecting Primary Activities

(A) Physical Factors: Climate, soil, topography, and natural vegetation.
(B) Human Factors: Population density, technological development, transport and communication, and market availability.

5. Primary Activities in Developed vs. Developing Countries

Developed Countries: Low population dependence, high technology, high productivity.
Developing Countries: High population dependence, traditional technology, low income.
India is an agrarian country where about 42% of the population depends on agriculture.

7. Exam Smart Points

Primary activities are entirely nature-based.
Agriculture is the most prominent and ancient primary activity.
Mining is called the "foundation" of modern industries.
Subsistence agriculture holds great importance in India's economy.

8. Conclusion: Primary activities are the foundation of human life and the economy. When writing answers, ensure to include definitions, types, examples, and importance.

Chapter 4: Important Q&A