NCERT Notes: Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 5: Industries

Introduction

Industries play a pivotal role in driving the economic engines of nations. They transform raw materials into finished products, creating jobs, and boosting development. Chapter 5 of the Grade 8 NCERT Social Science textbook delves into the vibrant world of industries, their classifications, distribution, and the challenges they face.

What are Industries?

Industries refer to economic activities that concern the production of goods, extraction of minerals, or the provision of services. They are vital for the overall development of a country.

Classification of Industries

Industries can be classified based on their size, raw materials, ownership, and nature of products:

1. Based on Size:
   • Cottage or Household Industries: Small scale, manual labor, e.g., pottery, weaving.
   • Small Scale Industries: Limited investment, e.g., toys, buckets.
   • Large Scale Industries: Huge investment, large volume of production, e.g., iron and steel, car manufacturing.
2. Based on Raw Materials:
   • Agro-based: Use agricultural products as raw materials, e.g., cotton, wool, silk.
   • Mineral-based: Use mineral ores as raw materials, e.g., iron and steel.
3. Based on Ownership:
   • Public Sector: Owned by the state, e.g., BHEL, SAIL.
   • Private Sector: Owned by individuals or firms, e.g., Tata, Reliance.
   • Joint Sector: Owned by both private firms and the state.
   • Cooperative Sector: Owned and operated by producers or suppliers of raw materials.
4. Based on Nature of Product:
   • Basic Industries: Provide basic goods used by other industries, e.g., iron and steel.
   • Consumer Industries: Produce goods for direct consumption by consumers, e.g., cosmetics, footwear.

Factors Influencing Industrial Locations

Several elements determine where an industry is set up:

• Raw Materials: Proximity reduces transport costs.
• Labor: Skilled and unskilled labor availability.
• Capital: Necessary for buying raw materials, machines, and paying wages.
• Power: Regular power supply is crucial.
• Market: Industries tend to locate near their consumer bases.
• Transport: Effective transportation reduces costs.
• Water: Essential for many industrial processes.
• Government Policies: Tax benefits, subsidies can attract industries.

Major Industries

1. Iron and Steel Industry: Backbone of modern industries.
2. Textile Industry: One of the oldest industries, includes cotton, silk, synthetic fibers.
3. Information Technology and Software Services: A modern industry with a vast scope, especially in countries like India.

Industrial Regions

Certain areas have a higher concentration of industries due to favorable conditions:

• North-Eastern USA: Rich in coal and iron resources.
• Ruhr in Germany: Proximity to coal mines.
• Mumbai-Pune cluster in India: Port availability, labor, and raw materials.
• Bengaluru-Tamil Nadu region in India: IT hub with skilled labor and modern facilities.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Industries have a profound impact on the environment:

• Pollution: Emission of greenhouse gases, effluents harm water bodies.
• Resource Depletion: Over-extraction can deplete natural resources.
• Health Hazards: Chemicals can lead to various diseases.

Industries must adopt sustainable practices to mitigate these challenges.

Conclusion

The chapter on industries in the NCERT Grade 8 Social Science textbook paints a vivid picture of the world of industries, driving home their significance, variety, and the challenges they grapple with. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, industries serve as the pillars of globalization, bridging cultures, and economies. Their judicious and sustainable growth is the key to a prosperous future.

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Reference: NCERT Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 5: Industries