Question

The process that is used to separate grain from stalks etc. is called as
a. Separation
b. Threshing
c. Hand picking
d. Winnowing

Answer 1

Hint: Separation methods for separating grains from unwanted materials, stalks, chaff, etc involve a series of methods i.e., threshing, winnowing, handpicking, sieving. All these methods are dry separation techniques. To separate the grains from the stalks, the stalks must be beaten to separate the grain seeds.

Complete answer:
> Option (A) is incorrect. In agriculture, separation involves all the methods such as threshing, hand-picking, winnowing, sieving, etc. It is a combination of all these methods to separate grains from the chaff, stalks, etc.

> Option (B) is correct. Threshing is a separation technique that is used to separate the grain from stalks etc. It is used to loosen the edible part of the grain from the straw to which it is attached. In this method, the stalks or straws are beaten to separate the grain seeds. This step comes just after the process of reaping (cutting of grains for harvest).

> Option (C) is incorrect. The hand picking technique is a separation technique in which substances present in a mixture can be separated by just picking them out from the mixture with the help of a hand.

> Option (D) is incorrect. Winnowing is a separation technique that is used for separating the grains from the chaff i.e., dry, scaly, protective casing of the seed. It is used for separating the lighter components of the mixture from the heavier components by the application of wind. This process of separation is usually followed after the threshing process.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The threshing technique helps to separate the grain from the stalks. This technique is more efficient and requires less physical labor. By properly using a thresher, there are fewer chances of breaking the grain seeds.