Page 182 - SST Class 07

presence of discontinuous grasses exposing
barren surface.

Lion
People

The people of this region are involved in the Cash Crops like Tobacco
following occupations :
Cattle Rearing : Sheep rearing is the most
important activity of the people. Sheep is bred
mainly for wool and this has given rise to the
wool industry in the velds. Merino sheep is a
popular species and their wool is very warm.
Dairy Farming : This is the next important
occupation. Cattle are reared in the warmer and
wetter regions and the dairy products like butter
and cheese are produced both for domestic
supply and exports. Sugarcane
Mining : The velds are known for cattle rearing Deserts
(as mentioned above) and mining. They are rich A desert is an arid region characterised by
in mineral wealth. This rich mineral area has a extremely high or low temperatures, low rainfall,
well-developed network of transport. The mining and scarce vegetation. You would also find a
activity includes the following : scarcity of water. It is very difficult to live in a
Coal and Iron : Where these are present, place where there is no water to drink, no grass
the iron and steel industry has developed.

Gold and Diamond : Mining of these is a
major occupation of the people of this
region. Johannesburg is called the ‘gold
capital of the world’. Kimberley is famous
for its diamond mines.
Agriculture : In places where the soil is fertile,
crops are grown. The main crops are maize,
wheat, barley, oats and potato. Cash crops like
tobacco, sugarcane and cotton are also grown. In
many places, the soil is not very fertile due to the Desert

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