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Economic Activities: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Industries, and Tertiary Activities – UPSC Geography Notes
Overview: Economic activities refer to all human efforts undertaken to earn a livelihood. They are broadly classified into Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary activities. This classification helps understand how societies evolve economically and spatially. It is a core topic in UPSC Human & Economic Geography.
Table of Contents
- 1. What are Economic Activities?
- 2. Classification of Economic Activities
- 3. Agriculture (Primary Activity)
- 4. Manufacturing (Secondary Activity)
- 5. Industries (Types, Location, Factors)
- 6. Tertiary Activities (Services)
- 7. UPSC Quick Revision Notes
- 8. Previous Year Question
1. What are Economic Activities?
Economic activities are human activities that produce goods and services to satisfy needs and earn income.
Four major categories:
- Primary activities – directly extract resources from nature.
- Secondary activities – manufacturing, processing, construction.
- Tertiary activities – services such as transport, trade, communication.
- Quaternary activities – knowledge-based services (IT, R&D, finance).
2. Classification of Economic Activities
(A) Primary Activities
- Agriculture
- Fishing
- Forestry
- Mining
- Animal husbandry
(B) Secondary Activities
- Manufacturing industries
- Construction
- Food processing
(C) Tertiary Activities
- Transport, communication, banking
- Trade and commerce
- Insurance and hospitality
(D) Quaternary Activities
- Education
- Software development
- Research facilities
- Data analysis
3. Agriculture (Primary Activity)
Agriculture is the most important primary activity in developing countries, providing employment to a large share of the population.
Characteristics
- Dependent on climate and soil.
- Seasonal activity.
- Rural-based occupation.
- Low productivity in traditional systems.
Types of Agriculture
- Subsistence farming: small farms, low output.
- Intensive subsistence farming: high labour, high food production.
- Plantation agriculture: single crop, large estate (tea, coffee).
- Commercial farming: mechanized, high market output.
- Mixed farming: crops + livestock.
4. Manufacturing (Secondary Activity)
Manufacturing converts raw materials into finished goods. It adds value and creates employment.
Importance of Manufacturing
- Increases national income.
- Supports agriculture (e.g., fertilizer, agro-processing).
- Promotes urbanization.
- Boosts exports.
Types of Manufacturing
- Small-scale manufacturing (handicrafts, cottage industries).
- Large-scale manufacturing (steel, automobiles).
- Heavy industries (iron & steel, shipbuilding).
- Light industries (electronics, textiles).
5. Industries – Location, Types, Factors
Factors Affecting Industrial Location
- Raw materials
- Power supply
- Labour availability
- Transport & communication
- Market demand
- Government policies
Major Types of Industries
- Agro-based: sugar, textiles, dairy.
- Mineral-based: iron & steel, cement.
- Chemical industries: fertilizers, plastics.
- Footloose industries: IT, electronics.
- Sunrise industries: biotechnology, renewable energy.
6. Tertiary Activities (Service Sector)
Tertiary activities support primary and secondary sectors by offering essential services.
Types of Tertiary Activities
- Transport (road, rail, air, water)
- Communication (Internet, telecom)
- Banking, finance, insurance
- Trade – wholesale & retail
- Tourism and hospitality
- Health & education services
Importance of the Tertiary Sector
- Contributes a large share to GDP.
- Supports knowledge economy.
- Critical for digital India & global connectivity.
7. UPSC Quick Revision Notes
Secondary → manufacturing & processing.
Tertiary → services (transport, banking, communication).
Quaternary → IT, R&D, knowledge-based jobs.
Agriculture → climate-dependent; types include subsistence, plantation, mixed farming.
Industries → need raw materials, power, labour & market.
Manufacturing → value addition & employment creation.
Tertiary → backbone of modern economies.
8. Previous Year Question
Q. Which factor plays the most important role in the location of cotton textile industries in India?
(a) Raw material
(b) Labour
(c) Market
(d) Power supply
Answer: (a) Raw material
Related Keywords
Economic Activities UPSC Notes, Agriculture Geography Notes, Manufacturing Industries, Service Sector Geography, Tertiary Activities UPSC.
Sources: NCERT Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography, Indian Economy Sources (simplified), Goh Cheng Leong.
