Secondary Activities - Chapter 6 Geography NCERT Class 12

Secondary activities primarily involve manufacturing, which adds value to raw materials by transforming them into finished products. For instance, cotton is processed from a plant into fabric that we wear, illustrating the shift from primary to secondary sectors. Similarly, iron ore must be converted into steel for construction purposes; this conversion highlights the essential role of secondary activities in utilizing natural resources effectively.

Manufacturing is fundamentally about production, encompassing anything created directly. A key aspect of manufacturing is mass production, which allows for the creation of large quantities to meet economic demands. This requires advanced machinery and technology since relying solely on human labor would be inefficient and time-consuming. In contrast, many developing countries still rely heavily on manual labor due to limited infrastructure investment by their governments.

Modern large-scale manufacturing is characterized by specialization, where workers focus on specific tasks to enhance efficiency and expertise. Mechanization plays a crucial role in these factories, utilizing advanced tools and automation to boost productivity while saving time and energy. Technological innovation driven by robust research and development departments ensures companies remain competitive with cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, an organized structure facilitates effective management of complex operations involving numerous employees, capital investments, and administrative functions that guide policy-making.

Manufacturing is concentrated in specific geographic areas due to factors like resource availability, location, geopolitics, and economic development. For industries to maximize profits, they must minimize costs by being close to essential resources such as natural materials and labor. This strategic positioning significantly impacts production expenses.

Industrial locations are influenced by several key factors. Access to markets is crucial, as industries thrive where demand and purchasing power exist, notably in regions like Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, India and China due to their large populations. Proximity to raw materials significantly affects production costs; for instance, iron industries benefit from being near mines while agricultural processing relies on closeness to farms. Labor supply remains essential despite automation since human resources drive operations forward. Efficient transportation reduces production expenses and enhances global communication capabilities which streamline industry functions.

Understanding Household vs Small-Scale vs Large-Scale Manufacturing Household industries, or cottage manufacturing, operate on a small scale using simple tools and local materials. These low-output units produce items like foodstuffs, fabrics, furniture, and jewelry with minimal profit margins due to limited capital investment. In contrast, small-scale manufacturing employs semi-skilled labor and power-driven machines in workshops for slightly larger commercial output. Large-scale manufacturing dominates the market with mass production capabilities utilizing advanced technology and specialized workers across various sectors.

Categorizing Industries: Inputs & Ownership Industries can be categorized based on raw material inputs: agro-based (food processing), mineral-based (iron & steel), chemical-based (petroleum refining), forest-based (wood products), and animal-based industries (leather). Ownership classifications include public sector industries owned by the government; private sector ones owned by individuals; joint-sector partnerships between both entities; and cooperative industries relying on mutual cooperation among members. Traditional industrial regions face challenges from pollution while transitioning towards high-tech environments characterized by modern facilities focused on research advancements.