O-LevelPakistan StudiesThe environment of Pakistan2059/20 · May/June 2014 · Q125 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 1, a graph showing wheat production and cultivation. [Figure 1]

(a)(i)By how much did wheat production increase from 1991 to 2010?[1]
(a)(ii)By how much did the area of wheat cultivation increase from 1991 to 2010?[1]
(a)(iii)Compare the production of wheat from 1991 to 2000 with the production from 2001 to 2010.[2]
(a)(iv)To what extent was the amount of wheat produced related to the cultivated area from 1991 to 2010?[3]
(b)(i)Circle the months in which most wheat is grown in Pakistan. OCTOBER – MAY JUNE - SEPTEMBER[1]
(b)(ii)Explain why the climate at this time is most suitable for wheat farming.[3]
(c)Why are waterlogging and salinity called 'the twin menaces for farmers'?[2]
(d)Describe the ways in which damage by waterlogging and salinity can be prevented.[6]
(e)To what extent can better education and training increase farm production?[6]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 10 million tonnes
[1] 11 million acres
[2] Both increased
Both fluctuated (year to year)
For 1991-2000 Accept converse for 2001-10
Lower (average) production
Increased at a higher rate
From 14-21 mn / by 7 mn whereas 2001–10 from 19–24 mn / by 5 mn
Rises to / maximum 21 mn whereas 2001-10 24 mn
References to figures need million
[3] Direct relationship / positive correlation / relationship described e.g. when production is high, area is high
Inverse / no relationship = 0 Res 1
Both lowest in 1991
Both highest in 2010
Year both constant - 2009
Years both increase - 1994 / 1997 / 1999 / 2004 / 2006 / 2008
Years both decrease - 1993/1998 / 2000 / 2001
Exception (max 1) e.g.: production increases when area decreases – 2002
production increases when area constant - 1991
production decreases when area constant 2005 / 2007
area increases when production constant – 1992 / 1995 / 2003
area decreases when production constant – 1996
[1] October-May: Both periods circled = 0
[3] Mild temperatures / 10–20 °C for growth
Warmer / 25-30°C (in spring) for ripening / harvesting
Moderate rainfall / 150–500mm (in spring) for growth / to swell the grain / before harvest
Dry period / no rain (in spring) for harvest
[2] Waterlogging restricts root growth / prevents air pockets in soil
Salinity poisons the soil / plants cannot tolerate salt
OR the generic for 1 mark max if neither statement above:
Takes agricultural land out of production / makes land uncultivable / infertile / damages crops / reduces yields / reduces income
[6] Tubewells to lower water table (fresh water pumped up to flush out salt)
Surface drains dug (diverts surface water to river / lake)
Canals lined (prevents seepage)
Canals closed temporarily
(Eucalyptus) trees planted (deep roots absorb water from water table)
[6] Possibilities – Res 2
Prevention of waterlogging and salinity / better water management / irrigation
Knowledge of proper fertiliser / pesticide usage
Knowledge of better seed varieties
Use of / ability to repair / maintenance of farm machinery
Easier to get bank / government loans / manage farm finances
Problems - Res 2
Lack of land
Lack of money (to implement the training)
Lack of named infrastructure + link, e.g. electricity for machinery
Power of landlords
Climatic problems
Reluctant to change from traditional methods